Pochettino sees Spurs’ swagger return
TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his side have got their confidence back after a 5-0 win over Swansea.
Braces from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, and a goal from Son Heung-min secured Spurs only their second victory in 11 games.
They were knocked out of the Champions League after a 2-1 defeat to Monaco on November 22 and lost to London rivals Chelsea last weekend, but the win could mark a turning point in their fortunes.
‘I think that we fully deserved the result,’ said Pochettino.
‘We dominated, we created chances, they didn’t shoot, they didn’t create chances and I think it was a very good performance.
‘I am happy because we got three points which was important after Chelsea and Monaco. We have very important games ahead and confidence is back.’
Crystal Palace ended a six-match losing streak by winning 3-0 at home to Southampton.
Under-pressure Eagles boss Alan Pardew said a vastly-improved performance owed much to a punishing training session on Thursday.
‘I always think as a manager at any level, particularly in the modern era: expect the sack,’ he said.
‘Just expect it; it’s coming at some stage, so just do your job as best you can. Every week, that’s what I try to do.’
Former Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster miskicked Jose Fonte’s backpass to present Christian Benteke with a gift on his 26th birthday.
James Tomkins and Benteke scored the second and third.
Sunderland moved off the bottom after a 2-1 victory at home to Leicester City.
They went ahead thanks to Robert Huth’s 64thminute own goal. Jermain Defoe’s instinctive strike doubled their advantage before Shinji Okazaki created a nervy finish.
West Brom beat Watford 3-1 at home. A Jonny Evans header and a Chris Brunt free-kick gave the Baggies a two-goal half-time lead.
Christian Kabasele pulled one back on the hour, but Roberto Pereyra’s red card for violent conduct ended their challenge, with Matt Phillips extending the hosts’ lead in added time.
Stoke City beat Burnley 2-0 at home thanks to a Jon Walters double.