Ten Hag bluntly explained that his side were “not that good over 90 minutes” against Spurs, as they dropped two points following a disappointing second-half display. The Dutchman claimed that he knew the home goals were coming as he prepared to make substitutions to counter their threats, but adjusted too late which hampered his side’s attempts at getting the win.
“Of course when you’re 2-0 up you are a little bit disappointed when you draw,” Ten Hag told BT Sport. “It’s obvious. We had the chances for 3-1, but after this week 2-2 is a good draw. We were not that good over 90 minutes. We gave away the ball so easily today.
“You could see the goal coming, I had the subs ready but it was too late. We didn’t block the crosses or the shot, we didn’t squeeze out. It was so easy for them to score. Of course [Bruno Fernandes hitting the bar was frustrating], but don’t blame it on one player. We weren’t clinical enough and I think we had to score more. The goals we conceded were too easy and we could have avoided them.”
United will get a chance next on Sunday against Aston Villa to bounce back with a victory against Unai Emery’s outfit, as Ten Hag outlined what was necessary in order to prevail against the improving Villa. He said: “It’s another game. We need energy and we need to be ready.”
The result does, however, leave United in a strong position to seal Champions League football next season. In fourth place following Newcastle’s win over Everton, United are eight points clear of fifth-placed Villa and have two games in hand going into this weekend’s meeting.
Christian Eriksen echoed his boss’ sentiments, as United struggled after the Danish playmaker was replaced by Fred in the second half in north London. “I think we missed the last percentage of really taking the game and finishing it off,” Eriksen told BT Sport.
“I think we took a bit of the gas off and that was our problem. I think it’s been that for a few games where we are sharp and coming ahead and [haven’t] kept it going. I think we lost a bit of energy, a bit of control and they got belief and it went the other way.
“That’s how it goes normally. When you are 2-0 down anything can change quickly. We didn’t have the control to finish them off and don’t give them the chance to score the first goal, that gave belief.”
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