Mixed emotions for Spurs manager Pochettino

MAURICIO Pochettino admits Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal was tarnished by Chelsea defeating Everton to maintain their charge towards the Premier League title.

Spurs needed to beat their fierce local rivals to keep the gap at four points following leaders Chelsea’s 3-0 win earlier in the day — and they did just that as the Gunners slipped to a ninth loss of the season.

After a goalless first half in which Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen missed good chances for the hosts, the former opened the scoring on 55 minutes before Harry Kane converted a penalty just 146 seconds later.

The win means Tottenham will finish ahead of Arsenal for the first time since 1995.

Pochettino revealed his players did not know the result of the Chelsea game and admitted a tinge of disappointment that the Toffees could not get a result to help Tottenham’s quest.

“I knew the result because I was watching,” he said. “The players didn’t watch because they were focused on the game.

“They really were very focused on the game and I think they didn’t realise what happened at Everton.

“Of course I am disappointed because it was a great opportunity to reduce the gap. It is four, with four to play, all is possible in football and we’ll see what happens next week.

“But now it’s important to feel proud, happy, because this last game at White Hart Lane against Arsenal, and all that means for our fans and those who love Tottenham, it was a fantastic afternoon.

“Yes, of course we are disappointed because we have not reduced the gap on Chelsea but I am so proud of the performance of the team.”