Sunday 28 September 2014 22:09, UK
Mauricio Pochettino congratulated his Tottenham Hotspur players after what he felt was a well-earned 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Spurs took the lead through Nacer Chadli’s goal but were pegged back by an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain strike and Pochettino acknowledged after the game that Arsenal had dominated possession.
However, the Gunners did not carve out many clear opportunities and Pochettino was pleased with the performance of his side.
He told Sky Sports: “It is a good result for us. Arsenal had control of the game and had the ball more than us, but we played well.
“We were very compact and took our opportunity to score, so I am happy with the performance in a difficult game.
“I have to congratulate my players. We tried to win the game but I think a draw is fair.
“It was important for us. We need to build our team.”
Pochettino was particularly pleased with Chadli’s goal, which came as a result of pressing high up the pitch as Christian Eriksen dispossessed Mathieu Flamini before Erik Lamela played the final pass.
He said: “We scored a good goal. This is our philosophy. It is difficult to keep that philosophy for 90 minutes at the moment, but we are going to try.”
Pochettino also praised midfielder Ryan Mason, who impressed on his Premier League debut after earning a place in the team with his Capital One Cup goal in midweek.
“I think he did a fantastic job. It was a big game, away to Arsenal, so I am happy for him and congratulate him,” added the manager.
