Newcastle 1-3 Spurs - Mauricio's verdict

Mauricio Pochettino felt the team played their best football after the shock of Newcastle’s early equaliser in the second half to secure a deserved 3-1 win at St James’ Park on Sunday.

We were in control and 1-0 up at half-time only for history to repeat itself in this fixture and Newcastle to level within seconds of the start of the second half.

In our match at the Lane in September, Newcastle equalised just eight seconds into the second half and this time Jack Colback struck 18 seconds in.

We were soon back on the front foot and regained the lead on 52 minutes when Christian Eriksen’s wicked inswinging free-kick evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner - his 10th in the Premier League this term.

Tim Krul denied Harry Kane and Erik Lamela, Nabil Bentaleb headed just over and Federico Fazio just wide as we looked to put the issue beyond doubt.

We finally scored the third in added time with another milestone goal for Harry Kane.

Sent clear by Erik, Harry made no mistake one-on-one to take his tally to 20 in the Premier League and 30 in all competitions - the first Spur to hit the 30 mark since Gary Lineker in 1991-92.

"It was a very important win to recover our good feeling after the last two games,” said Mauricio.

“It was difficult after the last match against Aston Villa but we showed we’re still alive. We played well.

“We conceded another early goal in the second half but we were brave and we played our best football after they scored.

“Maybe it was difficult in the mind to concede another early goal against Newcastle but we responded well and I’m pleased.

“We now have a big game against Southampton and it’s important to feel that we can stay high up in the table.”