They even leapfrogged City for a matter of days in December following some poor results for Pep Guardiola's side.
But a 3-1 loss at home to Wolves before the new year put a dent in any title aspirations and they’ve been in third place ever since.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino was put under pressure towards the end of January, after his side were knocked out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in a matter of days.
And without the services of key men Dele Alli and Harry Kane, it looked like Spurs’ season would unravel.
But four Premier League wins on the bounce has kept them in the title mix, which is something that Shearer believes can’t be overlooked.
“It is a little disrespectful that not many people are talking about Tottenham as potential Premier League winners, because they are in the title race - and they have shown they are not going away,” he told the BBC.
“It was typical really that, on a day where Manchester City were sensational and made the headlines with the way they demolished Chelsea to go back above Liverpool at the top of the table, Spurs ground out another unspectacular victory.
Alan Shearer believes Tottenham should be regarded as title contenders (Image: GETTY )
Pochettino has been under pressure in recent weeks (Image: GETTY )
Spurs beat Leicester 3-1 on Sunday (Image: GETTY )
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Mauricio Pochettino's side have done something similar in each of their past four league games, but it is actually very impressive that they keep getting results when none of those performances have been particularly great.”
Tottenham beat Leicester in unconvincing but satisfactory fashion on Sunday evening, with proceedings only wrapped up by a late Heung-Min Son goal to make it 3-1.
The Foxes gave a good account of themselves at Wembley and could’ve come away with something more, had Jamie Vardy not missed a crucial penalty that would’ve levelled the game for his side.
But Shearer believes Spurs can’t be so complacent against bigger teams, and has hinted that Borussia Dortmund could hurt them in their Champions League clash on Wednesday if they continue the way they are.
Son has scored 11 Premier League goals this season (Image: GETTY )
“If that happens again in Wednesday's Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund, Spurs are going to be in trouble because I think they will get punished,” the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer said.
“But, on this occasion, they not only survived, they found a way to win.”
Shearer, however, doesn’t believe Spurs can win the race for Premier League glory.
“Ultimately, I still don't think Spurs will come out on top, but with three months of the season to go, they definitely still have a chance and you cannot discount them,” he said.