Ange Postecoglou feels one area of Tottenham Hotspur’s performance against Arsenal was ‘not acceptable’ today.

The Tottenham manager cut a frustrated figure after watching his side fall to a 3-2 defeat in the North London Derby.

It was a nightmare opening 45 minutes for Spurs as they headed into the break 3-0 down at home to their bitter rivals. Boos rang around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Michael Oliver blew the whistle for halftime.

To Tottenham’s credit, they fought back in the second half as goals from Cristian Romero and Heung-min Son set up a fascinating end to the game.

But Spurs were ultimately punished after some questionable defending on the day, particularly from set-pieces.

Postecoglou on what disappointed him about Tottenham’s derby display

Speaking to Sky Sports after today’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, Postecoglou admitted he was unhappy with how many chances Tottenham gave away.

“Still disappointed,” he said. “From our perspective, we gave away two… we allowed them way too easy access to our goal.

“They only got there three or four times and they scored three goals in the first half and it’s just not acceptable. We paid a price for it against a very good team.

“We showed resilience, we fought back and we had to because there is no other choice. We couldn’t come out here in the second half and not give our supporters a little bit of hope. We did that but it’s still very disappointing.”

He added: “We’re still not as resilient as we can be, particularly in those kind of moments when it’s a transition or set piece.

“Like I said, we allowed them far too easy access to our goal. They had maybe four attempts in the first half and scored three goals. You can’t do that.”

It was a bitterly disappointing afternoon for Spurs after they had dominated for large periods of the game.

Despite the 3-0 scoreline, Postecoglou’s men were arguably the better side in the opening 45 minutes.

Tottenham’s defending from set-pieces has proven to be a real cause for concern this season and it ultimately cost them against Arsenal.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou says one Tottenham Hotspur player was simply ‘outstanding’ v Arsenal

Postecoglou’s comments should encourage Tottenham fans

Postecoglou has gained a reputation for setting his Spurs side up to very much play without the handbrake on.

We rarely hear the Aussie criticise Tottenham over their shortcomings in the defensive third. Indeed, Postecoglou has often claimed that his side still have plenty of work to do in their attacking play.

But after conceding seven goals in our last two games, his comments on our weaknesses in transitions and from set-piece situations should at least reassure fans that he is aware of the issues.

It was expected to be an up-and-down season for the former Celtic man after taking over in difficult circumstances last summer.

Tottenham’s performance today should offer encouragement that we’re on the right track. But as Ange has mentioned, there is plenty of work to be done, particularly in the defensive third.