Pochettino: Tottenham need to focus on finishing ‘with possibility to fight for big things’

Mauricio Pochettino stresses Spurs need to be less concerned with their place in the Premier League table and simply focused on maintaining peak form.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino shown during his team's FA Cup match against Colchester United last weekend. Ian Kington / AFP / January 30, 2016

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham Hotspur must not be distracted by the Premier League table as they pursue their first title in more than half a century.

Spurs last won the league in 1961, but the North London club remain just five points adrift of surprise leaders Leicester City following a convincing 3-0 victory at Norwich City on Tuesday night.

Dele Alli opened the scoring in the second minute at Carrow Road before Harry Kane doubled Tottenham’s advantage from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. Kane then scored his second of the night in injury time to complete a fine victory for Pochettino’s men.

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It marked Tottenham's fifth victory in as many matches across league and cup, and saw them leapfrog rivals Arsenal into third place after they played out a goalless draw against Southampton.

"The gap with Leicester is five points and a lot can happen in football but our next game is against Watford and we need to keep this mentality," Pochettino said.

“We cannot be distracted by the table. It is important for the supporters, but for us it is important to arrive in the last few games with the possibility to fight for big things.

“But for now we have a way ahead of us – and a lot of games – and we need to be focused every day, improve in every training session, and try to win every game.”

Kane took his tally for the season to 15 goals after scoring from the spot and converting when one-on-one with Norwich goalkeeper Declan Rudd late in the game.

While the England international remains fit and scoring, Pochettino’s decision not to buy a striker during the transfer window will be vindicated.

“I am very happy with the squad we have,” Pochettino added. “We have enough quality to fight in different competitions.

“We are in a process when it is difficult to add the right player that can improve our squad. If we can find this player then why not? We are open and welcome. But I believe in my squad and the players show we can trust them so my feeling is good.”

Spurs announced later on Wednesday that 18-year-old midfielder Josh Onomah has been rewarded for his rise through the ranks with a new contract running until 2020.

The Enfield-born England youth and Under 19 international has been a regular in Tottenham’s first-team squad this season, making 14 appearances in all competitions to date.

A statement on the official Tottenham website read: “We are delighted to announce that Josh Onomah has signed a new contract with the Club until 2020.

“The 18-year-old has been a regular in the first team squad this season, having worked his way through our youth ranks, and has made 14 appearances in all competitions to date.”

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