Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Tottenham on a high after derailing leaders Chelsea’s 13-match
TOTTENHAM Hotspur have developed a biggame mentality this season which they proved by beating Premier League leaders Chelsea, their manager Mauricio Pochettino said yesterday.
The 2-0 win over Chelsea, which ended their London rivals’ 13-game winning run, came weeks after Spurs handed Pep Guardiola his first defeat as Manchester City manager. Their only losses to top-six rivals this season were at Manchester United and Chelsea.
“It’s true that it’s no more than three points, no more than another game. But after Chelsea’s run, it is a team that is at the top, it was a good opportunity to show we improved and learned from last season,” Pochettino told reporters.
“I was very pleased after the game because we showed that we are very competitive. In this type of game sometimes you don’t need to play your best, but be competitive. It’s what we missed last season, to challenge and win the Premier League.
“That for me is a big statement and a big step forward, that the team need to keep that mentality. If you are competitive you will always be close to winning the games.”
Midfielder Dele Alli has earned plaudits in recent weeks, drawing comparisons with England greats Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, as his brace against Chelsea took his goal tally to seven in his last four games.
“I don’t want to compare. In the last few days a lot of comparisons with other players have appear but I think he (Alli) is a very special player, completely different,” Pochettino said.
“He’s Dele Alli and it’s difficult to compare. His potential is massive, big gap to improve but he’s showing unbelievable qualities and great performances. He’s one of the best players in the Premier League but with the potential to improve.”
Pochettino will probably field a few fringe players in tomorrow’s FA Cup thirdround clash against second tier Aston Villa.
“For us it’s an important competition. It’s a good opportunity to play players who have not played regularly,” the Argentine added.
“We need to try to take the better decision to help the players, the team… It’s sure that we make some changes.”
Meanwhile, midfielder N’Golo Kante said he hoped Chelsea would make a swift return to winning ways after their record-equalling 13-game winning streak in the Premier League came to an end at Tottenham.
Despite the deflating defeat by their London rivals, Chelsea still hold a comfortable fivepoint cushion at the top of the table after 20 games but Kante said it was vital that Chelsea win their next game to regain momentum.
“We have to show character now, focus on the next game. We lost, we have to accept that and come back stronger, with strong character and a desire to win. It’s game after game now,” the 25-year-old Frenchman told British media.
“We are not thinking about making another long run, we just need to win the next game and make sure we come back strongly. We will see now. I think we are a good team and we must show good character for the next game to make sure we win.
“It’s important for the confidence and to keep our advantage in the league. We must fight to stay at the top.
“We must stay in front for as long as possible.”
Chelsea host third-tier side Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup tomorrow before a trip to face league champions Leicester City six days later.