Spurs 2-3 Arsenal | Ange’s verdict and update on Timo Werner

Ange Postecoglou spoke about a lack of focus in key moments after we found ourselves 3-0 down at half-time in Sunday’s north London derby. There was also praise for our second half display as we fought back to 3-2 with Ange stating: “I felt we owed something to our supporters.”

We conceded from two corners and a breakaway goal in the first half to leave us with a mountain to climb against an Arsenal side that had won 12 of 14 in the Premier League coming into this weekend, and had conceded fewest goals in the division.

The first half could have been a different story. Micky van de Ven levelled after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg headed into his own net for the opener on 15 minutes, but the defender’s goal was ruled out after a VAR check for a narrow offside.

Cuti Romero then headed against the woodwork, and we were on the attack for Arsenal’s second goal – Dejan Kulusevski was tripped by Leandro Trossard, but as we appealed for a penalty, Arsenal broke and Bakayo Saka struck for 2-0 on 27 minutes. Kai Havertz headed home for 3-0 10 minutes later.

Ange made changes with Pape Matar Sarr, Richarlison and Yves Bissouma all coming on and Cuti gave us a lifeline by intercepting David Raya’s clearance and converting for 3-1 on 64 minutes. Ben Davies was then brought down by Declan Rice and Heung-Min Son slotted home from the penalty spot for 3-2 on 87 minutes. Unfortunately, we couldn’t deliver another grandstand finish in front of the South Stand as the Gunners held on.

Speaking to us afterwards on The Review Show, Ange said: “Look, it’s a disappointing outcome for us. It’s a big day for the club, a big day for our fans and we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, so obviously it’s a very disappointing day.

“It was about a general understanding of big games, big moments, we just lacked some focus today, particularly in the first half in those key moments and it’s stuff we’ve got to lean and sometimes you’ve got to feel the pain of it to learn that lesson properly.”

Asked what was said at half-time and the approach for the second half, Ange told us: “I felt we owed something to our supporters. You could go out there in the second half, accept your fate and say it’s not your day, but we had to show some resilience and fight, for our supporters more than anything else. To be fair to the lads, we did that.”

Meanwhile, Ange gave us a brief update on Timo Werner, who was forced off on 31 minutes and departed holding the back of his right leg. “I’m not sure, he felt his hamstring... we’ll find out the extent of it.”