Mauricio Pochettino: It was important for Tottenham to reduce gap on Chelsea

By Charlotte Marsh

Mauricio Pochettino was pleased after Tottenham beat Burnley 2-0 despite injuries to Victor Wanyama and Harry Winks

Mauricio Pochettino says it was important that Tottenham reduced the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea after their 2-0 win at Burnley.

Eric Dier and Heung-Min Son netted within 11 second-half minutes to secure Spurs' first away league win since New Year's Day, while Chelsea lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

It means there are now seven points between the two sides, although the victory for Pochettino's side came at a cost with injuries for Victor Wanyama and Harry Winks at the end of the first half.

The Argentine manager said it was key that Tottenham were able to take advantage of the Blues' defeat, and gave an update on Winks who was taken to hospital.

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"It was an unbelievable victory for us and it was important to reduce the gap on Chelsea after their defeat. It was important for us to get the three points that we fully deserved in the end," Pochettino told Sky Sports.

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"I am very proud but it is true that in the first half there were many accidents for us, Victor Wanyama and Harry Winks were taken off and it was difficult but I think we fully deserved the result from there.

Image: Harry Winks was taken off on a stretcher at half-time after suffering an ankle injury

"I think we talk a lot about being there if Chelsea fail but what is important for us is the way we got the three points and the way we took the victory.

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"After the international break, it is so difficult to bring all of the players back in at different times and it is very dangerous for us, that first game, but I am very happy that any player who has not played too much had the opportunity to play and the team showed big character.

"Sometimes you need some luck and it is true that you must do your job. You need to be ready and there if something happens. We showed today that we are there if Chelsea fail like today, try to reduce the gap and we will see what happens at the end of the season."

On Winks, Pochettino added: "We are waiting for him and the results. We will see what happens and hope it's not a big problem."

Image: Tottenham won their first away Premier League game since New Year's Day at Turf Moor

It is a quick turnaround for Spurs who are next in action against Swansea on Wednesday in the Premier League, with Pochettino expecting another demanding encounter.

"It is true that every game is a battle and every game is so difficult. Today was a very tough game, Burnley are a team who are very tough and I'm sure that on Wednesday we will have another tough game in Swansea

"But if we come with that energy and that predisposition to fight, I think we can compete. Now, we will try to enjoy the result and try to be ready for Wednesday."

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