Tottenham Hotspur began the 2022/2023 Premier League season finely after a 4-1 win against Southampton. However, Gus Poyet believes the Lilywhites need to "drop their standards in order to raise them"

The clash between the London titans this Sunday is the first major test for both sides since the Premier League returned. Antonio Conte's side will be looking to end a run of five consecutive defeats against his former side. 

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel's men will be aiming to win their first home match under Todd Boehly's new ownership, but Poyet believes a loss to their rivals could "trigger some crazy new panic signings".

Ahead of this weekend's vital clash between Chelsea and Spurs, the Greece manager spoke to Lord Ping about his expectations for the two London Clubs.

  • Tottenham need to lower their expectations

The North London side has signed six new players in the Summer transfer window, leading to widespread optimism amongst the fans.

Gus Poyet, who featured 98 times for Spurs (transfermarkt), believes they should not be expecting to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool.

He said: "I love Tottenham but they are not on the same level as Liverpool and Manchester City. Spurs need to drop their standards in order to raise them. 

"If I was a part of Tottenham, I would not aim so high but I would aim for top three. I would say 'let's challenge Chelsea'. Tottenham know what Conte wants and he has been backed this transfer window, Spurs now have a great squad.

"Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane did not score and Tottenham still scored four goals against Southampton. Spurs look very good, but the Premier League season is long."

  • Using one of the best attacks in the league

For the past few years, the dynamic duo of Son and Kane has lit up the Premier League. Last season, the South Korean won the golden boot, replacing the England captain as the current holder. 

The arrival of Dejan Kulusevski in January has pushed Tottenham's front three to the next level. Since his debut, the Swedish international has contributed to 15 goals in 19 games (Premier League). Due to this, the Uruguayan believes Daniel Levy has assembled one of the best attacks in the Premier League.

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He said: "Tottenham have one of the best front lines in the league. Let's see how Darwin Nunez plays for Liverpool, but Spurs’ attack is very strong.

"The biggest difficulty for Spurs was finding that player who will share that striker position with Harry Kane, but nobody wants to wait behind Kane until he gets possibly injured.

Richarlison is a good buy because he can also play wide and offer competition to the wingers."

  • Placing the pressure on Chelsea

A London Derby between Chelsea and Tottenham is always feisty. Gus Poyet featured for both clubs and knows just how much it means to fans.

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However, the former player believes that the clash has added meaning to it, because it could cause panic in the West London hierarchy.

He said: "It's a very important game and very tough game for Chelsea, being so early in the season, in a derby and Chelsea are not looking at their best, it's more important for the Blues to win.

"If Tottenham win there's no drama, but if Chelsea lose, it could trigger some crazy new panic signings in the last few weeks of the transfer window, and that never works.

"Conte is confident and knows what team he will choose, however, I'm not so sure what the starting line-up will be for Chelsea with their cramp problems and little injuries they have suffered - so I fancy Spurs to nick it."

  • The perfect striker for Chelsea

Chelsea has gone five seasons without having a clinical striker within their ranks. Last season, Mason Mount was their Premier League top scorer, coming in with 11 goals. 

Due to this, Gus Poyet believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the perfect striker for the Blues. The Gabon international worked with Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund. Therefore, a move for the former Arsenal captain makes sense.

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He said: "Aubameyang would be perfect for Chelsea, he looks happy and back to his best scoring goals. 

"I do not know why Chelsea and Barcelona are constantly trying to sign and steal the same players from each other this summer. Both clubs want similar players even though they are nothing alike."

  • Solving Chelsea's left-back problem

Throughout the years, Chelsea has had numerous players cement the left flank. Marcos Alonso featured regularly for the Blues in recent years.

But the Spaniard is set to join Barcelona (Daily Mail), whilst Ben Chilwell is injury-prone. Therefore, Chelsea needed a new signing to fill the void.

Gus Poyet believes that signing Marc Cucurella will help solve Chelsea's left-back problem.

He said: "That defensive left-side for Chelsea has been strange for the last few years in terms of decisions. Chelsea had Kennedy, Emerson, Marcos Alonso, Chilwell and now Cucurella. 

"Something hasn’t been right and Thomas Tuchel is looking for something very specific for that position - and that might be Cucurella. 

"I am a big fan of Marcos Alonso because he always ends up being the one playing, scoring, producing goals and doing his part for the team, but Cucurella is a top player, he knows how to play in the system and it looked easy for him at Everton."

When Antonio Rudiger left Chelsea this Summer, many fans were concerned they would struggle to fill his void. The German was formidable at the back for Thomas Tuchel, helping Chelsea secure Champions League qualification.

Despite this, Gus Poyet believes signing Kalidou Koulibaly as his replacement is an exceptional piece of business.

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He said: "Koulibaly is a top player and is a very good replacement for Rudiger. He has suffered a bit with cramp against Everton and with the pace of the Premier League, but he is calm, composed, strong, both footed, and great in the air.

"He's got all the attributes of a great centre-half and he'll settle down very quickly. It’s easier for defenders to settle down quicker than midfielders and forwards."

*These quotes are courtesy of Gus Poyet's interview with Lord Ping. Please gamble responsibly. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with a gambling addiction, then please contact Gamcare.*

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