Postecoglou’s struggling team squandered a lead at home, falling to their sixth defeat in seven league games. Tottenham are 15th in the Premier League, barely eight points above the bottom three, with only one win in their previous 11 games. It was another disappointing defeat for Postecoglou, who has faced rising calls for his resignation during his difficult second season in charge. Tottenham are precariously close to relegation, and travels to Brentford and Aston Villa in their next two league games — either side of a League Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool — might determine the Australian’s fate.

Tottenham lead 1-0 after the first leg against Liverpool, and a Wembley appearance may buy Postecoglou time to get his club back on track. Tottenham’s injury crisis has prompted criticism of Postecoglou’s tactics and training intensity, as 14 players were out for Thursday’s Europa League victory over Hoffenheim. The former Celtic manager acknowledges responsibility for the series of injuries, but his claims that Tottenham is on the right track under his leadership become increasingly doubtful with each disastrous result that brings him closer to the axe. While Postecoglou tries to keep his job, Leicester manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy can relax a little about his own future. Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper in December, had presided over seven successive league defeats before their much-needed success against Tottenham.

Leicester are now one position and one point above the relegation zone. Fans unfurled a protest banner against Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy before kickoff, with the words “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change”. Pedro Porro attempted to improve the mood on a filthy, rain-soaked afternoon in north London, but his stinging strike was saved by Leicester custodian Jakub Stolarczyk.

– ‘Levy out’ chants –

In the 33rd minute, Porro curled a pinpoint cross into the Leicester area, and Richarlison soared to head in from close range for only his third goal of the season. However, Leicester equalised less than 60 seconds after halftime when Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s cross was fumbled by Antonin Kinsky and ricocheted off Jamie Vardy’s shin before trickling into the goal. Vardy celebrated the score in a sly manner, emulating Tottenham player James Maddison’s dart-throwing celebration. Only four minutes later, Morocco striker Bilal El Khannouss seized control in the Tottenham half, advancing unhindered by Postecoglou’s poor defence before curling a superb finish beyond Kinsky.

With screams of “we want Levy out” growing louder by the second, Postecoglou’s angry expression mirrored the story of Tottenham’s plight. Tottenham fans, whose patience is wearing thin, blasted Postecoglou’s decision to remove Richarlison. Brentford overcame Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park following a penalty discussion. Thomas Frank’s team was granted a penalty in the 66th minute after Marc Guehi failed to clear the ball and Maxence Lacroix fouled Nathan Collins in a panic. Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty attempt hit the post, but Palace’s reprieve was brief as VAR judged Guehi had encroached before the shot.

Brentford’s attacker gratefully grabbed his second chance, sending Palace custodian Dean Henderson the wrong way for his 14th goal of the season. Brentford’s Kevin Schade scored in the 80th minute, meeting Mikkel Damsgaard’s cross with a thunderous header. Palace winger Romain Esse scored with his first touch after joining from Millwall, but his 85th-minute goal was too late to save the hosts. Brentford’s second win in their last ten matches in all competitions ended Palace’s five-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Later on Sunday, Manchester United travels to Fulham, while Aston Villa hosts West Ham.

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