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Norwich boss Alex Neil disappointed with response in defeat at Tottenham

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Norwich manager Alex Neil felt his side lacked some belief in their 3-0 loss to Tottenham, but didn't think his side played badly

Norwich manager Alex Neil said he was disappointed with how his side responded to going behind against Tottenham.

The Canaries, just a week after winning away at Manchester United, fell behind to a Harry Kane penalty after 26 minutes in a 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at White Hart Lane.

Kane added a second before half-time before substitute Tom Carroll sealed a resounding victory for Spurs.

Alex Neil
Image: Alex Neil believed his side failed to respond properly to Tottenham's first goal in a 3-0 loss at White Hart Lane

Neil told Sky Sports: "We played well and started well until their first goal went in. We lacked a little belief after that and then they went on scored the second.

"In the second half we huffed and puffed, but after their first goal went in we didn't play as well. It changes the game - the first goal is crucial. We conceded it and our response wasn't what we hoped.

"They're a great side. We didn't play that badly, but we could have done better with the ball at times."

Norwich host Aston Villa next at Carrow Road and Neil admitted he had one eye on that fixture, with a rare start for the impressive Vadis Odjidja one of two changes.

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Neil said: "The next one we are looking at as an important home game but all the games are important. We didn't rule the game out, but we came up against a side in their prime.

"Odjidja's done well in training so this was a good time to give him his chance and I thought he did well."