goal.com

Tottenham cannot hide from Premier League title talk - Pochettino

As Spurs target their first ever Premier League title, the Argentine stated the "massive" potential for his side and hopes it will be the "beginning of a great period"

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admits "you cannot hide our position" as his squad dream of winning the Premier League title this season.

Spurs face a crucial week in their hunt for the league, with a midweek showdown with West Ham before a blockbuster north London derby against Arsenal on Saturday.

Pochettino disagrees with the tag of favourites that some have given his side, especially after Leicester City's 2-2 draw with West Brom on Tuesday, but concedes Spurs are in a strong spot.

"You cannot hide our position," he told reporters ahead of their tie with the Hammers, looking to draw level with the points tally of Claudio Ranieri's leaders.

"We are second in the table and the dream for all professionals is to achieve these things. We have shown character and maturity, and we also have the legs to run.

"We need to know that we are the youngest squad in the league, so full credit to them and the club.

"The potential is massive for the future. We are in the beginning of a great period for the club."

A big part of getting to this position has come from Pochettino's attention to the small things, such as insisting all players greet each other and club staff, right up to chairman Daniel Levy.

"When I came to the club, maybe there were rules [put in place]," he added.

"For example, every morning, we shake hands with everybody. It was to show respect for each other; to show how you feel each morning when you meet.

"It is a small thing but it means a lot to create a real team. It shows you are interested in the people with whom you shake hands.

"It is may be a small thing but one that starts to grow in the group and a lot of things like this are important.

"They settle into the team and they show what we show as a team – that we are ready to fight for each other."

Lukas Fabianski was in peerless form as the hosts were frustrated until substitute Nacer Chadli cancelled out Alberto Paloschi's opener and Danny Rose claimed all three points

Goals from Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose saw Tottenham come from behind again in the Premier League to beat Swansea City 2-1 at White Hart Lane and maintain their title push.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have now recovered a league-high 17 points from losing positions this season, as two goals in the final 20 minutes secured all three points on Sunday.

Spurs found themselves behind after Alberto Paloschi netted his first Swansea goal in the 19th minute, the Italian reacting fastest to beat Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham's efforts to get back into the game saw former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski produce a number of fine saves to maintain Swansea's lead, but eventually he was beaten.

Chadli turned Kyle Walker's low shot past the Pole to bring the hosts level in the 70th minute before Rose put them ahead for the first time in the match with a low strike.

Victory sees Tottenham close the gap on leaders Leicester City back to two points and move three clear of Arsenal – who were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United – while Swansea remain three points clear of the bottom three in 16th.

Swansea made a bright start and should have taken the lead after three minutes, former Spurs midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson seeing his close-range effort superbly pushed over by Lloris from Paloschi's pull-back.

Tottenham responded immediately as Erik Lamela found space inside the Swansea six-yard box, his flicked effort from Rose's cross looping over Fabianski's crossbar.

The hosts continued to press and saw Harry Kane – wearing a mask to protect his broken nose after missing Tottenham's Europa League win over Fiorentina – denied by a low save from Fabianski.

Despite Tottenham's pressure it was the visitors who broke the deadlock as Paloschi opened his Premier League account, the Italian pouncing after Leon Britton's shot had deflected off Jack Cork.

The goal prompted Tottenham to lay siege to the goal of Fabianski, who kept the hosts at bay with a string of fine saves.

Having dived full-length to keep out Christian Eriksen's free-kick the Pole was on hand again to deny Son Heung-min and Eric Dier – the latter with a remarkable close-range stop – before the break.

Fabianski's personal battle to maintain Swansea's lead continued after the restart as he clawed away another Eriksen set-piece, before diverting a swerving effort from Kane for a corner.

Just before the hour Eriksen managed to evade the goalkeeper's grasp but his free-kick whistled agonisingly wide as frustrations began to build inside White Hart Lane.

Rose was also denied by the keeper, but from the resulting corner Fabianski was finally beaten, Chadli diverting home Walker's cross seven minutes after replacing Lamela.

Tottenham kept the pressure on Swansea's goal and the strugglers buckled with 13 minutes left as Rose found room to lash home his first of the season.

