‘More mature’: Spurs admit Arsenal’s mentality made the difference in derby

Kulusevski and Van de Ven lament easy goals conceded and admit Arsenal ‘much more disciplined’ and ruthless

Arsenal players celebrate after the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham’s players have highlighted the mentality of Arsenal as the difference between the clubs. Dejan Kulusevski and Micky van de Ven poured out their frustrations after Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat in the derby, lamenting the softness of the concessions, in particular.

Two of Arsenal’s goals came on corners – one a Pierre-Emile Højbjerg own goal, the other a free header for Kai Havertz. It is an area of increasing concern for Spurs. They have conceded six times from corners in the past nine games and their record of 14 goals against from set pieces (excluding penalties) is the joint fifth-worst in the Premier League. Arsenal have scored a division-high 22 set-piece goals (excluding penalties).