Pochettino: Tottenham ‘fully deserved late win’

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino hailed Tottenham’s fighting spirit after Victor Wanyama 83rd-minute effort secured all three points against Crystal Palace.

Wayne Hennessey was kept busy in the Eagles goal throughout the London derby at White Hart Lane, but was unable to prevent one of Spurs’ new recruits from scoring his first goal for the hosts.

“It’s important to win the three points in the first game at home. I think we fully deserved it, I am happy with the performance, we played very well,” Pochettino told BBC Sport.

“I was always confident, full credit to the team because they fight to the end. We created a lot of chances in the first half and sometimes it is hard to keep going in the second, you can feel the frustration, but their energy was fantastic.

Pochettino also praised both of his summer recruits and believes the fans will appreciate the effort they showed.

“I am happy for Victor Wanyama, it’s important to score and feel the love of the supporters, and I am happy with Vincent Janssen, he was fantastic and created a lot of chances. I am happy with the way he works and fights, the supporters see he is a fighter,” he added.

Alli came off the bench to feature for Tottenham and Pochettino finished by explaining why the England international did not make the starting eleven.

“Delle Alli had some problems, he was ill for three days this week and not 100%,” Pochettino revealed. “We have a lot of games with the Champions League this season and we have to manage them to be in a better condition for the season.”