Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou felt fatigue was a factor for their 4-2 defeat at Brighton.
Brighton were 4-0 up through Jack Hinshelwood, Joo Pedro (2 penalties) and Pervis Estupin, before two late Spurs goals from Alejo Vliz and Ben Davies.
Postecoglou said: "We probably looked a little bit tired and I've got to be fair on the lads, they've put in a hell of a shift over the last few weeks.
"We looked a little bit leggy but Brighton have been a very good side. We hung in there until the end and I can't fault the effort.
"The team continues to show character. But we lacked some energy tonight and against a team like Brighton that's going to cost you. We had a mountain to climb in the end. The good thing is the lads gave everything in the game and that's all I can ask for.
"We've got 10 players injured. The way we play, the players give everything every game. They're a credit to us.
"First half we were a little bit wasteful, but in the second half we created lots of chances, but so did Brighton.
"No lessons, like I said, all a new manager can ask for is for his players to give everything they've got and that's what I got today."
