Thursday 28 February 2019 12:31, UK
Tottenham can benefit from a change in their mentality when they face their top-six rivals now they are out of the title race, according to Danny Higginbotham.
A 2-0 defeat against Chelsea saw Spurs fall nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, while Arsenal and Manchester United both won on Wednesday night to increase the pressure in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Tottenham host Arsenal in the north London derby on Saturday, before a trip to Anfield later in March, and Higginbotham believes their results can benefit from a change in approach.
"The circumstances change now," Higginbotham told Sky Sports News.
"Up until probably yesterday [Wednesday], Tottenham probably thought they were there for the Premier League title - they can still chase down Manchester City, Liverpool.
"Whereas now it is a case of the emphasis changing. Now it is a case of they have to be careful of the teams that are below.
"The top teams, they go in to win the game but in this instance, it wouldn't necessarily be the end of the world to draw.
"The mindset can change and I think that could actually benefit Tottenham."
Higginbotham believes Spurs, who have lost their last two league games, do still have the resources to ensure a fourth successive year of Champions League qualification, despite the ascendancy Arsenal and Manchester United are enjoying.
"At this stage of the season, at times I would imagine in the top-four positions it is probably better to be the chaser," he said.
"When you are already up there, then the nerves can get to you a little bit.
"Tottenham do have more than enough to finish in the top four, but it is about what happens psychologically with them."
Chelsea, who remained sixth after their midweek win moved them seven points adrift of Spurs, have a game in hand on their challengers for Europe's top-tier competition, but Higginbotham believes both Arsenal and the Blues' commitments in the Europa League will harm their hopes.
Asked who he predicted will join Liverpool and Manchester City in the top four, he said: "I think Tottenham will do, and Manchester United. The way they are going at the moment, with the injuries they had and to still go to Crystal Palace and get the result they did [was impressive].
"I just think they [United] are one of the main teams in the ascendancy at the moment.
"I do believe [Tottenham] have got enough definitely. And I think it will [also] be [Manchester] United. Because let's not forget, you have got the Europa League which is a hard one.
"We have seen teams try to do it before and it is very difficult."
