'More mature': Spurs admit Arsenal mentality made difference in derby | Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham players have highlighted Arsenal's mentality as the difference between the clubs. Dejan Kulusevski and Micky van de Ven expressed their frustrations after Sunday Home defeat 3-2 in the derby, regretting in particular the softness of the concessions.

Two of Arsenal's goals came from corner kicks: one from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg's own goal and the other from a free header from Kai Havertz. It's an area of ​​growing concern for the Spurs. They have conceded six goals from corners in the last nine games and their record of 14 goals against from set pieces (excluding penalties) is the fifth worst in history. first division. Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set pieces, the most in the division (excluding penalties).

Kulusevski and Van de Ven do not believe there is a gap between Tottenham and Arsenal in terms of capacity. Spurs had 62% of the ball and had 15 shots to Arsenal's nine, which included a handful of close calls. But in the decisive moments, it was Arsenal, leading 3-0 at half-time, who showed strength and focus.

“They're a lot more disciplined and a little more mature,” Kulusevski said. “That's what we're missing right now. what do I want to say with that? They score in the corners. We grant it. It's pretty easy. “It means being strong in difficult moments like in a set piece.”

Kulusevski was asked if that had been the gist of Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou's message afterwards. “Yes,” he replied.

“That (mentality) is everything in life,” Kulusevski said. “That's the only thing that matters: the head. You can be as good as you want in football, but you have to be strong in every situation. Obviously Arsenal have done it in the last period. They fight to win the league. We still have to do that. We are improving in other areas. We still need a little bit in that part.

“I don't think it's about ambition. Everyone wants to win, but to do so you have to sacrifice a lot. Its alot. But speaking of mentality, do you think it's easy to be down 3-0 at half-time and then go out and play 3-2 against those who are first (in the league)? That's also mentality. The second half was incredible. We are showing it… we have to show it for 90 minutes. If not it is difficult. We are showing it little by little, but we have to do it much more consistently.”

Van de Ven said Arsenal's clinical edge had set them apart. His other goal, scored by Bukayo Saka to make it 2-0, followed a quick counterattack that began on the edge of his own area, before a long diagonal ball from Havertz.

“I don't think that in the football aspect we are worse than Arsenal,” said Van de Ven. “I wouldn't say we have that problem. But you see their goals and they were ruthless. “They took advantage of every opportunity they had and that makes the difference.”

The match swung away from Spurs after Saka's goal in the 27th minute. Moments earlier, Van de Ven had been denied a 1-1 draw when VAR ruled he had been slightly offside.

“If you concede three goals easily, you can play however you want, but it's difficult to win,” Kulusevski said. “You can see in his second goal, it's too easy. A long ball from Kai to Saka and it was 2-0. Of course we have to improve on that.”

Van de Ven added: “The first half was not good for us: 3-0… it can't happen in your own stadium in an important match like this. I think in the second half we played very well. We press high and control the game. But you can't concede three goals in the first half at home if you want to be a great team.”

Spurs' regrets were reflected in how Cristian Romero missed a deflected header in the 19th minute at 1-0 and hit the post with another almost immediately. But the annulment of the VAR was the one that hurt them the most. When Pedro Porro's shot hit Takehiro Tomiyasu, the ball bounced off Gabriel Magalhães and landed perfectly for Van de Ven. He had passed the last Arsenal defender when Porro went on goal. The VAR considered Arsenal's touches as deflections and not deliberate play.

“I don't really understand the rules in those situations,” Kulusevski said. “I can not believe it. I was there. He touched two Arsenal players and is still offside. I don't know… maybe I don't know the rules. It was weird. Change everything from 1-1 (back) to 1-0.

“From the first day they brought it (VAR) I was not a fan. I think it's not that fun for anyone: the fans, the players. But that is a completely different discussion.”