Brighton 1-1 Spurs - Mauricio's reaction

Mauricio Pochettino said the players gave ‘an unbelievable effort’ in the draw at Brighton - his main disappointment that we conceded so soon after taking the lead at the Amex Stadium.

After a first half of few chances - Lucas, making his first Premier League start, and Heung-Min Son both denied by Matt Ryan - we hoped to take control when Harry Kane drilled home for 1-0 after great work by Sonny on 48 minutes.

It wasn’t to be though as two minutes later, Serge Aurier was judged to have tripped Jose Izquierdo as he raced into the penalty area. Referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot and Pascal Gross fired low past Hugo Lloris.

We tried to find the winner as Toby Alderweireld - his first start in the Premier League since October - fired into the side-netting, Christian Eriksen’s cross was deflected inches wide by Shane Duffy and Erik Lamela was thwarted by Ryan after breaking into the box.

“It was a very difficult game,” said Mauricio. “Brighton always make it difficult at home, we knew about that.

“The first half was even, we were better in the second half but it was a little disappointing to concede a goal in such a way after we scored.

“Then we dominated but with a lack of aggression in the final third and not enough clear-cut chances to win the game.

“I’m always pleased with my players. They all made unbelievable effort and were unlucky that we didn’t get the three points, but we keep going.

“We have a big squad and this was a good opportunity to provide the team with fresh legs to try to win. It wasn’t like that but we move on and look to the next game.”

Mauricio made six changes including Lucas’ first start in the PL and Toby’s return.

Mauricio on Lucas
“He’s at the same level as the whole team. We struggled in the first half and it wasn’t easy but he’s a player who arrived in January and was available in February. I told the media that we need to help him and it’s not easy when you don’t play for seven months. It’s step by step.”

Mauricio on Toby
“All the players are okay, disappointed we didin't win but it’s always an important thing for Toby to start to play again and to start the game, difficult after a big injury and important now to have all the players available until the end of the season.”