Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen insists Spurs will close 21-point gap if they play their cards right
Despite a 4-1 defeat leaving his side seven wins behind Manchester City, the Belgian defender is feeling confident after seeing positive signs
JAN VERTONGHEN insists Tottenham can go on a winning streak and close the gap on Manchester City.
A 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side left Spurs trailing their titles rivals by a whopping 21 points.
But while accepting that Tottenham have been underachieving this season, Vertonghen insists there are promising signs ahead of the festive fixtures.
The Belgian, 30, told ESPN FC: “There’s a bit of frustration. Not just for us – for other teams as well probably.
“The gap reflects the strength of City but I don’t think it reflects our [strength].
“We could and should have been closer and I think we can reduce the gap definitely.
“I still think we’re stronger than last year. We just have to get that run going, hopefully around Christmas.
“Obviously we lost 4-1 and City played very well but we can – and will – do a lot better in the next couple of games.
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“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back from injuries – there’s still a couple out of course – but I think we’re looking very good at the moment.”
Spurs have had seven days to prepare for a trip to Burnley – who sit a place above Poch’s side in sixth – and Vertonghen expects to see the fruits of those labours tomorrow.
He added: “It’s the first time since August that we didn’t have a midweek game so that helps us to focus on a couple of things in training and I feel like everyone is ready for Saturday.
“Defending corners is a good thing to focus on when there’s no midweek games. But it’s not just corner kicks, it’s a bit of shape, a bit of everything.
“It’s good for us to get together, to know what we’ve achieved in the last couple of seasons. We still have the same group and we’re still with each other. I see no reason not to get back on track during Christmas.
“A bit of luck is missing this year, but only Kyle Walker left us from that team [last season] and I see no reason we can’t do the same again.”