Mauricio Pochettino content after Tottenham progress in Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will play their fourteenth game of the Premier League season at White Hart Lane on Sunday, 29th November. The gulf between the clubs really grew when Roman Abramovich began pouring his billions into Chelsea in 2003, a fact made all the more painful for Tottenham fans because the Russian oligarch had also expressed an interest in buying their club.

Mauricio Pochettino declared it was “job done” after Tottenham reached the knock-out stages of the Europa League. His 8 goals are good for third best in the league and his output is ably supported by goals from midfield from the likes of Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, and Mousa Dembele.

Cesc Fabregas is expected to return from a toe problem, but Radamel Falcao and Thibaut Courtois are not quite ready to return yet.

Jose Mourinho is still under pressure though and he will be seeking revenge against Spurs for their 5-3 loss at White Hart Lane back in January.

Club legend Micky Hazard believes in-form Tottenham are firmly in the mix for the Premier League title this season, though admits their inexperience could cost them the ultimate prize.

“Clubs are not sending scouts out as much to these lower leagues”, he said. “They deserve a lot of praise because it’s a long, long way to come from London to Azerbaijan and that support is so valuable for us”. Cesc Fabregas and Ramires are both doubts but should be passed fit.

Mauricio Pochettino refuses to rule himself out of one day managing the England national team – but insists he is “very happy at Tottenham” for now. It’s a big ask after a six-hour journey. Plus, Chelsea felt content to sit as many as seven to eight – or more – players at the 18-yard box and earn a draw instead.

Chelsea’s wins this season have been against limited opponents, with the exception of Arsenal, who so often wilt against their rivals, and West Brom. “Years ago they found Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand and Stuart Pearce in non-league”.

The 26-year-old was part of the Belgium squad that was due to host Spain in Brussels last Tuesday before the game was called off due to security fears – and the Belgian capital is still essentially on lockdown as the authorities attempt to protect the public.

While Kane is the face of the Spurs resurgence his opposite number at Chelea, Diego Costa, appears to symbolise the decline of Chelsea.