Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino bemoans 'missed opportunity' to beat rivals Arsenal

Disappointed: Pochettino believes his side deserved more against Arsenal
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Sam Long23 September 2015

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that his side did enough to secure a result against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.

Mathieu Flamini's brace helped the Gunners progress to the fourth round at the expense of their bitter rivals but the Argentine coach is adamant that it was the hosts who created more clear-cut opportunities.

"It was a missed opportunity because we dominated the second half and had the better chances.

"In general the performance was very good and I am happy with the effort from my players, but both goals we conceded were a bit lucky maybe. Also we made some mistakes but this is football."

Pochettino also defended his decision to field a weakened defensive line, including Michel Vorm and Federico Fazio, the latter of whom was almost sold earlier in the summer.

"It is a competition which is a good opportunity for him (Vorm) and we need to show more respect.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

"Look at Arsenal - they played [David] Ospina and is the result is on the other side, then it would be the same question for [Arsene] Wenger. He deserves to play."

Pochettino added "I don't regret (my selections) - you can make mistakes, remember when [Diego] Maradona missed a penalty? These are big players but this can happen, they are not machines.

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"We need to take a lot of positive things. Yes, our supporters and us will feel very bad, when you play against your sporting enemy you want to win more, but this is football.

"We need to be happy in the way we played and disappointed with the way we lost the game, but now we need to prepare for the game on Saturday against Manchester City, when we will have one day less to prepare."

Spurs entertain Manuel Pellegrini's side on Saturday afternoon and will be desperate to maintain their unbeaten record at White Hart Lane in the Premier League after such a chastening defeat to their rivals.

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