King: Spurs can finish second

Former Tottenham captain Ledley King says the club could overhaul Manchester City to finish second in the Premier League.

Former Tottenham captain Ledley King says the club could overhaul Manchester City to finish second in the Premier League.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are in third place, five points behind City, and would take a big step towards Champions League qualification with a win at White Hart Lane over fifth-placed Arsenal on Sunday.

“It’s Andre Villas-Boas’s first season in charge but they’re already showing great signs of being able to compete at the very top level,” King told reporters.

“We beat Manchester United away for the first time since 1989 and he has shown that, tactically, he can compete with the big managers.

“Confidence is high and there is no reason for the players to be looking behind them. They’re looking up, trying to keep this run of form going and to catch Manchester City.

“After another season or two with the manager, there is no reason why the club can’t be competing for the League title.

“The first step is the Champions League and when you get there, you can attract the calibre of player you need and push for the title. We lost some players last season but we’ve added others and we’re just as strong.

“The club are confident and the team are going from strength to strength.”

The 32-year-old insisted there will be no repeat of last season’s slip-up which saw Spurs throw away a 10-point lead to allow Arsenal to finish above them.

“The players are aware of the situation last year and the lead we had,” he said.

“You always want to do better and that’s the way the players feel about this game. They’re looking strong and there are no signs of letting up.”