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Wolverhampton, United Kingdom | AFP | Mauricio Pochettino hailed the character of his Tottenham team after they withstood a Wolves fightback to grind out a 3-2 win at Molineux.
Pochettino was keen for his players to learn the lessons on Saturday’s thrilling clash after they threatened to throw away a 3-0 lead in a tense finale.
But the Tottenham manager also praised his team’s fighting qualities after former England defender Gary Neville this week labelled previous Tottenham teams as ‘spineless’.
“When some people make some comments you have to respect the comments,” Pochettino said.
“But yes, I was so happy right from the beginning. Since I arrived here we created a very good culture about fight and altogether the belief.
“It was difficult to create that but I am so happy. It is a team that is always going to give the faith in each game.
“We can win or we can lose but we are so intense and today the effort was fantastic.”
Pochettino’s men appeared to be cruising when Harry Kane made it 3-0 on 61 minutes, adding to first half goals from Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura.
FULL-TIME: A late fightback from Wolves isn’t enough as we leave Molineux with all three points. ?#COYS pic.twitter.com/Zi0Khlk8G2
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 3, 2018
Yet two late penalties from Wolves set up a nervous finish and left Pochettino with mixed feelings.
“When we got to 3-0 we thought and the whole stadium thought the game was over,” he said.
“When we arrive in that situation we need to learn about how to play seriously, not make mistakes and not give opponents such poor actions that they can stay in the game.
“That is why I am happy for three points but disappointed with some of the performance.”
– Injury concerns –
Pochettino celebrated victory amid a backdrop of injury concerns, especially in midfield, after Mousa Dembele limped off after just six minutes with his ankle heavily strapped.
With Victor Wanyama (knee) and Eric Dier (thigh) already sidelined, Pochettino will conduct a nervous head count ahead of Tuesday’s must-win Champions League game at home to PSV Eindhoven.
“We don’t know but we are a little bit worried. We need to see because we need to assess him on Monday,” Pochettino said of Dembele.
“It will be a shame because we hope it’s not a big issue. It’s very painful now but I hope it’s not a big issue and he can be with the team again soon.”
In his eagerness to rest players ahead of Tuesday, Pochettino handed a Premier League debut to 20-year-old centre-back Juan Foyth, who enjoyed an excellent first half before conceding both penalties after the break.
Partido difícil pero volvemos a casa con los 3 puntos! ? Ahora a pensar en el partido de Champions que se viene! Vamos equipo ??
Not the best way to finish the match but we take the 3⃣ points home! Now we must start thinking about the Champions League! #COYS pic.twitter.com/apNXRxwt9z
— Erik Manuel Lamela (@ErikLamela) November 3, 2018
Such was the nervous nature of his display that Spurs introduced the rested Davinson Sanchez from the bench, but Pochettino backed his youngster to bounce back strongly after Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez both scored from the spot for Wolves.
“It as his debut but I think his performance was very good,” he said.
“I’m happy. But as a centre-back you can be involved. That situation happened and he is clever and is going to learn.
“I am very happy and his performance was very good.”
Pochettino revealed Dele Alli will be in contention to face PSV after being left at home as a precaution for the trip to the Midlands.
