‘I’m not sure’: Michael Owen delivers Tottenham PL title verdict, makes Pochettino claim

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Michael Owen has questioned Tottenham Hotspur’s title credentials on MatchDay Live, which was broadcast by Premier League productions last night.

Tottenham currently lead the way in the Premier League, after beating Manchester City 2-0 at the weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s side took on board a great deal of praise for their performance against City, as they dealt with everything Pep Guardiola’s men had to throw at them with ease.

But Owen feels that Mourinho’s tactical style may come unstuck as the season progresses.

“I think the two teams that immediately crop up in your mind that could challenge Liverpool and City’s domination, it’s Chelsea and Tottenham,” he said.

“But if you’re asking which I favour I’d say Chelsea at the moment.

“As much as I was impressed with Tottenham yesterday you can’t have so little possession and sit back and win the Premier League.

“I know Leicester did, but I’m not sure these players are getting the full belief from their manager, let’s say.

“Under Pochettino that team would be on the front foot every game, ‘come on I back you, I think you’re a brilliant team, I think you’re the best team, get out there’.

“All of a sudden that same set of players, if I was playing, I’d be thinking ‘does the manager fancy me?’

“We’re actually now sitting back, conceding possession, does the manager believe in us that much? I know our last manager did. I don’t think you can win a title like this.”

Whether Owen’s claim will come true is likely to be found out in the coming weeks.

Tottenham face games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester City and Liverpool in the near future – and if Mourinho’s side can still remain on top of the pile after those fixtures, then surely they will have to be taken seriously.

For all of Owen’s doubts, Tottenham have been hugely impressive this term.

Spurs have been lethal on the counter attack, and they also seem to have become more stable defensively of late – which has helped them accelerate up the table and into first place.