3 Crucial Matches That Could Define Tottenham’s Title Chase This Season

Tottenham moved to the 3rd place on the Premier League log yesterday after a massive victory over league leaders Chelsea, at the White Hart Lane, and in doing so, Spurs have put themselves back in the title race.

But they are still 7 points behind the Blues, 2 points behind 2nd-placed Liverpool and just ahead of Manchester City on goal difference, hence they would need to keep up their recent performances that have seen them win 5 Premier League games on a spin if they are to challenge for the title.

With the title run-in just about to get tougher from now on, a couple of games from their remaining 18 fixtures would prove very pivotal if Tottenham are to make anything worthwhile of their 2016-17 Premier League campaign, and here are 3 of such crucial matches that would likely put them firmly in the title race.

Liverpool vs Tottenham – February 11

Tottenham have got 2 season-defining fixtures in their clashes against West Brom (home – January 14) Manchester City (away – January 21) before heading to Anfield for a potential cracker of an encounter, however, considering current form, Spurs have a high chance of coming out of their next 2 Premier League fixtures with at least 4 points.

It’s the Liverpool game that would most likely decide if they move to 2nd and within touching distance of Chelsea or whoever is topping the league by then (Liverpool?), or if they would drop out of top 4 entirely and risk a chance of losing out on the race.

The distance between the 2nd placed and 5th placed teams are very minimal, and even a draw from any team would see their respective positions change. A win at Anfield – a ground nobody has recorded a win this term and where Tottenham last won in 2011, and they would have successfully announced themselves as the new team to beat.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – April 29

The north London derby should be the biggest campaign decider for both clubs, and that it’s coming 3 games before the season ends doesn’t in anyway help the matters.

Tottenham’s Premier League campaign fell apart in their last 4 matches of last term, and a repeat must be avoided this term. 2016-17 looks most likely bound to have a winner and the 3 runners-up who will qualify for the Champions League at its tail end, and this game is a must-win.

2014 was the last time Arsenal defeated Spurs at the White Hart Lane, narrowly edging out their bitter rivals 1-nil. But considering how Spurs have managed to turn their home ground into a fortress this term having not lost yet, a victory could be on the cards.

Tottenham vs Manchester United – May 13

This is the penultimate Premier League game of the season, and there will be a lot to play for between these 2 powerhouses.

The Red Devils are the only other team to have defeated Tottenham this season and Jose would be keen to do it again. While one will be tempted to think United would likely be fighting for top 4 by this point, that they are just 10 points behind Chelsea means you can’t completely rule them out yet of the race.

They have won 6 games on the bounce and would likely lose very few games if they hold on to their current form. Whatever both teams are fighting for by this point – a league win or top 4, this match would go a long way in deciding their fates.

It is a must-win for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.