Mauricio Pochettino laid down the gauntlet to Tottenham after his side returned to the Premier League's top four with a victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Spurs had slipped to seventh prior to Wednesday's clash at Wembley but a 2-0 win, combined with Arsenal and Liverpool dropping points, saw Pochettino's men climb the table.

Serge Aurier's miscued cross gave them the lead before the break and it needed Son Heung-min's late deflected header to secure the three points.

The football on show was far from the level that saw Stoke City thrashed 5-1 last weekend, but Spurs got the job done despite a laboured performance.

"I think it's fantastic for us, three victories in a row – so important for us," said Pochettino.

"I'm happy with the performance.

"It's good to feel again that we are in the top four and it's so important to keep this position now."

The Argentine acknowledged his side had received a little bit of luck along the way, but felt it was deserved after controlling proceedings – Spurs finishing with 75 per cent possession.

"The team deserved it, we dominated the game," he added. "We deserved to go to half time winning the game, [the win was important to] believe and fight for the Premier League.

"We created a lot of chances, it's not easy to play when the opponent play in that formation to try only to stop you to play."