As Tottenham prepare for their crunch Premier League clash with Manchester City at the weekend, their Champions League qualification hopes haven’t been helped by Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Fulham.
Chelsea put three past Fulham on Wednesday, on top of Arsenal earning a point in their game against Everton on Tuesday. Spurs now sit three points behind Chelsea, and two behind neighbors Arsenal, with a game in hand for the lilywhites.
Spurs, who could be without key wide men Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon for their weekend game against City, may be five points behind Arsenal when they kick off.
But it’s not just the results, it’s how emphatically Arsenal and Chelsea have been winning them in the past few weeks. Chelsea clearly meant business against Fulham, starting a very attacking side and dismantling them. Arsenal’s draw with Everton was a slight plus for Tottenham, as it is mathematically in their hands. But they face many steep challenges from now until the end of the season.
With the home game with City, as well as a trip to Chelsea, Spurs have arguably the hardest fixture list for the top four chasing sides. Arsenal and Chelsea are certainly the bookies’ favorites to take the two remaining top four spots, but can Tottenham pull it off?
It’s an all out war for the top four. Consistency and perseverance are critical in these kinds of races and with Arsenal and Chelsea’s experience, will they leave Tottenham waiting again? Spurs surely must earn results in their games with the Blues and Manchester City.
