Premier League: Tony Pulis blames poor start for West Brom's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham

West Brom manager Tony Pulis blamed a poor start for his side’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham – the first defeat of his tenure.

Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane gave the north Londoners a two-goal lead inside the opening quarter of an hour at the Hawthorns, before Kane converted from the spot in the second half.

The Baggies had a good spell in the game between Spurs' second and third goals but Pulis accepted the bad start ultimately hampered their chances of getting something out of the game.

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"The first 20 minutes was poor. I thought we started sloppy, gave the ball away too many times and didn't play with any tempo,” he said.

"Giving them a two-goal lead was disappointing. We needed a goal but their goalkeeper was absolutely fantastic.

“You look at the opportunities and the chances, then look at the saves he made, especially the two before half-time – wonderful saves.

"Even in the second half we had opportunities but then they get a penalty and a third one, which kills it.

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“If we could have got a goal for 2-1 it would have lifted us and put more pressure on them. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. It was their day."

Pulis, who gave a debut to new signing Callum McManaman, admitted he wanted to bolster his squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.

"This week is a difficult week in lots of respects because of the window, trying to line up players,” he added.

"It is difficult for myself but we have got to bounce back. Hopefully (on Tuesday) having brought a few in, I'll be happy."