Hugo Lloris was delighted to help Tottenham to a memorable win at Old Trafford as the goalkeeper put his off-field “mistake” to one side.
Preparations for Monday’s Premier League encounter with Manchester United were disrupted as France’s World Cup-winning captain was charged with drink driving on Friday.
Lloris was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 11 after an incident that led to questions around whether Mauricio Pochettino would drop the goalkeeper or take the armband off him.
Instead, the 31-year-old led the side out at Old Trafford and helped keep United at bay as Spurs ran out 3-0 victors to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.
“It was a tough week, especially because of my mistake, but I think the team stayed strong.
“We showed again the togetherness in Tottenham and we made a great, great game against Man U.
“It is always a big challenge to come to Old Trafford to face Man U and this time we got the result that we wanted.
“It’s true the last few years the club hasn’t won a lot, but it is a special place and even more with the new stadium, which is coming soon.
“We have a lot of talented players, a young team, a brilliant manager, one of the best in the world, with his staff.
“There is everything there to enjoy football and this is what we are going to try again this season. We are going to try to step up again all together.
“We know the Premier League is a big challenge because there are a lot of fantastic teams.
Spurs are the first London club to win at Old Trafford in the #PL since they last did it in 2014 #MUNTOT pic.twitter.com/C4aqyrcqhT
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 27, 2018
“It is very exciting to face that type of team and (against United on Monday) we had a great answer as a team together.”
Few expected such an impressive start given perennial slow starters Tottenham’s striking lack of summer signings.
While the inability to strengthen may hinder them down the line, it appears to be working in the short term as confident players such as two-goal hero Lucas Moura are grabbing their chance to shine.
?️ “We wanted to put a statement out there.”@HKane gives his take on last night’s impressive victory.#COYS pic.twitter.com/MeB5WKS9vZ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 28, 2018
“The good thing is that we know each other so well,” Lloris said.
“Lucas is showing his quality and his skills. It was not easy for him last season because he came in the middle of the season, the team was already settled but he has shown how strong he is in his head.
“He had the possibility to play in pre-season and show his skills and talent and in the last two games he has been decisive.
“That is good because we need all our players at their best to give the manager a lot of options. And then most important is the spirit in the squad – but the spirit has always been fantastic.”