Roberto Martinez says Tottenham have ‘mentality’ to launch title challenge

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Tottenham Hotspur suffered a late defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night but Roberto Martinez has told Amazon Prime Video Sport that he believes Jose Mourinho’s men have the mentality to challenge for the title.

Roberto Firmino scored an excellent header to win the game in injury time, a win that sees Liverpool leapfrog Spurs into first place in the Premier League table – despite the injury problems suffered by Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Mo Salah had given Liverpool the lead, only for Son Heung-min to equalise. It is Tottenham’s second defeat of the Premier League campaign, though they remain in second place and now three points behind the Reds.

Given their start to the season, many believe Spurs are capable of launching a title challenge and Belgium boss Martinez agrees – thinking they have the required mentality to push Liverpool all the way this season.

“There’s a big difference between playing well and winning games and winning titles and winning trophies,” Martinez said. “To win trophies you’ve got to sometimes be the worst side, but find the resilience and mentality.

“We saw that at stages today. If you are going to lose a game, lose it in the way Spurs lost today. Moments in the first half they were outplayed, Liverpool are unbeaten in 66 games here. You cannot stop them at everything.”

TBR’s view – What do Tottenham need to do to maintain push?

Spurs, right now, are shining under Mourinho’s style of play. All of the players have bought into his counter-attacking style, even the likes of Harry Kane and Son. Over time, they are only going to get better with that style.

But what is absolutely crucial is that the core of Tottenham’s side remain injury free. Over the past couple of seasons, Kane has suffered injuries in the new year and Spurs will be keen to avoid that again.

His fitness – as well as Son, Hugo Lloris, Toby Alderweireld and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is of utmost importance. Keep that core fit, and Spurs have every chance of pipping Liverpool to first place come May.