MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 14:34:51| >> :60:606:606:

Tottenham right-back Matt Doherty relishing battle with Serge Aurier

Serge Aurier remains an obstacle for the Ireland international at Spurs, but Matt Doherty enjoys the competition.

Tottenham right-back Matt Doherty feels his rivalry with Serge Aurier is making them both better players.

Doherty was brought in from Wolves during the summer and has battled with Aurier to become Jose Mourinho's first-choice right-back.

Aurier appears to be winning that race at the minute, having been selected in the Premier League team, though Doherty has been getting plenty of action as well.

Serge Aurier, left, stands between Doherty and a regular start for Spurs
Serge Aurier, left, stands between Doherty and a regular start for Spurs (Catherine Ivill/PA)

The Republic of Ireland international will be on standby to play against Crystal Palace on Sunday as Aurier has been struggling with a knock.

"I love it here," Doherty said.

"I came here in the summer and we're fighting it out, driving each other on, whether he plays or I play, we've pretty much played half and half this season, so we try to get the best out of each other, and any competition is going to improve the team.

"You want to play as many games as possible, you want to stay sharp, and there is nothing like game fitness.

"Fortunately, people who haven't played one game have managed to play the midweek game, so everyone is fresh enough. I guess whatever the team is, we're all in pretty good nick."

Victory at Selhurst Park on Sunday should be enough to keep Spurs at the top of the Premier League table, unless Liverpool can significantly improve their goal difference at Fulham.

They have emerged as title challengers this season, despite Mourinho's refusal to admit it, and winger Steven Bergwijn is enjoying life at the summit.

"Of course we look – top of the league is what we want," he said.

"But we have to take it game-by-game. Every opponent in the Premier League is tough so we have to chase every game.

"We are Tottenham and we are a big club so we always want to win. That is normal. For this group of players, it is normal."

ID:426206: cacheID:426206:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5567:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Harry Winks in action for Spurs on December 10, 2020
Read Next:
Winks set for talks over Spurs future?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!