Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back losses in the Premier League with their defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
It was also the first ever Premier League game under Pochettino in which Tottenham failed to register a shot on target.
Despite having the chance to move just two points behind League leaders Liverpool last weekend, Spurs now sit a whopping nine behind them.
The battle is less about the title now, and more about securing a Champions League spot for next season.
Tottenham are currently only four points ahead of Arsenal in the Prem, with Man United and Chelsea lingering close behind.
Spurs also come up against the Gunners this weekend, meaning a loss could see their rivals move just a point behind. A win though would go a long way to securing top four for Spurs.
Despite this, former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham believes recent losses against Burnley and Chelsea could actually benefit Tottenham in the long run.
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He said (SkySportsNews – as quoted by Football London): “The circumstances change now. Up until probably yesterday [Wednesday], Tottenham probably thought they were there for the Premier League title – they can still chase down Manchester City, Liverpool.
“Whereas now it is a case of the emphasis changing. Now it is a case of they have to be careful of the teams that are below.
“The top teams, they go in to win the game but in this instance, it wouldn’t necessarily be the end of the world to draw. The mindset can change and I think that could actually benefit Tottenham.
“At this stage of the season, at times I would imagine in the top-four positions it is probably better to be the chaser. When you are already up there, then the nerves can get to you a little bit.
“Tottenham do have more than enough to finish in the top four, but it is about what happens psychologically with them.”
“I think Tottenham will do, and Manchester United. The way they are going at the moment, with the injuries they had and to still go to Crystal Palace and get the result they did [was impressive].
“I just think they [United] are one of the main teams in the ascendancy at the moment.
“I do believe [Tottenham] have got enough definitely. And I think it will [also] be [Manchester] United. Because let’s not forget, you have got the Europa League which is a hard one.
“We have seen teams try to do it before and it is very difficult.”
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