Leicester had beaten Sunderland earlier on Sunday to move 10 points clear before Spurs kicked off but Pochettino’s men held their nerve, thrashing United 3-0 to reduce the gap back to seven.

Three goals in six minutes from Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela sealed the win at White Hart Lane and Tottenham must now hope the Foxes capitulate with six games left to play.

“I think it’s true we sent a message that we are there, waiting and fighting,” Pochettino said.

“If Leicester fail we need to stay there, it’s important. Seven points is a difficult gap to reduce but we need to believe.

“The performance and the result showed that this team believes.”