Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his admiration for Arsene Wenger following Tottenham Hotspur‘s 2-0 victory in the north London derby against Arsenal.
Two quick-fire second half goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane secured all three points as well as bragging rights for the Lilywhites yesterday afternoon as they kept the pressure on league leaders Chelsea at the top of the table.
Furthermore, the result means that for the first time in over two decades Spurs will finish above their north London outfit in the table, but Pochettino insists his aim to be the best team across the entire division.
“I am happy because always when you play a derby, it is important to win but I have a massive respect [for Wenger],” the Argentine tactician said in his post-match press conference.
“I admire him for what he is doing at a club like Arsenal, I think it’s a fantastic job. Our challenge, our aims, is to win and
not only to beat Arsenal but beat the other 19 teams that play us in the Premier League.
“Both teams wanted the victory. I think we were better and that’s why in the end we win.”
Pochettino’s side dominated large parts of the game at White Hart Lane and the Gunners were extremely fortunate not to go in at half-time at least two goals down as both Alli and Christian Eriksen spurned golden opportunities from close range.
Overall Spurs seemed to want the victory more. Spurs created more chances (13), had more shots (20) and won a higher percentage of tackles (40%) en route to securing a 13th straight home league victory.
Spurs responded to Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Everton earlier in the afternoon to ensure the gap between the two clubs remains at four points and can reduce it further to only one – albeit temporarily – as they face West Ham United on Friday night.
Whereas Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top four have been dented. They are now six points behind Manchester City with a game in hand therefore must win their all their remaining fixtures and hope for a slip up from Pep Guardiola’s side.
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