Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says his side are “in the battle” for the Champions League spots after beating Arsenal in Saturday’s north London derby.
Harry Kane’s winner on 49 minutes means Spurs have now taken seven points from consecutive Premier League games against top-four rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and the Gunners.
The margin of victory at Wembley could have been greater after a spell early in the second half when Tottenham dominated, only to find Arsenal keeper Petr Cech in top form.
“We feel very proud, the performance was amazing,” Pochettino told the post-match press conference.
“In the second half, the first 25 to 30 minutes, we played amazing football, we created a lot of chances.
“Football is about trust, confidence and belief. [We got] a clean sheet against United, a clean sheet against Arsenal, and I think we deserved more against Liverpool but we took the draw.
“I am so pleased because it is a key period where you need to fight for the top four – now with these three points we are in the battle.”
Pochettino also highlighted the performance of Mousa Dembele, a commanding figure in midfield but an unsung hero with Kane taking the plaudits.
“Last season, he played so well. Then at the end he suffered a problem with his ankle and struggled in pre-season,” the Spurs boss said.
“Now he’s again feeling good. The problem is his fitness – about his quality, there is no doubt. He’s a genius, an unbelievable player.”