Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen denies any rift with manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Vertonghen was inexplicably left out of Tottenham's starting line-up in their first three games of the season before being recalled for the North London derby.

But Vertonghen, 32, who is into the final year of his contract, said: “Yeah, very, very happy to be back. He (Pochettino) said before the first game against Villa it was a tactical decision and I respect that decision.

“No, no, no (it was not fitness related). I came back fit. I played in every pre-season game and I didn't miss a session. Like the manager explained, it was a tactical decision and we players have to accept his decisions.

“I'm experienced and fit enough to get back into the rhythm and it was just the goal before half-time that gave them the spirit to get back in the game.

"If we just killed the first half and go into the dressing room with that good feeling it's a different game.

“I think we did well, we defended well, we were good in possession, created loads of chances, were 2-0 up so it was just great in this derby away. So we have to go in the dressing room 2-0 up."