EPL Late Tackle: Are Tottenham genuine Premier League title contenders?

THIRTEEN games unbeaten, second best defence, one of the finest strikers in the league — don’t laugh but Tottenham really could win the Premier League.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on November 22, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

FORMER Manchester United star Roy Keane recounts a team talk Sir Alex Ferguson once gave before a game against Tottenham Hotspur:

“[Ferguson] came in and said, ‘Lads, it’s Tottenham’, and that was it. Brilliant.”

Well, no one’s saying that any more.

Today’s Tottenham are not the soggy Spurs of old. The club of wistful memories and wasteful managers has finally moved forward. Always entertaining, Tottenham have finally added steel and purpose to their play and can now be seriously considered as genuine Premier League title contenders.

The drab 0-0 draw with Chelsea revealed plenty — that it was Spurs, not Chelsea, disappointed not to get three points. And that Jose Mourinho saw enough of a threat at White Hart Lane to revert to his base stifling tactics, to which Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said it was like playing “a small club”.

But that result saw Spurs’ unbeaten run stretch to 13 games — the club’s best since a 14-match run in 1984/85.

They have only lost once so far this season — an unlucky 1-0 defeat to Man United at Old Trafford on the opening day — and boast the second-best defence in the league (11 conceded).

Up front, Spurs are even more impressive, scoring 24 goals, with a rate of 15.7 shots on target per game — and more shots on target than any other Premier League side (88).

All that from a team that really only has one recognised striker — but that is Harry Kane.

But the change in Tottenham comes down to one man: Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino has turned Tottenham into genuine contenders.

Spurs’ transfer policy has been their biggest weakness in years gone by but acquiring the Argentine from Southampton looks to be their smartest move in decades.

Pochettino’s high-energy, high-pressing style has Tottenham players covering more ground than any other club. But it’s more than just running — it’s a philosophy built on a team ethic, with players who fit into his plans and buy into his ideas.

Those who didn’t fit the bill or the strategy have been quickly and, for the most part, quietly moved on and replaced by young players of real quality with the mentality to drive the club forward.

Christian Eriksen has added consistency to his talent, South Korean star Son Heung-min has maintained the level of quality Australian fans witnessed at the Asian Cup, while 19-year-old midfielder Dele Alli already looks one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

Then there are the four Belgians — Mousa Dembele, Nacer Chadli and defensive partners Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld — a smart move capitalising on the rise of that nation as a football force.

Spurs’ have one of the most vibrant young teams in the Premier League.

No one wants to play Tottenham any more. They know what they will face.

Even Jose Mourinho managed a semi-compliment, saying “I will not laugh” when Spurs’ title credentials were raised.

If Pochettino’s side has one weakness it is their reliance on Kane. Spurs struggled for results in the early weeks of the season as the 22-year-old’s form hit a rough patch. But an injury to the England man could ruin the season.

But that hasn’t happened yet, and Kane and Spurs roll on. Fifth in the table, four points behind leaders Manchester City and Leicester — and a Christmas fixture list that includes the likes of West Brom, Newcastle, Norwich and Watford.

It might be just a little too early for Spurs to win the title — but in a season like this, you can’t write them off completely.

Whatever happens, no one is saying “Lads, it’s Tottenham” any more.

HIGHLIGHT

That thrilling Bournemouth-Everton 3-3 draw was Premier League football at its finest. Brilliant attacking play and drama to the absolute death, as Junior Stanislas bagged the equaliser in the 97th minute. Fantastic stuff.

LOWLIGHT

Diego Costa. What a goose.

KLOPP MARCHES ON

Jurgen Klopp has downplayed any talk of Liverpool momentum but after the weeks the Reds have had — eight days, three games, three wins, seven goals scored and two conceded — it’s clear things have changed at Anfield.

SAME OLD TOON

Another manager, another season of nightmares and pain for Newcastle United. Steve McLaren’s time is running out after the 5-1 capitulation to Crystal Palace. Next up — Liverpool.

BLACK CATS HAPPY

Sunderland are out of the bottom three after their 2-0 victory over Stoke. Say what you like about Sam Allardyce but the man gets results.

Originally published as EPL Late Tackle: Are Tottenham genuine Premier League title contenders?