Football
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Mauricio Pochettino rues 'very bad day' for Tottenham vs. West Brom

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino was angered by his side's lack of passion after a poor display helped West Brom to end their winless start to the campaign at White Hart Lane.

Life at the Spurs helm had begun promisingly for the former Argentina international, but his four-match winning start has now been followed by a run of four games without a victory in all competitions.

The latest frustration came against the Baggies, who started the day without a win and at the bottom of the table but left White Hart Lane deserved 1-0 victors.

James Morrison's header proved enough for their first Premier League victory under Alan Irvine against a Spurs side that struggled throughout.

"The beginning of the game was wrong," Pochettino said. "We were very slow, we moved the ball very slow, there was a slow tempo. In football, you need to play quick.

"The way that we played I think was wrong, because we played very, very slow from the beginning. I am angry or disappointed -- I don't know the best word to show my feelings.

"We had a bad day. I am very disappointed because we had a very bad day.

"During the game, the team looked very nervous. I think the result is not fair because I think a draw is, if you analyse the game."

Pochettino refused to blame Thursday's Europa League trip to Partizan Belgrade for the disappointing performance in a match that saw him admit he needed to "fix" Tottenham's toothlessness in front of goal.

Spurs managed only one shot on target and looked flaky at the back, with the players not showing the same passion their manager did on the touchline.

"This is my surprise," Pochettino said when it was suggested that his players were subdued. "I think we need to show more.

"We need to show more because each and every game in the Premier League is difficult. Maybe West Brom arrived at White Hart Lane with only two points and last in the table, but we needed to show respect.

"I believe that we were wrong in our way and there was a lack of movement. Always, it is difficult when the opponent believes in themselves and you need to show that you are the best team in the way we play -- always you take risks in your game."

There were no such problems for West Brom, whose boss Irvine was already under pressure following his poor start since replacing Pepe Mel.

"Watching Match of the Day last night, the table didn't look very nice," Irvine said.

"When you've got a game in hand, it does not necessarily mean you're going to get the points from that game, especially when you are coming to White Hart Lane.

"I suppose I would be lying if I said there wasn't an element of relief, but the over-riding emotion is one of real pleasure for the players, for the club as a whole, everybody involved and, of course, for our fans. I am more pleased than relieved."

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