The celebrations told you everything about the enormity of the result.

Mauricio Pochettino went over to the travelling Tottenham fans after the final whistle, clenched his fists and then punched the air in sheer delight.

This was a season-defining victory, the sort of win which sends out a message of intent and also one which means you cannot be in denial any longer.

Pochettino has often shied away from admitting that Spurs are even in a title race, changing his mind from week-to-week to play down expectations as they have quietly crept up on the rails.

But make no mistake about it now. Tottenham are bang in the middle of this title race, their fans are daring to dream and they must be seen as genuine contenders.