Paloschi nearly snatched a point for the visitors in the final 10 minutes but Lloris was alert at his front post as Tottenham – who saw a late Walker effort ruled out for offside – moved back to within touching distance of Leicester.

•  

   

  Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose orchestrate Spurs' comeback at the Lane as they move into sole possession of second place in the Premier League. Alberto Paloschi's opener gave Swansea hope, and Lukasz Fabianski did his part to keep Tottenham out for some time, but their resistance was broken in the end. That's all for our live coverage from White Hart Lane, thanks for following along. Good bye!
• 90'+5'

   

  FULL-TIME: TOTTENHAM 2-1 SWANSEA.
• 90'+4'

   

  Yellow Card Kyle Walker
  Walker goes into the book and Swansea have a final chance to pour everyone forward. Fer wins a header, which is flicked on for Gomis, but Alderweireld stands his ground to prevent the striker from going through on goal. That could do it!
• 90'+2'

   

  Spurs have taken the sting out of the match, slowing the tempo drastically as their focus switches to seeing off the final few minutes as opposed to going in search of a decisive third goal. Swansea don't seem to have what it takes to mount a comeback of their own.
• 90'

   

  Encouragement for Swansea, as the board goes up to indicate five minutes of stoppage time to be added on.
• 88'

   

  SubstitutionAlberto Paloschi Modou Barrow
  A final change from the visitors as Modou Barrow replaces scorer Paloschi. Time is running out on the Swans who are in danger of being dragged back into the relegation battle.
• 86'

   

  A tense final few minutes are in store at the Lane, as Tottenham look to pull into sole possession of second place in the Premier League. Swansea are struggling to keep the ball in attack, however, with an equaliser appearing somewhat unlikely at the moment.
• 84'

   

  SubstitutionHarry Kane Josh Onomah
  Harry Kane's day also comes to an end a few minutes early, as he's replaced by Josh Onomah. The England international hasn't factored in as much as he would have liked in attack, never really testing Fabianski.
• 83'

   

  SubstitutionSung-Yeung Ki Bafetimbi Gomis
  All hands on deck for the Swans as striker Bafetimbi Gomis comes on for the final seven minutes plus stoppage time, replacing midfielder Ki.
• 82'

   

  Swansea turn on the jets in an attempt to get back into the game. Ayew finds a pocket of space and manages to cut inside his marker, but can't get enough power behind his shot to really test Lloris.
• 81'

   

  OFFSIDE! That would have ended it! Swansea caught out on the break as Tottenham send bodies forward. Eriksen finds Kane, whose chipped-cross over the top picks out Walker and the right-back turns it in - but he couldn't stay onside! There's no excuse for that.
• 79'

   

  OUTSTANDING FROM LLORIS! Paloschi with a tremendous bit of skill at the far post to send a thumping half-volley at goal, which the Tottenham keeper somehow manages to parry!
• 77'

   

   

   

  Goal Danny Rose
  TOTTENHAM COMPLETE THE TURNAROUND! It's been coming, and Danny Rose is the unlikely scorer! Swansea fail to deal with a corner and the ball comes to Danny Rose who drives a left-footed strike through the mess of bodies and under the diving Fabianski!
• 75'

   

  SubstitutionLeon Britton Leroy Fer
  Swansea make their first change and it brings with it the debut of Leroy Fer! The Dutchman arrived in January from QPR and will replace Leon Britton for the final 15 minutes.
• 75'

   

  SubstitutionHeung-Min Son Ryan Mason
  Son's last involvement nearly sees him set-up a second Chadli goal, but the Belgian's effort is wide. He's replaced by Ryan Mason.
• 74'

   

  STAT: If Tottenham Hotspur win this match, it will be their highest ever haul of points after 27 Premier League games, beating the 53 they had earned in 2011-12.
• 72'

   

  SPECTACULAR! Another outstanding save from Fabianski, this time to deny Eriksen's swerving and dipping strike from close to 40-yards out! It's another one for the highlight reel for the Swansea keeper!
• 70'

   

  Assist Kyle Walker
  Walker picks up the assist for his clever delivery.
• 70'

   

   

   

