Sunday 3 January 2016 16:36, UK
Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp assessed Tottenham's title credentials on Wednesday's live Football Special, and both believe they have a chance of a first top-flight crown for 55 years.
Mauricio Pochettino's side sit four points off joint-leaders Arsenal and Leicester, with the best goal difference and best defensive record in the Premier League having lost just two games all campaign.
While Carragher believes it is their north London rivals Arsenal who must not let their title opportunity slip as Chelsea languish in the bottom half and both Manchester City and Manchester United show signs of inconsistency, Redknapp insists his former club look strong under Pochettino.
He said: "You would have to say Tottenham [have been the big winners in 2015]. They've had a really good Christmas, look really strong, and have only lost two games this season.
"I've been very impressed with them, and they have Harry Kane, who seems to just get better and better. They are organised at the back - I think Toby Alderweireld has been one of the signings of the season.
"I can't tell you how impressed I am with Dele Alli. He plays with no fear. We were lucky enough to play with Steven Gerrard, and we shouldn't compare, but this kid is fantastic. He has so many good years ahead of him.
"It's a case of belief now for Tottenham, do they want to believe? Do they actually think we can win the title this year? Because it's up for grabs, make no mistake, nobody has taken it by the scruff of the neck."
Carragher admits that while he does not associate Spurs with being genuine challengers having not won a title since 1961, Pochettino's side have been the most consistent in an unpredictable season.
"The way the league has gone, with people dropping points left, right and centre, at this moment they are the most consistent," said Carragher.
"I think you can see the gap now between Spurs and those below them. The talk all season has been top four for them, and I think they'll have no problem getting that.
"I think now they have an outside chance for the title. We spoke about Leicester being the side you'd never expect, but Tottenham's name is never associated with winning titles.
"Not since the early 1960s have they won one, and they've never really challenged for one. You always expect them to be in Europa League positions.
"But the job that Mauricio Pochettino has done, the squad that they have got, the goalkeeper they've got, the striker in Kane, the centre-backs, they've got the best defence in the league, best goal difference. It all points to what a good job the manager has done."
Arsenal's last title win is fresher in the memory for fans at the Emirates, and with other pre-season favourites faltering, Carragher says the Gunners cannot let this slip.
Arsene Wenger said on Wednesday he would look to spend in January, and although Arsenal have been in similar situations at the halfway stage of a season, Carragher insists this could be their best chance for a decade.
He said: "I felt Arsenal would be Chelsea's biggest challengers this year, now Chelsea have fooled us all really in terms of where they are.
"If Arsenal don't win it this year, I think it could be 10 years before they win it again. Because I just think Chelsea won't accept the situation they are in, they will throw a lot of money [at it] in the summer, and get a new manager.
"I think Man City may do the same, and I think Man United too. So you think of those three teams, they've all faltered, and this is Arsenal's big chance.
"They have to take it, whether that means spending in January. But this is an opportunity they cannot let slip."
