LONDON (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham's ability to remain focused amid numerous distractions has propelled his side into second place in the Premier League.
A 5-0 Wembley demolition of Bournemouth on Wednesday featured two goals from Son Heung-Min and one each from Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Lucas Moura.
The ruthless massacre allowed Tottenham to capitalise on Manchester City's loss at Leicester and move above the champions.
Tottenham began the campaign by setting an unusual record: they became the first Premier League side to fail to sign a single new player in a summer transfer window.
Other off-field problems have beset the north London club, not least delays to the opening of the new 62,000-seat stadium at White Hart Lane which forced them to continue using Wembley as a temporary home for far longer than initially planned.
But despite that Tottenham have continued to prosper on the pitch under Pochettino, who is regarded as Manchester United's preferred choice to become their new permanent manager at the end of the season.
The Bournemouth win followed a 6-2 success at Everton on Sunday, keeping morale high heading into 2019, when Tottenham will also compete in the Champions League knockout stages.
"Over the last six months, we haven't complained about anything," Pochettino said.
"The one thing we have kept is the belief and being positive and we have created a bubble.
"We are in this position because we have worked a lot and the players really believe."
Liverpool's win at home to Newcastle means they are now six points clear and favourites to win the Premier League for the first time.
TITLE CONTENDERS
Tottenham haven't won the title since the early 1960s and last won a trophy in 2008, but they are firmly in the title hunt.
They didn't resemble contenders when City won 1-0 at Wembley on October 29 to drop Tottenham to fifth, but Pochettino never grew down-hearted.
"We kept our way," Pochettino said. "I wasn't negative eight weeks ago and now I am not so positive. I try to keep a balance of my emotions.
"Of course we are so happy, but it hasn't surprised me because we were always focused on us, never on the opponent.
"We are happy because we are in a good position but it doesn't mean too much to be second, third or first now, the most important thing is where you finish.
"Of course now is the challenge to keep the level and try to increase because it is going to be tougher than before. We need to keep humble and work hard."
The scoreline was harsh on Bournemouth, who have now lost four away games in a row.
They created plenty of chances but failed to convert any while conceding regularly at the other end.
"It was a really strange game," said manager Eddie Howe, who has been suggested as a potential successor to Pochettino should the latter leave Spurs.
"The game turned on the first goal. We never really recovered from that but all through the match we had opportunities that we didn't take."
The Cherries' afternoon was made worse by a knee injury to defender Simon Francis, who was stretchered off just before half-time .
"We are very concerned that it could be serious," Howe said. "It is hugely disappointing for a player who has been magnificent for this club. We hope it is not as bad as it looks."
Apr 02, 2019 · Pochettino wants big-club vision as Spurs stadium opens new chapter when he called on Levy to "be brave and take risks if we want to be real contenders for big trophies". Pochettino
Pochettino wants Spurs players to connect with 'superior
The Bankruptcy Means Test. Among other things involved in the bankruptcy process, before you can file a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy, you will have to take a means test.The means test identifies those debtors who have the financial capacity to pay a significant portion of their bills to creditors.
List of retailers affected by the retail apocalypse - Wikipedia
China's defender Zheng Zhi, ground, and South Korea's forward Son Heung-Min fight for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup group C soccer match between South Korea and China at Al Nahyan Stadium in
Asian Cup: South Korea beat China to win group - BBC Sport
Eden Hazard late show rescues Chelsea in Wolves draw Eden Hazard spared the under-fire Sarri's blushes with his thunderous stoppage-time equaliser, but it was still a frustrating day for the
Football: Hazard late show rescues Chelsea in Wolves draw
Davinson Sanchez is confident Tottenham's squad is strong enough to mount a Premier League title challenge despite injuries to Harry Kane and Dele Alli. Three successive wins have lifted Spurs to within five points of leader Liverpool after 25 matches, putting it firmly in the title picture alongside Manchester City.
Sanchez: Spurs squad can cope in absence of Kane and Alli
MANCHESTER (REUTERS) - Sergio Aguero's hat-trick led Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday (Feb 3) and back into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Aguero hat-trick fires Man City to 3-1 win over Arsenal
Rangers crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday after falling 1-0 at Rapid Vienna, while crowd trouble sparked by Eintracht Frankfurt fans marred the German side's win at Lazio. Steven Gerrard's Rangers, who had to win in Vienna in their final group game in order to qualify for the last 32
Football: AC Milan out of Europe as Eintracht fans run riot
Klopp hails 'best night' of his life after ending final hex the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid
Football: Klopp hails 'best night' of his life after ending
Sport24.co.za | Klopp hails 'unstoppable' Messi after Barca star shines in CL semi Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. News24 1 day ago: Klopp hails 'unstoppable' Messi after Barca beat Liverpool
Klopp hails departing Sturridge as 'modern-day Liverpool great'
It is safe to say that even statistics will fail to measure the impact Leo Messi has on the pitch. He is a constant threat, who can do things which is impossible even in video games.
El Clasico 1-On-1: Lionel Messi Vs Cristiano Ronaldo | Goal.com
Leicester City Welcome Brendan Rodgers With Win, Newcastle
Silverware matters most to Emery as Arsenal aim to win for missing Mkhitaryan "We have two targets — the first and most important is to win a title," said Emery, who has already won this
MADRID: Karim Benzema stopped Real Madrid's underwhelming La Liga season going from bad to worse on Sunday after firing a last-minute winner to hand the European champions a barely-deserved 3-2
Benzema saves Real Madrid blushes with late Huesca winner
Apr 18, 2019 · FIFA backs English players' social media boycott over racism. Soccer players in England are backing a 24-hour boycott of social media to demand a crackdown on racial abuse on the platforms
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen