Ange Postecoglou believes that Tottenham was dominant in all areas in the second half of Wednesday against Manchester City, and said their display is something to build.
The 12th minute strike of Erling Haaland convicted Spurs to beat in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they struggled to create clear opportunities for peace.
But the men of Postecoglou stood up strongly in the second half, with Wilson Odobert, son Heung-Min and Pape Sarr who missed golden opportunities to be right.
Spurs lost the expected goals (XG) Vecht 1.91 to 0.06 in the first half, but won it in the second period by 1.1 to 0.18, which limited the city to one shot on goal after the interval.
It was only the fourth time that Spurs had lost and did not score in a home game under Postecoglou, with three of these defeats for the city (also 0-1 in January 2024 and 0-2 in May 2024).
Although Tottenham remains rooted in the bottom half of the Premier League table after their 14th loss of the season, Postecoglou saw many encouraging signs.
“In the first half we had to hang there, we created a few chances, but we were wasting with the ball,” he told the match of the day of BBC Sport.
“In the second half we dominated in all areas, but we missed a goal to get something out of the game.
“We have always known that we would end strong. We always do that, but in the first half we have turned the ball too often. If you do that against the city, you allow them to get a rhythm.
“With a few cleaner end-third submissions we could have had some more opportunities.”
Postecoglou chose to shake his pack after Saturday's 4-1 victory in Ipswich Town, with Dejan Kulusevski and Son who started on the couch.
But he did not feel that decision had the result, and said Spurs there was new life when he introduced the duo as part of a four -time replacement in the 66th minute.
“It is disappointing to lose again and that is the most important feeling. It looks more like us today. At least from my perspective.
“We were really ruthless. We played aggressive football. We took it to a very good opponent. We never finished at all.
“If there was something like you said, attracting the boys made us stronger towards the end of the game.
“It was disappointing to lose, but I think you saw the advantage that we were refreshed and a game was well prepared.”
“That level of performance in the second half … If we can start to become consistent, then we can continue.”
Tottenham is the following in action against AZ in eight days, in the first stage of their Europa League Last-16 draw.
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