Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest: Mauricio Pochettino hails his players after comeback win

Forest manager Stuart Pearce just as pleased after his side had led at one point

Spurs were facing their second straight home defeat before two goals from substitutes Ryan Mason and Harry Kane gave them an eventual 3-1 win (AFP)

Mauricio Pochettino praised the spirit of his players to come back and beat Nottinham Forest in the Capital One Cup third round. Spurs were facing their second straight home defeat - and their third straight goalless match - before second-half substitutes Ryan Mason and Harry Kane scored a goal each in a 3-1 win.

“I am happy for the players and for the great effort,” Pochettino said afterwards. “We never gave up, it was difficult at 1-0 but it was a great reaction, and important for our supporters to encourage us and back us. It was a great result.”

This was Mason's first ever goal for Tottenham, with his first meaningful contribution after coming on, and Pochettino was delighted for him. “He is a great talent from the academy,” Pochettino said. “We need to be careful with him, last year was difficult for him with injuries, and he played on Monday with Under-21s. I am happy for him, he deserved this performance and to have scored today.”

Stuart Pearce, though, was just as pleased with his players after Nottingham Forest led for part of the second half. “Tactically, we got it right,” Pearce said. “A lot of young players on the pitch did outstandingly well. I'm proud of them but disappointed we lost against a very good side who cost multi-millions. It was a great performance the club should be proud of.”