Mauricio Pochettino says Spurs managed Southampton game well

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with his side after they moved into fourth place in the Premier League with a 2-0 win at Southampton.

Pochettino's men suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Newcastle last weekend but bounced back with a comfortable win at their manager's old club.

Having soaked up some early Southampton pressure, the visitors secured the victory with two goals in quick succession towards the end of the first half, scored by exciting young England internationals Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

And Pochettino felt his side were well worth the three points.

"It is always tough here and they were better at the beginning of the game," he said.

"First 20 minutes, we have some problems, but, after 20 minutes, we started to manage the game and we deserved the victory.

"Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the Premier League and we are pleased he is with us, and Hugo Lloris made two big saves."

Kane appeared to pick up a knee injury in the closing stages and, although he was able to return to the action, he was quickly substituted.

But Pochettino reported: "It was not anything serious. Now he needs to rest and recover for the next game."

Alli was impressive once again and Pochettino was asked if he was surprised at how well the youngster had done since signing from MK Dons.

"Not surprised," said the manager. "We know the quality he has. The only thing was, how would he adapt his game for the Premier League?

"His adaptation was very good because he started to work when we signed him in January [Alli remained at MK Dons on loan for the rest of that season]. Every week, one day training with the first team.

"We believe in the youngsters and, when they deserve to play, you need to give them opportunities."

Defeat for Manchester United meant Spurs have climbed into the top four and Pochettino said: "It's very important to stay there. But it's not important for us today the table. The key for me is where we finish.

"For that, we need to keep working hard, be focused. We are younger and don't need any distractions. We need now to believe more.

"The reaction [after defeat last week] was fantastic. I want to congratulate the players on what was a fantastic game."