Tottenham Reiterate Big-Game Mettle Against Liverpool but Need More to Progress

WHITE HART LANE, London — Mauricio Pochettino does not discriminate when it comes to which matches are worthy of his passion. For the Tottenham Hotspur manager, just about any contest with Premier League points or progression in a competition are at stake is a big deal.

Pochettino was out of his seat throughout his side’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last week, reacting to his players’ mistakes and fruitlessly remonstrating with the officials in bursts of fiery Spanish, turning to his coaching staff as if they were the only ones not insane in this self-contained little world.

Back on the White Hart Lane touchline for the visit of Liverpool, similar emotional responses were unsurprisingly evident again.

There were a couple of reactions in this 1-1 draw that betrayed a feeling this match meant a little more, though. Responses commensurate with a competitive showing that reiterated his side’s big-game mettle, but also showed why they need more to make these potential season-influencing meetings with likely top-four rivals count firmly and positively in their favour.

Shortly after the hour mark, Christian Eriksen fired over with Tottenham still one-nil down. Pochettino turned with that recognisable flair of disgust but this time marched down the tunnel and out of sight, his frustration given voice by an unseen whack against the furniture.

The second incident was Spurs’ 72nd-minute equaliser to James Milner’s first-half penalty. After left-back Danny Rose prodded in at the back post, his boss charged in front of the press box and roared with delight in a shared expression of joy with the delighted fans.

Playing football is very much something you lose yourself in. There is little logic and occasionally even consciousness to words and actions not emanating from the feet while you are on the pitch.

Save for lucidity in moments when required tactical or personnel alterations shake him out of his trance, the same seems true of Pochettino in his technical area.

The Argentinian is not one to place unwelcome burdens on his players’ shoulders. But after last season’s title challenge, he clearly understands there is some pressure on Spurs to be up there again. Striker Harry Kane this week stated even a guarantee of a return to the Champions League places would not be enough.

“Like I say we want to improve on last year, we want to get better,” Kane told Sky Sports. “We’re not scared of anyone, not scared of any players or managers.”

Every game matters—the draw with West Bromwich Albion in April that lost them costly momentum in the hunt for league leaders Leicester City showed that much. The eventual champions’ own rise from seemingly nowhere showed there is nothing like the closed shop that seemed to occupy the Premier League’s upper echelon for much of the last decade.

Nevertheless, games against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and, yes, Liverpool have that extra feel of importance about them. The size and, give or take the occasional down year, consistency of those clubs sees to that.

Tottenham’s performances in …

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