Joao Palhinha apologized for Tottenham’s north London derby hammering at Arsenal and promised a “big response” to the defeat.
Spurs were well beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates, with Leandro Trossard’s opener followed by a hat-trick from Eberechi Eze helping to secure a 4-1 win, with the visitors’ only goal coming a spectacular strike from Richarlison.
Thomas Frank’s side are now winless in their last four home games (D1 L3) and have recorded the two lowest expected goals totals in a Premier League match this season during that run, 0.07 against Arsenal and 0.1 against Chelsea in early November.
After conceding the opening goal in three of their first nine league games this season (W5 D2 L2), Spurs have done so in each of their last three games.
Next up for Spurs is a visit to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, and Palhinha noted how important it is for them to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat.
“First of all, we have to say sorry to our supporters,” he said.
“There are not many words to be honest. It is always frustrating to lose the match with this reality against them. I think we deserve it. I think it is fair, the result, and we need a big reaction.”
“There will be a big reaction in the next two games because we have to show the team we have shown in the past.
“I don’t need to talk too much about this, but we need to react, analyze the match, but not think too much about what happened.”
Spurs have already faced PSG this season, losing on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup after letting an early 2-0 lead slip and drawing 2-2 in regular time.
Frank switched to a back three to combat Arsenal’s attacking threat, a move that did not work, before switching to their normal formation at half-time.
“I think we just played with that formation against PSG in the Super Cup,” he added.
“We tried to press them the same way or a little closer than we did here [PSG] match, but yes, after we made the decision to make a substitution at half-time, I think the team has improved.
“Even after we suffered very early, the goal we got after half-time. I think we did better when we substituted, but we have to analyze.”
“The way we conceded the goals, especially by playing with five on the back line, we cannot allow these goals. And being punished with four goals is not our level. We will get back to our level for the next two games.”
“The only thing I can promise is that we will give everything to achieve victories in the next matches.”
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