Mauricio Pochettino calls for repeat as Tottenham show they can be big-game hunters

James Olley1 February 2018

Tottenham managed a much better answer to questions about their big-game mentality than Mauricio Pochettino could muster following this win against Manchester United.

As is sometimes the case, Pochettino leant into his assistant, Jesus Perez, for a supplementary translation of the initial enquiry before seeking further clarification.

“I don’t understand,” he said. “Who criticises us? The history of Tottenham or in my history here? Maybe you need to see again because in three-and-a-half years I think the record is good, eh? I don’t know. In the end you’re talking about big sides like United, [Manchester] City, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea and we are Tottenham.”

Spurs’ record against their top-four rivals is a habitual concern but a few more performances like this and those concerns will disappear, just as any fears over their effectiveness at Wembley surely has done.

Since being beaten by Chelsea in August, Spurs have played 18 home games in all competitions, winning 13 and losing only once.

Before the highest crowd in Premier League history, 81,978, Spurs overwhelmed United after a breathtaking start befitting of their rip-roaring best at White Hart Lane.

Indeed, Tottenham won the corresponding fixture last season in what was also the last match ever to be staged at their former home.

They were as powerful and authoritative here at Wembley against what is clearly a better United side, albeit one whose balance was compromised by Jose Mourinho’s decision to play Paul Pogba as one of two deep-lying midfielders, thereby exposing the visitors’ back four to the full force of Spurs’ attacking prowess.

Christian Eriksen set the tone after just 11 seconds, converting coolly after Dele Alli had placed Harry Kane’s knockdown into his path, before Phil Jones doubled Tottenham’s lead with a dreadful own goal, converting a cross from Kieran Trippier past a helpless David De Gea.

United never recovered as Spurs dominated proceedings with perhaps the only slight disappointment that they did not record a wider margin of victory but regardless it is a result that, combined with Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, tightens up the race for a Champions League spot.

This is the start of a potentially season-defining spell for Spurs. They play Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus (twice) in the next five weeks and Sunday’s game at Anfield is perhaps the ultimate test of their credentials against the best.

Despite Pochettino’s protestations, Spurs irrefutably have a point to prove on the road. They have won just four of their last 87 matches away from home against Chelsea, United or Liverpool. Their last victory at Anfield came in 2011, the one before that in 1998.

There is, however, now a margin for error against Liverpool and the Gunners, created by a welcome three points in their first serious test since losing 4-1 at City in mid-December, which should galvanise them for the challenges ahead.

“The most important thing now is to keep going, to be consistent,” he said. “It will not be easy to keep this type of performance. We play every three, four days and we’re going to need the whole squad.

“Now we rest, assess the players and take the best decisions for Liverpool. Liverpool are a very good team for me, one of the best teams in England, and we will need everyone in very good condition.”

In Pictures | Tottenham vs Manchester United | 31/01/2018

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This was such a one-sided contest that, if anything, the question about consistent effectiveness against leading sides is now one that should be levelled at United boss Jose Mourinho as much as Pochettino.

Mourinho and Pochettino have the same win percentage — 28 per cent — against the top six at their current clubs and United looked alarmingly disjointed despite their attacking talent.

Alexis Sanchez, on his League debut for United, cut the peripheral figure Arsenal supporters will recognise from the end of his time at Emirates Stadium but while there is mitigation for him as he adjusts to new team-mates, Romelu Lukaku stood firmly in Kane’s shadow and Pogba was so bad Mourinho hauled him off with barely an hour played.

Five points now separate United in second and Spurs in fifth. This result was achieved while missing their best defender, Toby Alderweireld, influential midfielder Harry Winks and left-back Danny Rose.

With the addition of Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain, talk over the shallowness of Tottenham’s squad depth will likely recede.

Spurs remain reliant on Kane, Eriksen and Dele Alli being at their best. The Dane starred against United, supported ably by Son, prompting minds to wander as to whether Spurs could yet emerge as the best of the rest behind City.

To do so, they must deliver in the big games. This was a very promising step towards that aim.

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