Tottenham have finished above fierce north London rivals Arsenal for six seasons in a row, and with five key summer signings already through the door for Antonio Conte, his sights are firmly aimed up in the table rather than down.
With a full pre-season available to him and a host of new names, and dynamic Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence finally sealing a move to north London, Spurs are entering the new season with a feeling of genuine contenders to push Liverpool and Manchester City for the league.
Conte has won the domestic league in six of his last eight full seasons at various clubs and hasn't left a club without finishing as champions for over 10 years.
READ MORE: Tottenham agree Djed Spence deal with Middlesbrough star already at Hotspur Way for medical
Although the challenge of overthrowing Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola is a stiff one, Conte isn't one to back down from a fight, and even former Arsenal players think his expectations will be set closer to the top of the league than looking behind him in a race for the top four.
"For me the final top four will be the same as last season," said former Gunner Mikael Silvestre, speaking to LordPing. "So, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
"Spurs have signed some good players and Conte is a winning machine wherever he goes. Spurs certainly have the upper hand over Arsenal, we have to be realistic.
"The Arsenal fans can be worried, that’s for sure, because it’s his full second season and he’s had his frustrations but when all the players train with him, they get results."
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