Sun 13 January 2019, 20:24
Tottenham HotspurMauricio Pochettino handed the players the highest praise after our narrow loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
We battered away at the United goal in the second half but couldn’t find a way past David de Gea, who produced 11 saves - Harry Kane, Dele, Toby Alderweireld and Fernando Llorente all denied as we racked up 21 efforts at goal.
In the end, Marcus Rashford’s goal on the counter-attack just before half-time proved decisive.
We had a goal chalked off for offside before that - Kane denied - and had to re-organise after Moussa Sissoko limped out of the action. Kane was also injured in the final seconds.
I think it was our best 45 minutes (in the second half) after four-and-a-half years (in charge) and of course, yes, we’re disappointed with the result
“I am happy because the performance was unbelievable,” stated Mauricio at Wembley. “I think it was our best 45 minutes (in the second half) after four-and-a-half years (in charge) and of course, yes, we’re disappointed with the result.
“We’re a little unlucky because when you are in front of the goal you need to be clinical. Today, give the credit to de Gea, we weren’t clinical but the team played unbelievable football and we need to be proud about that.”
Rashford’s goal came a minute after Sissoko’s injury. “In those few minutes we didn’t organise quickly and in that moment we conceded but overall we dominated the game and we were better,” added Mauricio.
“We were unlucky, but we need to understand that's football. Maybe when you don’t deserve to, you win and when you deserve to, you don’t win. We need to accept that. Football is a game where all can happen.”
