LONDON (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham's ability to remain focused amid numerous distractions has propelled his side into second place in the Premier League.
A 5-0 Wembley demolition of Bournemouth on Wednesday featured two goals from Son Heung-Min and one each from Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Lucas Moura.
The ruthless massacre allowed Tottenham to capitalise on Manchester City's loss at Leicester and move above the champions.
Tottenham began the campaign by setting an unusual record: they became the first Premier League side to fail to sign a single new player in a summer transfer window.
Other off-field problems have beset the north London club, not least delays to the opening of the new 62,000-seat stadium at White Hart Lane which forced them to continue using Wembley as a temporary home for far longer than initially planned.
But despite that Tottenham have continued to prosper on the pitch under Pochettino, who is regarded as Manchester United's preferred choice to become their new permanent manager at the end of the season.
The Bournemouth win followed a 6-2 success at Everton on Sunday, keeping morale high heading into 2019, when Tottenham will also compete in the Champions League knockout stages.
"Over the last six months, we haven't complained about anything," Pochettino said.
"The one thing we have kept is the belief and being positive and we have created a bubble.
"We are in this position because we have worked a lot and the players really believe."
Liverpool's win at home to Newcastle means they are now six points clear and favourites to win the Premier League for the first time.
TITLE CONTENDERS
Tottenham haven't won the title since the early 1960s and last won a trophy in 2008, but they are firmly in the title hunt.
They didn't resemble contenders when City won 1-0 at Wembley on October 29 to drop Tottenham to fifth, but Pochettino never grew down-hearted.
"We kept our way," Pochettino said. "I wasn't negative eight weeks ago and now I am not so positive. I try to keep a balance of my emotions.
"Of course we are so happy, but it hasn't surprised me because we were always focused on us, never on the opponent.
"We are happy because we are in a good position but it doesn't mean too much to be second, third or first now, the most important thing is where you finish.
"Of course now is the challenge to keep the level and try to increase because it is going to be tougher than before. We need to keep humble and work hard."
The scoreline was harsh on Bournemouth, who have now lost four away games in a row.
They created plenty of chances but failed to convert any while conceding regularly at the other end.
"It was a really strange game," said manager Eddie Howe, who has been suggested as a potential successor to Pochettino should the latter leave Spurs.
"The game turned on the first goal. We never really recovered from that but all through the match we had opportunities that we didn't take."
The Cherries' afternoon was made worse by a knee injury to defender Simon Francis, who was stretchered off just before half-time .
"We are very concerned that it could be serious," Howe said. "It is hugely disappointing for a player who has been magnificent for this club. We hope it is not as bad as it looks."
Apr 03, 2019 · England soccer captain Harry Kane is made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Duke of Cambridge during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to seal a money-spinning move to Italian champions Juventus when his contract expires with the Gunners in the summer, according to reports on Thursday. The Welsh international will bring to an end 10 years at Arsenal at the end of the season after talks over a new deal broke down with the Premier League
Juventus Football Club : Arsenal star set to cash in with
Football News -LONDON (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp - World
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/05/liverpool-staying-positive-despite-blip-says-klopp/
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp AFP March 5, 2019 AFP No Comments London (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the initiative.
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp -football
Qatar hammer hosts UAE before hostile crowd. Jan 30, 2019, 5:00 am. Football: Iraqi footballers face probe over night out during Asian Cup. Jan 28, 2019, 8:02 pm.
Qatar thrash UAE to reach Asian Cup football final | News
Qatar not the favourites, says coach Sanchez. Qatar's Almoez Ali celebrating with Hassan Al-Haydos after scoring his team's goal in the 2-0 Asian Cup win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The Qataris
Qatar keen to impress at Copa America, says coach Sanchez
Football: London-born ex-Arsenal reserve Nico Yennaris makes
worldsportstale.com/soccer/football-london-born-ex-arsenal-reserve-nico-yennaris-makes-china-debut-in-2-0-win-over-philippines/
06/07/2019 Comments Off on Football: London-born ex-Arsenal reserve Nico Yennaris makes China debut in 2-0 win over Philippines GUANGZHOU (AFP) - Nico Yennaris became the first foreign-born footballer to represent China when the former Arsenal reserve started in a 2-0 home win over the Philippines on Friday (June 7).
Football: London-born ex-Arsenal reserve Nico Yennaris makes
Man City suffer shock Premier League defeat by Crystal Palace Premier League / 22 December 2018, 7:20pm / Ian Whittell Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Mamadou Sakho celebrate after the match.
Football: Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in Premier
Guardiola not worried about Man City players' social media use by BeSoccer @besoccer_com - 02 Feb 2019 0 672 Pep Guardiola is not concerned about the way his Manchester City players use social media, despite a post from Kyle Walker that appeared to mock Premier League title rivals Liverpool.
Guardiola not worried about Man City players' social media use
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku rediscovered his finishing touch in fine fashion, scoring a superb goal in each half to help them to a 3-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
I think the contract is expired and I'm now under contract with Manchester United," Solskjaer told Norwegian podcast Fotballklubben. "I think we need a new contract there [at Molde]."
Solskjaer confirms his contract in Norway has expired
Everton avoided a third consecutive Premier League home defeat as Kurt Zouma's header and a late goal by Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned them a flattering 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at a rainy Goodison Park on Sunday.
Soccer-Everton ride luck for 2-0 victory at home to
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen