Mauricio Pochettino hailed Tottenham’s “very good position” in the Premier League title race after their last-gasp 1-0 win over Burnley at Wembley.
Christian Eriksen fired Spurs’ injury-time winner on Saturday that kept the Lilywhites safely in third place in the league.
It helped Spurs avoid what could have proved a costly draw, leaving Pochettino relieved but impressed with their current league standing.
🗣️ @ChrisEriksen8 talks us through his stoppage-time winner.#COYS pic.twitter.com/1BYKVKpvkm — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 15, 2018
Argentine boss Pochettino insisted Spurs can hang on in the title race provided they maintain their current conviction.
“We are in a very good position; we are there and that is the reality, that after 17 games and 39 points we are third,” said Pochettino.
“That is a massive achievement for us. We are there now but everything is possible.
“Look what happened in the Champions League: after three games only one point and we believed it was possible and in the end we believed and now are in the next stage.
“There are a lot of things you need to put into consideration but the most important thing is belief and faith in the way you work and if you give 100 per cent all can happen.”
Asked if Tottenham’s form will stretch to his side claiming a trophy this term, Pochettino added: “I don’t want to say that because people will twist my words, but I can tell you all is possible and all can happen. We are going to try for that this season.”
Got there in the end! Perseverance the key today, never gave up. Well done to Skippy on his full @premierleague debut. #COYS #THFC #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/GBQtgckUMl — Harry Kane (@HKane) December 15, 2018
Tottenham ground out the win despite a below-par showing, struggling to break down Sean Dyche’s organised but limited Burnley amid dreadful weather conditions at Wembley.
Saturday’s victory proved the 100th Premier League win of Pochettino’s Tottenham reign, and he admitted his backroom staff kept that fact from him beforehand, desperate not to jinx the encounter.
“Jesus (Perez) told me before the game they didn’t want to tell me because it’s a superstition,” said Pochettino.
100 – Mauricio Pochettino has won his 100th Premier League game as Spurs manager in his 169th game – 10 games quicker than it took Arsene Wenger to reach the figure at Arsenal. Centurion. #TOTBUR — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2018
“But now I know. We did not realise, but it’s a fantastic achievement for us collectively.”
Burnley manager Dyche was left to lament a point lost at the death, but praised his players for almost shutting Tottenham out.
“The players overall probably deserved something from the game,” said Dyche.
REACTION | "Disapointed for all, but a lot of good signs again" Sean Dyche gives his thoughts after coming away from Wembley empty handed. WATCH ➡️ https://t.co/YYGxUsPXU0 pic.twitter.com/1hpwHCQSM1 — Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) December 15, 2018
“The players are disappointed more that finally you get done by what is just a lump down the pitch.
“They are a really good side with a passing style, but they ended up playing long a lot today and that’s credit to us, we kept the lines tight.
“We came down here with a tactical platform and that’s pleasing from a manager’s point of view but you still come away with nothing in the end.”
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