Ange Postecoglou laments 'unacceptable' Tottenham defending in north London derby defeat

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to bemoan his side's defending against Arsenal on Sunday, deeming their failure to restrict the visitors' access to goal as 'unacceptable'.

The Gunners dominated the first half, capitalising on defensive lapses to secure a commanding three-goal lead by halftime, courtesy of strikes from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and an unfortunate own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Despite a spirited second-half display from Spurs, who managed to score twice through Cristiano Romero and Heung-min Son, Mikel Arteta's side held firm to clinch victory, claiming both bragging rights and the vital three points.

Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, Postecoglou said: "From my perspective, we allowed them way too easy access to our goals. They got there three or four times in the first half and scored three goals. That’s just not acceptable at this level. We paid the price against a very good team.

"We showed resilience, we fought back, but we had to, there was no other choice. We couldn’t come out in the second half and not give our supporters at least a little bit of hope."

On how Spurs need to improve going forward, Postecoglou added: "We are still not as resilient as we can be, particularly in those moments where there is a transition or a set piece. Like I said, they had far too easy access to our goal and scored three goals from four attempts. They’re a good side and they’re going to punish you if you don’t show the steel in protecting your own goal."

Goalscorer Son believes Spurs can take positives from the second half, saying to club media: "Everyone stepped up and they showed great character but that shouldn't be a habit for us. We should be better in the first half.

"We are grown men, we have learned a lesson today and will move on."

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