Ange Postecoglou admits he wants Tottenham flops to be more like 'outstanding' Cristian Romero after being dealt huge top-four blow by Arsenal

Tottenham suffered a major blow in the top-four race after going down 3-2 against rivals Arsenal in the north London derby at home on Sunday. Manager Ange Postecoglou was left disappointed after the defeat, but heaped praise on defender Cristian Romero for the fighting spirit he showed against the Gunners.

After conceding three goals in the first half, it was the World Cup-winning Argentine defender who nearly inspired a remarkable comeback as he pulled one back for his side after capitalising on David Raya's mistake. Son Heung-min then netted a second goal for the hosts from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, but Arsenal held on for the win.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Spurs boss said: "He (Cristian Romeo) was outstanding. He's a World Cup winner and I've just got to get some of what's in him into some of the others."

Postecoglou added on the final result: "It's disappointing. The outcome was disappointing. We wanted to win today for our supporters and for the club. We didn't do that and whatever I think about the performance it's still the outcome that sits on you. I thought our general football was good, was decent. We controlled the game for long periods for the most part but we know that. We know we're a team that can do that. It's about now over the course of time getting from where we are to where we want to get to. To do that we're still not absolutely laser-focused on the details, the small things that get you from where we are to become a team that contends. Credit to Arsenal, they're there now. They're a team that does deal with the details well and we don't."

The Lilywhites will be next seen in action on Thursday as they take on Chelsea in another crucial Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.