Dier throws down gauntlet
– Eric Dier (above) has demanded title-chasing Tottenham put pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea with victory over Middlesbrough today at White Hart Lane.
Mauricio Pochettino’s second-placed side trail Chelsea by nine points after being held to a frustrating 0-0 by struggling Sunderland on Tuesday.
Chelsea drew at fourth-placed Liverpool and third-placed Arsenal unexpectedly lost at home to Watford, but Tottenham were unable to take advantage at the Stadium of Light.
But with Chelsea facing Arsenal today, Tottenham have an opportunity to make up ground.
“With the mentality we have here, we would be upset to finish in the same position as last season,” Dier, who has played in defence and midfield for Spurs, said.
“We want to be better and we want to show it. Everyone wants to reach the very top.
“It is up to us to reach our full potential. We still have a lot of players who have not reached their prime.
“We are not chasing a trophy: our focus is to build a team capable of challenging on every front, and we are still in three big competitions.”
Tottenham are still in both the FA Cup and the Europa League, but will have to do without leftback Danny Rose for a number of important fixtures.
A knee injury forced the England star off before half-time at Sunderland and he is likely to spend a month on the sidelines, with Ben Davies ready to deputise.
Tottenham host a Middlesbrough side that is in grave danger of being dragged deep into the mire and are just two points above the relegation zone.
They have gone almost two months since their last league victory and their only away win this season came in August.
But Boro boss Aitor Karanka insisted: “We travel to Tottenham in a really positive frame of mind.
“It’s another tough game against one of the best teams in the league who are genuine title contenders.”
Midfielder Gaston Ramirez is again ruled out by a knee problem while George Friend (calf) is also unavailable and Calum Chambers is a doubt. – AFP
We want to be better and we want to show it. Everyone wants to reach the top. Eric Dier Tottenham Hotspur