Foster tells Albion: Forget Spurs, focus on Cats
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis will demand a big response from his side in this weekend’s home clash with struggling Sunderland.
And keeper Ben Foster has quickly turned his focus on the Black Cats.
Albion collapsed to a 4-0 defeat at impressive Tottenham on Saturday, despite Pulis setting up his team to defend and frustrate Spurs, much like he had done in the recent narrow 1-0 defeats at both Chelsea and Arsenal.
But hat-trick hero Harry Kane’s 12th-minute goal cancelled out the Welshman’s game-plan and only a terrific display from goalkeeper Foster kept the scoreline down.
Foster has been in good form for much of the campaign and conceded after the game that Tottenham looked a very good side.
“In all fairness, that’s probably the best team I have played against,” he said.
“Fair play to them, it’s just one we will have to move on from. We went three at the back to try and get back into the game but sadly we couldn’t get going.
“We have to lick our wounds and forget about it as quickly as possible. Everyone has their ups and downs.
“We need to get over this one and move on to next weekend’s game against Sunderland.”
Pulis accepted his side had not been at their best.
“When you come to these grounds, against these teams, you’ve got to be at your best – not just technically but mentally as well, and I think we were short,” he said.
“I’m not going to criticise our players. Our players have done fantastic so far this year, but we just weren’t on it. (But) I don’t take any credit away from Tottenham, who are a very good team.”
Pulis believes there are two mini-leagues emerging in the Premier League, and he’s aiming to be the best of the rest.
The Welshman said: “The top six clubs this year will finish further away from the rest of us than ever before, they are that far ahead.
“I think it will be a record number of points between sixth and seventh in the Premier League era.
“That’s the way it’s going. We’ve got our aspirations, what we can do and what we can’t do, what we can achieve.
“We are in their league, but we’re not really in their league, in all aspects. Just have a look outside (at Tottenham’s new stadium).”
Kane admitted that it had been a week to remember.
“I’ve not had many better weeks,” the 23-year-old said.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a week, the birth of my daughter, that was incredible, an amazing experience, looking after her all week and then getting ready for this game and to score a hat-trick and win 4-0 in the way we did,
“It’s all been quite surreal really. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. The baby is there sleeping at home and I look at her amazed that she’s here.
“I’ve tried to make sure that I’m getting enough sleep at home and the missus (Kate) has been great, making sure I get enough sleep!
“What a great way to finish the week off.”