Gary Neville has urged Tottenham’s players to focus all their efforts on overhauling Manchester City in the title race.
The Manchester United legend hailed the power of positive thinking as he explained how the mental process will be key among the challengers to the runaway leaders.
City pulled eight points clear of the chasing pack at the weekend after demolishing Arsenal 3-1 on the same day that second-placed United lost at Chelsea to lose ground in the title race.
United, Chelsea and Tottenham are now all one point apart but a long way adrift of Pep Guardiola’s side, who have produced some scintillating football to pull well clear of their rivals.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Premier League channel on Sunday in the aftermath of Chelsea’s victory against United, Neville said: “If I was a Manchester United or Chelsea player, I’d be saying that we have to try and get close to them.
“Manchester United are looking at the game at Old Trafford in a month’s time thinking, ‘we’ve got to be no worse off than where we are today going into that game because we have to damage them’. Manchester United have to take responsibility themselves.
“Tottenham play them just after that – you have to stand up in those two games and damage them.”
Spurs face City for the first time this season at Etihad Stadium on 16 December.
OPINION
It is a huge challenge to keep up with City, but Tottenham look the strongest of the chasing pack. Mauricio Pochettino’s young and vibrant side have not yet hit top gear this season, but their historic win against Real Madrid last week would have imbued the entire squad with great belief. This Spurs side are the real deal and, with Champions League qualification for the knockout stages guaranteed, they can focus all efforts on overhauling City.