Relief for Pochettino as Spurs end losing run
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the mentality of his side as they ground out a much-needed 2-1 win in sodden conditions at Brighton to halt a run of three straight defeats yesterday morning (Singapore time).
Harry Kane ended a five-game goal drought with a penalty and Erik Lamela doubled Tottenham's lead before Anthony Knockaert pulled a late goal back for Brighton.
"The players were suffering a lot. The pressure was high, they wanted to deliver a result for the fans, for themselves, and for us (the coaching staff)," said Pochettino.
"The spirit we showed today was the spirit I wanted to see in the other games.
"I'm so happy with the attitude, the spirit. Then we know very well we have great quality, great players and we can play amazing football."
Like many of his teammates, England captain Kane has looked jaded from his heroics in winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in recent weeks.
But he remains deadly from the spot as he hammered home his third goal of the season.
"Today was about mentality, getting around the pitch, pressing high and harder and we did that," said Kane.
"We could have put it to bed and won 3-0 or 4-0, but it's good to get back to winning ways. The gaffer will be pleased and we can build on this."
Pochettino had left Kieran Tripper and Toby Alderweireld at home for last week's 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League, but both were recalled among five changes from the side who lost at the San Siro and had a big impact.
Alderweireld's powerful header from Trippier's corner was brilliantly saved by Matt Ryan early on.
Despite Tottenham's dominance in possession, the Australian international goalkeeper wasn't forced into another save until Spurs took the lead three minutes before half-time.
Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot when Glenn Murray jumped with his arm above his head to block Trippier's free-kick and Kane sent Ryan the wrong way from the spot.
BIG CHANCE
Spurs threw away a lead late on during their defeats by Watford and Inter in their previous three games, and could have been made to pay once more.
Brighton had a goal ruled out for offside, strong claims for a penalty of their own waved away, and missed a big chance when Knockaert fired straight at Paulo Gazzaniga with just Spurs' third-choice goalkeeper to beat.
"Anthony's best chance was at 1-0. If we score that and it's 1-1, absolutely it's a different result because we get the momentum," said Brighton boss Chris Hughton.
Just as Brighton were threatening to level, Spurs hit them with the sucker punch of a well-worked second goal.
Lamela finished off a fine team move that also involved Lucas Moura and Danny Rose for his fourth goal in his last four English Premier League games.
But Knockaert set up a grandstand finish by firing into the far corner in stoppage time.
He had one final chance to snatch a point, but placed his shot too close to Gazzaniga as Pochettino heaved a huge sigh of relief at the full-time whistle. - AFP
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