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Mauricio Pochettino says Rochdale deserve their Wembley chance after Spurs draw

Mauricio Pochettino prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Newport County and Tottenham Hotspur
Image: Mauricio Pochettino had no complaints with the surface at Spotland

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side had suffered "a difficult day" after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Rochdale in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

Steve Davies lashed home an injury-time equaliser for the League One side at Spotland to force a replay at Wembley for a place in the last eight of the competition.

Spurs had earlier rallied back from a goal down and looked to be heading through when Harry Kane drilled home a penalty on 88 minutes after Dele Alli was fouled in the box.

But Davies popped up at the far post to slot past Michel Vorm and earn Dale a deserved second bite at the national stadium.

United to face Brighton
United to face Brighton

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Pochettino, who apologised for criticising the state of the Spotland pitch before it was relayed earlier in the week, said he had no complaints with the surface.

"The pitch was good, very good," he said. "I'm happy because I think it was a great game and I think the pitch helped to make that for both teams.

"We are not complaining because they deserved to go and play at Wembley. I think after Harry scored we all believed the tie was won.

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"The good news is we are alive after a difficult day. Now we have to move forward. We have another opportunity to get to the quarter-final."

Keith Hill was thrilled with his side's display against Spurs
Image: Keith Hill was thrilled with his side's display against Spurs

Rochdale manager Keith Hill was proud of his side and said they deserved the opportunity to play at Wembley.

"The performance deserved at least the opportunity to go to Wembley in a replay," he said.

"I thought the first half was magnificent, the way we took the game to the opponent. Why not take not take them on and try to win the game?

"It could have been football suicide but for us to score the goal and go in 1-0 at half-time was tremendous, a marvellous feeling for those players.

"For us to get that late equaliser - wow - that was raw emotion not just from me but from the group of players, staff and supporters. I am very pleased the players have got the reward of a game at Wembley."

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