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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Antonio Conte‘s Tottenham have Chelsea’s title-winning ‘DNA’, says Louis Saha

Louis Saha believes Tottenham are showing signs of the “DNA” Chelsea displayed during their Premier League title wins under Jose Mourinho.

Ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full season in charge, plenty was expected of Spurs.

Having pipped Arsenal to fourth last time out, the club embarked on an ambitious summer spend, headlined by the £60m arrival of Richarlison.

After ten games played, Spurs sit level on points with champions Manchester City and four off leaders Arsenal, albeit City’s goal difference is much better.

Still, Cone’s team have been accused of underwhelming this season even despite their healthy points tally, with the Italian issuing a strong defence of his playing style earlier this month.

Saha, however, believes winning game while not playing particularly well at times is a trait they share with Mourinho’s Chelsea, who won two Premier League titles between 2004 and 2006 during his first stint in charge.

Speaking to BoyleSports, former Spurs striker Saha said: “Tottenham has shown character we’ve not seen over the years, not just because of Antonio Conte, but the players also understand the demand for the levels of intensity needed.

“Spurs don’t play beautiful football, you have players like Heung-Min Son who will sacrifice for the better of the team, same as Richarlison, [Harry] Kane has that bit more class.

“They have a similar DNA as Chelsea when they won their first Premier League title.”

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