Pochettino on what changed for Tottenham after half-time

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Mauricio Pochettino says a more aggressive outlook in the second half changed the game against Hull.

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino hailed Tottenham’s second half fight-back against Hull, crediting it to a change of mindset.

The Argentine believes a higher level of aggression was behind their success in the 2-1 win at the KC Stadium.

He told the club website: “From the start of the second half we showed a different attitude, we were more aggressive and I think we played very well in the second half.

“We need to be a pro-active team, not a reactive team. This is what we have to keep in our minds and never wait, always go out to be aggressive and pro-active. That’s one thing we need to change a little, step by step, we need to improve in this area.”

Tottenham’s 14 tackles won against Hull was actually the second fewest they have done so in any league game this season. In terms of ball recoveries and aerial duels won, they were distinctly middle of the pack compared to their other matches played this campaign.

The key question to ask, is whether the personnel in this Tottenham side have the ability to be as aggressive as Pochettino demands.

Spurs have won more tackles this season than the Premier League average across all 20 teams, but when it comes to winning the ball in the air they are below par.

They give away more fouls, but recover the ball almost 60 fewer times than the average amount per team.