Pochettino urges Spurs to keep up intensity

MAURICIO Pochettino challenged his Tottenham side to maintain their intensity and achieve “big things” after ending Chelsea’s 13-game winning run.

Spurs are now third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Chelsea, after Dele Alli’s double earned a 2-0 win over their derby rivals at White Hart Lane last night.

“Our performance showed we can be competitive and we can achieve big things,” Pochettino (pictured with Dele Alli) said.

“We’re happy for the victory but it’s only three points. It’s only one game.

“We need to be regular and consistent during the whole season.

“If we want to fight until the end of the season for big things, for trophies, you need to keep that intensity. That’s always the challenge.”

Spurs are one of six teams in title contention, according to Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte.

Chelsea lead second-placed Liverpool by five points with 18 matches remaining, Spurs are third, while Manchester City, Arsenal and sixth-placed Manchester United are within 10 points of the Blues.

“It was important for us to reduce the gap,” Pochettino added.

Conte said: “The situation is very clear. There are six teams that can fight for the title or a place in the Champions League.

“I’m sure one of these six teams will be champions.”

Chelsea were seeking a single-season record of 14 straight wins, to draw level with Arsenal’s all-time record from 2002 which was spread across two campaigns.

The Blues would have gone 10 points clear of their hosts with victory but fell short.

Chelsea’s most recent prior defeat was also in north London, a 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24.

Conte believes his team has been transformed since.

He added: “After a defeat it’s always very difficult to know your reaction.

“But, I think this defeat is totally different.

“It’s normal when you lose a game to try to think why.

“I think this defeat is totally different if you compare our defeats in September.

“Against Liverpool and Arsenal at that moment we weren’t a team.

“Against Spurs we showed we are a team.

“We are a strong team. It’s important.

“We tried to fight. We tried to win the game, or not lose.

“I saw the right will players.”

Chelsea finished 10th in their title defence last term as Leicester won the Premier League.

Conte has had a major impact since his summer arrival.

Conte added: “To see we are on top of the table with the same players of last season, we must be pleased for this.

“We must continue to work and to improve.” in my