As Tottenham Hotspurs await the final scan results of injured striker Harry Kane, captain Hugo Lloris has expressed concerns over the impact of the blow to his side’s campaign in the 2016/17 season. “We’ve got to get better – the goal was a gift”.
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Kane scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute at White Hart Lane before turning his ankle while attempting a sliding tackle on Papy Djilobodji.
Pochettino also addressed the injuries players suffered in the game, with Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier all being forced off.
Spurs (3-2-0) started strong and soon had the Black Cats on the back foot.
Pickford had the most touches and his eight saves were vital in keeping the score respectable. Having been cautioned for dissent, he saw red after fouling Ben Davies.
“This is the story of the season and that’s why we need all the players involved to be committed to the club because when the manager needs you, you need to respond well”.
Jordan Pickford does not want to miss a game but admits it will accept “the gaffer’s choice” if he is put on bench duty for Sunderland. He will get better, he has a real good future ahead of him. “The only thing he probably lacked was a good chance on goal”.
The Argentinian added: “It’s new for us, and it’s important to learn, and sometimes you are surprised when you make changes”.
“It is a big job”. He did got get much help from Jan Vertonghen at full back, so he had to do it all by himself.
The 22-year-old said: “From my point of view, I just have to keep working hard in training and when it comes to the games I have to keep performing”.
Tottenham nearly allowed Son to join Wolfsburg in the summer, but Pochettino is now pleased that the forward agreed to stay and fight for his place. In the end it was fair. I think we performed very well.
“I said, “okay, always my door is open” and we decide to stay. We feel disappointed because we created a lot of chances in the first half”.
INCIDENTS: Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane.
It’s a huge blow for a Spurs team that is now in third place in the Premier League and not looking overly effective so far this season – the lone exception being a 4-0 win over Stoke City.
However, Sunderland made an unexpected late change, with Jason Denayer coming in for Patrick van Aanholt moments before kick-off, and the Belgium global was given a tough examination by Son Heung-min on his Premier League debut for the club.
Spurs are one of only three teams to maintain an unbeaten record in the league this season.
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss David Moyes gave an honest assessment, saying; “We were in the game, but we also have to be truthful”.
Late in the half Spurs survived a huge scare when Kyle Walker brilliantly cleared off the line after Steven Pienaar had side footed Adnan Januzaj’s cutback past Lloris.
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Tottenham host League One side Gillingham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before travelling to Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Saturday.
