Tottenham punished for being ‘too nice’ against Wolves – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham were punished for being ‘too nice’ after Wolves twice came from behind to win 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Steven Bergwijn and Serge Aurier twice put Spurs ahead, but Wolves hit back each time as Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota equalized before Raul Jimenez scored the winner.

It was a result that saw Wolves leapfrog Tottenham into sixth place as Mourinho’s side lost a third successive match in all competitions.

“They had the right mentality and I think we were punished,” Mourinho said.

“Not just today on the second and third goals, but for quite a long time because we don’t have that aggressiveness, that ruthlessness.

“I think we are too good, we are too nice and that is the only thing that made the difference in the match, because tactically I think the team was really good.

“I think Wolves didn’t expect it and they had problems during certain periods of the game.

“We haven’t had a single problem apart from Wolves’ individual qualities, so it’s difficult to deal with some of the individual qualities they have.

“So I think it’s an unfair result, a totally unfair result, but for the neutrals it’s a great match.”

The result put Wolves just three points behind fourth-place Chelsea, while Spurs remain five points off the top four.

Mourinho said: “This week I used the words ‘we must try to stay close’ until the moment when we eventually find a different power to the one we have.

“It’s frustrating but we have to keep fighting like we did today.

“I cannot complain to the players about the spirit, about their struggles, I can complain about certain psychological characteristics which are not easy to change, but I have nothing at all to complain to the players, I think the result is very unfair.”

Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with his side’s performance, although admitting they struggled, particularly in the first half.

“It was a good game and a tough game,” said the Wolves coach.

“I think Tottenham started much better than us, so much quality moving the ball and they had chances and the first half wasn’t that good.

“The second half was much better, more organized, with better pressure points, higher up the pitch and without conceding too much and good movements.

“I was happy with how we finished the game, the energy levels were there, so good performance from the boys.”