Leicester in pole position for title, says Toby Alderweireld
Tuesday 12 April 2016 19:02, UK
Toby Alderweireld accepts Leicester are in pole position to win the Premier League title, but has challenged Tottenham to keep up the pressure by winning all of their remaining fixtures.
The Foxes temporarily moved 10 points clear at the top following Sunday's 2-0 win away at Sunderland, but Spurs reduced that gap to seven after defeating Manchester United 3-0 at White Hart Lane a few hours later.
Leicester, who were fighting against relegation this time last season, will be crowned champions if they win three of their remaining five matches, regardless of other results.
Alderweireld concedes it will be a tough task to overhaul such a deficit and admits the title must now be considered Leicester's to lose.
"The title is difficult. Leicester has everything in hand," the Spurs defender said in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
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"However, we want to win the last five games to increase the pressure on Leicester and keep the pursuers behind us."
Leicester will once again move 10 points clear at the top if they defeat West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Super Sunday - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30pm.
Tottenham will then have the chance to respond when they travel to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke on Monday Night Football - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Alderweireld believes Claudio Ranieri's side deserve huge praise for their transformation into potential title winners, citing the outstanding performances of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
"What Leicester are doing is unbelievable," he said. "In one year they have gone from a candidate for relegation to become the title favourites.
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"Leicester have made some good purchases and players like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are in the form of their lives. It's a very good, stable team."
When asked whether he would consider second place as a failure, Belgium international added: "No, I do not. However, naturally if you are so close, you want more.
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"To be the champions would be great, and we are working very hard to finish in the top three.
"We have direct qualification for the Champions League in our hands and we want to hold on to it.
"The Champions League will make our young group stronger."
