Spurs desperate to stem the rot against Arsenal

LONDON: Tot ten ham could dream of an unlikely Premier League title challenge just a week ago but back-to-back defeats against Burn le ya nd Chelsea mean their top-four place is in danger as they prepare to host Arsenal.

Spurs’ lead over their north London rivals is down to four points, with Manchester United and Chelsea also close behind in the race for the final two Champions League places next season.

To make matters worse, Mauricio Pochettino’s men still have to travel to title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester City in the final 10 games of the league campaign.

Pochettino has routinely hailed the incredible effort of his squad to stay in title race as long astheyhavedone, particularlyin finding late winners to beat Fulham, Watford and Newcastle without the injured Harry Kane.

The England captain is now back in the fold but despite defying World Cup fatigue and struggling with a lengthy injury list, no new signings and having to endure another season at their temporary home of We mb ley,i tis possible Spurs are running out of steam at the wrong time.

‘NEED TO BE CALM’

“Now it’s about being calm. It won’t change my assessment of the players,” said Pochettino after his side failed to register a single shot on target in the Premier League for the first time in his five seasons in charge in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday.

“We need to support them, prepare them and lift them and help them to compete on Saturday because that is the most important thing now.”

Much of the damage done in the past week will be forgotten should Spursbounce back in the derby and open upwhatought to be a decisive seven-point advantage over Arsenal. Pochettino was keen to point out that there is just as much pressure on their local rivals to avoid a third season without Champions League football.

DERBY WIN

A thrilling 4-2 win over Tottenham in early December was the highlight so far of Unai Emery’s first season as Arsenal boss.