Norwich City boss Alex Neil bemoans defensive frailties in defeat to Spurs

Norwich City manager Alex Neil has criticised his team's defending following their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.

The Canaries were shell-shocked by a second-minute goal from Dele Alli and they later conceded a penalty and another goal, both of which were taken by Harry Kane.

Neil revealed after the match that tightening up the defence was high on the agenda following their last Premier League match, a 5-4 defeat to Liverpool.

"After conceding goals last week [against Liverpool], we were working on the back four all week but we just didn't defend our box," Neil told Norwich City TV.

"We managed to clear the first phase but the second phase comes back in, they got a shot at goal and we're three yards inside the player that scores. He responds and we stand and watch him. It makes the game tough and difficult after that.

"If you're going to have any ambitions of staying in this league and competing well, we're going to have play better than we did in the first half. It's as simple as that."

Norwich are just two points above the relegation zone.