Soccer <\/p>\n
Roberto De Zerbi admitted his Tottenham side “were not ready to fight the duels” in their defeat to Brentford.<\/p>\n
Spurs lost 3-0 at Gtech Community Stadium after goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode.<\/p>\n
Spurs suffered their joint-heaviest defeat on matchday one of a Premier League season, having also lost 3-0 to Manchester United in 2011-12.<\/p>\n
Despite having a 58.9% share of the possession, Spurs conceded six Opta-defined big chances, while winning just 36.1% of their aerial duels against the Bees.<\/p>\n
De Zerbi lamented Spurs’ inability to match Brentford’s desire to win more physical battles, which proved to be costly.<\/p>\n
“We suffered physically but we knew that before the game. We were not ready to fight the duels,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n
“We made a lot of mistakes in the timing of the pressure with Mikey Moore. We arrived late too many times and we lost too many duels to compete with Brentford.<\/p>\n
“I am sorry for the defeat. I know we have to improve our physical condition, our organisation. There were many new players but it was the first game. It’s part of our journey.<\/p>\n
“With a lot of new players, we knew we needed soul and style of play to become a team. I think there was the soul, but we didn’t fight in the right way.”<\/p>\n
\n15 \u2013 There was 15 passes in the build-up to Keane Lewis-Potter\u2019s opening goal for Brentford, only Michael Kayode\u2019s goal v Wolves in March (19) and Rico Henry\u2019s goal v Bournemouth in December (18) have seen more in a Premier League goal for the Bees under Keith Andrews.<\/p>\n
Busy. pic.twitter.com\/8j5RZWFxvH<\/a><\/p>\n