Three-star debut for Pochettino's new system
Spurs boss' 3-3-3-1 formation helps side inflict 3-0 defeat on Hull
Tottenham's Christian Eriksen celebrates scoring their second goal against Hull City on December 14, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON:
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino hailed his change of system after his side beat Hull City 3-0 to remain unbeaten on home soil in the Premier League this term.
Two goals from Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen and one for Victor Wanyama at White Hart Lane on Wednesday ensured Spurs bounced back from defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
Pochettino intriguingly opted to play three at the back, with Eric Dier drafted into a 3-3-3-1 formation not dissimilar to the system employed by Antonio Conte at leaders Chelsea.
"This season we were working hard on a different formation to provide the team with a different solution," said Pochettino, whose side continue to trail Chelsea by 10 points in fifth place.
"Today we believed that was the way to play. I was very happy as it worked well. The first two goals came because of good work by our full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. They were higher and used like wing-backs.
"It was important to try and move the ball quickly and at the same time, it's important to be clinical. The three points keep us in a very good position.
“Now we need to keep our faith and reduce the gap. For different reasons, we feel comfortable here. We lost to Chelsea and Manchester United, but are playing well, so it's important to take a good result. "
Pochettino did concede that his side did not always find it easy despite Eriksen's early goal and admits lady luck shone on Tottenham.
"It was difficult at 1-0," he said. "They had a very good chance to score and in football sometimes you need some luck and in that moment it was important to be safe and not concede.
The Spurs boss also praised the performance of the Denmark’s Eriksen, who was the star of the show for his team on Wednesday night.
“I'm very pleased with Christian's performance,” he added. “He was very aggressive and I'm very pleased for him. He is working hard to improve and it's good for us and for the team."
Hull remain in the bottom three after a sixth straight away defeat, but their manager Mike Phelan felt the scoreline was harsh on his side, but was pleased with the recent improvement shown in their level of play.
"It's hard for me to try and explain a result like that when you feel as if your team has come to Tottenham and created opportunities," he said. "They had the extra quality at the right time.
"It's harsh, but I'm staying as positive as I can. We did not just lay down, we were value for money. What I was really pleased with was we created chances and I never felt we were out of the game.
"The quality came through at the end for them [Tottenham]. Before you know it, you are 3-0 down, wondering why.
“We are getting closer and closer and those chances are coming. At times when they don't go in, they get a bit down and disappointed, but we have to look ahead and keep our belief in what we are doing."
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino hailed his change of system after his side beat Hull City 3-0 to remain unbeaten on home soil in the Premier League this term.
Two goals from Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen and one for Victor Wanyama at White Hart Lane on Wednesday ensured Spurs bounced back from defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
Pochettino intriguingly opted to play three at the back, with Eric Dier drafted into a 3-3-3-1 formation not dissimilar to the system employed by Antonio Conte at leaders Chelsea.
Vertonghen extends Spurs stay until 2019
"This season we were working hard on a different formation to provide the team with a different solution," said Pochettino, whose side continue to trail Chelsea by 10 points in fifth place.
"Today we believed that was the way to play. I was very happy as it worked well. The first two goals came because of good work by our full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. They were higher and used like wing-backs.
"It was important to try and move the ball quickly and at the same time, it's important to be clinical. The three points keep us in a very good position.
Kane signs six-year extension with Spurs
“Now we need to keep our faith and reduce the gap. For different reasons, we feel comfortable here. We lost to Chelsea and Manchester United, but are playing well, so it's important to take a good result. "
Pochettino did concede that his side did not always find it easy despite Eriksen's early goal and admits lady luck shone on Tottenham.
"It was difficult at 1-0," he said. "They had a very good chance to score and in football sometimes you need some luck and in that moment it was important to be safe and not concede.
The Spurs boss also praised the performance of the Denmark’s Eriksen, who was the star of the show for his team on Wednesday night.
“I'm very pleased with Christian's performance,” he added. “He was very aggressive and I'm very pleased for him. He is working hard to improve and it's good for us and for the team."
Hull remain in the bottom three after a sixth straight away defeat, but their manager Mike Phelan felt the scoreline was harsh on his side, but was pleased with the recent improvement shown in their level of play.
"It's hard for me to try and explain a result like that when you feel as if your team has come to Tottenham and created opportunities," he said. "They had the extra quality at the right time.
"It's harsh, but I'm staying as positive as I can. We did not just lay down, we were value for money. What I was really pleased with was we created chances and I never felt we were out of the game.
"The quality came through at the end for them [Tottenham]. Before you know it, you are 3-0 down, wondering why.
“We are getting closer and closer and those chances are coming. At times when they don't go in, they get a bit down and disappointed, but we have to look ahead and keep our belief in what we are doing."