Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino explained taking off Harry Kane ahead of Stoke City's comeback for their 2-2 draw.
Eric Dier and Nacer Chadli looked to have put Spurs on course for their first win of the season but Marko Arnautovic's 78th-minute penalty and Mame Biram Diouf's header ensured Stoke left White Hart Lane with a point.
Tottenham's capitulation seemed to be prompted by the substitutions of Kane and Ryan Mason, who were replaced shortly after the hour, as the hosts surrendered control of the contest.
"He was tired," Pochettino said of Kane.
"He came later in pre-season and it is normal. He is better but he needs time to arrive.
"We knew before the end of last season Harry Kane would play a lot and the consequences you can see now."
Pochettino added: "Every game is different; today my feeling was he was tired.
"This is the truth, at 2-0, after 65 minutes, I think it was enough for him. We don't take risks with his body."