Danny Rose warns Man City that Tottenham will be right on their heels for Premier League title

Danny Rose says Tottenham must be 'ready and prepared' to catch league-leaders Manchester City, in their pursuit of the Premier League title Danny Rose says Tottenham must be 'ready and prepared' to catch league-leaders Manchester City, in their pursuit of the Premier League title

Danny Rose says Tottenham are ready to rise to the challenge of chasing down Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Spurs sit third in the table, level on points with Manchester United and eight points off league-leaders City, who have scored 38 goals from 11 league games.

Rose says City's performances come as no surprise, given the league-record £200m the club parted with during the summer.

Danny Rose says Manchester City will take some catching but insists Tottenham are ready and prepared to catch them

"I'm not surprised how well they've done, considering how much they've spent," the Tottenham defender said. "You'd like to think a team spending that much is going to be right up there.

"I know you can always say nothing is won in November but they are going to take some catching. We're up for that challenge. We've already marked down when we play them - December 16.

"We're looking forward to that and we just have to make sure that, if they do slip up any points along the way, we're ready and prepared to catch them."

City are in blistering form and are yet to lose a Premier League game this season

Mauricio Pochettino's men achieved a second-place finish last season as Chelsea took the title, but Rose is confident Tottenham can go one better to become champions this time around.

"The focus at Tottenham is we want to go one step further than last year and that's finishing first," he said. "The manager has set a brilliant mentality at the club, and I think everybody should be aware that, if Man City do slip up, we'll be there to put some pressure on them."

The 27-year-old has recently returned from injury and revealed he found it hard to watch Tottenham play while he was ruled out of action, revealing he sought psychological help to aid his recovery.

Tottenham beat Real Madrid 3-1, securing qualification to the Champions League last 16

Rose's substitute appearance in Spurs' 3-1 win over Real Madrid last week was his first taste of first-team action since suffering a knee injury in January.

"I have been through a whole load of emotions over the past nine months," said Rose. "I have started seeing a psychologist to try and help me think positive. I have started reading books now to try and help keep me positive as well."

Rose added: "It's been very difficult mentally. Obviously seeing Tottenham do ever so well last season and start very well this season has been hard to watch, and missing out on the England camps as well.

"There was a time where I didn't ever think that I would miss being away with England because I was never involved. It's been hard to watch the games and I'm thankful that we've qualified for the World Cup."