Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has hailed the spirit in his squad after they overcame adversity to beat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday. The Spurs boss has often highlighted the issues in his squad, claiming they are unsettled following a poor start to the season, but changed his tune this weekend following the victory over Saints.
Ten-man Spurs ground out a vital victory that lifted the clouds over the club, but it was harder than it might have been due to Hugo Lloris’ brain freeze in the first half. Having taken an early lead through Tanguy Ndombele’s fierce strike, the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Serge Aurier picked up two yellow cards in four minutes.
With the momentum changed, the France captain inexplicably handed Southampton a way back into the game when he tried performing a Cruyff turn in his own six-yard box only to be tackled by Danny Ings, whose toe-in rolled over the line.
It was an unbelievable piece of play, but Harry Kane got his captain out of the mire by converting a brilliant team goal just four minutes later and then Lloris himself earned some credit with some fine saves after the break.
Pochettino protected Lloris after game, insisting his goalkeeper plays such a risky game in possession under his instruction. “You don’t need to blame Hugo, blame me because I demand him to play in that way,” the Argentinian said. “Of course this situation can happen, but I think the team showed unbelievable spirit after that.”
The manner of the win feels like a landmark moment after Pochettino had complained about a lack of unity in his squad after a turbulent summer where several players either wanted to leave or thought they were leaving.
A battling victory with 10 men certainly ticks the team spirit box, which left Pochettino smiling. “I feel proud,” he said.
“I was so happy for them, my players, my squad, we have unbelievable players, only we needed to recover the spirit that we showed today. “I think it showed we have an amazing spirit, we are all together. That is the point to start to work and keep going and be consistent in the future.”
