PLEAT: WE WERE SECOND BEST

Acting Spurs Manager David Pleat wished that his side could have matched Everton's passion, drive and aggression during their 1-3 defeat on Good Friday.

In his post-match press conference at Goodison Park, the veteran boss pulled no punches in criticising his side's lacklustre performance, particularly in the early stages of the match.

First-half goals from David Unsworth, Gary Naysmith and Joseph Yobo put Everton out of sight, and although Stephen Carr pulled one back for the visitors he was sent off two minutes later for two bookable offences.

Pleat admitted his side's "dreadful" start had proved costly and admitted that his side were miles behind the Blues in several key areas.

He said: "Our first 30 minutes was very poor. We never matched Everton's drive and aggression and that meant we were always on the back foot and struggling to get into the game.

"We just did not cope with their drive, we were second best all of the time in that first period. I am concerned and I hope the players are also concerned by a display like that.

"We had several players who have been internationals this season, but they never matched the sheer desire of Everton where it mattered.''

"For the supporters who've made the long journey to come and watch us, I feel for them because we succumbed far too easily. Everton showed far more thrust and far more drive, even though the goals came from set plays."