Alan Shearer explains huge dilemma Tottenham players are facing as Liverpool example given

Alan Shearer has stressed Tottenham Hotspur players will not for one second be thinking about damaging Arsenal's title hopes by losing against Manchester City.

Spurs host City next Tuesday in the Premier League, in a game that could hand Arsenal the Premier League title should Ange Postecoglou's side come out on top. Such a scenario would be a nightmare for many supporters, despite boosting hopes of a Champions League finish in the process.

Tottenham are currently seven points behind Aston Villa with one game in hand and will realistically require three wins from their remaining matches to finish in the top four. Inflicting defeat on City will therefore be required, though some fans have suggested they would rather miss out on Europe's elite competition than do the Gunners a huge title favour.

Shearer found himself in the middle of a similar situation on the final day of the 1994/95 season while at Blackburn Rovers. Blackburn travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool, with the home side knowing a win would likely hand bitter rivals Manchester United the title.

Liverpool did secure a 2-1 victory in the end, helping out their foes, though United failed to do their own job and could only draw 1-1 with West Ham United to ensure Blackburn finished first.

Explaining how Spurs players will be feeling ahead of a potentially similar scenario playing out, Shearer told The Rest Is Football Podcast: “You’re talking about the integrity of players. At the elite level, if you’re 0.1% off it, it makes a difference.

Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool — Richarlison excellent, Bissouma better and Emerson poor

Ange Postecoglou may already have Tottenham answer after telling post-match Liverpool comment

«We had that scenario at Blackburn