Tottenham Hotspur: Mauricio Pochettino admits it was always go to be tough for Spurs against Crystal Palace after beating Real Madrid
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino (pic: Nigel French/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Spurs failed to reach heights of midweek win in Champions League, but did just about enough to overcome Eagles in Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was happy to claim all three points after struggling to a 1-0 success at home to Premier League bottom club Crystal Palace.
Despite dominating possession at Wembley, Spurs could only find the net once, with Heung-Min Son curling into the net in the 64th minute.
The Eagles also looked dangerous on the break despite their lowly position, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga, making his debut in goal for the north Londoners, into several saves.
In the end, Tottenham did just about enough to triumph, and Pochettino admits it was always going to be hard for his side after their midweek win against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
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“In football, you must fight every day. We knew after the Real Madrid game it was a massive challenge to be ready again,” said the Argentine.
“I am very pleased, the effort was fantastic. The team was very professional and we fought.
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“It was a game that we dominated, but we conceded a lot of chances. You need some luck to win, but it was a good performance from the players. The three points are so important for us.”
Spurs were dealt a blow at half time when Harry Winks went off after picking up a knock in the opening period.
Harry Kane was another to suffer a blow in the first half, though was able to last until the 77th minute before being replaced by Fernando Llorente.
Both players were named in the England squad earlier this week, and the knocks sustained against Palace would have been tough for national team boss Gareth Southgate to see.
But Pochettino was keen to sound a note of caution regarding the state of the two Harrys.
“It’s better to avoid risk and I’m sure he’s OK and will join up with the national team. Harry Winks twisted his ankle in the first half, it’s a little painful, but we have to assess him,” he added.
“He’s excited to make the national team, but our medical staff will assess him and make a decision.”
