Jan Vertonghen is confident that Tottenham can still secure a top-four Premier League finish and subsequent Champions League qualification this season despite Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at Chelsea.
Tim Sherwood’s side could have moved to within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City and three points of second and third-placed Liverpool and Arsenal respectively had they ended their 24-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
However, the game swung in favour of Jose Mourinho’s Blues who took advantage of Spurs’ error-strewn defensive display to bag four goals which moves them seven points clear at the top of the table in the race for the title.
As a result City remain four points ahead of them, but have three games in hand because of their recent cup exploits, while Liverpool and Arsenal also have a game extra to play in addition to a six-point cushion.
Everton could even knock Spurs out of the top-five should they win their two games in hand, but Vertonghen is refusing to give up the chase on fourth spot with nine games and 27 points still to play for.
“Is it over and out for the Champions League now? I’ll never say that, but it’s going to be hard,” said Vertonghen, who was at fault for Chelsea’s crucial opening goal scored by Samuel Eto’o.
Spurs are 2.92 to cut the gap on north London rivals Arsenal to three points in their next game as the two sides meet at White Hart Lane on Sunday. The Gunners are 2.39 and the draw is 3.23.
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