Mason bemoans lack of ‘discipline’ after ‘disappointing’ Spurs defeat
Interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason admitted that his side showed a lack of “discipline” as they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in front of their returning fans.
Spurs started the game brightly and they took the lead in the eighth minute. Steven Bergwijn advanced into the box before he unleashed a powerful effort that nestled into the top corner.
Aston Villa responded well to going behind and they equalised in the 20th minute in unconventional fashion. Sergio Reguilon got his clearance all wrong as his volley flew into the net past a helpless Hugo Lloris.
Spurs greet fans with a slap in the face and a kick in the teeth
Dean Smith’s side continued to cause Tottenham problems and they completed the turnaround in the 39th minute. The hosts were sloppy as Bertrand Traore was gifted possession. He played it to Ollie Watkins, who fired the ball into the net.
Tottenham improved after the break but they were unable to find an equaliser. With Everton beating Wolves, they are now level on 59 points with Spurs and West Ham.
As cited by BBC Sport, Mason refused to be drawn on Harry Kane’s future after the game:
“Disappointing. We started the game brightly, unfortunate circumstances for their first goal and they didn’t have to earn the second one either. I didn’t think there was much in the game, just those moments. When you make an unfortunate mistake as we did it gives them a good feeling. We tried to break them down but didn’t take those crucial moments.
“It was just about trying to keep our discipline. We lost our shape at times. It was about trying to stay patient and calm. They had pace on the counter and were always a threat. It is a disappointing evening.
“I’ve not looked at the other results yet. We have to pick ourselves up and go again at the weekend. We started the game brightly, the player’s minds were focused on the game.”
On Kane: “I don’t think at the moment it’s time to answer questions on Kane. Right now we’ve just lost a game in the Premier League. I will speak about the game all day long but not about individuals.”
