Published: 25 April, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

GERMAN wonder-kid Lewis Holtby has issued a warning to London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, saying: “We’re coming to get you!”

The midfielder, who captains his Under-21s national team, was one of a trio of substitutes who came off the bench to transform Sunday’s crunch tie against Manchester City – laying on a goal for Jermain Defoe.

Holtby, who joined Spurs from German giants Schalke 04 in January, said after the 3-1 win that the dramatic victory, which means Spurs have their Champions League fate in their own hands, had left the dressing room buzzing.

He said: “We have got players like Gareth Bale and Defoe, who both scored, coming back. It was a massive boost and will put some pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal.

“After this win confidence is really going up and with Aaron Lennon coming back too we are only going to be stronger. I have just mentioned three guys who are among the top players in the Premier League.

“They have just come back for us so that is a massive boost. We have to keep the momentum up.”

Spurs head to relegation strugglers Wigan on Saturday sitting in fifth but level on points with Chelsea and boasting a game in hand over third-placed Arsenal.

Boss Andre Villas-Boas told the New Journal that the three changes he made against Man City, bringing on Tom Huddlestone, Defoe and Holtby, and the subsequent game-changing performances proved the readiness of his squad to win the final five games of a long and arduous season. “The players came in with exactly the right approach and mentality,” he said.

“Huddlestone enjoyed the game and brought organisational skills and vision. The team found its rhythm, made better passing decisions, and the impact of the boys who came on from the bench was tremendous.

“They improved us and finally unlocked the game.”