  Goal Nacer Chadli
  SWANSEA'S RESISTANCE IS BROKEN! How crucial could that be for Spurs?! A rare slip from Fabianski who neglects to catch a corner, allowing it to come to Walker. The defender's cross-shot it met by Chadli who re-directs it in at the far post!
• 69'

   

  BLISTERING EFFORT! That had to be close to 35-yards out from Rose on the half-volley, as he sends a remarkable effort at goal, but Fabianski turns it over the bar! That certainly appeared to be heading in!
• 68'

   

  DEFLECTED WIDE! Williams throws himself in front of Rose's effort from range following a Spurs corner, and does enough to turn it wide of the far post. That was a timely intervention, but a dangerous one at that as it had Fabianski rooted to his spot with the change in direction.
• 66'

   

  It's pandemonium inside the Swansea penalty area with each Tottenham attack. The hosts are having no problem getting the ball into the box and testing Fabianski, but they can't buy a goal! Fatigue is starting to set in for the Welsh outfit, and a substitution could be on its way shortly.
• 64'

   

  Another effort from Eriksen! The Dane is buzzing in attack and tries his luck again from range, but Fabianski had eyes for it the whole way and is wise to it in the end. Tottenham in all-out attack mode.
• 63'

   

  SubstitutionErik Lamela Nacer Chadli
  Pochettino makes the first change of the game, bringing on Nacer Chadli in place of Erik Lamela.
• 62'

   

  STAT: Christian Eriksen has had a hand in five goals (three scored, two assisted) in his last five league games. He also has scored three times in his last three appearances against Swansea.
• 60'

   

  JUST WIDE! From the same angle, only a couple of yards closer, Eriksen goes for the opposite corner this time. Fabianski dives over, unsure of where the ball is heading, but breathes a sigh of relief as it drifts beyond the far post.
• 58'

   

  Yellow Card André Ayew Pelé
  Ayew is booked for a cynical challenge atop the Swansea penalty area, and this ensuing free-kick should prove a real worry for the visitors.
• 57'

   

  Excellent passage of play! Swansea need a bit more of that, if only to give their defence and Fabianski some deserved rest. Cork and Ki link-up neatly atop the area, but the chip into the box for Paloschi runs safely into the arms of Lloris.
• 56'

   

  Yellow Card Danny Rose
  Rose slides recklessly into the back of Ayew, with an altogether untidy challenge, and he becomes the first Tottenham player booked on the afternoon.
• 56'

   

  Kane has a go from a long way out as pressure continues to build, but Fabianski takes no chances as he knocks the curling effort behind - although it didn't appear to be heading on target. The ensuing corner is also met by the England striker, but again the Swansea keeper is up to the task.
• 54'

   

  MAGIC FROM FABIANSKI! It's equally impressive from Eriksen, who whips a free-kick in with great pace, but the Swansea keeper dives across to his right to keep it off the line! He's having himself a day to remember!
• 52'

   

  STAT: Swansea have never won a league game at White Hart Lane in 17 previous attempts (D2, L15).
• 50'

   

  Collected well by Fabianski! The Swansea keeper is proving every bit up to the task this afternoon, and it's looking like it will take something special to beat him. This time around it's not so difficult for him, however, as Alli's turn and strike is smothered well as he gets down quickly to his left.
• 48'

   

  Tottenham start quickly on the front foot, with Eriksen picking out a peach of a pass for Rose. The left-back fails to control, but Kane is able to pounce and chip a cross into a dangerous area which Fabianski does well to punch clear.
• 46'

   

  Back underway at the Lane!
•  

   

  Alberto Paloschi's first Premier League goal has struggling Swansea in front at the interval at White Hart Lane, at the end of a wildly entertaining first half in London. Hugo Lloris and Lukasz Fabianski have stolen the spotlight after 45 minutes, however, with both keepers making some truly outstanding stops to keep the score the way it is. The tempo has been terrific from the start, and there certainly promises to be more goals to come if this first half was any indication of what's to come!
• 45'+2'

   

  HALF-TIME: TOTTENHAM 0-1 SWANSEA.
• 45'+1'

   

  HOW HAS THAT STAYED OUT?! That's absolutely stunning! Fabianski with a world class stop, equal to the one Lloris produced early on, as he reacts brilliantly to stick out a hand and deny Dier from point-blank range! The difficulty of that stop can not be overstated!
• 45'

