Pochettino wants troops to build on Chelsea win

Mauricio Pochettino wants his Tottenham players to take belief from their recent win over Chelsea and knows they need to treat Crystal Palace with the same respect.

Spurs beat their London rivals 5-3 on New Year’s Day for a first victory over the Blues since 2010.

It followed a spate of poor results against the Premier League’s top teams and moved Pochettino’s side above Arsenal in the table and into fifth place, just two points off a place in the top four.

Another derby this evening sees Tottenham travel to Palace to take on the Eagles, who are under the leadership of new boss Alan Pardew, and Pochettino feels his squad must now have the feeling they can beat anyone and everyone in the league.

“We are capable of showing what we showed in that game,” the Argentinian said.

“Why not keep that level in all games? We know it is not easy but if we are capable of that performance against Chelsea we need to keep those performances in the future.

“It was important to stop this idea (of not being able to beat top sides) The players now feel that it is possible to beat the sides like Chelsea.

“We are very happy, the 5-3 against Chelsea means more than just one victory. It is a belief in our skill and in our mentality, but now we need to show again against Crystal Palace the same mentality.”

The short trip to face struggling Palace would not normally be treated with the same level of trepidation as a game against league leaders Chelsea.

But, with Pardew now in charge of Palace, Pochettino knows it will be a tough test.

“We analysed Palace, it was a few weeks ago — now they have a new manager who may have a new team and a new way of playing,” Pochettino added.

“It is more difficult. He (Pardew) did a great job at Newcastle. I wish him all the best.

“It will be good to see him again. After that we try to get three points.”

For his part, Pardew is confident significant funds will be available to strengthen his squad.

Palace are eager to boost their attacking options before the transfer window closes on February 2, and chairman Steve Parish is reportedly ready to sanction a club-record offer for Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

“Is that the kind of backing I’d hope for? Of course,” Pardew said.

“The chairman and the board are keen to try to bring a player or two and I know they’re working hard towards that.”

The immediate focus is today’s game and Pardew conceded a tough task awaits.

He said: “It’s important when you’re fighting relegation you don’t hit teams in red hot form and Tottenham are, so it’s not the greatest of starts.”