Mauricio Pochettino had mixed emotions after Tottenham’s “fantastic” 2-0 victory over Arsenal, admitting he was disappointed to remain four points behind Chelsea after Sunday’s fixtures.
Two goals in two second-half minutes from Dele Alli then Harry Kane, the second from the penalty spot, ensured Spurs’ first league finish above Arsenal since 1995 in the last ever North London derby at White Hart Lane.
But Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Everton earlier in the day meant the Blues finished the weekend with their four-point lead over Spurs at the top of the Premier League intact.
“After a 2-0 [win] here against Arsenal, you believe we are disappointed? They know they need to be proud of the performance and they need to now rest and don’t think too much and enjoy the day off tomorrow, and on Tuesday be focused again to be ready for Friday,” Pochettino told a postmatch news conference.
“Of course, I am disappointed because it was a great opportunity to reduce the gap. It is four, with four to play — all is possible in football and we’ll see what happens next week. But now it’s important to feel proud, happy, because the last game against Arsenal and all that means for our fans and those who love Tottenham, it was a fantastic afternoon.
“And of course I’m disappointed because we have not reduced the gap on Chelsea, but so proud of the performance of the team and our support.
“The players were really focused on the game and I think they didn’t realise what happened at Everton. We knew because we were watching, but they were very focused.
“We will have the chance to play before and if we are able to win at West Ham [on Friday] …it will be a tough game and a difficult game and if we are able to win we will see what happens.”
Pochettino again reiterated that he had not been focussed on finishing above Spurs’ neighbours, and said he had great respect for his opposite number Arsene Wenger.
“Always you play a derby like Tottenham versus Arsenal, it is important to win. But I have a massive respect for him [Wenger]. I admire him for what he is doing in a club like Arsenal and it is a fantastic job.
“I am so happy but our challenge is and our aim is not only to beat Arsenal but also the 19 teams in the Premier League.
“Of course, I am very happy but I am very happy. I am so calm as we have four games to play and now is important to be focused and to try to reduce the gap to Chelsea.”
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