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They’re better than they were last year, but can Spurs finally win the title?

High-flying Spurs are chasing a seventh-straight EPL win for the first time in their history tomorrow (Singtel Ch103 & StarHub Ch228; 1.25am), with hit-or-miss Manchester City standing in their way at the Etihad. Ahead of the big match, TODAY’s EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) assesses Mauricio Pochettino’s side and asks if they are genuine title contenders.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (centre) has put together a youthful, fit squad that can outrun rival teams with ease, and boast purposeful movement in possession that others struggle

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (centre) has put together a youthful, fit squad that can outrun rival teams with ease, and boast purposeful movement in possession that others struggle

High-flying Spurs are chasing a seventh-straight EPL win for the first time in their history tomorrow (Singtel Ch103 & StarHub Ch228; 1.25am), with hit-or-miss Manchester City standing in their way at the Etihad. Ahead of the big match, TODAY’s EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) assesses Mauricio Pochettino’s side and asks if they are genuine title contenders.

Let us cut straight to the chase. Yes, Tottenham Hotspur are absolute, bona-fide contenders to walk away with this year’s league crown. Do not bank on them frittering away their opportunity anytime soon.

Last season, they shook up English football with a serious, if doomed, charge towards the top spot, but in 2016-17, they have stepped up a gear.

Mauricio Pochettino’s current outfit look superior to the one that ran Leicester City so close until the final weeks. Here is why this year’s team are better.

PLANS A AND B ARE EQUALLY STRONG

Spurs have experimented regularly with a 3-4-2-1 formation, and the players appear more at home than ever in that shape. They did not just match Chelsea up with that system; they blew them off the park with it.

This time last year, Pochettino did not have the confidence to make this kind of unexpected tactical switch-up, but he does now. His players are ready.

I would argue it suits them better than the regular 4-2-3-1.

It fits Eric Dier back into the team; at wingback, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are revelling in the freedom of the flanks; and behind their star striker, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have license to wander freely into holes on the inside, or out.

Opposition managers cannot pre-plan for Spurs as easily. They can now perform equally well no matter which game plan the manager conjures up.

GROWING UP TOGETHER

Pochettino has not just built a quality squad; he has also put together a youthful one.

There is not an outfield player aged over 30 in his group, and the average age of the XI he picked last weekend was just 25. When you consider most have signed long-term contracts to remain at White Hart Lane, it is clear there is every chance they will continue to grow together and improve over the coming seasons.

This Spurs team is becoming a close-knit family.

While the London club are payers of low wages (relatively speaking), meaning there is a danger the best players will have their heads turned, winning silverware should encourage most to stick around.

Spirit and continuity are such important qualities, as is the hunger of youth. This upward curve should be maintained.

FITNESS MACHINES

It is well documented that the Argentine taskmaster works his players day and night in pursuit of glory (well, at least an hour or two extra!), and it shows.

In terms of fitness, they are outstanding. Tottenham usually outrun rival teams with ease, and in possession, they boast purposeful movement that others struggle to match.

Dele Alli (7th), Kyle Walker (9th) and Christian Eriksen (22nd) all feature in the Top 25 list for “Most Sprints”, for example, and on a minute-by-minute basis, Son Heung-Min would be right up there too. They pass and move with serious intensity.

Tottenham are also finishing matches so much stronger now.

In 2015-16, a number of late concessions (12 in the last quarter of a hour of games) cost them dearly, but to date, they have let in just two goals from the 75th minute onwards.

EXPERTS AT SHRINKING THE PITCH

On the ball Spurs use every millimetre of the playing surface to stretch play, but without it, they are brilliant at making the pitch feel very small. They press and squeeze space better than most teams in Europe.

This is how they nullified Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal without fuss. What’s the secret?

There are no shirkers. They cherry-pick the right times to hunt in packs, instead of charging around aimlessly for 90 minutes. They have a central midfield block that is physically imposing.

Trying to out-muscle Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele is an unenviable task that most people fail miserably at. New signing Wanyama has been tremendous.

Only two EPL players have won possession in the middle third more than him (Southampton’s Oriel Romeu and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante) and he’s also been Tottenham’s most prolific interceptor.

CAN SPURS GO ALL THE WAY?

Spurs have a world-class boss, a vibrant young side and a philosophy that suits every single member of the team.

Do they have enough squad depth and mental strength to go all the way this year?

Those are two doubts that still hang over them, but now that we are into the “moment of truth” stage of the campaign, we will soon get our answers. Based on form, solidity and recent managerial acumen, I would tip Tottenham to win this one at a canter, but surely Pep Guardiola’s men will come out fighting after last week’s horror show at Everton?

Right now Pochettino has the better team, but may have to settle for a point. Prediction: Manchester City 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Big Match Predictions

Liverpool v Swansea City (Tonight, Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 8.30pm)

Paul Clement has masterminded a win at Anfield before, as coach with Real Madrid, but there can be only one strategy in his mind this time: damage limitation. The new Swans boss has inherited a terrible side that can’t defend. With Coutinho back, Liverpool should have a field day.

Score call: 4-0

Stoke City v Manchester United (Tonight, Ch103 & Ch228; 10.55pm)

Peter Crouch, football’s most likeable beanpole, is the midst of a surprise renaissance, scoring in three successive starts, so United can expect an aerial barrage tonight. Without a Premier League win at the Britannia Stadium since 2013, this isn’t a happy hunting ground either. It will be a tough test.

Score call: 2-2

Chelsea v Hull City (Monday; Ch102 & Ch227; 12.25am)

Will he or won’t he? I’m talking about whether Antonio Conte will pick contract rebel Diego Costa of course. They managed fine without him last weekend but the smart money’s on a truce being called. With interest from China surely just a bargaining chip, it suits all parties to kiss and make up. Hull are playing well, but the Blues should romp home.

Score call: 3-0

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