Tottenham kept up the pressure on league leaders Chelsea after beating struggling Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Antonio Conte’s men had earlier in the day beat Arsenal 3-1 to go 12 points clear at the top, but a Harry Kane penalty in the second half meant that Spurs reduced that gap back down to nine following a 14th win of the campaign.

It was far from vintage Spurs against a stubborn Boro backline, but they got the job done to remain second in the table, and they are now four points clear of Liverpool in fifth after their loss at Hull.

Nonetheless, with only 14 games to go, it’s going to be a tough ask for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to catch Chelsea, although Spurs did show everybody else how to play against them following their 2-0 victory over the Blues back on January 4.

Tottenham clearly have the players to go on a long winning run, which will be needed to get near Chelsea, and here are TWO players that must start every game between now and May to try and catch the runaway leaders…

Mousa Dembele

It’s no surprise that Tottenham often play better and have greater control of the midfield when Mousa Dembele is in the starting eleven.

The Belgian international is one of the most underrated midfielders in the division, as he can do everything required of a deep-lying central midfielder – he can retain the ball well and has excellent vision to pick out a pass, while he is adept defensively by being strong in the tackle and anticipating opposition attacks.

The partnership with Victor Wanyama boasts everything you want from a defensive midfield combination, and they should get a share of the credit for Spurs’ fine defensive record this term.

While Wanyama does more of the so-called ‘dirty work’ in breaking up play and making crucial interceptions and blocks, Dembele is able to lay the foundations for the front men, getting the ball to their feet and moving it quickly from defence to attack.

He’s absolutely crucial to their hopes to bridging the gap between themselves and Chelsea.

Harry Kane

It goes without saying, but Tottenham are a much better side when Harry Kane takes to the field.

And that was no more evident that against Middlesbrough at the weekend, as it was the England international to scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot to secure a 1-0 win for Pochettino’s side.

It was a game in which Dele Alli struggled to have much of an impact, as did Christian Eriksen, yet they still got the three points thanks to the ever-reliable Kane, who netted his 14th Premier League goal of the season in the process.

With Spurs’ lack of other quality strikers, Kane will continue to lead the line, and his form and fitness between now and May will be crucial for Tottenham in their quest to reel in Conte’s Chelsea.