TOTTENHAM TO TURN TITLE CHASE ON ITS HEAD

Kaizer Chiefs surged into third place in the Betway Premiership standings following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Read: Miguel Cardoso gives update on Themba Zwane recovery

Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.

Mikel Arteta could be blazed in eternal glory, should he guide his Arsenal outfit to their their first English Premier League title in 20 years. Standing in their way is a daunting test at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this Sunday.

The Gunners will direct their ammunition towards a Tottenham Hotspur team that has its sights set on Champions League qualification, adding fuel to the North London Derby fire!

The fixture has produced some memorable moments over the years and given what’s at stake for both teams, Sunday’s match is expected to produce even more fireworks.

Arteta’s side is sitting precariously on top of the Premier League standings with just a single point separating them and defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Although the table-topping Londoners have managed to collect crucial points against formidable opposition throughout the season, many of the Gunner’s faithful suffered a serious case of Déjà vu when their team suffered a recent shock two-nil defeat to Aston Villa on home soil.

It was around this time of the season last year when Arsenal started dropping vital points, which loosened their grip on that illusive Premier League title.

A loss to Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the UEFA’s Champions League ensued and exerted further pressure on the manager to end the season with some silverware.

The Lilywhites on the other hand have not been the most consistent team in the English topflight. Hotspurs’ humiliating 4-0 defeat at Newcastle in their previous league fixture will serve as added motivation, as Ange Postecoglou looks for a reaction from his team. Indeed, it is up to the players to avoid a similar embarrassment …

Nothing less than a win will do for the Gunners and if Spurs want to compete in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament next season, these are games they need to win. In my opinion, Tottenham Hotspurs are poised to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season and turn the race for the Premier League’s title on its head.

Written by Benny Mhlongo

Legal

more info

WE ARE SOCIAL

ADDRESS