Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed their hottest start in years, winning eight games and drawing twice to lead the Premier League after 10 matches played.
Their form has led many to believe a legitimate title challenge is possible for the North London side, but one former Premier League player is not yet convinced by Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Speaking to Genting Casino, former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna explained why it might be too early to consider Tottenham as genuine title contenders this season, stating "I don't think they'll be champions."
"When you get to the last ten games of the season, the pressure is very different," Sagna said.
"We saw how Arsenal did brilliantly last season, but in the run-in to the end of the season, the pressure was different.
"I respect the project at Tottenham. They have a good coach and good players.
"The facilities at the club are top class, but whenever you’re under pressure to win the title, the vibe changes.
"It requires a different mentality, and the expectations change."
Sagna noted that Spurs entered the season with few expectations of them, and that games early in the campaign are different than those that take place towards the end. The 65-time France international isn't sure whether Spurs' players will be able to handle the pressure that a title race brings.
"At the moment, Tottenham are playing without pressure.
"It’s difficult when you are not used to playing every single weekend with pressure, that is what the top, top teams have.
"When the expectation ramps up at the end of the season, that will be a new challenge for a lot of these players.
"I don’t see them being able to handle that type of pressure.
"I also have doubts about some of their players. I expect some of them to have bad patches in the season, which will have an effect on their ability to win games.
"Tottenham will not crumble. They will have a great season, but I just don’t think they have enough to win the Premier League this season.
"This team will not fall apart, but I don’t think they are ready to go the distance."