Pochettino “proud” of Tottenham after FA Cup loss to Chelsea

Tottenham dropped a toughie to Chelsea today in the FA Cup, falling 4-2 after coming back twice to tie the match. But despite the nature of the game, which knocks Spurs out of probably their best opportunity to win silverware this season, manager Mauricio Pochettino said in post-match comments that this match will not affect Spurs’ prospects in the Premier League title race.

"No, the result is not important (in the title race). We will move on.

"It's true that, right now, the players are very disappointed but tomorrow we work again on the training ground and change the focus for the next game - Crystal Palace.

"If we play the way we played today then we cannot be worried. Our football today doesn't pay what we deserve but I know football; sometimes you play well and don't win."

It’s fair to say that Spurs were on balance the better team at Wembley Stadium today. Despite gifting four goals to the Blues, Spurs were threatening all match, bossed midfield, and controlled possession. Their two goals, a header from Harry Kane and a scintillating transition goal from Dele Alli, were outstanding.

But Chelsea were absolutely clinical, getting a brace from Willian (including a penalty) and goals from Eden Hazard and a blinder from Nemanja Matic. For the neutrals, this was an outstanding game of football.

Pochettino, ever the optimist, looked to the positive after today’s match, using it to say that nothing really changes for Spurs going forward.

"If I am a Tottenham supporter I feel very disappointed but I feel proud because we dominated a team that played well.

"We forced them to play deep and on the counter-attack. The players gave a fantastic effort.

"It's my first semi-final. I cannot change the past. The past is in the past and we need to build the present to have a better future.

"We are building an exciting team. We only need time to win. To fight at that level against Chelsea and the big sides is fantastic for us - a big thing."

Despite the loss, Spurs are still second in the league table, just four points back from Chelsea. Spurs travel to a Crystal Palace team who beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 1. An away win there keeps the pressure on the league leaders as the season winds down.

Pipping Chelsea for title may be a Lloyd Christmas kind of chance, but it’s still a chance, and Spurs will want to shrug off this tough loss and move on.