The 'extra point' that could decide if Tottenham pip Aston Villa to Champions League football

Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham have seven games left in the calendar to secure their place in next season's Champions League. The Premier League table does make for good reading after the latest round of league fixtures, with Spurs now in fourth ahead of Aston Villa following their 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday evening.

Spurs took full advantage of the Villans slipping up 24 hours earlier as Unai Emery's side could only manage a point after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Brentford. It means that Tottenham are in the driving seat for fourth at present and they will be looking to keep it that way come the final day of the season.

Speaking to the media after the win over Forest, midfielder James Maddison made it clear that Champions League qualification is «non-negotiable» for the club.

“I get the manager not wanting to talk about [finishing in the top four], but I am not going to lie to your face and say you don’t think about that, because we want to be in the Champions League,” said the England international, as reported by The Standard.

“This club needs to be in the Champions League, [it’s] non-negotiable really, and that’s the aim. That’s why we’ll try to finish strong and get that.”

What could prove crucial in the race for fourth is that Tottenham have a game in hand still to come. That fixture comes on Thursday, May 2 as the north London club make the short trip across the capital to Chelsea.

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Spurs have not fared well at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era and they will need to ensure that their rotten