SPARKY’S FLYING WITH TITLE TAUNT

MARK HUGHES believes Tottenham’s best chance of winning the Premier League may have disappeared.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have finished second and third in the last two seasons.

But defeats at Arsenal and Leicester with draws against West Brom and Watford in their last four matches have proved virtually disastrous.

Stoke go to Wembley looking to add to their woes today and Potters boss Sparky (above) reckons Spurs’ opportunity might have gone.

Hughes said: “Arguably in the last two years a lot of people felt they were the best team even though they haven’t won the Premier League title.

“They have missed out twice, and it might be beyond them, clearly, because of the lead City have and the level they’re playing at, while teams above have recruited well.

“So there is a danger that they may have missed their opportunity.

“But they’re still a very young team, and if they keep that together they will go close again, I’m sure.”

As a player, Hughes rejoined Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s first four years without a trophy before they went on to dominate the game.

Hughes feels Spurs need to win a major honour to gain a winning habit.

He said: “They probably feel that themselves and to get that trophy helps a team develop because then you understand what it takes to win things.”

United followed their FA Cup in 1990 with the European Cup Winners’ Cup a year later and the League Cup in 1992 before back-to-back titles.

“Winning an FA Cup or a League Cup can help your league form because when you’re in a key league game, you can revisit those emotions of when you were in finals,” recalled Hughes.

Stoke have crashed 4-0 the last three times they have played Spurs with

Harry Kane netting six times – and Hughes doesn’t want to see a repeat.

“They are the ones who we’ve struggled against the most and that’s been borne out by the margin of their victories,” he admitted.

“So we need to improve – that’s our hope and intention this weekend.”