Mauricio Pochettino claims Tottenham's rapid opener against Manchester United was down to 'belief'

Christian Eriksen's goal came after only 10.5 seconds at Wembley

Eriksen scored the third-fasted Premier League goal ever (Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino says that Christian Eriksen’s instant goal against Manchester United was not from a specific plan to catch Jose Mourinho’s side out, but instead merely the result of “belief” and should be shown to every academy player.

The Danish playmaker scored after just 10.5 seconds, for the third fastest goal in Premier League history, to set up a fine 2-0 win for Spurs. Pochettino admitted that the instant goal was a “surprise”.

“We prepare to play in opposite half from the beginning,” Pochettino said. “We try to be aggressive. If you can score, score. but it's so difficult. We prepare to play in the opposite half, we want to play in opposite half, dominate the game, put pressure on them. You work, I'm happy it happened after 10 seconds but that is football.

“The action that is so important is to see Christian Eriksen - the belief. The run is fantastic. There's no waiting - to decide, anticipate, read the action is so important. That is one to show the academy players on video.”

Pochettino also generally praised the display of his playmaker.

“Yes, it was a great performance from Christian. So important for us, not only today when he was great and scored. He's a player that links everyone. When he's not, he's a player we miss.”

The only frustration for Spurs was that they didn’t win by more, given they had the chances to do so, and it is maybe why Pochettino wouldn’t be drawn about whether this was their best display at Wembley given they beat Real Madrid here 3-1 and Liverpool 4-1.

“I don't know if it was the best, i think the performance was fantastic, great, so pleased with that. Congratulate our players - they deserve full credit. Of course, so happy. Be sure it's one of the best at Wembley, I don't know if the best.

”I think we played plenty of good games. Not only Real Madrid, but Liverpool and today. A lot of good performances were here. Of course, today was against Man United, a great team, to dominate to play and deserve the result in the end, not conceding a goal, clean sheet, against a team like Man United, the team deserves a lot of praise.

“The most important thing now is to keep going, be consistent. It will not be easy to keep this type of performance, we play every three-four days, and we're going to need the whole squad. Now we rest, assess players, take best decisions against Liverpool. for me, one of the best teams in England - we need all in a very good mental and physical condition. Be sure we're going to use the squad, maybe rotate, maybe not, but we're going to use the squad.”