Poch rings the changes as Spurs prise open title race
HUNDREDS stayed in Turf Moor’s David Fishwick Stand waiting patiently, ears glued to radios, eyes fixed on phones.
Chelsea were still trying to force an equaliser in the London long after Tottenham had won here. News that they could not was greeted by an unmistakable roar by supporters who truly believe this title race is still on.
The gap is now seven points, with the leaders facing Manchester City on Wednesday. And this victory, secured by the masterful Eric Dier and Heung-Min Son, was a definite triumph for Mauricio Pochettino.
He made a point at half-time, with this still goalless and Tottenham lacking incision, by brooding inside the away
dugout, contemplating a pair of troubling injuries and a uncharacteristically limp display.
Pochettino had seen Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama exit stage left. He had seen Dele Alli miss unfathomably. He was seeing a chance to nibble at Chelsea slip away. For more than five minutes he ranted at assistant Jesus Perez.
They ditched the back three. Dier moved into midfield. After a short sermon, the players were left to sort themselves out.
‘Because of the many accidents our mind was to change the system. When we arrived in the changing room we had a meeting, explained the way we should play in the second half,’ said Pochettino. ‘In that moment it was a big hit for us, for the team. It was very important when the players got in to switch on and change things. We changed formation.
‘Normally we use five minutes to give the players time to do things, to stay calm and for us to analyse from the videos to show after. The team needed lifting. It was a very concerning moment but the reaction was really good.’
‘Maybe the performance wasn’t brilliant but it was very professional in a very difficult place. Here in Burnley, many teams struggled to get good results. It was difficult to play the way we normally play. We dominated the game, we created chances and we deserved the three points.
‘Burnley door was prised open from a 66th-minute corner. Ireland international Jeff Hendrick was the culprit, scuffing his clearance and Dier stood still, just yards out. So calm, he sussed his options. There was a gap to Scott Arfield’s left at the far post. A touch, a sidefoot, a goal.
‘Spurs are decent, without a shadow of a doubt,’ said Burnley manager Sean Dyche. Then came the killer with 13 minutes remaining, Alli whipping in a cross to Son – who was all alone at the back post – to tap in the second. That is where Spurs lie and, for today at least, Chelsea will beware.