Peter Crouch admits Tottenham missed an opportunity to pull away from Liverpool earlier in the season and now need to prove again that they have the ability to keep pace with his former club.
Rafael Benitez's men last suffered defeat in the Barclays Premier League before Christmas, and their run has taken them back into the top four. Spurs led the race among the challengers for the final Champions League place during Liverpool's slump, but they also suffered home defeats to Stoke and Wolves as well as dropping points to Hull and Everton.
"There was an opportunity earlier in the season," said England striker Crouch.
"We had a couple of draws and it was frustrating we couldn't pull away more. But I still feel we have enough ability. You look around the dressing room at the players who aren't playing and there is so much quality here. I still believe we have a real opportunity."
After three seasons at Anfield, Crouch knows how dangerous Liverpool will be now they have edged back into the top four.
"The previous seasons don't lie," Crouch said.
"They have always been in the Champions League. They had a blip at the start of the season and people said other people can get in there but if I'm honest if you want to get in the Champions League then Liverpool will be the toughest side to displace.
"We have to make sure we are in there and in a position to do that."
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I thought it was only Arsenal fans who talk complete ****
To be honest as a Spurs fan I'm just happy we're haveing a better season than last and we are improving. I would be happier if we could beat teams like Hull and Wolves at home. I'm also glad we didn't get in to the eufa cup this season
COYS - I don't know what Liverpool supporters are on, one minute your blaming everything for a poor start in the season and now you've won a few games you think you're going for 3rd. I still don't think you'll get 4th, I think you'll end up 5th or 6th behind man city and the mighty spurs. I used to like Liverpool fans but now I've seen their true colours I've gone right off them. Well said that United Supporter and out of the 2 teams that have a chance of winning the league I would rather utd won it.
well said top man
liverpo
See. everybody says that Liverpool are the toughest team when it's about Champo League. And Spurs can't even make it in the Europa League!
YNWA
yeah2.. bla bla bla..
if u manage to keep the fourth place, i still don't believe spurs could survive CL football.... YNWA
crouch your a legend but u do talk absolute sh ite
Harry, youve blown the top table this season, to many nearly men,not good enough.
Must win your home games if you are to stand any chance. Pity really this was your best chance with this team, lack of strengh most of them. Maybe 2020 next chance ????
Can the players stop talking about being good enough for 4th place, and just go out and let their football do the talking??? COYS
Liverpool will finish at least 3rd.
Spurs have had a good spell, its come to an end and they can now concentrate on trying to finish between 5th and 7th at best. Villa and City are nothing to worry about and will be there with them.
i hope spurs get fourth spot man utd suporter
Come on Crouchy - missed opportunity?
Too many missed opportunities and missed goals!
Tired of seeing you and others at 'The Lane' squandering countless opportunities to see off opponents .
With a little more care in front of goal, you could be talking, but sadly now only talking, about winning the league....
Even so, COYS
Michael wake up dude...City 2 game in hand...Villa same point...
Hey Michael, let them take 4th palce as we are now eyeing for 3rd and above.
he knows he wants to be at lfc
Crouch!!!Am happy you have realised something.Its nice you are talking from experience that that place is for the Mighty Reds and i bet you we are now eyeing the 3rd place instead of your so-called 4th
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