Pochettino says Tottenham can still claim league title

LONDON: Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said his team can still win the Premier League for the first time after what he called a deserved 2-0 win over bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Second-half goals by Dele Alli and Harry Kane, from the penalty spot, sealed the three points and ensured that Spurs will finish above their North London rivals Arsenal for the first time in 22 years.

“I feel very proud,” Pochettino said. “First of all because I think the players gave their best, they were fantastic, and then for our fans.”

Spurs, who last won the old first division title in 1961 but have never been champions since the Premier League began in 1992, face another big London derby on Friday, away to West Ham, and if they win it will move within one point of leaders Chelsea.

As a former player and manager with Espanyol in Barcelona, Argentinian Pochettino knows all about local rivalries and how important it is for Tottenham followers to both beat and finish above their neighbours.

“It was a fantastic afternoon for all our fans and with all that it means,” he said.

“To be above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years is fantastic for our fans. It is fantastic for us too but we want to win the title.

“I think it was a fantastic game, we deserved the victory and we are in the race for the title. We have four games to play and all is possible in football.”

Victory at Upton Park would for once put the pressure on Chelsea, who do not play until Middlesbrough, desperate for points to avoid relegation, visit them three days later.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger won’t give up on a top-four finish.

“It will be very difficult but we have to fight,” Wenger said.

“We have a cup final and the chance to get in the top four. We have to give everything in every game. We have to play more and create more than we did today. The desire was there but we lacked something today.”