Tottenham play major Premier League title role with key Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City fixtures

Ange Postecoglou made it crystal clear in his pre-match press conference last Friday that he will always aim for first place rather than settle for anything else. Enjoying great success in his previous managerial roles and duly winning silverware in the process, the Australian is looking to do exactly the same at Tottenham in the not too distant future.

The Lilywhites are in a very good position to return to the Champions League next season, with Sunday's 4-0 victory over top-four rivals Aston Villa potentially a huge result in the context of the season. Tottenham are not actually a million miles off top spot either as they trail leaders Arsenal by 11 points but they do have a game in hand still to come.

Had Spurs not conceded late on against Everton in February and then lost at home to Wolves two weeks later, the team could well have had a say in the Premier League title race in what remains of the season. Postecoglou has already made big strides in north London in very little time and another strong summer transfer window may perhaps see them close in on Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City at the summit of the league. That will very much be his aim next season, with the Australian having his eyes on top spot.

Asked in his press conference ahead of the Aston Villa match about the possibility of a fifth-place finish securing Champions League football for the next season, he said: "(Laughs) There's 12 games to go. Look I'll shoot for eighth and see how we go, then I'll feel really happy about myself. I don't see the sense in trying to aim for something other than number one, what's the point? I don't see the point.

He added: «OK, so there are a couple of teams who got into the Champions League this year from last year, had a good