Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was angered by his side’s lack of passion in a poor display that resulted in West Brom ending their winless start to the campaign.
Life at the Spurs helm could not have begun better for the former Argentina international, but that four-match winning start has been replaced by a run of four games without a victory in all competitions.
West Brom started the day winless at the bottom of the table, but James Morrison's header proved the difference against a Spurs side looking toothless, sloppy and ponderous.
“The beginning of the game was wrong,” Pochettino said. “We were very slow, we moved the ball very slow, there was a slow tempo. In football, you need to play quick.
“I am angry or disappointed – I don’t know the best word to show my feelings.
“During the game, the team looked very nervous. I think the result is not fair because I think a draw is, if you analyse the game.”
Pochettino refused to blame Thursday’s Europa League trip to Partizan Belgrade for the effort.
Spurs managed just one shot on target and looked flaky at the back, with the players not showing the same passion their manager did on the touchline.
“This is my surprise,” Pochettino said when it was suggested his players were subdued. “I think we need to show more.
“Maybe West Brom arrived to White Hart Lane with only two points and last in the table, but we need to show respect.
“It is always difficult when the opponent believes in themselves and you need to show that you are the best team in the way we play, always you put risk in your game.”
There were no such problems for West Brom, who deserved their win and lifted the pressure on manager Alan Irvine.
Joleon Lescott would have capped a fine debut with a first-half goal was it not for an unfortunate block by teammate Craig Dawson, who should have won a penalty after his header was handled by Emmanuel Adebayor.
Hugo Lloris was also tested on a number of occasions but West Brom were not to be denied a first league win under Irvine.
Eyebrows were raised when the Scot was named Pepe Mel’s successor in the summer, with West Brom’s alarming start to the season exacerbating fans’ concerns.
“I suppose I would be lying if I said there wasn’t an element of relief, but the overriding emotion is one of real pleasure for the players, for the club as a whole, everybody involved and, of course, for our fans. I am more pleased than relieved.”
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