Tottenham lacked ambition and desire against Wolves – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho claimed Tottenham lacked the “ambition and desire” to push for a win against Wolves.

Spurs went in front on Sunday through Tanguy Ndombele’s first-minute strike, yet only managed another two attempts on target – the last of which came when Sergio Reguilon drilled at Rui Patricio in the 21st minute.

Wolves made it count, scoring in the 86th minute through Romain Saiss’ header, and the home side should have won it when Fabio Silva headed straight into the gloves of Hugo Lloris in stoppage time.

Tottenham have now dropped nine points this season due to conceding goals in the last 10 minutes of matches, the most of any side in the Premier League, while Mourinho’s team are without a win in four league matches.

“I am,” Mourinho responded to Sky Sports when asked if he was frustrated by the result and performance.

“One point against Wolves normally wouldn’t be a bad result – they are a strong opponent, but scoring a goal in the first minute and having control of the game for the rest of it, and having 89 minutes to score more goals, it feels frustrating.

“I don’t want to say much. I know the way I prepare the team; I know what I ask from the players, know what I told them at half-time.

“I don’t want to say more than that. I give some credit to Wolves because, though they were losing, they put pressure on us – pressure that we coped with, controlled the game very well – but we didn’t have that ambition and desire to go for more.”

9 – Spurs have dropped nine points in 2020/21 with goals conceded in the last 10 minutes of matches, the most of any side in the Premier League. Slip. #WOLTOT pic.twitter.com/odfDFki8vC

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 27, 2020

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, however, believes his side – who won 66 duels, six more than Spurs – performed brilliantly to limit the visitors’ chances.

“We performed really well, played a very good game. We conceded early but the team reacted, against a very good, very dangerous side,” he told Sky Sports.

“We were very aggressive; we always followed the movements, filled in the gaps. We played good.

“We had to go and chase the result, chase the game, and then you have to be aggressive and have organisation and then you hope the talent can provide you with some good moments. We’re trying to improve.”

Spurs face Fulham and Leeds United in their next two games, and Mourinho reiterated that no match in the Premier League can be considered easy.

“Every game is an opportunity, but every game is dangerous,” Mourinho said. “Fulham are in a fantastic run of results, they are playing very well, so it is going to be difficult.

“Of course, we’ve had this run of matches playing against all the top teams, but I don’t consider that Fulham or Leeds United will be easier matches. Matches we want to win, but not easier.”