Tony Evans: Pochettino must ease the workload on Tottenham if he wants to win the title

There is a feeling around the country that the capital city has tended to benefit from favourable treatment from high-ranking officials.

Yesterday those conspiracy theorists were at it again as Premier League referees gave London’s title challenge a serious boost.

Martin Atkinson was the most influential man on the Emirates pitch and Mark Clattenburg gave Tottenham a helping hand by awarding a penalty in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City. That’s if there was any hand involved at all. It certainly did not belong to Raheem Sterling.

The way Harry Kane dispatched the spot-kick was impressive, though. The Spurs striker looked nerveless in the face of Joe Hart’s attempt to mess with his mind.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team are still a work in progress. Even as recently as two weeks ago, those around White Hart Lane were keen to downplay Tottenham’s Premier League possibilities. The mood is changing now.

Spurs rocked when City equalised and then rode out the home side’s subsequent onslaught, all the time looking to break out and get forward with the conviction that they could score a winning goal. They are starting to believe.

Any questions about Pochettino’s team may centre on their physical condition. Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores said their workrate was “like animals” last week. Their ferocious appetite has been honed by intense two-a-day sessions on the training ground.

Pochettino will have to choose the right time to ease off on the rigorous preparation or risk his team running out of steam. With games coming thick and fast, he is heading into uncharted territory. Getting the balance right will be a huge test for this bright young manager.