Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has praised West Ham United’s central defenders with his comments on Sky Sports.
West Ham beat Spurs 2-1 yesterday, and they stood up to Mourinho’s side’s attacking talent well in the second-half.
Tottenham had the bulk of possession and pushed hard for an equaliser – but Issa Diop and Craig Dawson stood firm.
And Mourinho suggested that West Ham’s central defenders deserved great credit at full time.
“That is my feeling and a little bit of deja vu. Their defensive line was brilliant. Their centre-backs gave us a very difficult match. We started the game with a mistake and started the second half with another one,” he said.
Mourinho’s comments are made more interesting as Diop is a player who Tottenham have been heavily linked with the in the past.
The Daily Mirror suggested that Tottenham wanted to sign Diop in January, but were unable to agree a fee.
Diop has actually just stepped into West Ham’s defence due to an injury to Angelo Ogbonna, but he has done well since returning to the first-team.
West Ham’s win over Tottenham means that nine points now separate the sides, with Mourinho’s men struggling to find any sort of form.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
