‘We can pile the pressure on Blues’

TOTTENHAM’S win over Arsenal means they can put “psychological pressure” on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, insists boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine believes Sunday’s 2-0 win was “fantastic for our fans”, as Spurs confirmed they would end a 22-year wait to finish above their derby rivals.

But he added the “most important” thing was keeping up with league leaders Chelsea, who beat Everton 3-0.

“We are in the race and the gap is back to four points,” said Pochettino.

“We have to be focused now. We have another big game against West Ham on Friday, another difficult derby.

“That could be a chance to put psychological pressure on Chelsea.

“We play before them and, if we win, we will see what happens when Chelsea play Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Monday.”

Chelsea’s victory at Everton earlier on Sunday had moved Antonio Conte’s side seven points clear of their closest challengers. But Dele Alli’s 21st club goal of the season and a Harry Kane penalty secured Spurs a ninth successive league win, extending their best run since October 1960, when they won 13 games in a row.

Chelsea have been top of the league since 5 November, and were 10 points clear as recently as 19 March. They have since lost twice – to Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

“I can understand our fans being excited about finishing above Arsenal, but I don’t feel the same because for me it is about trying to win the title,” Pochettino added.

“It is so important now to try and win trophies every season that is our aim.

“It’s true that it will be difficult but we will see what happens.”

Sunday’s match was the last derby to played at White Hart Lane in its current incarnation.

Tottenham will play their home games at Wembley for the 2017-18 season while construction work takes place on their new stadium.

The club’s new 61,000-seater ground is being built next to the site of their current home. The last time Tottenham finished above Arsenal was in 1995, when they came seventh and the Gunners were 12th.

Arsenal fans even had a name for the day it was confirmed Spurs would not be able to finish above them – St Totteringham’s Day.