'In the second half we were the better team' - Tottenham boss Ryan Mason on Leeds United defeat and controversial VAR decision

Tottenham Hotspur's interim boss Ryan Mason was 'shocked' by the VAR decision that cost his side a goal in their 3-1 defeat at Leeds United.
VAR CALL - Harry Kane was declared offside by VAR after running in to beat Illan Meslier. Tottenham boss Ryan Mason said he was disappointed with the decision after his side's defeat by Leeds United. Pic: GettyVAR CALL - Harry Kane was declared offside by VAR after running in to beat Illan Meslier. Tottenham boss Ryan Mason said he was disappointed with the decision after his side's defeat by Leeds United. Pic: Getty
VAR CALL - Harry Kane was declared offside by VAR after running in to beat Illan Meslier. Tottenham boss Ryan Mason said he was disappointed with the decision after his side's defeat by Leeds United. Pic: Getty

Mason felt that Harry Kane's goal, ruled out by the tightest of margins for offside, would have changed the game at 1-1.

"They started bright but we got back," he said.

"At 1-1 there was an offside decision and I'm shocked. I don't think it was right. People don't understand momentum in football and how those decisions can affect you.

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"I've seen it back. My first look, second look and 10th look tell me that it's not offside.

"Goals change games of football. When I see it on the touchline I thought it was onside, I've watched it three or four times since and my opinion hasn't changed. The momentum can change. Two-one it's a completely different game of football. I was disappointed we didn't get that decision."

Spurs appeared to struggle with Leeds' intensity, on and off the ball, as Marcelo Bielsa's men produced a vastly improved performance from the one last week at Brighton.

Mason contended that his men were superior in the second half, however, despite Leeds increasing the 2-1 lead they took into the break.

"It was difficult game," he said.

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"Both teams caused each other problems. They started bright and got the early goal but we got back into the game. Leeds know what they're doing, they play a certain way and it took us a while to get into the game.

"It's disappointing to go in at half-time 2-1 down, the players came out and believed, created some chances, some big moments where we needed to take one. To make it 2-2 would have made it a completely different game. We had to open up chasing the game and they caught us on the counter.

"In the second half we were the better team. The moments we had, you have to take them in these games.

"Leeds are a fit team. We had an idea of how we wanted to play. The second half you see what we were trying to do. I said all along that the next game is most important. We are disappointed and now out focus is on next week."

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