Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld: ‘We Want To Put Pressure On Chelsea’ Ahead Of Arsenal Game

Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld helped his team defeat Crystal Palace 1-0 in Wednesday’s game at Selhurst Park, and he is now issuing a warning to Chelsea ahead of Hotspur’s home game against Arsenal on Sunday.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld Issues Warning to Chelsea Before Arsenal Game

“It was a very important  win in a difficult away game,” the Belgian star said. “We know Crystal Palace have won against big teams but we played in a very adult way. We did not give them any chances and we know we have the quality and the creativity up front to make the difference.”

Chelsea, who beat Hotspur 4-2 in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, lead the Premier League with 78 points, just four points ahead of second-place Tottenham. Arsenal are sixth with 60 points, and Crystal Palace are 12th with 38 points.

Just as Alderweireld stated, Hotspur’s win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday was seen as a difficult game, given that Palace recently beat Chelsea 2-1 in a Premier League game on the road.

Now, Tottenham will hope to replace the Blues as the league leaders.

“We want to put pressure on Chelsea,” said Alderweireld, 28. “They won and of course we want to catch them. We fought as a team and did very well. The only thing we can do is try to win our games.

“We know it is going to be difficult but that is all we can do. This was a good response after the FA Cup semi-final. We are back in it. We showed character after Saturday and are back on track. That is very important, if you get a setback to respond immediately.”

Sunday’s game marks the last-ever North London Derby at White Hart Lane before it is completely reconstructed.

“It is a massive game. We are going to try and win at the Lane. It is going to be a special day and it is up to us to get three points,” Alderweireld added.

The Spurs, led by manager Mauricio Pochettino, have five games remaining this season. Tottenham hope to defeat Arsenal, their local rivals, to pass the Gunners in the Premier League standings for the first time in 22 years.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)