Tottenham take on Manchester City this week looking to put a spanner in the works of City’s title push and in turn, help rivals Arsenal.

Spurs saw off Burnley at the weekend to send them down into the Championship and going into tomorrow’s game with City, could have an equally as important impact on the top of the table.

Of course, for Tottenham themselves, a win could also see them into the top four, depending on how well Aston Villa do against Liverpool tonight.

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Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge has been a good one on the whole and he’s seen some of his players really step up to the mark for him.

Indeed, speaking in his presser today, Postecoglou singled out the defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven as two he has loved working with.

Ange Postecoglou praises Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero

Speaking in his press conference ahead of this week’s clash with Manchester City, Postecoglou spoke highly about a number of his players, including Romero and Van de Ven.

“It’s part of our evolution and I think that great thing for us particularly through this tough spell, for me it’s great because I see how people react to it. There’s certain individuals who have really gritted their teeth and wanted to change the course of events and not just accept it,” Postecoglou said.

“Probably because of the nature of where we are as a team at the moment it has been the defenders, Pedro scored an unbelievable goal at the weekend. I loved seeing that.

“I have loved seeing the growth of Micky and Romero and others, who you would never see unless you went through tough times and I think that’s important. It’s one of those things you know if you can tap into it moving forward, those guys are showing the way to change that course of events.”

A top defensive duo

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While maybe not quite at the level of Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel, Tottenham do have the basis of a very good pairing in Romero and Van de Ven.

Yes, the goals against column is massive in comparison to the Gunners – Spurs have conceded 59 to Arsenal’s 28 – but both these players are good individuals who, in time, could form a great partnership.

Postecoglou’s open style of play often leaves them exposed in fairness and it will be interesting to see if that improves or changes next season.

But regardless, these are kind words from the Tottenham boss and the defensive duo will no doubt note the comments and look to give their all for the boss going forward.