'I've seen so much violin-playing' - Ange Postecoglou aims dig at Arsenal & Premier League rivals over Tottenham injury struggles after frustrating draw with Fulham, as he labels Man City win 'a milestone'

Spurs managed a 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday, battling through a growing list of unavailable players that have tested their depth and determination. Tottenham’s first-choice central defensive pairing, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, were once again sidelined due to injuries. In their place, Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin stepped into the breach, forming a partnership that has now featured in three games over the past week.

In a veiled critique, Postecoglou appeared to take aim at other Premier League teams, including Arsenal, who have previously lamented the loss of even a single defensive player.

“I've seen so much violin-playing over [other teams having] one centre-back out, but we're just supposed to get on with it,” Postecoglou told reporters.

He added: "Benny and Radu have been outstanding throughout this spell. I mean there aren't too many teams in the league who have both their centre-backs out. The beauty of it is these boys are, and I love that. I love the characters they're showing. I love the fact that they're not seeking excuses or wanting me to make allowances for it. But at some point, I need to also acknowledge the massive effort that all these guys are putting in. Radu and Ben were outstanding again today."

Adding to Tottenham’s difficulties, striker Dominic Solanke was ruled out on the morning of the game due to illness, leaving the team without their primary attacking option. Meanwhile, No.1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison also remain unavailable. These absences have forced Tottenham to adapt their high-tempo style with a much-depleted lineup. Their crisis worsened when substitute Archie Gray had to leave the field shortly after coming on due to a dead leg.

Despite struggling with injuries, Tottenham beat Manchester City 4-0 and Postecoglou labelled it as a "milestone" victory of the campaign.

"We've copped a couple of significant blows since then," said Postecoglou. "It's too easy to say, well, let's just play like we did against Man City every game. Somehow, again, it seems with this club that whatever we do well is used as a millstone to bring us down at every other opportunity."

Tottenham’s ability to maintain their momentum despite their mounting injuries will be tested again on Thursday when they travel to face Bournemouth. However, Postecoglou hinted that Romero might make his return against the Cherries.