Martin Keown believes world-class manager gives a ‘real advantage’ over top-four rivals and .
Spurs are fifth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures, three points behind north London rivals Arsenal.
Man United and, to a lesser extent West Ham, are also in the mix to secure Champions League qualification along with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool and third-placed Chelsea.
‘In this feverish top-four fight, Tottenham will feel they have a real advantage over their rivals and that’s because of Antonio Conte and his record,’ Keown wrote in a column for the .
‘In Conte they have a coach who has won titles for every major club he has managed – five in total with Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan – and knows what it takes to qualify for the Champions League.
‘Looking at their remaining fixtures, Tottenham have the most inviting run-in, although it is surprising that the Premier League have not confirmed a date for the postponed derby with Arsenal from January 16.
‘The longer they take, the more it feels like they are exploiting the situation by trying to turn that match into a box-office battle for fourth towards the end of the season – and that concerns me.’
Conte’s Spurs face in-form Newcastle United on Sunday, while fourth-placed Arsenal – in fine form under Mikel Arteta – travel to Selhurst Park on Monday night to take on Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
Manchester United, who finished second last season but are currently struggling under Ralf Rangnick, are in action later today against Leicester City.
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