There may be a massive 10-point gap between Chelsea and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t believe the top-four race is over just yet with six games left in the Premier League season.
“In football, never. Until you achieve what you want, it’s never over until the end,” Pochettino told the media ahead of Saturday’s mega clash with leaders Manchester City.
“We need to keep pushing, winning games and this is a massive three points against Manchester City.”
While Spurs have gone from strength to strength as the business end of the season has approached, Chelsea have faded alarmingly to such an extent that they find themselves barely holding on to fifth place.
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A resurgent Arsenal are just three points behind the Blues and while in theory the two could overhaul Spurs, it is highly unlikely.
“There is still a lot of work to do until the end and you cannot underestimate clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, big clubs that can win every game.”
Spurs are level on points with third-placed Liverpool but behind on a marginally inferior goal difference (Reds have +40 while Lilywhites have +37) and are very much in contention to pip them to third spot, which is the last place that ensures automatic qualification for next year’s UEFA Champions League.
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“You need to focus on winning games and winning points and when mathematically you achieve what you want, then it’s over. Until then, it’s impossible to think like that. Football can always surprise you, the Argentine tactic added.
A tottering City, who have lost their last three games on the bounce, visit Wembley Stadium for the highlight Premier League game of Matchday 34 and while the Sky Blues are still a force to be reckoned with, the hosts seem to be slight favourites.