Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that West Ham United made it difficult for his players to play freely in the 1-0 defeat at Upton Park on Wednesday.

Michail Antonio scored the only goal of the game as the Hammers inflicted a fourth defeat of the season on Spurs who felt shackled by West Ham's game style.

"Always it is difficult, it was a game that was more physical than others, in the way that they play, always this long ball, and they try to fight in every action, and they are very strong," Pochettino told Sky Sports.

"For us it was difficult for the way that we want to play, and the pitch doesn't help us. But I think in the second half we had more freedom, played better and created chances.

"First half was difficult for us to adapt in the different circumstance, the pitch was the first.

"The second, they play a very strong team and it was difficult to manage and to play how we play in the last few games.

"It wasn't a good day for us, but in the second half we managed and created chances. We had the control of the game and possession of the ball."