LONDON: Tottenham attacker Clint Dempsey (pic) expressed his frustration after having a goal ruled out for offside in this morning's 0-0 draw with Lazio in their opening Europa League Group J match at White Hart Lane.

Spurs also had strikes from Jermain Defoe  and Steven Caulker ruled out by officials.

And the 29-year-old Dempsey, who was making his full debut for Spurs following his move from Fulham, believes his goal should have stood.

“I thought I was level with the line, it was a good ball from (Gareth) Bale, I got on the end of it and thought I opened my account but it was offside," the American told ITV.

“That's the way it goes sometimes but they defended well, set up to counter-attack and were tough to break down but we had some chances and were unlucky to get the goal tonight.

“It's good to get games and get more minutes. I'm trying to create chances, get on the end of things, I can play other positions but they were tough and sat back and played on the counter. But we did have some chances and were unlucky not to get a goal.”

Caulker also felt aggrieved that his headed goal was ruled out by referee Ovidiu Alin Hategan for an alleged push on Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas insisted his side were "superior" to Lazio.

And, though Villas-Boas later rued those decisions, he had nothing but praise for his players.

“In the end you can't reprimand them for nothing, they were outstanding today. We had enough opportunities to win the game and the team that puts the ball three times in the back of the net and see two goals ruled out ... it is disappointing," he said.

“But it shows we are on the right track to giving something to the fans. But against a team that is doing extremely well, we were superior.”

The Portuguese gave  Dempsey and Hugo Lloris their full debuts, while also handing Steven Caulker his first start of the season.

- mD