Lloris is one of the best, claims Pochettino

LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino insisted he never had any doubt goalkeeper Hugo Lloris would repay his faith after the French No 1 kept Crystal Palace at bay as Tottenham ground out a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Argentine centre-back Juan Foyth’s first senior goal 24 minutes from time was the difference between the sides as a torrential downpour affected conditions.

But Spurs needed their captain to produce a big save as the game entered stoppage time from Alexander Sorloth to secure a fifth straight Premier League away win to move just two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Lloris has been much-criticised this season as he admitted to a drink-driving charge in September and a series of errors in the Champions League have also cost Spurs on the field.

However, Pochettino has stood by the man who lifted the World Cup for France this summer. “I am happy with him. (Players) are not machines, they can have an up or down,” Pochettino told reporters after the match . “Hugo is one of the best, there is no doubt.”

SPURS CAN CONTINUE PLAYING AT WEMBLEY

LONDON: Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur said on Sunday that they had been granted permission to continue playing home matches at Wembley until their new stadium is ready.

Spurs were supposed to move to their new home in September but reached an initial agreement to play at Wembley until the end of the year instead because of construction delays at the new, 62,000-seater venue.

That agreement has now been extended indefinitely but all Tottenham’s remaining Premier League games at Wembley after their match with London rivals Chelsea on Novermber 24 will have a reduced capacity of 51,000.

Spurs said in a statement that they would issue an update on their new stadium next month.