   

  There will be two minutes added on at the end of the first half.
• 44'

   

  Swansea have managed to take the sting out of the match as they appear set to take the lead with them into the interval. Lamela picks out a poor pass for Son which runs behind for a goal-kick, and the South Korea international isn't at all happy with the delivery, as frustration starts to set in a bit from Spurs' point of view.
• 42'

   

  Yellow Card Alberto Paloschi
  Paloschi finds his name on the gamesheet for a second time today, this one for a very different reason, however, as he nearly rips the jersey right off the back of Walker to halt the full-back's run - and is promptly issued a yellow card.
• 41'

   

  STAT: Tottenham have recovered 14 points from losing positions in the Premier League; more than any other team in the division.
• 39'

   

  CRUCIAL BLOCK! It hasn't happened with any sort of regularity, but when Swansea do get forward they're managing to find quite a few openings. Lloris' scrambled clearance comes to Ayew, who plays Rangel down the right. The wing-back picks out Paloschi with his cross, but Alderweireld blocks the striker's first-time effort from in close!
• 37'

   

  Much needed breather for Swansea as Paloschi holds the ball up smartly and wins a free-kick in the attacking third. The visitors are in absolutely no rush to take, in desperate need of a bit of respite. Groans rains down from the Tottenham supporters, but this is smart from Swansea to take the sting out of the match just a bit.
• 35'

   

  SPURS SHOULD BE LEVEL! Alli picks out a clever ball for Son, who takes it and turns beautifully. The ex-Leverkusen forward has a clean sight of goal from inside the area, but powers a shot straight at Fabianski, who manages to parry! Swansea are barely holding on here!
• 33'

   

  DOUBLE CHANCE! Alli's strong run sees the ball into the path of Lamela inside the area, but the Argentine's shot is kept out smartly by Fabianski at the near post. Tottenham waste no time getting back in attack and it's Kane's effort this time that forces the ex-Arsenal keeper into action.
• 31'

   

  SAFE HANDS! It's not the most difficult of saves in the end for Fabianski, who has eyes on Eriksen's free-kick the whole way, and is able to dive across to the near post to usher it aside. Swansea are holding on, but it's getting a lot less comfortable for them.
• 29'

   

  DREADFUL! Eriksen and Lamela stand over the ensuing free-kick, but it winds up being the latter who takes, and his effort is abysmal. It barely gets towards goal, making for a simple stop for Fabianski.
• 28'

   

  Yellow Card Ashley Williams
  Ashley Williams is shown the game's first yellow card for an ill-timed slide to break up Alli's run. He went in with some force there and can have little complaint about the decision.
• 26'

   

  It has been all Tottenham since falling behind, but no test yet for Fabianski. Walker's cross-cum-shot flashes across the face of goal, with Kane nearly getting a decisive touch, but it drifts beyond the far post.
• 24'

   

  Had to be better! Eriksen lifts the free-kick invitingly into the penalty area - as we've come to expect from him - and it's met by Dier, but the midfielder sends a header well over the bar.
• 23'

   

  There's a real sense of urgency about Spurs, but Swansea have almost a calming quality as they defend that seems to be working for them. Cork is penalised for a foul on Dier from about 35-yards out, but the replay shows he got all of the ball and none of the man.
• 21'

   

  Tottenham respond well again, passing the ball with great authority in the attacking third. The build-up play has been superb, aided by their movement off the ball in attack, but they fail to get a shot off on this latest attack as Swansea pack enough bodies back to deal with the threat.
• 19'

   

  Assist Jack Cork
  Cork picks up the assist as it was his presence that deflected Sigurdsson's shot into the Italian's path.
• 19'

   

   

   

  Goal Alberto Paloschi
  SWANSEA STUN TOTTENHAM AT THE LANE! It's nothing less than they deserve given the confidence they've played with thus far! A deflected shot from Sigurdsson following a corner falls right into the path of Paloschi, who cannons a first-time finish emphatically into the top corner for his first Premier League goal!
• 17'

   

