Tottenham vs Chelsea now as big as the North London Derby against Arsenal, says Spurs' Jan Vertonghen
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Jan Vertonghen believes Spurs’ feud with Chelsea is at “the same level” as their bitter rivalry with Arsenal .
The Belgian defender is back from suspension for Wednesday's showdown with Antonio Conte’s league leaders at White Hart Lane.
Resurgent Tottenham , on a run of five League wins from their last six, will become the latest team to try and stop runaway Chelsea's winning streak of 13 matches.
Spurs smashed the Blues 5-3 at the Lane on New Year's Day two years ago.
Chelsea broke the hearts of Mauricio Pochettino’s men last season by holding them to an explosive May draw that officially ended their title challenge.
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Historically, Spurs’ biggest beef has always been with Arsenal, with whom they have shared north London for over a century.
But Vertonghen said: "For me it's at the same level. They've [Chelsea] done so well in the last 10-15 years and they're right up there.
"Especially this season, they're the team to beat. And I know a couple of guys there so that it always makes it a bit more interesting.”
(Photo: Getty)
Conte’s revamp of last season’s underachievers has left the Blues’ title rivals trailing in their wake.
Defeat for Spurs, already ten points behind Conte’s men, will almost certainly end their title chances.
Vertonghen, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted his side have little margin for error.
(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Reuters)
Reflecting on how much Wednesday's visitors have improved since a dismal 2015-16 campaign as champions: ”[They're] Totally different. I can't really remember the Chelsea team from last year if you see this team.
"If you see how they play, how many goals they score and how many goals they don't concede.
"They're just a very strong team and it looks like the team to beat this year.”