Walker’s not ready to let title dream die at Chelsea
KYLE WALKER admits he has been surprised by the ferocity of the rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea ahead of the sides’ crunch Barclays Premier League meeting on Monday night.
Spurs visit Chelsea knowing they need a win to keep the title race alive after Leicester’s draw at Manchester United on Sunday.
Walker, who moved to White Hart Lane seven years ago from Sheffield United, admits he was aware of the historic rivalry with Arsenal but says he was surprised at the ill-feeling with West Ham and Chelsea as well.
“I was getting advised, ‘Don’t buy a red car. Don’t do this, don’t do that.’ I was thinking, ‘OK, here we go!’ I’m a Sheffield United fan, I love red and white,” he said.
“But I was also living around Essex and I’m getting West Ham fans taunting me. I was thinking: ‘Oh, OK. I didn’t know about this.’ Then, of course, Chelsea. But it’s good that there are rivalries everywhere.”
Tottenham have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since February 1990 but they head into the game as favourites, with Guus Hiddink’s side coming to the end of a miserable season.
“It’s a London derby so it’s going to be difficult,” Walker added.
“They’ve got worldclass players. OK, this season hasn’t gone well for them but they are not go- ing to want us to come to their patch and win.
“We need to go and show the fighting spirit we’ve shown all season.”
Two years ago Tim Sherwood accused Tottenham of “lacking guts” following a 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s a completely different work ethic now,” Walker said. “We’re going for a title.”