TOTTENHAM DEALT A BLOW IN TITLE CHASE

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And it was. A 1-0 win, same as last year; that dealt a savage blow to Tottenham's title ambitions, same as last year. The change was the location. All year, West Ham fans have complained that their new home isn't like Upton Park.

Well, this time it was. A night game, a boisterous atmosphere, and a result that proved West Ham can still be inspired in these unfamiliar surrounds. They were the better team over 90 minutes.

In fact, they could have won by more, had Jonathan Calleri and Ashley Fletcher taken late chances.
Tottenham's travellers admitted as much by scurrying into the night. The pursuit has proved too much for them, again. All eyes were on leaders Chelsea but, in reality, it is the chasing team that cannot afford even one misstep.

To be fair, the warning sign was there at Selhurst Park two weeks ago. Tottenham were ordinary that night but were saved by a great goal from Christian Eriksen.
That wasn't going to happen again. They couldn't be rescued by a second 30 yard screamer. Dip once more, and the cost would be huge. They did. It was.

The bottom line being that this time next week, Chelsea could be champions. This defeat leaves them four points clear with a game in hand. Beat Middlesbrough on Monday and the lead becomes seven.

Win at West Brom next Friday and it stretches to 10 – and Tottenham will have only three games to play. At that point, the title race is run. Tottenham would be, at best, second. Pipped again.

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