Postecoglou reveals ‘reality’ from Tottenham’s FA Cup loss as controversial goal extends trophy wait

Manchester City moved into the FA Cup fifth round in dramatic fashion as Nathan Ake’s controversial late goal clinched the holders’ 1-0 win against Tottenham.

As the football world digested the stunning news that Jurgen Klopp will step down as Liverpool boss at the end of this season, the club who might benefit most from his exit finally ended their wait for a first victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

City had lost all five of their previous visits to Tottenham’s plush arena without scoring a goal since the stadium opened in April 2019.

But Dutch defender Ake ensured City would leave north London on a high at last when he stabbed home with just two minutes left in the fourth round clash.

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“I thought it was a tough game,” Ange Postecoglou told ITV post-game.

“They are a top side and we had to work really hard today to stay in the game and when we concede so late it is a bit of a gut punch, but ultimately, I think they were the better side.

“I’m sure everyone had a good look at it. The referee didn’t see anything wrong. VAR didn’t see anything wrong. I think the decision was made and we have to accept it.”

Later in an all-in press conference, Postecoglou reflected on how City still were the “benchmark” to aim towards, adding despite his early success at Tottenham there is still some way to go before they can consistently perform at their rival’s level.

“Well it’s fair to say they’ve got eight or nine years on us,” he said.

“I hope that people have a little bit of perspective about the team we’re trying to be. It doesn’t happen in six months. I don’t think even City did it in six months.

“That doesn’t mean you shy away from the challenge of it or don’t get disappointed by it or don’t