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English Premier League 2014-15
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Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane celebrates scoring the opening goal against Leicester City at King Power Stadium. Photo: AFP

Hugo Lloris expected to be fit for United showdown

Massive boost for Pochettino as keeper's performance helps Tottenham win 2-1 at bottom-of-the-table Leicester

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino eased fears over Hugo Lloris’ fitness by confirming the France goalkeeper was unharmed after a collision with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.

Lloris will be fit for Sunday’s home match against Manchester United despite going down in an incident that brought back memories of the moment he was knocked out against Everton 13 months ago.

He has only a cut inside his mouth. It was not like last time when he was unconscious at Everton
Mauricio Pochettino

That is a massive boost for Pochettino as Lloris’ performance helped Tottenham win 2-1 at bottom-of-the-table Leicester on Friday, despite being outplayed for long periods.

“He has only a cut inside his mouth. It was not like last time when he was unconscious at Everton,” Pochettino said.

“He will not need clearance to play against Manchester United. This was nothing like before.

“From my position it was difficult to see the incident. But it is not serious and he will play. He is very brave.”

Tottenham’s win may have been scrappy but it ensured they kept in touch with fourth-placed Southampton in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

“I am very happy,” said Pochettino after goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen sealed a third straight league win.

“I thought we managed the game well. I think Leicester played very well in the second half but always in football you need a bit of luck.

“I am happy for them and I am happy for the team. It was a very good result.

“The reason they both keep scoring is they always try to get into scoring positions and they have the desire to score.

“Christian has a free role. I think he is a player you need to give confidence.”

Leicester City defender Wes Morgan heads the ball away from Spurs striker Harry Kane. Photo: AFP
Kane put Tottenham ahead with just 59 seconds from Nacer Chadli’s cross, but Lloris was in inspired form after that with spectacular saves to deny Leonardo Ulloa, Jeffrey Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez.

Ulloa levelled from Mahrez’s cross three minutes after half-time, but Tottenham scored the winner as Eriksen’s 71st minute free kick beat Ben Hamer at the near post.

Lloris made fine late stops to foil Schlupp and Wes Morgan as Tottenham held on for a victory that left Leicester manager Nigel Pearson frustrated after 12 games without a win.

“We’re still not getting the results,” he said ahead of Sunday’s trip to his former club Hull City. “That in a way is even more frustrating.

“They’ve had a number of performances of late where they have not got the results so it will be a test of their resolve as much as possible.

“I’ve been very proud of how they have gone about it. I should be talking about a win not a defeat and that’s even more galling.

“I’m not sticking my head in the sand and trying to paint a more positive picture. We’re in trouble, but the performances suggest we have the capability of turning things around.”

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