Mauricio Pochettino proud with how Tottenham bounced back against Watford after FA Cup heartache

Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane were enough to earn Spurs a crucial win that moves them within five points of sealing fourth place

Mauricio Pochettino named his strongest XI (Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino was proud of how his Spurs team ground out a 2-0 win over Watford tonight given the palpable sense of “disappointment” nine days on from their FA Cup semi-final heart-break against Manchester United.

Spurs were far from their best playing in front of a subdued Wembley and Watford had plenty of chances to score.

But goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane were enough to earn Spurs a crucial win that moves them within five points of sealing fourth place and Champions League football for next season.

This was the 52nd game of Spurs’ season and Pochettino was impressed that, given everything, his players did enough for a win. “It’s difficult to keep playing at a high level, and to show great performances for 10 months,” he said.

“We were disappointed from the semi-final, our fans the same. You could feel their disappointment during the game. It wasn’t great [atmosphere] to play in tonight. But the most important thing is to be in a good position with three games ahead. It will be a very successful season if we finish in top four.”

Harry Kane scored for Spurs but still did not look back to his best and Pochettino confirmed afterwards that he needs to improve and that he is still troubled, in part, by the ankle injury he came back from last month.

“He needs to improve his performances but we are still happy,” Pochettino said.

Kane doubled Tottenham's advantage (Getty)

“It’s a mixture of different things. It wasn’t a great period for him in the last few weeks, he is human like anyone and has been a little bit affected. But with the help of everyone he is doing well. He is a strong guy, physically and mentally. I am sure he will perform for us, and no doubt arrive in very good condition for the World Cup.”

Pochettino confirmed that Mousa Dembele and Kieran Trippier will be assessed tomorrow with ankle and head injuries respectively.