They have the men and the methodology to beat teams precisely like Chelsea, and that’s not an accident. Chelsea’s 17 goals this season put them squarely in the middle of the EPL goals scored rankings with 17, well off where a club of their caliber should be.
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The Portuguese coach also disclosed his doubts over the condition of Ramires and Radamel Falcao, while ruling Thibaut Courtois out of a return at White Hart Lane.
He said: “Well, I prefer to say that we have to play every match as if we are fighting for the title”.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he knows “which players are possible and which are impossible” when it comes to a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window but insists he will not ask the board for reinforcements.
Spurs have extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches following their opening-day loss to Manchester United and face defending champions Chelsea at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Chelsea will head into the weekend 10 places and 10 points below their rivals however they will fancy their chances of a win with Spurs being forced to travel 2,500 miles back from Azerbaijan on Thursday night following their 1-0 win over Qarabag. And Mourinho reflected: “Have I learned more about myself this season?”
With Chelsea struggling, it would be easy to say that Spurs will glide past Mourinho’s side, but with the win against Norwich under their belt, it could fire up the confidence within the team.
Tottenham will be without the services of Deli Alli as the midfielder is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season last week. We have good feelings for each other. I will accept it because the team is very good.
“I personally learnt a lot that day and I think everyone else did”, he said.
The Blues have conceded 23 goals so far this term, compared to just 32 for the entire 2014/2015 Premier League campaign.
Another factor that could play into Mourinho’s hands for this contest is his counterpart’s lack of desire for the game to be played at the time it’s scheduled for.
However John Terry is more of a serious concern after he picked up an ankle knock in Europe and was stretchered off the field.
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“The difference between last season and this season is that he scores free-kicks”, Mourinho said.
