Stoking the flames: Spurs fans can dream of title: Pochettino

Tottenham manager happy to let supporters ‘believe’ after downing City 2-1 at Etihad

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged fans to not give up the belief that Spurs can achieve their first Premier League title in 55 years after Christian Eriksen’s late winner in a 2-1 win against Manchester City lifted them to within two points of leaders Leicester City on Sunday.

Tottenham capitalised on a controversial penalty call to take the lead in a highly-charged encounter before Kelechi Iheanacho equalised for the Citizens 15 minutes before time.

However, Eriksen’s 83rd minute strike ensured Spurs left the Etihad with all three points and Pochettino, who was celebrating with the away fans, asked his fans to continue with the dream.

“The supporters are right to dream of the title. They showed big support from the beginning of the season and I say thank you to them,” said the Argentinian, according to Sky Sports. “It is important for our supporters to believe. It was a very important victory. Our players deserve full credit for the performance.”

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, meanwhile, criticised the appointment of referee Mark Clattenburg for the pivotal game.

Clattenburg awarded a spot-kick for handball against Raheem Sterling when a cross from Tottenham’s Danny Rose hit the City winger on the back of the arm.

“Unfortunately for us it was the same referee, Clattenburg, as when we lost against Tottenham in the first round with two goals offside. It was decisive for the game. For me I don’t think it is a good decision to have the same referee,” said the City boss.

“It was absolutely the wrong decision [to award the penalty]. It was the key moment that decided the game.”  

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.