Well, it’s safe to say Tottenham Hotspur’s title race is close to over. Losing to a reinvigorated Burnley at Turf Moor, Spurs’ recent momentum was ruptured with a game which frustrated Mauricio Pochettino to no end. The Argentine surprisingly lost his cool after the game, having a war of words with Mike Dean after the final whistle. 

While Spurs have played some of the most attractive football in the Premier League this year, despite not having Harry Kane and Dele Alli for a chunk of it, the pressure of expectations is again getting to them. Pochettino might keep on disregarding their ability to win the Premier League over superior sides, but the glimmering ray of hope always adds pressure on winning every game.

Against Burnley, Spurs’ defensive frailties were exposed, further signalling inability at perfecting this three-man defensive system. Kane might’ve scored on his return, but couldn’t power his side into another comeback win.

Despite watching Liverpool drop points at Old Trafford, Spurs now sit six points behind the league leaders, one which could’ve been three if they won at Turf Moor. That’s how close they could’ve been from the top.

While Pochettino will let bygones be bygones as games come thick and fast, he needs to realize that grinding out victories in such tough games is what needs to be done to win the title. Spurs haven’t yet inherited the mentality they require, but discreet ambitions for more are again causing malfunctions at crucial stages of the season. It's painfully obvious at this stage that Spurs are struggling to handle the pressure when it arrives - and that's a mentality issue that Mauricio Pochettino needs to solve.

Thoughts?