Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham: Spurs played like a Mauricio Pochettino team at Emirates

Jamie Redknapp says Mauricio Pochettino is beginning to stamp his imprint on Tottenham.

I questioned people like Kaboul before the game and asked whether they could play in big matches but I thought he and Mason, on his first Premier League start, were exceptional.

Pochettino’s Spurs side secured a creditable 1-1 draw at north London rivals Arsenal on Saturday Night Football, taking the lead through Nacer Chadli (56) before being pegged back by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike (74).

The Tottenham manager was praised for the high-pressing game he adopted at former club Southampton and Sky Sports expert Redknapp reckons the Argentine’s new set of players are starting to understand that system.

And the former Spurs midfielder reserved special praise for captain and centre-half Younes Kaboul and engine-roomer Ryan Mason, who spent time on loan at Lorient and Swindon last term.

“I think there are signs Pochettino is getting what he wants from this team,” said Redknapp, despite the visitors earning just 30 per cent of the possession across the 90 minutes at The Emirates.

Ambushing

“Kaboul – who normally away from home against Arsenal you’d be telling to get back in the defence – made an extraordinary decision to press Calum Chambers in the lead-up to Spurs’ goal.

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“That led to Christian Eriksen pressing and ambushing Mathieu Flamini, Erik Lamela getting on the ball and Chadli scoring.

“I questioned people like Kaboul before the game and asked whether they could play in big matches but I thought he and Ryan Mason, on his first Premier League start, were exceptional.

“I know Mason was highly thought of by the Tottenham backroom staff before Pochettino arrived and he moves a little like Aaron Ramsey.

“He glides, covers distance quickly and can take you up the pitch, something not many players can do, while he can also see a pass.

Ability

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal 16 minutes from could be timely for the England international, as he competes with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and the soon-to-return Theo Walcott for an attacking berth.

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And Redknapp says that the former Southampton academy product – whose time at the Emirates has been affected by injury – will get regular starts if he keeps on finding the net.

“I like him so much as a player that I think he can do more,” added Redknapp.

“It is difficult for him at times as Arsenal have signed world-class players and he is not maybe getting the games he would like, but with his ability he needs to be a 10-12 goal a season man.

“If he’s doing that, he cannot be left out.”