Mauricio Pochettino: This is why Tottenham struggled against Middlesbrough

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Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham struggled to break down Middlesbrough

Tottenham edged past Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Harry Kane.

Spurs had a number of chances to kill the game and should have won by a much more comfortable margin.

However, Mauricio Pochettino thinks his side struggled for goals due to Boro's defensive-minded approach to the game.

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Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot

"I think in the last few games the opponents have played very deep and closed the gaps, difficult to break down," Pochettino said.

"It's important the control we showed today and the chances we created.

"I don't think they had a shot on target which is also important. I think we showed we were much better and deserved the win.

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I think in the last few games the opponents have played very deep and closed the gaps

Mauricio Pochettino

"When you don't kill the game you leave it open.

"In the last second you can concede, that's the Premier League.

"Thankfully it didn't and we are happy."

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