Premier League: Tim Sherwood expects thrilling top-four battle

Feb 10, 2014
Premier League: Tim Sherwood expects thrilling top-four battle
Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood is convinced the race for a top-four Premier League finish will "go down to the wire". Spurs clinched a crucial result on Sunday as they defeated Everton 1-0 to move up into fifth place, just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. "We are happy we are amongst it and leap-frogged Everton, and now we're chasing Liverpool," said Sherwood. "I've said it's going to the wire, today was huge, it was a cup final." Tottenham last qualified for the Champions League in 2010 and 2012. On Sunday they went past Everton thanks to a strike from Emmanuel Adebayor, that shot was the team's only effort on target. "You won't win games three or four nil all the time," said Sherwood. "We had to dig in there today. If you want to get where we want to be you'll have to sometimes win without playing well." This was Everton's fourth defeat in the Premier League this season, they are currently sixth, five points behind Liverpool. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez described the result as "harsh", especially considering their impressive first-half display at White Hart Lane. "This type of performance in the next 13 games will get us a lot of points," said Martinez. "We are fighting with ourselves. Thirteen games is a lot of points and the league is developing into one of most exciting ends to a season ever. It's down to us now to reproduce this level of performance but get the result as well." Martinez added: "Today is a blow but it depends how we take it. It could be a real turning point. I think we were the better side. It comes down to concentration levels and know-how, and we need to make sure we take lessons from this defeat." Everton host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Wednesday while Tottenham will travel to meet Newcastle. Tottenham are 5/2 at Bet365 to clinch a top-four finish this season while Everton are 9/1 to reach a Champions League qualifying spot at the end of the campaign.
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