Mauricio Pochettino delighted with "important win" at Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has praised the performance of his side following their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Spurs had failed to beat Burnley and Aston Villa in their previous two league matches, but they claimed all the points at St James' Park to move level in the table with fifth-placed Liverpool.

"It was a very important win to recover our good feeling after the last two games," Pochettino told the club's official website. "It was difficult after the last match against Aston Villa but we showed we're still alive. We played well.

"We conceded another early goal in the second half but we were brave and we played our best football after they scored. Maybe it was difficult in the mind to concede another early goal against Newcastle but we responded well and I'm pleased.

"We now have a big game against Southampton and it's important to feel that we can stay high up in the table."

Spurs will return to action next Saturday with a trip to Southampton.