Mauricio Pochettino rues late Tottenham lapse after draw with Monaco in the Europa League

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to hide his frustration after the concession of a late goal ruined his side’s perfect start to their Europa League campaign against Monaco last night.

 

Club record signing Erik Lamela, who Spurs paid £30m for in 2013, continued his White Hart Lane renaissance with a first-half opener before on-loan AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy levelled inside the final 10 minutes with a header from Nabil Dirar’s raking cross.

 

Spurs top Group J by a point from Azerbaijan champions FK Qarabag after their unbeaten start to their European campaign, although Pochettino was mindful that an opportunity for a healthier lead at the summit was wasted.

 

“We’re disappointed and it’s two points lost,” said Pochettino. “We could’ve been more clinical, although I’m happy with the display and the effort.”

 

Midfielder Dele Alli was unable to celebrate his England call up by helping his club side to victory, and agreed with his manager’s view that a chance to seize control of the group had been missed.

 

“It was a strong first half and we could’ve seen the game out,” he said. “It feels like a loss and we’re down but we’ll pick ourselves up.

 

“It shows how strong we are to come here and be disappointed with a draw.”