Pochettino: “We can still fight for the title”

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday was big. Not just because Spurs became only the fourth club this season to take three points from the Clarets at home, but also because the win, combined with Chelsea’s home loss to Crystal Palace, just made the title race a little more interesting.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino agrees, calling Tottenham’s gritty win today “massive” and saying that he things Spurs can still compete for the Premier League title before the end of the season.

"I am very happy, very pleased. It's important, a massive three points for us to still believe we can fight for the title.

"We showed great belief, character and faith. It is always difficult in the first game after international duty, all the players arrive at different dates, but we were very professional. That makes us proud."

It’s amazing how one match can change perception of a title race. Coming into this game, Chelsea were running away with the title, holding onto a 10 point lead ahead of their home match against Crystal Palace. Spurs’ win, combined with Chelsea’s loss, cuts the lead to seven.

While seven points is still a lot, especially considering Chelsea’s overall form this season, the Blues turn around and play Manchester City at the Etihad midweek. Another loss (and a Spurs win over Swansea), and the lead is just four. And then... well. Game on.

Look, nobody’s saying (yet) that Spurs are actual real-for-sure title contenders. But we have been saying for a while now that with their favorable run-in Spurs are well poised to be able to take advantage if Chelsea slip up. Chelsea stepped on the banana peel today at Stamford Bridge. Now we have to wait to see if they slide.