Tottenham Hotspur. Perennial underachievers of the Premier League. Always under the shadow of their illustrious neighbours Arsenal. Not any more. They are marching in Europe and chasing a Champions League berth once again. It has been a fascinating story.
I've always been impressed by Tottenham's style of play. They are one of the most entertaining sides of recent years. It is partly due to their defensive lapses but mainly due to their attacking philosophy. But, their style didn't reap rewards in the past. They came within touching distance of a Champions League spot in 2006 but crumbled under pressure at the business end of the season. Things went downhill for them after that. When manager Juande Ramos was sacked in 2008-09 season, Tottenham were at the bottom of the table. Enter Harry Redknapp and the transformation began. Some of the discarded players were brought back (though only Defoe has been a success since then) and others started believing in their abilities. A mid table finish was a decent achievement that season after the disastrous start. 2009-10 was the season when Harry started to weave his magic. They finally broke the big four monopoly by capturing a Champions League spot at Liverpool's expense.
But, with Manchester City emerging as a powerful club, Tottenham's stay in the top four was expected to be a short one. That may still happen. But, from what I have seen so far, this Tottenham side will not go down without a fight. They have a very good squad and more importantly the belief that they can win any game against any opposition. The proof: North London derby. A 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates with Arsenal all guns blazing can frighten the best of teams. But, Tottenham are different this season. They made a stunning come back and won at their neighbour's territory after more than a decade. Its not only performances like this that make Tottenham a genuine contender for a European spot but their gritty performances in many other Premier League matches. Have a look at their last Premier League game at the Stadium of Light. Tottenham, playing without Bale, Modric, Van der Vaart and Lennon, fought their way to a 2-1 win against a solid opposition. It shows the strength of their squad. Look at the way Chelsea crumbled once a few first team players got injured.
Its the squad that matters not the first team in a league campaign. That is why Tottenham have a good chance again this season. Their top performers are Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart. Bale has come of age in the last one year or so. His hattrick at the San Siro against the reigning European Champions was certainly the high point of his season. He terrorized World's best right back, Maicon, in both matches against Inter Milan. Modric is the playmaker. If you give me a chance to pick one Premier League player for Manchester United (realistic one), I'd pick him. He is a superb midfielder. Never gives away possession and has great vision. A ready made replacement for Paul Scholes. Van Der Vaart joins the long list of players who have revived their career after leaving Real Madrid. He is Tottenham's top scorer this season and he certainly looks like a bargain in the current transfer market. I think the only area of improvement for Tottenham is up front. They are a top striker away from being a World class squad. I expect this issue to be addressed in the summer.
Tottenham's adventures in the Champions League this season will inspire them to go for it again and I am pretty sure that this team will give it their all to give their fans a taste of European Football once again. I have enjoyed watching Tottenham this season and I wish them well in their pursuit of Champions League Football.
I've always been impressed by Tottenham's style of play. They are one of the most entertaining sides of recent years. It is partly due to their defensive lapses but mainly due to their attacking philosophy. But, their style didn't reap rewards in the past. They came within touching distance of a Champions League spot in 2006 but crumbled under pressure at the business end of the season. Things went downhill for them after that. When manager Juande Ramos was sacked in 2008-09 season, Tottenham were at the bottom of the table. Enter Harry Redknapp and the transformation began. Some of the discarded players were brought back (though only Defoe has been a success since then) and others started believing in their abilities. A mid table finish was a decent achievement that season after the disastrous start. 2009-10 was the season when Harry started to weave his magic. They finally broke the big four monopoly by capturing a Champions League spot at Liverpool's expense.
But, with Manchester City emerging as a powerful club, Tottenham's stay in the top four was expected to be a short one. That may still happen. But, from what I have seen so far, this Tottenham side will not go down without a fight. They have a very good squad and more importantly the belief that they can win any game against any opposition. The proof: North London derby. A 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates with Arsenal all guns blazing can frighten the best of teams. But, Tottenham are different this season. They made a stunning come back and won at their neighbour's territory after more than a decade. Its not only performances like this that make Tottenham a genuine contender for a European spot but their gritty performances in many other Premier League matches. Have a look at their last Premier League game at the Stadium of Light. Tottenham, playing without Bale, Modric, Van der Vaart and Lennon, fought their way to a 2-1 win against a solid opposition. It shows the strength of their squad. Look at the way Chelsea crumbled once a few first team players got injured.
Its the squad that matters not the first team in a league campaign. That is why Tottenham have a good chance again this season. Their top performers are Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart. Bale has come of age in the last one year or so. His hattrick at the San Siro against the reigning European Champions was certainly the high point of his season. He terrorized World's best right back, Maicon, in both matches against Inter Milan. Modric is the playmaker. If you give me a chance to pick one Premier League player for Manchester United (realistic one), I'd pick him. He is a superb midfielder. Never gives away possession and has great vision. A ready made replacement for Paul Scholes. Van Der Vaart joins the long list of players who have revived their career after leaving Real Madrid. He is Tottenham's top scorer this season and he certainly looks like a bargain in the current transfer market. I think the only area of improvement for Tottenham is up front. They are a top striker away from being a World class squad. I expect this issue to be addressed in the summer.
Tottenham's adventures in the Champions League this season will inspire them to go for it again and I am pretty sure that this team will give it their all to give their fans a taste of European Football once again. I have enjoyed watching Tottenham this season and I wish them well in their pursuit of Champions League Football.
