'I love them' Jose Mourinho explains why Brighton caused Tottenham so many problems

Spurs manager Jose Mourinho believes Brighton will soon be rising up the table after Tottenham battled to a narrow 2-1 Premier League victory against Graham Potter's men
Jose Mourinho was impressed by Brighton's style of playJose Mourinho was impressed by Brighton's style of play
Jose Mourinho was impressed by Brighton's style of play

Brighton were undone by a winner from second half substitute Gareth Bale after Tariq Lamptey had deservedly levelled for Brighton following Harry Kane's first half spot kick.

Potter's team more than held their own at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and their ability to change formations and tactics during the match impressed Mourinho and caused his team problems.

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"He made the decision with the keeper and Maupay not playing," said Mourinho. "I don't know if it was his decision or if the boy (Maupay) had a problem. They have a very good squad and he can make changes.

"For me I analysis not his choices but the way his team plays. I love the way they play because even during the game they have this capacity to change.

"They were playing with a link up to three. We adapted to that and we got control of the game.

"Then it changed to a four and we took our time to adapt, because what sometimes we can see on the bench the players cannot see on the pitch and the communication is not very easy.

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"I think they have a very good team. Their work is brilliant and I think at this moment the points do not reflect the quality of their game.

"But for sure they are going to get these points because the team is very good."

Bale's winner sent Tottenham to second in the Premier League while Brighton have just five points from their first seven matches so far this season.

“We pushed them and played our part in the game for long periods," said Potter. "That’s the positive but we’re disappointed with the result.

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“We could have done better higher up the pitch (for Gareth Bale’s goal). We got a bit mixed up and that’s the challenge with these players who can punish you."

On leaving top scorer Neal Maupay out: "It was just a tactical decision. We went with Leo and Adam and we had Danny Welbeck and Andi Zeqiri as options."