Wednesday 13 September 2017 23:53, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham's 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund meant more than three points.
A goal by Heung-Min Son and two from Harry Kane helped Tottenham to a 3-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday as they made light of their Wembley woes.
It was their first victory at their temporary home in three attempts this season and Pochettino is hoping it will put a stop to those questioning whether it will affect his team.
"I hope it can help us to stop the talk about a hoodoo," he said afterwards. "I think it is fantastic for many things, this victory.
"Not only because of the three points and to start well in the competition but I hope that it will start to stop all the things that are said around the team.
"I think that is why, for me, more than the talk about performance, which was good, it is more important the three points and the perception that we can get them in the future."
A strong Dortmund side dominated the ball for long periods and should have had a second-half equaliser only for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to be wrongly adjudged offside.
But Pochettino was pleased that his side came through that test. "It is true that the game was so tough and they dominated the game," he said.
"The first half was very tough but we were very clinical. I think in the second half we improved our level and the game was on the counter.
"It is an important win when you don't dominate the opponent but you show different strengths."
Ultimately, Kane's goals were the difference between the sides and Pochettino acknowledged that the England striker delivering in the Champions League is the next step.
"I think he was fantastic," he said. "You can see today scoring goals in the Champions League he receives the credit he deserves. He is one of the best strikers in the world.
"There is no doubt for me but it is true that scoring in the Champions League, the most important competition in the world, will give him the credit he deserves."
The only blemish on the night for Pochettino and Tottenham was Jan Vertonghen's stoppage-time sending off for catching Mario Gotze in the face with a stray arm.
"I think it was unintentional by Jan, that's what he told us," he added. "His performance was very good and it is a little bit of a shame he received the second yellow card."
