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Tottenham aren’t content with just finishing above Arsenal

By Ryan Wrenn

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on April 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on April 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Should Tottenham beat Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby it will ensure that they finish above their rivals for the first time in over 20 years. That isn’t enough for Mauricio Pochettino however.

Fourteen points currently separate Tottenham in 2nd and Arsenal in 5th, with the Gunners still holding one game in hand. Even without a Spurs win Sunday, its a gulf that might be insurmountable for Arsene Wenger’s team.

Should Spurs win, it would be a moral victory above all else. A cause for celebration for the club’s fans, yes, but it’s not a trophy. And Pochettino declines to accept that alone.

Speaking in a press conference following Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Pochettino was unequivocal about where he’s set his sights for the remainder of the season. Per the Guardian:

"“We know what Arsenal means, this game, for our fans. But we are not thinking about being above Arsenal. Our challenge now is to try and reduce the gap to Chelsea again and think about bigger things than only to be above Arsenal. To win big trophies and achieve big things, your mentality must be bigger than that. You must think about bigger dreams. Big dreams. It’s important to have them.”"

Not suffering the ignominy of another St Totteringham’s Day will be a relief, but with only four points between Spurs and Chelsea there are still bigger honors yet to win.

Pochettino’s optimism isn’t without a firm basis. Spurs do look closer in quality to title contenders like Chelsea than they do the rivals like Arsenal and Manchester City that used to crowd them out of the top four.

What’s more, wins like the one they earned on Wednesday suggest that the squad gained some mental fortitude this season. Gone are the days, Pochettino believes, when Spurs collapse just as they are about to reach their potential.

"“It’s not about sending a message to Chelsea. It’s more about us building confidence, building faith that we can win, generating that winning mentality. That’s the only way. Now we have five games ahead, a very exciting period, and an exciting weekend ahead.”"

Those five games will be a bigger occasion than just the 90 minutes of the North London Derby. Or at least Pochettino hopes they will be.

Next: Spurs shouldn't lament Isco's new contract

If Tottenham can stay perfect, and if Chelsea can slip up once again, there’s a real chance that there is magic yet to be cast this season.