Mauricio Pochettino blasted referee Michael Oliver for his decision to book Heung-Min Son for an apparent dive in Spurs’ 3-1 win over Leicester.
Goals from Davinson Sanchez, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min inspired a fourth successive victory which ensures Spurs will finish the weekend within five points of top spot.
Vardy, who was dropped to the substitutes’ bench amid rumours of a bust-up with Claude Puel, missed the chance to equalise as his spot-kick immediately after coming on was saved by Hugo Lloris, though the former England striker atoned for it later by turning home to give his side a glimmer of hope.
But Spurs made the game safe at the death when Son scored a breakaway goal, which gave them a 20th win of the campaign and kept them hot on the heels of title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
“It’s fantastic. Sometimes winning games when you’re not at your best. An even game, we conceded more chances than we normally concede. I have to congratulate the players,” Pochettino told reporters.
Son was booked for diving when he looked to have been fouled by Harry Maguire in the first-half, and Pochettino has not forgotten.
“It was unbelievable, unbelievable. When you compare the situation with the penalty for Leicester, unbelievable. That’s what I said to Michael.
“Then you look at Liverpool and the last minute. Same referee. I’m more relaxed because we won. Do you think that we’re a team trying to cheat a referee? Come on, we’re one of the nicest teams on the pitch.”
The Argentine heaped praise on two of his star men though, namely Christian Eriksen and keeper Hugo Lloris.
“We need to keep going, him performing in his best. We’ll see what happens. I’ve used a few metaphors with him in the past, remember my dog and the freedom.
“We’re talking about one of the best keepers in the world. Today he was so important to helping the team get the three points.”