Tottenham Top-Four Finish Is Like EPL Title Win — Conte

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte believes that securing a top-four finish in the Premier League this season would be as good as winning the title itself.

This statement comes after Spurs claimed a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to a superb performance from Harry Kane, who scored twice, and Son Heung-min, who added a third.

The win was a much-needed boost for Conte, whose position at the club has been under scrutiny since their midweek exit from the Champions League at the hands of AC Milan.

Tottenham's recent form had been dismal, with three consecutive defeats in all competitions, including a painful FA Cup exit and a loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league.

Speaking after the Nottingham Forest victory, Conte acknowledged that securing a top-four finish this season would be a monumental achievement.

"For us to finish in the top four is like winning the Premier League.

"It happened last season, and I spoke about it being a miracle. 

"This season it will be much more difficult, there are many teams involved and in this moment there is only one place available."

Conte refused to rule out any team from the race for the final Champions League spot.

He acknowledged Liverpool's threat despite their shock defeat to Bournemouth and praised the progress of Newcastle United, who are just a point behind the Reds.

"Liverpool is a competitor in this race. Newcastle is a different Newcastle to the past, they have invested a lot of money and they have a strong team," Conte said.

Interestingly, Conte also highlighted the strength of his former club Chelsea, despite their position in 10th place.

He emphasized that they have a squad capable of winning all their remaining games and that they cannot be discounted from the race.

"I don't consider Chelsea outside because Chelsea has a possibility to win the last 11 or 12 games in a row because the squad is really, really strong.

"A top club looks to themselves. We have to be focused on our path and to try to do our best until the end of the season and then we see which is the position we are able to achieve."

Tottenham currently sits in fourth place, with six points separating them from Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

With only one spot available for the Champions League, the race is set to intensify in the coming weeks, and it remains to be seen whether Conte's Spurs can hold on to their position or perhaps even challenge for higher honors.