Tottenham Hotspur are going to have a big say in who wins the Premier League title this season.
On Sunday, Ange Postecoglou and his players showcased their attacking might when they dispatched their top-four rivals Aston Villa 4-0.
The Premier League’s top three – Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – either still have to visit Hotspur Way or welcome them before the end of the campaign.
But Paul Merson thinks all three teams will want to play the Champions League-chasing side because they will open the game up, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (12/03/24 at 7:10 pm).
The former Arsenal player added, ‘I don’t mean this disrespectfully’, but he also doesn’t see those title-chasing teams fearing Tottenham.
During the reverse fixtures, Spurs are unbeaten against every one of those sides, including beating Liverpool in that controversial fixture.
And given the intense nature of the north London derby and Pep Guardiola’s record against Tottenham, you wouldn’t be surprised if something unscripted happens here.
Tottenham against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City
“I think Daws (Michael Dawson), with the Tottenham one, and I don’t mean this disrespectfully to Tottenham,” said Merson
“All three would want to play Tottenham because Tottenham would have a go. They don’t have to break 10 players down and everyone sits behind the ball, like we see at Brentford. It’s hard work. Tottenham will come and have a go, it doesn’t matter who they are playing.
That seems appropriate for all three of those teams. I get that you might think they could win one of those games, but I don’t think any of them will be afraid to play Tottenham—and I don’t intend to come across as rude—because they are a strong team. It works to their advantage.
“I really believe that they can (pick up points against the top three),” Michael Dawson continued. “I think they will look at that, the three teams, Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal, and they will think ‘we can lose this game.” As you mentioned, they might win with relative ease. However, I believe they will be afraid.
Tottenham’s style of play
For Postecoglou, it is imperative that his main players be prepared for these games.
Supporters have witnessed what happens when a couple of them are hurt, and it may be troublesome because the team plays without brakes in their front foot and fearless manner.
Because the Dutchman is so important to the club playing such a high line, supporters will be hoping that Micky van de Ven’s injury against Aston Villa was only a precaution.
You can always count on someone to ruin the other team’s celebration when Spurs are vying for the Champions League and their opponents are vying for first place.
