Joao Palhinha apologises after derby loss to Arsenal and promises ‘big reaction’

Joao Palhinha apologised to the Tottenham fans after a painful 4-1 defeat at rivals Arsenal, but promised a “big reaction” this week.

Spurs were embarrassed by their north London counterparts at Emirates Stadium and conceded twice in each half, while they only produced two shots on target in a total xG (expected goals) tally of 0.07.

Thomas Frank is only five months into his tenure at Tottenham, but this meek display occurred a matter of weeks after a similar tepid performance in a 1-0 home loss to Chelsea and an ominous trip to Paris St Germain on Wednesday is on the horizon.

“We first of all need to say sorry to our supporters,” a downbeat Palhinha said.

“There are not many words to be fair. It is always frustrating to lose the game with this reality against them. I think we deserve. I think it is fair, the result and we need a big reaction.

“In the next two games, a big reaction because we have to show the team we showed in the past.

“I don’t need to speak too much about this, but we need to react, analyse the game but don’t think too much about what happened.”

Frank’s decision to ditch his usual 4-2-3-1 formation and go to a three-at-the-back system at Arsenal backfired.

Joao reflects on tonight's defeat