Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham struggled to deal with West Ham's 'long balls'
Thursday 3 March 2016 15:43, UK
Mauricio Pochettino admits Tottenham struggled to deal with West Ham's "long ball" approach in the 1-0 defeat at Upton Park.
Spurs missed the chance to go top of the Premier League after Michail Antonio's seventh-minute header gave the hosts all three points.
Pochettino, who also complained about the condition of the pitch at Upton Park, said the home side's strength and competitiveness was hard to deal with.
"Always it is difficult, it was a game that was more physical than others, in the way that they play, always this long ball, and they try to fight in every action, and they are very strong," Pochettino told Sky Sports.
"For us it was difficult for the way that we want to play, and the pitch doesn't help us. But I think in the second half we had more freedom, played better and created chances.
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"First half was difficult for us to adapt in the different circumstance, the pitch was the first.
"The second, they play a very strong team and it was difficult to manage and to play how we play in the last few games.
"It wasn't a good day for us, but in the second half we managed and created chances. We had the control of the game and possession of the ball."
Spurs now sit three points behind leaders Leicester, but three ahead of north London rivals Arsenal after their 2-1 defeat at home against Swansea.
Spurs meet Arsenal in another London derby on Saturday, who will be without Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny, and Pochettino insists his side must pick themselves up quickly.
"For us it's important to try to recover quick. The competition doesn't wait for you, and we need to be ready for Saturday, because it's another derby.
"In this period, for a team like us, Arsenal or City, we play a lot of games and come from a period where we play every three days, but we need to feel good and confident in our squad and ensure we are ready to compete.
"Now it's impossible to blame or complain about this game, we must find a solution and be ready to play again."
