'We'll try to repeat that in every game'

A pulsating encounter at Anfield moved at a frantic pace, with the Reds twice taking a lead through Lazar Markovic and later a Steven Gerrard penalty.

Spurs had responded on each occasion, firstly from Harry Kane's finish and then, in the second half, via a close-range Mousa Dembele conversion at the Kop end.

But substitute Mario Balotelli had the final say, blasting into the net from Adam Lallana's cross into the area to secure all three points and send Kopites home delighted.

"We knew tonight would be a tough game but it was very important that we got the three points to keep closing the gap," said Pascoe at the post-match press conference.

"It was probably a great game to watch for spectators. The way everything was going, you knew we would always create chances. Daniel [Sturridge], coming back, is always a threat in behind.

"The way he makes the runs, he was unfortunate not to get a second penalty. Young Jordon Ibe was very calm on the night; he played well and slipped that ball into Adam.

"He showed a lot of composure with the ball and then Adam played a cross in to Mario to get the winner. As we talked about in the team meeting, we needed to win tonight, to get closer and edge closer.

"Our next game in the league is at Southampton and we'll be looking to do exactly the same thing again - get three points and keep closing the gap.

"We've always been trying to get into the top four - that was the main thing. We're still in the FA Cup and Europa League. The goals at Liverpool are always to try to achieve and get as much as you can."

The 83rd-minute winner was Balotelli's first goal in the Barclays Premier League since his switch to Liverpool from AC Milan last summer, and perfectly timed too.

Pascoe felt it was a deserved reward for the Italian's recent endeavour in training and belief when he took to the field in place of Sturridge in the second period.

The assistant manager said: "Mario always works hard in training. Recently, he has been ill and he has had some knocks on his foot, where he couldn't get his boots on.

"It's testament to him that he kept going and he deserved the winning goal in the end. He is immensely happy. If you get the winner at Anfield, I'm sure he's happy.

"Mario knew he would have a part to play tonight and he certainly did."

Meanwhile, Pascoe explained Gerrard's second-half withdrawal from the game due to a hamstring issue was a precautionary measure.

After scoring the Reds' second goal of the night from the penalty spot, the captain was taken off after 68 minutes and replaced by Dejan Lovren.

Pascoe also revealed that Raheem Sterling missed the contest having picked up a knock during Saturday's Merseyside derby draw at Everton.

"It was precautionary [with Steven]," he said. "He looked over and could feel a little bit in his hamstring, so we just took him off for precautionary reasons.

"Raheem was injured. He took a lot of knocks at Bolton - he had a great game at Bolton but took a lot of knocks.

"Again against Everton, he had a couple of blows and in the second half we probably should have taken him off a bit earlier because he was hobbling a bit. That's why he wasn't available tonight."