Pochettino hails Tottenham Hotspur character after narrow Anderlecht victory

Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Tottenham Hotspur's resilience after Spurs posted a modest performance in Thursday's dramatic 2-1 Europa League win at home to Anderlecht.

Second-half substitute Moussa Dembele rifled home an 88th-minute winner as the Lilywhites moved top of Group J at White Hart Lane last night.

Imoh Ezekiel had equalised on 72 minutes following Harry Kane's first-half opener, but it was not enough for the visitors - who managed 18 shots - and Pochettino is pleased by the unflattering manner of victory.

"I think we showed character. I've got to congratulate the players. It's impossible to play well all the time," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"You need to show character, compete and suffer. I think the players will learn a lot. It's good to get the three points as we are top of the table and we now to refocus on Sunday."

Tottenham now gear up for the trip to North London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.