Pochettino’s pride as Spurs persevere to see off Burnley
Mauricio Pochettino paid tribute to the character of his Tottenham Hotspur side after Christian Eriksen’s late goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Burnley at Wembley Stadium.
Tottenham, who in midweek had qualified for the knockout stages of the Uefa Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Barcelona, had spurned a number of chances on a wet afternoon in London against their struggling opponents.
Pochettino had looked to freshen up his jaded side, giving a debut to 18-year-old midfielder Oliver Skipp, and he was pleased his side had persevered and go themselves a 13th league win of the season to stay five points behind leaders Manchester City in third.
“It was a late victory but so important for us,” the Argentine told the BBC.
“The character to always push to the end shows great belief and faith in the way we play. That pleases me the most.
“We dominated possession they put a lot of players behind the ball and play deep and wanted to stop us.
“On an afternoon like today with the rain and the pitch not in best condition, we were not fresh enough to find tempo with the ball so it is difficult to play and I think that is why I am so pleased.”
Elsewhere, Huddersfield Town remain in the bottom three under relegation threat after Solomon Rondon’s goal gave Newcastle United a 1-0 triumph at the Kirklees Stadium.
It was the fourth successive defeat by the single goal scoreline for David Wagner’s side and the German manager said it was vital his players do not lose their belief as they prepare for the hectic festive period.
“The most important thing is you have to believe, that is what we do.
“We haven’t got enough points to do more but it is less than the middle of the competition. We have to make sure our performances are the same level as they have been.”
The result moves Newcastle up to 14th and Rafa Benitez said of his team: “My players are doing well but we can improve little things. Today it was clear with a couple more details we would have had more chances.”
Having gone on a run of six games without a win, Wolverhampton Wanderers picked up a third successive victory as goals from Raul Jimenez and Ivan Cavaleiro fired them to a 2-0 success over Bournemouth.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Before we were in a bad moment. Now we’re in a good moment. It’s important to realise why. The boys’ character, the way they commit to the work on a daily basis, well done to them.”
Watford survived a late scare against Cardiff City before claiming a first victory since October 27 as they prevailed 3-2 at Vicarage Road.
Gerard Deulofeu, Jose Holebas and Domingos Quinas all struck for Watford to put them in charge, but Junior Hoilett and Bobby Reid both struck in the final 10 minutes to give Javier Gracia’s side a nervous final few minutes before they could celebrate a result that puts them back in the top half of the table.
Gracia said: “The last part of the game I think was a good lesson for us to know how we have to manage the game.
“The last games we have played well, but today we deserved the win.”
Crystal Palace bounced back from two away losses at Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United as they won 1-0 against Leicester City.
Luka Milivojevic’s strike six minutes before half time proved to be the only goal of the game at Selhurst Park.