Former Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson says Tottenham are a one-man team

Former Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson has said Tottenham Hotspur are a ‘one-man team’.

Writing in his Sky Sports column last week, Merson said although he believes Antonio Conte’s side are favourites to finish in the top four, he believes that Spurs rely too heavily on Harry Kane.

Merson, who won two Premier League titles as a player with Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, wrote : “Spurs are the favourites for top four now. When Harry Kane’s playing like he is, I don’t think too many teams are going to beat them.

“I saw him go to the Etihad and rip Manchester City apart. I saw him rip West Ham apart, I saw him rip Newcastle apart.

“But you take Kane out of the team, top four ain’t happening for Spurs. It’s as simple as that. When he doesn’t turn up at Burnley away, they get beaten.”

Merson expressed his opinion in his column before Villa’s 4-0 loss to Spurs on Saturday, and added:“Tottenham are a one-man team and that’s not being disrespectful.

“You could have a Ferrari, but without an engine in the car it ain’t working. He’s the all-round package, and that’s why he’s the best centre-forward in the world, and I’ve said it for a long, long time.”

Tottenham are three points ahead of Arsenal in the race for fourth having played one game more, and now look to be in a strong position to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League despite a difficult season.

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