Ange Postecoglou conceded his side are playing with “anxiety and nervousness” despite coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Sunday.
Postecoglou watched on as Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson put Bournemouth ahead, with the Cherries seemingly on their way to a first top-flight win in two matches.
But Pape Sarr’s fortuitous goal changed the balance of the tie, with Son Heung-min sealing a share of the spoils late on with a penalty after being fouled by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Indeed, Tottenham’s comeback was the 26th different time that they have been two goals down in a Premier League match and came back to salvage at least a point (W9 D17).
Only Manchester United have done so on more occasions in the history of the competition (30), and Postecoglou lauded his players for the fighting spirit they showed.
“At 2-0 we had a bit of a mountain to climb,” Postecoglou said. “It was a chaotic game today and the boys showed a real mentality.
“It would have been really easy at 2-0, with the atmosphere in the stadium, to let it slip away from us, but they fought hard and got themselves back in the game.
“There is definitely a sense of nervousness there. It is just anxiety and nervousness which we need to get under control.
“I don’t preach from the altar. People are allowed to feel the way they do. Playing away at AZ [Alkmaar, on Thursday] they certainly helped their team, and we’d like to think on Thursday we will make it just as hostile for the opposition.”
