Goals from Heung-Min Son and Giovani Lo Celso did the damage for the hosts and whilst Guardiola felt City had the edge in a number of areas, he was left ruing our performance in both penalty areas.
“The stats speak for themselves,” he said at his post-match press conference.
“We were better in many departments but we didn’t score. The team defended so deep and were waiting for a mistake.
“We found some moments but the reality is we are struggling to score goals this season. That can happen.
“We conceded a goal against Liverpool that we shouldn’t and again today. It’s tough. The confidence of the guys is there.
“Now we go to Europe and after that we have to win games. It’s eight points, one game less.”
Tottenham’s victory was characterised by their prowess on the counter-attack after Son had fired them into a fifth-minute lead.
They were resolute in defence and whilst Aymeric Laporte’s goal was disallowed for Gabriel Jesus’ handball in the build-up, Hugo Lloris was rarely seriously troubled in a win which sent Jose Mourinho’s side top of the league.
Guardiola was magnanimous in defeat and despite trailing Spurs by eight points, he believes we can propel ourselves up the table if we can improve our output in the final third.
“The winners always get credit, there is no doubt about this,” he added.
“They are a physical team, well organised team, so it’s not easy when you concede after six minutes.
“They are top of the league so they are more of a contender than anyone else right now.
“There are a lot of teams in front of us and if not it will not be possible and we know it. I think we are not far, far away, but we struggle to score goals right now.
“Ten goals in nine games is not good enough.”
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