Pochettino the architect for relentless Spurs Wanyama

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama revealed the club’s relentless title pursuit of Premier League leaders Chelsea FC is down a mentality change instigated by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

In an interview with American news channel CNN, Wanyama said Pochettino has transformed ‘everything’ at the North London club that will now finish above derby rivals Arsenal FC for the first time since 1995.

The Harambee Stars Captain starred on Sunday as his side pulled off a crucial victory over Arsenal to keep Chelsea in sight and their title hopes alive, in what was the final north London derby at White Hart Lane.

“He’s a great manager and more like a father figure because he speaks about everything including those beyond football circles. He wants to help you become a better man.

“Anything is possible so for it’s about taking it game by game and see the position we find ourselves in by the end of the season. The manager (Poch) has transformed everything at the club; he’s instilled a mentality where we know we have to fight for bigger things,” Wanyama told CNN.

As Chelsea look set to seal a second league title in three years, behind them Spurs have mounted an unwavering challenge and could pump up the pressure on Friday when they make short trip to West Ham United.

Alongside Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, Wanyama has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this season and will be hoping they can maximise the advantage of playing first to trim Chelsea’s lead to one point.

“When I was young I was playing football in the streets with my friends and also tried watching games on TV. I watched a lot of the Premier League and wanted to play in it so bad since I was a kid.

“I used to be a Manchester United fan; I loved the way they played and they had great players. I think Roy Keane was my idol, I watched him play and he inspired me a lot,” the powerful central midfielder added.

It is Pochettino Pochettino who first brought Wanyama to English football with Southampton FC in 2013 and then to Spurs last summer, making him a permanent fixture in his preferred starting line-up across both clubs.

As the title run-in enters final stretch, Chelsea and Spurs are both in formidable shape but it is Wanyama’s side that has gathered greater momentum after winning their last nine Premier League games on the bounce.