Tottenham keen on title talk

Mauricio Pochettino has welcomed talk of Tottenham as title contenders this season as he believes it pays tribute to his team’s performances.

Unbeaten since the opening day of the campaign, Spurs are fifth in the Premier League and only four points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Pochettino’s side have already played every team in the top six and their fixtures in December look kind, with West Brom, Newcastle, Southampton, Norwich and Watford to come before the end of the year.

Tottenham’s priority is to secure Champions League football but as the more established challengers continue to stumble, there may be an opportunity to aim even higher.

“If the people believe we are contenders, I am happy because (it means) we have shown enough quality for that,” Pochettino said.

The last time Spurs were considered contenders was 2011-12 when, under Harry Redknapp, the team found themselves just two points off the top in January.

Redknapp wanted reinforcements in the transfer window but only Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen arrived and Spurs collapsed, finishing fourth and missing out on the Champions League after Chelsea’s European triumph.

Tottenham are likely to look for a striker next month to provide cover for Harry Kane but Pochettino believes it will be difficult to find the quality to strengthen the team.

Today Tottenham visit West Brom, who demonstrated their threat by beating Arsenal 2-1 at home two weeks ago.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis believes West Brom have been missing the real Saido Berahino for six months. The striker could face Tottenham today for the first time since threatening to go on strike in the summer after Spurs had four bids rejected.

The Baggies rejected two offers from Spurs on deadline day – the last rising to £23m with several clauses – after he scored 20 goals last season and, ahead of their Hawthorns visit, Pulis is still waiting for Berahino to regain his form.