Rochdale 2-2 Spurs - Mauricio's reaction

Mauricio Pochettino says the important thing is still to be alive in the FA Cup after Sunday’s draw at Rochdale.

Just like League Two side Newport in the previous round, we were pushed all the way by lower-league opposition.

Like Newport, Rochdale, currently at the foot of League One, took the lead with Ian Henderson on target late in the first half. Just like Newport, we fought back in the second half and levelled when Lucas Moura marked his first start with a first Spurs goal on the hour.

That’s where the similarities end though. It finished 1-1 at Newport but we forged into the lead at Spotland with just two minutes remaining when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot only for Dale to snatch an equaliser in added time through Steve Davies.

The replay date is provisionally set for Wednesday 28 February (subject to change for TV – details here).

“It's good news that we are going to play a replay at Wembley,” said Mauricio.

“It was a difficult game, just like it was at Newport. This type of game is so difficult and we have to be careful how we assess the performance. It's the magic of the competition.

“We gave our best and tried to win but I repeat, it's not easy to compete in these circumstances.

“In the first half it was very disappointing that we conceded a goal in the last moment. It wasn't a bad performance but we conceded.

“In the second half we increased our level and I think we deserved it, but that is football.

“We're still alive in the competition and that's most important.”