Ex-midfielder sends warning to Chelsea about Tottenham

Darren Anderton has claimed that Tottenham’s first XI is as strong as Chelsea’s and is backing Spurs to challenge for the title next season.

Tottenham have been one of the Premier League’s top performing teams this season and were Chelsea’s closest challengers for the title.

However, Spurs’ 1-0 loss to West Ham last week has allowed Chelsea the chance to win the title by beating West Brom at The Hawthorns on Friday night.

Nevertheless, Tottenham have earned plenty of new admirers for their strong form this season and are set to make a return to the Champions League next term.

And former Tottenham midfielder Anderton feels that Spurs’ starting 11 is just as strong as Chelsea’s.

Speaking in an interview with 888sport, Anderton said: “It’s more squad than first team for Tottenham.

“I remember watching them sometime in March and thinking ‘If this eleven stay fit they win the league’. Then Vertonghen got injured and for me it’s the squad that needs strengthening.

“They need another striker to back up Harry. But in terms of a first eleven – and of course we’d all like a Messi or Ronaldo in our team – but there isn’t a lot that I would change.

“Chelsea’s first team is obviously great and in Hazard they have a match-winner on his own who can create a piece of magic but when the two teams put out their first 11 I’d be happy to put Spurs up against them.”

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Tottenham will play their final Premier League game at White Hart Lane on Sunday when they host Manchester United in north London.

Spurs finished third in the table behind Leicester and Arsenal last season.