It looked like finishing in the top four of the Premier League would be a pretty straightforward process for Spurs after Christian Eriksen’s late winner against Brighton on Tuesday, and Arsenal’s and Man Utd’s subsequent losses on Wednesday.
However, Tottenham’s surprise defeat to West Ham has put a dampener on things as they could now find themselves dragged back into a dogfight for the third and fourth spots if other results go against them on tomorrow.
Mauricio Pochettino would have been hoping to have Champions League qualification virtually sealed with a victory over the Hammers ahead of going into semi-final clash against Ajax but the Lilywhites will now be nervously looking over their shoulders.
Speaking after the game, the Tottenham manager admitted that the defeat has changed the feeling around the camp but insisted that the team now needed to focus on winning the game on Tuesday.
The Argentine told Football.London, “I think the feeling for everyone changes quickly. After Brighton, everyone was with a very good feeling, a fantastic season and we were going to arrive in our best condition.
“However, after our defeat today it’s like we arrive in a complete opposite way. I think we knew very well to compete in the top four and the Champions League is very tough. Today we tried to win the game.
“We deserved it in the first half, in the second half they deserved it and that happens in football. It’s not to create a lot of problems now. It’s to be ready Tuesday of course.
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“It’s a little bit unfair in the way that we arrive in the competition but we need to accept that. What can we do? There is nothing, only to accept that and be strong.
“Disappointed today but all the teams have problems getting points and the Premier League is so tough and I think we deserved at least a draw, and disappointed but we move on.”
Spurs Web’s take:
One good thing for Spurs is that they will have an opportunity to bounce back from this defeat immediately, with such a massive Champions League semi-final just three of days away.
However, if they aren’t careful, Pochettino’s men are in danger of letting their brilliant run in the Champions League hamper their chances of qualifying for next season’s competition.
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