Toby Alderweireld has admitted the Wembley surface played a part in Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City on Monday night, but the Belgian also thinks the hosts should have taken their opportunities to equalise.
City took the lead early on through Riyad Mahrez but Spurs managed to keep the champions out for the remainder of the game. Those efforts proved fruitless though as Mauricio Pochettino’s men failed to find an equaliser.
Erik Lamela and Harry Kane both missed good chances to get Tottenham back into the contest. It was the Londoners’ first Premier League defeat since last month’s loss to Liverpool at Wembley.
“I think we deserved more today,” Alderweireld told Sky Sports. “We worked very hard, we had a very good opportunity. Unfortunately we missed so yes, it’s frustrating to get no points out of this game.”
The pitch was in a bad state following Sunday’s NFL game at the national stadium, and Alderweireld admitted it didn’t help Spurs’ cause on the night.
“Yeah, we have to be honest,” he said when asked if the surface played part. “The pitch wasn’t good, it was very difficult to play football. I think both teams want to play from the back, want to play football and in this circumstance it’s very difficult.”
Asked if Tottenham could have done more about City’s goal, Alderweireld added: “Yes, of course. You don’t want to concede early against Man City. I think our response was very good. It was difficult, they are a very good team like I said, but in the end I think we deserved more.”
Spurs must now travel to West Ham United in less than 48 hours for an EFL Cup tie before a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this weekend.
