Pochettino provides thoughts on a Tottenham title run

Spurs’ brilliant start to the season has caused some to make predictions about how they might fare months from now.

It’s certainly far too early to make any definitive suggestions about title contention given the length and unpredictability of a 38-game campaign.

Nevertheless, Chelsea’s gaffer and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino recently gave his thoughts to the press when asked whether he thinks “Spurs are genuine title contenders this season…”:

“Yes, I think so. And I think they are doing a fantastic job.

I think Ange and all of the coaches and staff that I know very well are doing a fantastic job.

Of course [they have] very good players, a very good team, and… you can feel that they can be a contender. Of course it’s early in the season, but… they are showing the quality to be contenders.”

It’s highly unlikely that even just two years ago anyone would have thought that Chelsea’s manager would be making such a statement, but Spurs have looked unreal under Ange Postecoglou.

Given the gap in the table between the two clubs (1st and 11th), some are inclined to believe that Chelsea will be entering this match as the underdogs. Pochettino also commented on this possibility:

“We are in a different project… maybe we struggled a little bit in the beginning.

We are so young as a team… but I think, no doubt, that in the future Chelsea will be in the position that we deserve to be in.”

For spectators who watched Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal a few weeks ago, it’s clear that they have the talent to compete with top sides, but they just seem to lack the composure to consistently play at their best. This will make it extremely difficult to predict how they’ll fare in the upcoming match.

Spurs’ attack has been prolific with Sonny leading the line, but the defensive performance may be what decides the game. With Destiny Udogie still doubtful for Monday’s game, Emerson Royal will likely have to fill in on the left flank.

Regardless of the way the table currently stands, Tottenham will be looking to continue their good form, stay composed in the back, and hopefully secure another three points at home.