Two goals from Christian Eriksen against Stoke City brought Tottenham Hotspur level on points with third-placed Liverpool.
After an entertaining first-half in which Stoke frustrated Spurs, Eriksen finished past Jack Butland to give the North Londoners the lead.
Stoke equalised through Mame Biram Diouf, but their joy was short lived as Eriksen scored his second from a free-kick. Harry Kane claimed to have got a touch but the goal was eventually awarded to the Danish playmaker.
Xherdan Shaqiri threatened for the hosts and came so close to making it 2-2 but Spurs held on to secure a massive three points at the Bet365 stadium.
Asked about Tottenham’s second goal, Pochettino told in his post-match presser (as quoted by Football.London):
“I didn’t have time to see it on TV, but he said that it touched him on the shoulder, but I don’t know. Maybe they need to see on the TV his touch. I didn’t see it, no time to see it on TV. The most important thing for me is the three points.
“Whether it was Christian or Harry, we were happy with the three points which were massive before the game and I think put us in a very good position in the table to achieve what we want, which is to finish in the top four. We are still in the race for the top four. I think it was a massive, massive three points for us today.”
On this season’s target, Poch added:
“I think first of all, our target is the top four. To have the possibility next season will be fantastic in our new stadium.”
Tottenham’s prime target remains Champions League qualification but the second place looks attainable. On that aspect, our gaffer explained:
“Yes, but first of all the target is to finish in the top four. It will be fantastic for the club to do it for a third consecutive time. To have the possibility next season for the club to play Champions League football in the new stadium will be a fantastic achievement for the club.
“Then we’ll see. If in the moment we are capable to take that opportunity to finish in the top four then, of course, it’s better to finish second, third or fourth in the table.”
The win over Stoke is crucial as playing against relegation-battling sides is difficult. Let’s hope we keep up the good work and finish 2nd.
