Tottenham Hotspur reduced the gap at the top to four points, following Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, but can Spurs steal the crown from Antonio Conte’s powerhouses?
Mauricio Pochettino is seeking revenge on Chelsea, after last season’s 2-2 draw against the Blues in May 2016 handed the Premier League title to Leicester City. Spurs have won their last seven league games and have only suffered one defeat since the turn of the year.
They are relentless in their attempts to catch Chelsea, who are currently quavering under the pressure. Will the pressure mount of the 2014/15 champions? Only time will tell but Tottenham’s presence is clearly having an effect on the Blues.
Tottenham ended Chelsea’s record-equalling 13-match winning streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane in January. They have also lost on three occasions in 2017, which is two more than Spurs.
During Tottenham’s seven-match winning streak, Chelsea have lost on two occasions, against Manchester United and Crystal Palace. On paper, Chelsea have the easiest run-in as the season finale begins to approach.
Whereas Tottenham still have to face defending champions Leicester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in the North London derby. Chelsea’s toughest remaining fixture will take place against in-form Everton at Goodison Park.
It’ll be an interesting battle as the season reaches its climax but Tottenham’s continuous diehard approach could cause another stir in the race for the Premier League title. Chelsea, who were so comfortable in top place, are finally being challenged. They are still in pole position but it just depends on whether they crack under the pressure.
Tottenham boast the youngest team in the Premier League
| Team | Average Age |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 25.7 |
| Liverpool | 26.4 |
| Arsenal | 27.3 |
| Manchester United | 27.3 |
| Chelsea | 27.6 |
| Everton | 28.3 |
| Manchester City | 28.7 |
According to a report published by the Daily Express in February, Tottenham Hotspur’s team have an average age of 25.7, which is lower than any other team in the Premier League.
This is largely down to the likes of Dele Alli (20), Harry Kane (23) and Eric Dier (23). The English trio, along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have injected energy into the Spurs team and fitted into Pochettino’s philosophy and style perfectly.
They have a youthful approach, which is important due to their intense high pressing style, which they’ve improved upon this season. The question that remains, is their lack of experience in the Premier League title race.
This isn’t essential, as Leicester City proved by shocking the world and clinching the Premier League title last season. However, experienced players are key to maintaining composure and helping the team get over the finish line.
They looked to have learned their lessons from last season’s failure to clinch the title and this makes them a threatening prospect. If they fail to win the Premier League this season, keeping hold of their star players will be pivotal for future success.
If the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli commit themselves to the club, we could be talking about one of the greatest teams of the Premier League era in years to come.
England internationals at the heart of Tottenham’s success
| Team | Amount of English Players |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 5 |
| Liverpool | 4 |
| Manchester United | 3 |
| Everton | 3 |
| Manchester City | 2 |
| Arsenal | 1 |
| Chelsea | 1 |
According to Who Scored, Tottenham’s average line-up features more English players than any of the top seven teams in the Premier League. This also includes Everton, despite the sudden emergence of young players such as Tom Davies, Matthew Pennington, Dominic Calvert-Lewis and Ademola Lookman.
Tottenham Hotspur’s average starting line-up features England internationals Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Liverpool follow in second-place with four England players, including Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson.
Everton and Manchester United have three English players in their average starting line-up and Manchester City have only two. Chelsea and Arsenal have just one player in their average starting line-up, which is incredibly disappointing for English football.
It’ll be extremely beneficial for English football if Tottenham Hotspur win the Premier League this season. For English football fans to be able to watch representatives of the national team hold up the Premier League title will be motivating and exciting as the 2018 World Cup approaches in Russia.
