Soccer-Strain showing on Tottenham's stretched squad after Brighton setback

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - December 28, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur's Dejan Kulusevski talks to the referee Jarred Gillett REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur's over-stretched squad unravelled in a 4-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday with manager Ange Postecoglou admitting his team lacked their usual energy.

The Londoners, who have maintained their top-four push despite a host of key players missing through injury and suspension, went 4-0 down on the south coast before a late rally meant they salvaged some pride.