Spurs’ back-ups fire warning to City
MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes Tottenham’s dismantling of relegated Huddersfield proves they have the squad to survive Harry Kane’s absence ahead of two massive clashes with Manchester City this week.
Tottenham take a 1-0 lead into their Champions League secondleg on Wednesday before they return to the Etihad in the Premier League three days later.
The loss of Kane to an ankle injury could yet be a major factor in how Spurs finish their season, but their squad depth was demonstrated with a superb hat-trick by third-choice striker Lucas Moura — coming after Victor Wanyama’s opener — in the 4-0 demolition of Huddersfield.
After springing a surprise by picking Moura ahead of HeungSon Min, Pochettino said: ‘After the City game, people thought Sonny would be the man in for Harry but Fernando Llorente deserved to score today and Lucas had an unbelievable afternoon.
‘Players need to have the possibility to play to show their qualities. All managers are disappointed when people talk about rotation and selection but when you have 25 players they need to have the chance to play.
‘We have a very tough period ahead against Manchester City and we need all players fit and with confidence. We are close to achieving all things we plan.’
Wanyama started the rout in the 24th minute by rounding away keeper Ben Hamer to finish off a fine Spurs attack.
Three minutes later, Moura got the first by controlling Moussa Sissoko’s superb pass and firing beyond Hamer.
Moura made the points safe with a volley three minutes from time before latching on to Son’s through ball in the dying moments to complete his treble.
Terriers head coach Jan Siewert said: ‘I’m disappointed, because the result doesn’t reflect the way we played today at all.’