Ange Postecoglou has taken responsibility for the first two goals that Tottenham conceded against West Ham United, admitting that he has not had enough time to work on set-piece defending yet.
Although Spurs dominated proceedings from start to finish at Perth’s Optus Stadium, they were caught out a few times defensively, particularly in the first half, with the Hammers taking a 2-0 lead against the run of play through two goals from set pieces.
On both occasions, Tottenham defenders fail to pick up the players in the box, with Danny Ings heading in the opener in the 18th minute and Divin Mubama doubling the lead through another headed five minutes later.
Spurs did respond to going two goals behind though, clawing their way back through strikes from Giovani Lo Celso and Destiny Udogie in the second half.
However, David Moyes’ men had the last laugh, with Gianluca Scamacca scoring the match-winner in the 78th minute after being played through on goal.
Postecoglou takes the blame for set-piece rust
Despite the defeat, there were certainly plenty of positive signs for Tottenham at the start of the new era, and Postescoglou took the blame for West Ham’s first two goals.
When asked about his side’s defensive lapses, the 57-year-old told Football.London: “The goals we conceded are partly on me – we haven’t done loads of work on those kind of defensive areas and structures around set-pieces and stuff.
“I can’t expect the guys to take everything on board. I thought for the most part defensively the pressure was really good and we didn’t allow too many chances as you said. But we don’t want to be conceding goals with them producing a small number of chances.
“But that’s not the sort of stuff worked on. There are still things in our structure where we could have moved the ball quicker and guys aren’t in exactly the position they need to be.
“And there are a few things we need to keep developing, as is only natural as they get fitter to play this kind of football.
“We’re still in the early stages. At the same time we only have three or so weeks to get ready for the first game so we’re working hard.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is a refreshing change to see the manager take the blame in order to ensure that the pressure does not get piled on the players as we have seen the likes of Conte and Mourinho do just the opposite.
Having said that, it is only pre-season and the real test of Postecolgou’s extremely brave tactics will come when the campaign gets underway.
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