Pochettino: Next 10 games are make or break

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham’s next 10 games could make or break his side’s chances of winning the title this season.

Spurs sit fourth at the halfway stage and just four points behind leaders Arsenal, having lost only twice in the league so far.

Pochettino’s side can close that gap with a win at Everton on Sunday but the Argentine insists the next 10 matches will be pivotal in the race at the top.

In that time, Tottenham play Leicester and Arsenal at home as well as facing trips to Crystal Palace, Manchester City and West Ham.

“We need to arrive in the last 10 games with the possibility to fight for the objectives,” Pochettino said.

“The next nine, 10 games will maybe mark the possibility of how we can finish in the table.”

Arsenal and Manchester City remain favourites to be crowned champions in May but Tottenham’s form – they are chasing their fourth consecutive win this weekend – has led many to suggest they can mount a sustained challenge.

For all the hype, however, Pochettino is adamant his players are keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

“The good thing is we don’t speak too much but we work very hard and I think it is most important how we behave inside,” Pochettino said.

“We are very quiet. We believe in ourselves. We are very confident and in football a lot can happen. We believe.

“The only way we cannot achieve all that we can in football is if we stop working hard.”