Tottenham are the 'real deal', but will they challenge for title?
Graeme Souness, Gary Neville and Craig Bellamy discuss Spurs' Premier League title chances
Monday 24 December 2018 09:48, UK
After thrashing Everton 6-2 at Goodison Park, are Tottenham title contenders?
Spurs produced a brilliant attacking display to sweep aside the Toffees and stay six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
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Speaking on Sky Sports and on the Gary Neville Podcast, Graeme Souness, Gary Neville and Craig Bellamy gave their views on Spurs' title challenge…
Souness: They are the real deal
"They are the real deal. There is no doubt Spurs, when they are firing, are as good as anyone. Everton played an open game and that result will happen again unless they play differently against the better teams. Everton tried to play a way which entertains the fans but against the better teams they will get picked off.
"Spurs went a goal down but they have great belief in themselves. They didn't have to change anything, just kept plugging away. The two centre-backs were fabulous and that is the basis to keep believing in what you are trying to do.
"Mauricio Pochettino is getting the best from his players and he is playing a brand of football that gets me on the edge of my seat. It's exciting times for Tottenham with the new stadium, that kind of football and the players they have got."
Neville: They are contenders
"I don't think they will win the title, but they are in the race because they are so close. They have three fixtures over Christmas that are very winnable and with Manchester City playing Liverpool on January 3 they can get even closer if they win their matches.
"They have been outstanding over the last three seasons, it would almost be the culmination of Mauricio Pochettino's work in his fourth year at Tottenham. You keep hearing people say that Pochettino hasn't won a trophy and it would be the ultimate.
"They are good enough to win the league, but the problem is the two teams above them are exceptional and better. They are in the race but I don't think they will have enough.
"I think when the Champions League returns the depth and quality of the squads of Liverpool and City will make them just a touch better. But I remember saying two years ago that I wanted the quality of the Premier League to improve and I have no doubt that it has.
"The Premier League is getting better and better and that's because of the quality of managers that has been introduced over the last few years. We have a far better league but I think the two at the top are just a bit better, which means Spurs won't win it."
Bellamy: Spurs will get stronger
"Spurs were incredible from start to finish. They were unlucky to go 1-0 behind but Spurs didn't look back once they scored their first goal. I like the way Spurs changed it today, playing two up front and a diamond, with Son and Harry Kane they tore Everton apart.
"Under Mauricio Pochettino over the last four years Tottenham have got stronger as the season goes on. They will definitely be there but I think City and Liverpool have a bit more in their squads."
