Mauricio Pochettino sees perfect Tottenham put pressure on Leicester

Having seen Claudio Ranieri's surprise package draw 2-2 at home to West Ham the previous day, Spurs stylishly capitalised on their title rivals dropping points for the first time since March 1.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli both netted braces in a mesmerising 4-0 win at Stoke, cutting the Foxes' lead to five points with four matches of an enthralling campaign remaining.

"I don't know," Pochettino said when asked if Leicester were feeling the pressure

"I am very focused on our team and our job.

"But all can happen in football

The most important thing is that the performance we showed today was perfect

It was a big signal that we are there waiting and fighting."

Kane had made clear in the build-up Tottenham's intention to hunt down Leicester, posting a picture of a group of lions on Instagram.

"I think it is a good thing because it shows how the group is, how our squad is," Pochettino said.

"We can win or not, but the desire and passion we show and how we enjoy the game is fantastic

It is a pleasure to work with them."

It is not just Tottenham's attitude that makes them such a threat but their aptitude.

Kane's exceptional opener set the tone and Alli finished the rout with a superb volley, going some way to making amends for a missed chance that had Pochettino punching the ground in anger.

The England midfielder rounded goalkeeper Shay Given only to hit the post, but "congratulations" was the only word the Spurs head coach had for the 20-year-old at the final whistle.

"He played very well - I think all the team did," he said of Alli, whose clipped effort was also impressive.

"Sometimes it is difficult - he is very young and some ups and downs is normal.

"He showed unbelievable skill to score two goals, as well as miss one clear chance.

"But today for me we need to give the credit to the whole team because the collective effort, the mentality we showed and the way we played was fantastic.

"They deserve all the credit today and from the beginning of the season - they have worked very hard to arrive at this moment, where we are trying to put pressure on Leicester to reduce the gap.

"This is our dream

We need to try, and believe."

Stoke boss Mark Hughes - whose ninth-placed side have won only one of their last six games - also had plenty of praise for Tottenham and suggested they may well overhaul Leicester.

"We are disappointed with what we produced," Hughes said.

"But Spurs on the night were very impressive - stronger, faster and they had more power in the team that what we were able to put out there.

"Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition

They are quick and sharp and have got that edge that chasing major trophies gives you.

"With their mentality at the moment, you wouldn't bet against them catching Leicester."

Source : PA

Source: PA