City 1-0 Spurs - Mauricio's verdict

Mauricio Pochettino felt we deserved ‘at least a draw’ after creating chances but ultimately coming away empty-handed in another enthralling game against Manchester City.

Having qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League in such thrilling style on Wednesday night, we were back at the Etihad for a crucial Premier League fixture in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Phil Foden scored what proved the decisive goal after five minutes but we opened City up time and again after that, particularly in the first half when Ederson denied us on three occasions – turning away Heung-Min Son’s stinger from the angle and racing out to block one-on-one opportunities from Son and Christian Eriksen. Lucas Moura had our fourth good chance in the second half with the same result, Ederson out sharply to block.

“I’m disappointed with the result but the performance was very good,” said Mauricio. “It was tough but we handled the game really well. We created a lot of chances and I thought at least we deserved a draw but in football, sometimes you get what you deserve, sometimes not.

“The key moments are so important, to score, to take advantage. We were a little unlucky. Ederson was man of the match and I think in the way we played today, we were very competitive.

“Now we have to move on because Tuesday (Brighton at home, 7.45pm) is coming so quickly, then Saturday (West Ham at home, 12.30pm) and then the semi-final against Ajax (Tuesday week, 30 April), three games that are going to be decisive for our dreams and to be in the top four next season.”