Danny Rose insists Tottenham are about to enjoy their customary winter purple patch after moving within two points of the Premier League’s leading pack.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men edged past Cardiff City with a 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday, although the scoreline flattered the visitors as Spurs passed up a number of opportunities to increase their lead.
Tottenham are now just two points behind Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, and level on points with north London rivals Arsenal, who sit fourth on goal difference.
And Rose, who limped off late on against Cardiff, says Spurs can be happy with their position in the table after temporarily trailing the leading pack by just one point, before Liverpool and Manchester City’s goalless draw on Sunday.
“I knew if we won we could go third but I didn’t realise we’d only be a point behind. That’s a shock,” Rose said (via the London Evening Standard).
“We have to be happy with that because I spent a lot of time on the bench last season and I got to watch how well we can play.
“I still think we’re off that at the minute. Cardiff was another ugly win — we have to learn how to kill teams off. We should have scored three or four, easily.”
The defender went on to suggest Tottenham are about to hit form as they always seem to in the winter months.
He added: “History says under this manager that October, November and December is when we’re very strong and we look forward to it when we get back. It literally is just a matter of time. It doesn’t help that we have a lot of injuries.
“Once we get back, we get a few more injured players back and get a consistent team out, I’m more than confident the performances will come.”
Spurs face West Ham United in the Premier League after the current international break before a crucial Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven.