  STAT: Swansea have collected just 0.22 points per game on average in the Premier League against Spurs; fewer than against any other opponent in the competition.
• 15'

   

  Good spell in possession from the Swans. A free-kick won on the left is teased into the area and Ayew's header appears to deflect behind for a corner, but it's given as a goal-kick. Nonetheless, Spurs give the ball straight back and the visitors can look to create yet again.
• 13'

   

  Swansea are struggling to pass out from the back, but they're having good success when they play long balls over the top. Their forwards are full of running and have been able to beat the Tottenham defenders for pace thus far. Still, they need more consistency in midfield or their strikers will start to tire.
• 11'

   

  EXCELLENT SAVE! That's a wonderful bit of play from Eriksen who peels out wide into space before picking out a terrific cross in towards the near post for Kane. The striker meets it with a first-time poke towards goal, but Fabianski reacts brilliantly to turn it aside!
• 9'

   

  Spurs continue to enjoy more possession, but it's shaping up to be a very wide-open match. The tempo has been lively thus far, which will not please Francesco Guidolin who is certainly aware of the attacking threat posed by Tottenham. Surely this won't continue as is.
• 7'

   

  STAT: Tottenham have only allowed 79 shots on target against them in 2015/16, fewer than any other team in the top flight.
• 5'

   

  GOOD CHANCE! Bit of a wake-up call for Tottenham following Swansea's positive start, which prompts the hosts into action. Kane sprays a good ball out wide for Rose, who picks out Lamela in the centre, but the Argentine's first-time shot lifts over the bar!
• 3'

   

  WHAT AN OUTSTANDING PIECE OF GOALKEEPING! That is truly special from Lloris! A ball over the top is played through for Paloschi, who chases it down and squares the perfect ball across for Sigurdsson, but he's denied at point-blank range from the Frenchman! That was a sitter from six-yards out, and looked a sure goal for the Iceland international!
• 1'

   

  Referee Mike Jones gets the match underway at White Hart Lane!
•  

   

  With 15 days since their last match, Francesco Guidolin had the luxury of giving his players a bit of a rest, and has a fully fit squad to chose from as a result. The Italian makes just one change to the team as Sung-Yeung Ki replaces Wayne Routledge in at attempt to pack an extra body in midfield and make life difficult on Tottenham. Andre Ayew starts in a more advanced role, partnering Alberto Paloschi in attack, supported by ex-Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
•  

   

  Mauricio Pochettino welcomes back leading scorer Harry Kane into the team this week after the striker was forced to miss out on their Europa League match midweek with a broken nose. Nacer Chadli drops to the bench to make room. The hosts have put forth a very attack-minded starting line-up today with Heung-Min Son also coming into the team in place of Ryan Mason, pushing Dele Alli deeper in midfield. As has been the case for much of the season, the Argentine manager has also rotated his full-backs for this contest, with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose getting the call ahead of Kieran Trippier and former Swansea defender Ben Davies.
•  

   

  SUBS: Amat, Fer, Nordfeldt, Routledge, Gomis, Naughton, Barrow.
•  

   

  SWANSEA (4-3-1-2): Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Cork, Britton, Ki; Sigurdsson; Ayew, Paloschi.
•  

   

  SUBS: Bentaleb, Mason, Vorm, Trippier, Chadli, Onomah, Davies.
•  

   

  TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dier, Alli; Son, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane.
•  

   

  CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
•  

   

  The Swans have been much improved since the appointment of Francesco Guidolin, but they haven’t faced a team on the level of Tottenham. Southampton is the only one relatively comparable, and it ended in defeat for the struggling Welsh side at the Liberty Stadium. They have had fifteen days to prepare for this fixture, however, while Spurs have played four times in that span, so the odds may not be as stacked against Swansea as they appear on paper.
•  

   

  Hello and welcome to live coverage from White Hart Lane as Tottenham look to solidify themselves as title contenders as they play host to a Swansea side trying to distance themselves from the bottom three. Spurs have one less competition to worry about as they were dispatched from the FA Cup last weekend, but they advanced to the Europa League last 16 in style midweek over Fiorentina. Still, the title chase remains priority number one for Mauricio Pochettino, and these are the games they absolutely must have to be considered legitimate contenders.