Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges he has to be ‘careful’ managing the fitness of Mousa Dembélé

Dembélé dominated the game and was the source of so many Spurs attacks

The Belgian midfielder was sensational against Arsenal (Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino says he has to be “careful” about the fitness of Mousa Dembele, to ensure the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder can keeping putting in the type of “genius” display he did in the 1-0 win over Arsenal. The Belgian dominated the game and was the source of so many Spurs attacks.

“I think last season he played so well, and then at the end of the season he suffered a problem in his ankle, struggled during pre-season and now is again feeling good,” Pochettino said.

“I think the problem is about his fitness, no? Because, that is about his quality, there is no doubt that like I have told you many times, for me he is a genius, and unbelievably player. But we must be careful about his fitness, it is good and he can train and, he can make this type of performance because he is a great talented player.”

Pochettino meanwhile praised the “energy” of match-winner Harry Kane. The striker’s second-half goal was his 101st in the Premier League. Pochettino had been asked whether the derby particularly fires Kane given his fine record, but the manager actually disputed that.

“No I think Harry Kane, every game he is with the same energy. Sometimes you give your best, your performance is better than another performance, Kane always gives his best but during 10 months it is difficult to do your best every game.

“Of course Harry is one of the best. In the last three years, I have repeated that he is one of the best strikers in the world. Sometimes it's because you believe he's my player and I try to praise him no? I am telling you and I tell you again because in our experience of football, he is one of the best, because he deserves that, to be one of the best. I think it's so good to have him in our side.”