Jose Mourinho frustrated by Brighton’s defensive performance - ‘It was not possible for us to score’

Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike was the difference in a game, dominated in large periods by Albion, who secured their first home league win of the season to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs improved in the second half but failed to take advantage of countless missed chances by Brighton. Recap the action here

Tottenham manager Mourinho said: “We didn’t start well. They could have scored immediately when they hit the post.

“In the first half I felt the team was probably too sad with the goal conceded and the situation. There was a lack of energy.

“In the last 25, 30 minutes they gave everything but of course with some limitations. We couldn’t score but at the same time gave them the chance to counter-attack.”

Mourinho said his team ‘showed great spirit’ in the second half.

He added: “The boys showed they are suffering and they tried to fight against that sadness.

“They tried, so I have nothing negative to say about them. I leave the game with a good feeling about my boys because they tried hard in the second half.

“We tried everything but they defended everything, brought on another centre-back, and it was not possible for us to score.”

Mourinho said his side ‘dominated’ after half-time and would have deserved a point.

“They [Brighton] defended very well,” he said. “They defended with everything they had.

“They finished with four centre backs. It’s not a critic at all.

“We pushed really hard but the goal didn’t appear to give us that morale and extra energy you need when you are losing a game.”