Playing last is not good for my health

From here on in, it's all about nerve - and nerves.

The focus of the season for Premier League fans has now changed from who will step up and push for the title, to who will slip up and surrender the title.

Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham are proving themselves to be more consistent and reliable than any Spurs side I have known.

But over the weekend the enjoyment that has this season come from watching a fluid team play attractive attacking football AND win games, was replaced by undeniable pre-match tension.

And for once it seems the players are coping with it better than the fans!

The lads made it very easy for us all yesterday. Two quick Harry Kane goals to kill off Bournemouth early on and a clean sheet to ensure it was never in doubt.

We're used to the situation at least being made a bit difficult... a lapse in concentration, a wobble, a goal conceded. that sort of thing.

So, really, it was hugely encouraging - and the biggest indicator yet that we could stay the course and push Leicester right til the end.

But it didn't stop me being a bag of nerves.

With Arsenal winning early on Saturday then Leicester nicking another 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, all the pressure was piled upon us to get a result.

Draw, and pretty much hand the Foxes the title - lose and leave Arsenal within striking distance.

The conclusion? Playing last is horrible. Knowing those other results for 24 hours before you start is not for the faint of heart.

I had a nice family weekend planned, no tickets, no match on telly. But still found myself clock-watching from the moment the full-time whistle went at Selhurst Park.

And it's not going to get any easier is it? On four occasions over our final seven games, we kick off after the rest of the top three have finished.

That includes a huge Sunday clash with Man United - as well as difficult Monday-night games against Stoke, West Brom and Chelsea.

That's three, yes THREE, Monday games in a month. Outrageous, had I not seen how spectacularly it backfired for Jose Mourinho, I would be tempted to accuse people of plotting a "campaign" against us.

It means potentially we will all have to stew on other results for more than 48 hours. Whether those results have gone in our favour or not is irrelevant, either way my brain is in danger of melting.

Manchester United players always used to say that success breeds success because winning is addictive.

And that no sooner had they won something, they were already looking for the next trophy.

If Spurs can just, somehow, bring home a first title since 1961, then that's enough for me, that will do. I'll cope with mediocrity forever more if needs be.

Sustained success is a lovely idea but I don't think my brain, my nails, or my blood pressure could cope with it.