A below par Tottenham Hotspur failed to make it back into the top four as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

A header from midfielder James Morrison gave the visitors all three points for the first time in 40 years at White Hart Lane and highlighted Spurs’ fragility at defending from set pieces.

Spurs were well off the pace throughout the game, giving the ball away in crucial areas of the pitch and created little going forward.

There was no need for Morrison to power his header home; such was the space he was given from just six yards out in the Spurs penalty box.

The result means Spurs have now lost their last two league games at the Lane and are in eighth position.

The game started brightly with an early chance for West Brom after two minutes as Morrison’s cross found defender Craig Dawson who headed over the bar.

Defending set pieces was first exposed after ten minutes by West Brom as Lescott got a volley away but was blocked by his own man Dawson who was knocked to the ground.

Spurs’ boss Pochettino cut a frustrated figure from the sidelines, hurling a water bottle to the floor and gesticulating at his side to move the ball quicker.

The first real chance for Spurs came after 35 minutes when Christian Eriksen slipped in Emmanuel Adebayor who could not quite control the ball and Lescott got back to recover.

The visitors thought they had the lead after 37 minutes but Saido Berahino was a yard off when the cross came in.

Spurs lost six of their 12 Premier League games last season directly after playing in the Europa League and that form has seemed to continue into this season as Pochettino’s side looked sluggish.

The second half saw Tottenham come out in a livelier fashion as Erik Lamela tried to force the game but was left frustrated by others around him.

Spurs’ deep lying midfielders Etienne Capoue and Moussa Dembele failed to move the ball quickly into the attackers which stifled the game.

The Baggies eventually had the lead and it predictably came from a set piece when Brunt’s corner found Morrison in an embarrassment of space to nod into Hugo Lloris' net.

Substitute Roberto Soldado attempted to get Spurs back in the game with a snap shot which was straight at goalkeeper Foster.

There was to be no breakthrough for Spurs and looked bereft of confidence as their trudged off the pitch the sound of boos from the White Hart Lane faithful.