Tottenham find the potency to match their Champions League ambitions

The battle for fourth place is looking a capital affair. Arsenal have the games in hand, but Tottenham the advantage in the table, overhauling their neighbours on goal difference after running riot 5-1 against Newcastle.

Spurs have had a topsy-turvy time under Antonio Conte but now they seem to have the consistency and potency to realise their ambitions. For the first time since September, they are in the Champions League spots. With five goals, they leapfrogged Arsenal in style.

As they married speed with invention, they provided an emphatic endorsement of Conte. Victory was inspired by two players he has rejuvenated, albeit with in very different circumstances. Harry Kane did not score but his passing was terrific. He claimed a solitary league goal under Nuno Espirito Santo but has become a talisman for his successor.

Matt Doherty, however, had seemed destined to remain on the margins under a third successive manager. Conte often prospers with wing-backs but had been reluctant to pick the Irishman.

Then came an unexpected renaissance and, having established himself as the first choice on the right, he was switched to the left in the absence of Sergio Reguilon. He scored. For good measure, he crossed when Emerson Royal, who took his spot on the right, also struck.

“The manager wants us to defend at the back post and be at the back post at the other end,” said Doherty, explaining his role. “I was fortunate enough to score.”

With Ben Davies delivering his first Premier League goal since 2017, Tottenham could savour the sight of three defenders on the scoresheet. The forwards instead formed the creative contingent, each registering an assist. And while such a scoreline may have seemed predictable a few months ago, it was