Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has conceded his side’s expectations were too high at the beginning of the season as they get set to spend Christmas outside the top four.

Spurs had to come from behind to beat a battling Burnley side 2-1 in the Premier League this afternoon, a win which takes them to within a point of the Champions League places.

Pochettino admitted expectations of how the club would perform in the league this season may have been exaggerated, but insisted his side are in a good position with 17 games played.

He said: “I think that maybe we feel a little bit disappointed this season because our expectation was too high.

“We were playing Champions League and we are out and maybe that feeling that we feel very disappointed to be out of that competition.

“But after 17 games we are in a very good position and I think we have improved from last season.

“I think our position is good, we are winning games to keep the gap close to second position. It is not tomorrow or in a few weeks the finish of the Premier League, I think there is a long way to go.”

Spurs found themselves in trouble early on after a pair of defensive errors by Kyle Walker and Harry Winks allowed Ashley Barnes the opportunity to put the visitors ahead.

However, Tottenham dug deep and Dele Alli cancelled out the Clarets’ opener six minutes later.

The comeback was completed in the second half when Danny Rose capped off a well-worked move with a powerful strike which beat Burnley keeper Tom Heaton at his near post.

Pochettino also refused to rule his side out of the title race, saying the 10-point gap leaders Chelsea currently enjoy over Spurs can be closed.

He added: “It is true that we have 10 points the gap with Chelsea, but there are a lot of games to play.

“Last season, the gap with Leicester was similar, it was nine or eight points in that period.”