Thomas Frank praised his side for learning the lessons of a painful UEFA Super Cup defeat and putting that to use against Manchester City.
Spurs made it two wins from two at the start of their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win at the Etihad.
After some even early exchanges in the match, Brennan Johnson opened the scoring with a goal that was initially ruled out for offside, and Joao Palhinha doubled the lead just before the break.
Spurs were relatively comfortably in holding that two-goal lead in the second half and could have extended their advantage further. Richarlison went close with two looped headers and Dominic Solanke was denied by James Trafford in the closing stages.
That was in contrast to the Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, when Spurs led 2-0 with five minutes remaining but were beaten on penalties.
Asked what the difference had been against City, Frank said: “I referenced it at half-time. When you’re tired, keep going. That was one thing.
“Two that we had to keep being brave on the ball. Three that we had to keep being good in the high pressure. But also that’s easier said than done.
“But from every game you learn. From games where you don’t get the result you want, you learn maybe even more.
“And then I think in some ways of course the other thing was a foul, this was away at the Etihad. One of the most difficult places to go to.
“But the defensive principles are more and more and then I think the mentality is the key thing. You need mentality to win games like this.”
At his pre-match press conference, Frank was faced with a succession of questions on Spurs’ actions in the transfer market, following the failed attempt to sign Eberechi Eze.
However, for all the talk of missed targets, summer signing Palhinha stepped up with a brilliant performance at the Etihad, while Mohammed Kudus continues to impress following his move from West Ham.
“I think it’s fair to say we got a few questions about the transfer market yesterday,” Frank said.
“A lot about why not and what if and all that. What is 100% sure is we bought two top players into the club, Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well which I’m very pleased with.
“Palhinha, wow. Sometimes players need confidence and to be on top and I don’t actually think he’s fully fit yet, where I want him to be. Very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”
