Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking about the teams who he believes will be fighting for the Premier League title this season.
For Ange Postecoglou’s squad, the aim is to return to the top four this term, however, they did not get off to the ideal start.
Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign started sluggishly after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Leicester City. Spurs failed to capitalise on their dominant spells at the King Power Stadium and Jamie Vardy made them pay by scoring on his return to the Premier League.
Tottenham took the lead through Pedro Porro and looked in total control until Vardy headed home from close range following some chaotic defending from the visitors.
But despite the result, Guardiola is expecting a strong campaign for the Lilywhites and he has just made a very bold call about what they are capable of doing.
Tottenham ‘will be there’ in the title race, according to Guardiola
Pep Guardiola claims that Tottenham are one of the teams that can challenge Manchester City at the top of the table this term.
The Spanish coach believes that the way Postecoglou’s team plays means they will be fighting at the top of the table and challenging City.
“Arsenal will be there definitely, for sure. Liverpool, we will see, the transition from Jurgen [Klopp] is not easy but pre-season for Arne Slot has been amazing.
“You ask me now, it’s Arsenal, Tottenham will be there for the way they play.”
Guardiola also claimed he is wary of Newcastle United who have one game a week and will be interested to see how Aston Villa cope with the demands of also playing in the Champions League.
Tottenham’s top four mountain
Tottenham and Postecoglou have plenty to fix this season before they can match Guardiola’s claims of being able to push for the title.
Their result away in the East Midlands showed just how far they still have to go before thinking about competing for silverware.
Top four is the focus for the North London club this year and even a Champions League return for them looks a major task at this stage.
Many of the teams around them have strengthened with the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa looking to once again upset the traditional top six. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool also kick-started their campaigns with wins.
Following a dismal start, Spurs will need to produce a major response against Everton to show the display at the King Power Stadium was just a one-off.
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