Mauricio's verdict on Sheffield United

Mauricio Pochettino declared a draw a fair result after it finished 1-1 against Sheffield United at the new stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

We just edged it on statistics – 17-14 efforts at goal, 60-40 possession – but it would be difficult to deny that the impressive Blades deserved something for their efforts, particularly in the first half.

Nevertheless, we got ourselves ahead via a close-range finish from Heung-Min Son on 58 minutes only to concede almost immediately – David McGoldrick’s goal then ruled out by VAR for offside – before eventually George Baldock somewhat fortuitously found the far corner from the right angle on 78 minutes.

We pushed to the last for the winner, but it wasn’t to be. “It was an even game,” stated Mauricio. “They started better than us, in the first half they were better, and we didn’t match their energy. It was difficult for us to play and create chances.

“In the second half I thought we were better. We were a little unlucky because we got the goal, broke them down and to concede after that was tough to accept because the three points were important for us, but now we have to keep working.

“It’s frustrating because we didn’t keep the result (after being ahead) and, of course, we’re disappointed because we needed the three points but at the end, a draw is a fair result.”

Meanwhile, Mauricio reported that Tanguy Ndombele was withdrawn at half-time with a groin injury. “We need to assess him,” he added. “Let’s hope it’s not a big issue.”