Tuesday 2 May 2017 00:37, UK
Harry Kane says Tottenham can pile the pressure on Chelsea by beating West Ham in their Friday Night Football clash, three days before the Premier League leaders host Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football.
The previous two league fixtures saw Antonio Conte's Chelsea in action before Mauricio Pochettino's side, but now it's second-place Spurs' turn to deliver the goods first as they aim to close the gap to just one point when they travel to the London Stadium.
Tottenham go into Friday's clash knowing they will end the campaign above fierce rivals Arsenal for the first time since 1995, after beating Arsene Wenger's men 2-0.
With just four league games left to play Spurs are conscious of the effect the schedule can have as the campaign draws to a close, having regularly followed reigning champions Leicester during last year's closing fixtures before the Foxes went on to take the title.
"We just have to try to finish strong," Kane said.
"We've got another game Friday night and it's good to play first. Hopefully, we can drop the gap to one point and then see what happens."
The 23-year-old, who has netted 21 times from 26 appearances so far this term, believes the timing of fixtures may well play a part in determining who will lift the trophy.
"We know what it's like from when Leicester were playing last year before us, and even today, that it's good to play first and put the pressure on," he added.
"It will be a tough game away from home but hopefully we can get that win, put that pressure on and just wait and see."
Chelsea ensured they remain in control of the title charge with a 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday, but Kane and his team-mates remain fully focused on chasing the leaders down to leave them squirming.
He continued: "We've got a fantastic manager. He's one of the best in the world in my opinion. We've got a great squad with a real togetherness.
"We're just going in the right direction. We can't get carried away, even this season we've got four games left to try to win and it's exciting times."
The England international admitted that seeing Chelsea defeat Everton just hours before his team came up against Arsenal made the outcome of Sunday's derby even more pivotal.
"The most important thing for us was to put the pressure back on Chelsea," he said.
"Watching them win meant we knew we had to win and we did it. It was an added bonus that in the last game at the Lane we managed to finish above Arsenal.
"It's great for the fans and great for the club. But we're thinking about trying to get that title and we'll see what happens."
