Tottenham Hotspur's recent form took a hit as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Brighton in the Premier League. The match witnessed a disastrous defensive display and further highlighted their persistent disciplinary issues. The absence of key defender Cristian Romero was sorely felt, exposing vulnerabilities in the defense that Brighton exploited with ease.

With Romero sidelined for the next four or five weeks due to a hamstring strain, Emerson Royal was tasked with deputizing in the center-back position. Unfortunately for Spurs, Royal's performance left much to be desired. Brighton's Joao Pedro effortlessly dribbled past him for the opening goal, mirroring the defensive lapses that Romero usually avoids. Moreover, Royal's inability to initiate build-up play and maintain possession under pressure allowed Brighton to dominate the game.

However, Royal was not the sole player struggling in this encounter. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, deployed as a replacement for the injured Oliver Skipp, found it challenging to execute Postecoglou's instructions on the pitch. Hojbjerg's lack of composure under pressure hindered Spurs' ability to build attacks and retain possession effectively. His anxiety often led to inaccurate passes, misjudgments, and errant clearances. It became evident that Hojbjerg is not a like-for-like replacement for the absent Yves Bissouma.

One recurring issue for Tottenham throughout the season has been their poor disciplinary record. With four red cards, they now share the league's highest total in this category. The absence of Bissouma, known for his defensive discipline, exacerbates this problem for Spurs. The turning point in the Brighton match came when Dejan Kulusevski needlessly pulled Danny Welbeck's shirt in the box from a corner, resulting in a penalty and ultimately a goal for Brighton. Later, Giovani Lo Celso gave away another penalty with a mistimed tackle on Evan Ferguson, further deepening Tottenham's woes.

Despite mounting a late comeback attempt with goals from Alejo Veliz and Ben Davies, Tottenham was unable to find the equalizer. Their valiant effort fell short as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg struck the post in the dying minutes. The defeat leaves Spurs in fifth place in the Premier League table, trailing behind Manchester City by just one point.

Up next for Tottenham Hotspur is a crucial clash against Bournemouth on Sunday, December 31. With only a few days to regroup and reassess their shortcomings, Spurs must find a way to bounce back against a formidable opponent. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the team's fatigue and lack of sharpness and emphasized the need for players to give their all in upcoming matches.

The challenge for Tottenham lies in rectifying their defensive vulnerabilities, addressing disciplinary issues, and rediscovering their usual sharpness. Urgent measures must be taken to ensure a more cohesive and disciplined performance going forward. Only then can Spurs hope to regain their winning ways and continue their pursuit of success in the Premier League.