Mauricio Pochettino Praises Tottenham for Having Character
Tottenham fight back to earn a point in a one-all draw.
In the opening 10 minutes of the match, Tottenham took control of the tempo. They dictated how this game would play out.
But every single time Spurs come out of the gates flying, something happens to them along the way. They tire out rather quickly or reverse course and go on the defensive.
Against Liverpool, it happened again, like it did to begin last season: start off games fast, then burn out slowly.
Often times fighting to secure a draw just like yesterday.
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This kind of style is starting to become a habit for the club in recent years.
Whenever Spurs concede a goal, they’re able to will themselves to score an equalizer with the help of their fans.
It’s not pretty for a majority of the game but it is effective as soon as they score.
How Pochettino put it, Tottenham have character.
Trailing twice in three games this season before earning draws, this is a glass half full-type of situation.
“It was a very tough game, both teams played with passion, that is important and I thought we showed character,” Mauricio Pochettino said (via Tottenham’s official site).
“I’m pleased with the players, the effort they made on the pitch was fantastic.”
The reason why it’s best to look at Spurs’ current situation right now as optimistic is because this could have been much worse.
Losing Hugo Lloris against Everton and having Michel Vorm come into the game with Tottenham trailing 1-0 is not an ideal situation for a backup goalkeeper.
The score could have been 2-0 just before half-time, but Vorm made a fine save on Gerard Deulofeu in a 1v1 situation.
Credit to Spurs for earning a draw in the opening week against a tough opponent they drew twice last term.
Versus Liverpool, to lose Kyle Walker to injury (it’s unlikely he’s sick) and a bad game overall, Tottenham don’t look good right now, though they have manged to remain unbeaten somehow.
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“It’s difficult to play and to show good football when both teams want to press and both teams have such good players,” Pochettino continued.
“I thought we started very well but the problem was we had to change our plan.”
“In the second half, we showed lots of character, that was fantastic, so we need to be pleased with our players.”
Another way to assess Spurs’ character thus far, is that they have heart. Which the Argentine manager was quick to agree with.
“Yes, it’s true. That’s the third game in the Premier League unbeaten and that’s important.”
Draws won’t get Spurs anywhere, and last season showed that one too many cost them the Premier League title as well as second place.
Then again, not losing a game up to this point is some sort of accomplishment despite having no depth, a weak bench and starters who are slumping.
Michel Vorm was the Man of the Match, but Danny Rose would be a good choice as well after displaying some fine attacking play in the first the half before scoring the equalizer.
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James Milner who was playing left-back was caught out of position and left Eric Dier open.
With a quick glance at the penalty box, Dier swung a cross that Érik Lamela directed towards Rose who scored.
That helped secure a hard fought draw at White Hart Lane.
“It was an important moment for us, a lot of good action before Danny scored and I’m happy for him. It was good not to lose the game,” Pochettino added.