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Are Tottenham Hotspur Genuine Premier League Title Contenders?
Rohan Sood wonders whether the Lily Whites are ready to step up and fight for the league title instead of just hoping to break into the top four...
31-Dec-2011 10:45:00 AM
By Rohan Sood
Getty Images
Over the years, the main question surrounding Tottenham has been whether they have what it takes to break into the so-called top four of English football. The year before last, they were able to secure a Champions League place, and last year surprised everyone by holding their own versus the likes of Inter and AC Milan.
The club enjoyed a successful run in the Champions League last season and would have been disappointed to have missed out this time around. Maybe, the excursions of playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays had an effect on the players’ league form.
Tottenham's Lesson Of 'Inter'est In The Champions League
This year, with no Champions League to worry about, and Harry Redknapp fielding a second string side in the Europa League, Tottenham have been hugely impressive so far. Currently, the club lies in third place with 38 points, seven behind joint leaders, Manchester City and United.
Tottenham does have a game in hand though. On the other hand, the club is four points clear of fourth place Chelsea. The last round of fixtures could turn out to be a massive point of the season, as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all drew, and thus Tottenham were able to extend their lead in an attempt to guarantee Champions League football for next year.
It Cannot Be Only About The "Big Four" Any More...
If Tottenham are able to win their game in hand, which, based on their current form, seems very likely, then they will be within touching distance of the league leaders. The club has truly arrived on the big stage, and along with Manchester City has dispelled the dominance of the Big four of English football.
This year, Spurs have done excellent business in the transfer market, by purchasing the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor (on loan) and Scott Parker, who have been hugely impressive so far. An area of worry for Harry Redknapp in recent times has been the goalkeeper, but the signing of American Brad Friedel has plugged that hole.
The new signings, along with the likes of established players such as Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, and Rafael Van Der Vaart have propelled Spurs upto third place in the table. The only question remains as to whether the club can maintain its current form, and challenge for the title.
The club’s starting line-up appears to be one of the strongest in the Premier League, and their brand of football is among the most exciting. With Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale on either wings, and probably the most attacking full backs in the league in the form of Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the club are known for their lightning fast counter attacking ability.
Modric and van der Vaart are the creative spark in midfield, and are equally adept at creating and scoring goals. In Adebayor, Spurs now have a striker who is more than capable of holding the ball up, or dropping deep to initiate moves. Scott Parker has been a revelation in midfield and his hard tackling and neat passing have brought about a sense of stability to Spurs’ attacking play.
In defence, Tottenham have been bolstered by the presence of Ledley King, who has not been sidelined by injuries as often as he has in the past. Michael Dawson has been out for a while, but the likes of William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have done well in the centre-back position.
The two games versus the Manchester clubs could very well turn out to be crucial in deciding the league title. Spurs will have bitter memories of their 3-0 and 1-5 defeats versus United and City respectively. They will need to get something from the two games, or else it might just be that Spurs are the best of the rest, while the Manchester clubs are just too good this season.
Tottenham have been hugely impressive this season, and according to many, are the only team capable of creating problems for the two Manchester clubs. With games versus Swansea, West Brom, Everton and Wolves coming up, the club would be looking to keep up the pressure on the league leaders.
This season, Spurs have transitioned themselves from being contenders for a top four position to being contenders for the league title.
The club enjoyed a successful run in the Champions League last season and would have been disappointed to have missed out this time around. Maybe, the excursions of playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays had an effect on the players’ league form.
Tottenham's Lesson Of 'Inter'est In The Champions League
This year, with no Champions League to worry about, and Harry Redknapp fielding a second string side in the Europa League, Tottenham have been hugely impressive so far. Currently, the club lies in third place with 38 points, seven behind joint leaders, Manchester City and United.
Tottenham does have a game in hand though. On the other hand, the club is four points clear of fourth place Chelsea. The last round of fixtures could turn out to be a massive point of the season, as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all drew, and thus Tottenham were able to extend their lead in an attempt to guarantee Champions League football for next year.
It Cannot Be Only About The "Big Four" Any More...
If Tottenham are able to win their game in hand, which, based on their current form, seems very likely, then they will be within touching distance of the league leaders. The club has truly arrived on the big stage, and along with Manchester City has dispelled the dominance of the Big four of English football.
This year, Spurs have done excellent business in the transfer market, by purchasing the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor (on loan) and Scott Parker, who have been hugely impressive so far. An area of worry for Harry Redknapp in recent times has been the goalkeeper, but the signing of American Brad Friedel has plugged that hole.
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| "I'd be a liar if I said I wouldn't take Carlos Tevez if I had the chance" |
| – Harry Redknapp |
The club’s starting line-up appears to be one of the strongest in the Premier League, and their brand of football is among the most exciting. With Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale on either wings, and probably the most attacking full backs in the league in the form of Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the club are known for their lightning fast counter attacking ability.
Modric and van der Vaart are the creative spark in midfield, and are equally adept at creating and scoring goals. In Adebayor, Spurs now have a striker who is more than capable of holding the ball up, or dropping deep to initiate moves. Scott Parker has been a revelation in midfield and his hard tackling and neat passing have brought about a sense of stability to Spurs’ attacking play.
In defence, Tottenham have been bolstered by the presence of Ledley King, who has not been sidelined by injuries as often as he has in the past. Michael Dawson has been out for a while, but the likes of William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have done well in the centre-back position.
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| Awaiting The Run-Ins Towards The Premier League Title | ||
The two games versus the Manchester clubs could very well turn out to be crucial in deciding the league title. Spurs will have bitter memories of their 3-0 and 1-5 defeats versus United and City respectively. They will need to get something from the two games, or else it might just be that Spurs are the best of the rest, while the Manchester clubs are just too good this season.
Tottenham have been hugely impressive this season, and according to many, are the only team capable of creating problems for the two Manchester clubs. With games versus Swansea, West Brom, Everton and Wolves coming up, the club would be looking to keep up the pressure on the league leaders.
This season, Spurs have transitioned themselves from being contenders for a top four position to being contenders for the league title.
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