Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino praised Danny Rose after the defender scored the winner against Swansea City – revealing his first conversation with a player as Spurs boss was with the left-back.

Rose scored to complete the turnaround in the 2-1 victory on Sunday, with Pochettino saying his good attitude has allowed him to earn more first-team opportunities.

He said: “When I arrived, the first meeting I had with a Tottenham player was with Danny Rose. The players were on holiday, so I called him and asked to see him in my office.

“I was pleased to give him the opportunity to stay here with us. It was difficult at the beginning as he wasn’t very confident, but today I am very happy and pleased for him, and the fans were singing his name.”

Pochettino also praised his team’s patience, after they trailed for around 50 minutes despite having most of the possession and chances.

Spurs had 30 shots in the game, 16 on target – the highest amount in a Premier League game for the team this season.

Pochettino said: “After we conceded the team showed belief. We were patient. I want to say thank you to the supporters as they were brilliant, they lifted the team and helped us achieve our objectives - it was perfect, and a fantastic victory. I’m happy for the three points.

“Their keeper was fantastic, at times it looked impossible to score. The longer the game ran, the more upset and frustrated we got, but when we scored, it felt like freedom.”

He said that the team now turn to the midweek visit to West Ham United, and would look for the three points that, if other results go their way, could take them top of the league.

He said: “All the players are happy and pleased with the performance. They know that Wednesday is a big game, and we need to recover as soon as possible.

“We know we are in a good position in the table, but there is a long way to go in the season. The most important thing is to keep working.”