The upcoming Premier League clash between Tottenham and reigning champions Liverpool is a statement game for Spurs, according to English football commentator Peter Drury.
“It’s a really big game,” Drury told SEN Mornings.
“Not just because these are two of the contenders, but because, from Spurs point of view, this could be a statement game.
“If they won, it would be a statement win. It would be saying 'hey, we’ve just gone to the home of the champions - who by the way haven’t lost at home for three and a half years or more in the Premier League - and we’ve beaten them'.
“If they beat Liverpool, that is a real flag in their turf, it’s a real line in the sand, whatever way you want to put it.
“It’s a very, very big game.”
Drury believes the style of football Spurs are playing under Jose Mourinho, a brand that has irritated fanbases at previous clubs where the Portuguese maestro has managed, will win the hearts of Spurs fans everywhere if it is ultimately successful.
“Spurs fans have almost relished the fact that for so long their team has played cavaliering-type football that once in a blue moon works but so often ends in glorified failure,” Drury said.
“But ask a Tottenham fan if they would trade all of that to be the champions this year, with Mourinho’s pragmatic, planned, choreographed football, I think most would say yes please.”
League leaders Tottenham face Liverpool on Thursday morning (AEDT) at Anfield with a chance for the winner to go outright top of the league with both teams locked on 25 points.
Spurs haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield since May 2011.