Pochettino explains decision to take off Son

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Mauricio Pochettino said he took off Heung-Min Son while he was on a hat-trick because the forward needed a rest.

Son scored his second double in two games to sink Huddersfield 2-0 at Wembley and cement Tottenham’s place in the top four.

“In the last few games he played a lot. He played one hour and scored twice against Rochdale on a very cold day,” the Spurs boss said.

“Today he played another 70 minutes, and he’s not a machine, and he needs to rest. There are a lot of games ahead of him.

“But he is one player you always expect amazing things from. He is talented, consistent and very professional.

“Players like him and Harry Kane work a lot and it pays back. He’s another example at our club of what it means to be professional.”

Pochettino’s side face Juventus next in a huge Champions League last-16 second leg at Wembley on Tuesday night.

And he said: “I am happy for Son because these two goals help a very good position in the table now, and in the battle for the top four. It was a very professional performance from the team.

“We are focused on Juventus now. With Chelsea, United still to play, cannot affect what happens in the other games.”