1.Spurs are a “dirty side”
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur have not exactly been shy in dishing out some extreme tackles. Its not that they have always gone out of their way to hurt the opposition players but rather more its about being fired up before setting foot on the pitch and then just mis-timing the challenges. At various times in the last 4 seasons Tottenham have led the way in racking up most disciplinary points during games – this is despite the fact they seem to have got away without punishment for a series of shocking challenges against Manchester City. Dele Alli in particular has been a serial offender and quite how he has not been seriously chinned or sent off is astonishing. Its worth noting he is back in contention to play against City on Monday and likely to be returning to play hopelessly off the pace and fired up. In my mind rather than characterising Spurs as a free styling fluid footballing team, I consider they are just a faster Crystal Palace or Cardiff. Exercising brutal tackling to stop the opposition and escaping rightful punishment. Just watch at Wembley on Monday – we will face 23 disgraceful challenges all of which are waved away and receive a red card for a single solitary late tackle.