Neil: First-half penalty was decisive in Norwich loss at Spurs

Rob Conlon
Alex Neil: Focus on the league

Alex Neil: Focus on the league

Alex Neil says Harry Kane’s first-half penalty was the turning point after Norwich lost 3-0 at Tottenham.

Norwich started the brighter of the two teams, but failed to capitalise on their early pressure and then struggled to cope once Spurs found their rhythm.

The defeat was the Canaries’ ninth of the season and Neil’s side must now turn their attention to a crunch basement battle at home to Aston Villa on Monday.

“In the first half there was nothing in it until they got a penalty and scored and after that they grew in confidence and were the better side,” Neil said.

“We had some decent opportunities to score before they took the lead, but we didn’t take them.

“In the second half there was not a great deal in it, but I thought they played well and had better quality than us.

“It was a disappointing afternoon, I don’t think we played to the standards we are capable of, but I do think Spurs played very well at times.”