Mauricio Pochettino says the motivation of winning the Premier League title has given Tottenham’s players extra energy during the run-in.

There has been little sign of tiredness in the last two games, with Spurs beating Manchester United 3-0 and then triumphing 4-0 away at Stoke last Monday.

Tottenham host West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane tomorrow night (Monday), attempting to reduce Leicester’s eight-point lead the top, and Pochettino said: “I think we are as strong as at the start of the season, we are the same level. Maybe the difference is the opponents. We try to keep our level and not drop our performance.

“To be consistent is our objective, always. The data is similar at the beginning to now because now we can see the finish line.

“We don’t arrive yet - this is important - but your motivation is good and then you can run more. It’s always in our mind and we are in a very good moment. We need to fight to achieve big things, like winning the title.

“This season I think you can see the balance between defence and attack - we are first in all the stats. We’ve improved in all different areas. We score a lot of goals but work hard not to concede – it’s the perfect balance.

“We’re happy but a little disappointed because we are not first [in the table]. Football is something you cannot explain – it’s impossible to explain why we are not in first.”

Jamie Vardy’s dismissal in Leicester’s recent draw with West Ham underlined the need for cool heads as the title race heads towards its climax, but Pochettino said:

“In football you can never send the message ‘be careful’ to the players. They need to feel free to play.

“If you translate this message you put this idea in their heads and you a put a limit on them. I think we feel free, without pressure. We showed it last Monday, we played very well and the way we took the game was fantastic.”

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