Mauricio Pochettino said the 1-1 draw with Liverpool was a “fair result”, and praised his team’s second half performance.

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to get a draw with the Reds, despite being outplayed by their opponents for large periods of the game, especially in the first half.

Spurs boss Pochettino said his side had been put off by the enforced replacement of Kyle Walker after 26 minutes, with the England right-back feeling sick and having to be replaced by forward Vincent Janssen.

Pochettino said: “I am very pleased, it was a very competitive game, both teams played with passion. It was a very good game for the neutral people to see today.

“We started the game very well, but after 15 minutes we had a problem with Walker, so we tried to change our plan to play with two strikers.

“It’s true the first half was better for Liverpool, but in the second half we played, not well, but better, we competed. I am very pleased.

“By the second half, we had to take a risk, but we played much better. The effort was fantastic and the character we showed today, a draw was a fair result.”

Pochettino saved particular praise for Michel Vorm – the keeper, a stand in for Higo Lloris, pulling off some excellent saves - and Eric Dier, who moved over to right back to cover for Walker.

He said: “Michel is a fantastic goalkeeper, he had the opportunity to play today and show why we trust him”

“To have a player like Eric is very important in the squad, to be able to play in different positions. It takes smart, intelligent people to play if different positions.”

The Argentinian also spoke about another England international, Harry Kane, and said he is not worried by his lack of goals, pointing out last season he only scored for the first time in the tenth game, and turned out to be the top scorer.

It will now be a fortnight until Tottenham play again as they go on international break, but Pochettino said he did not expect any tired players to come back any more well rested.

He said: “It’s not a perfect break as all the international players are involved again, it’s difficult.

“We need time, a few months, to get all on the same level. It’s crazy, but I won’t complain. 70 per cent of our squad is involved in international teams.”