Pochettino proud despite 'cheap' Manchester City winner

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino praised Tottenham for their performance against Manchester City but was frustrated to lose by a “cheap” Riyad Mahrez goal. The champions claimed a 1-0 win at Wembley on Monday thanks to a sixth-minute strike from Mahrez. "The circumstances of the pitch was the same for both sides," he told a news conference. "I think it was a very competitive game. We conceded a goal so early that was so cheap, and football punishes you. "I am so proud, though. The effort was fantastic. Last season, [it] was difficult to compete with City, the gap was massive. Today, it was competitive. "Yes, [they were] a little bit lucky because when they made a mistake we didn't score, and when we did, they scored in one action. I'm disappointed in one way with the result, but happy with the performance." Speaking further of the difficult conditions, Pochettino said: "I don't have the feeling that we could not play. Both teams tried to play in the way we normally play. "It's difficult to dominate them, because they play a similar philosophy to us, trying to dominate the opponent. Of course, I think [in the] first half we suffered a little bit because to concede so early it's normal that they play with more security. "But I think in the second half we dominated, it was very good. I am happy with the performance." However, Pochettino does not think his side should be judged in the same bracket as the reigning champions. "We cannot compare ourselves to Man City," he said. "They are on a different level. They have won the Premier League title. We are focused on trying to win games."

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