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Bobby Vincent & Renuka Odedra

Roy Keane issues brutal Antonio Conte verdict as Tottenham 'doubts' revealed before Chelsea loss

Roy Keane has played down talk that there has been a change in mentality at Tottenham under Antonio Conte.

The Italian coach took over from Nuno Espirito Santo back in November and since then, there has an undoubted improvement at Spurs.

Conte, like he has done at every club he's managed beforehand, has got a reaction from the Tottenham players and that is evident with the amount of running they are doing now in comparison to when Espirito Santo was in charge.

However, Conte suffered his first defeat in the Premier League in charge at Tottenham on Sunday evening with Chelsea beating Spurs for the third time this month.

Before the match, Keane was asked for his honest verdict on where Tottenham are right now and the changes Conte has made in north London during the three months he's been there.

When asked if there has been a change in mentality at Spurs under Conte, Keane told Sky Sports: " Not yet, no.

"He’s been there a few months I know there was people getting a bit excited after the Leicester game, it was a brilliant win for them but there’s still doubts over Tottenham obviously the record against Chelsea, the cup semi-finals against Chelsea they didn’t score a goal in either leg so the jury is still out for me on Tottenham."

Keane's Sky Sports colleague Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink disagreed, though, and has seen a change in Tottenham.

Hasselbaink said: "I do (see a different Spurs). The majority of time I agree with Roy but not on this occasion. I do think they’re different, they’re running more, they’re better organised, they’re pressing more as a unit.

"There is a demand, he’s improved them they’re still the same players don’t get me wrong they still have the same spots but he’s getting the most out of them and they are a lot better than what they were they are nine games unbeaten I don’t know how long it’s been since they have been nine games unbeaten.

"Normally they’d lose two or three games in nine and they’re in a great position. "

Tottenham are in seventh place now, after the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, two points behind Manchester United, who occupy fourth.

Spurs thought they had taken the lead in the first-half when Harry Kane found the bottom corner, but referee Paul Tierney deemed the England captain to foul Thiago Silva in the build-up.

Chelsea then scored twice in the second-half, with Hakim Ziyech curling one into the top corner, before Silva headed past Hugo Lloris to wrap up the three points for the hosts at Stamford Bridge.

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