Sport
FROM PRETENDERS TO CONTENDERS
Tottenham have somewhat gone under the radar on contenders for the Premier League title this season, but are they best equipped to go all the way this campaign?
Tottenham pushed last season’s surprise title winners Leicester all the way last season before running out of steam in the final few weeks as they eventually finished third in the table.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men underlined their title credentials with a thrilling victory over Premier League favourites Manchester City at White Hart Lane prior to the international break.
The manner of the victory over Pep Guardiola’s City in itself was impressive as they ended their perfect start to the season, but what made it all the more impressive was that it was achieved without star man Harry Kane.
Spurs have made their best start to a league campaign since 1960/61 , collecting 17 points from their opening seven matches and they boast the only unbeaten record so far and the division’s best defence.
Pochettino did not bring in too many new faces during the summer window preferring to offload some of the dead wood to make the squad more balanced and from back to front they have a strong spine that is good enough to win trophies.
Hugo Lloris offers quality and experience in goal, Belgian duo Jan Vertongen and Toby Alderweireld provide a commanding defensive pairing while Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko bring strength and power to the engine room allied to the creation of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli.
Son Heung-min has been a revelation after a disappointing debut season last term, while Harry Kane is sure to provide goals once he returns to fitness and finds his best form.
The England man has been a reliable source of goals for two seasons now, and doubts have always existed over whether or not Tottenham would have enough cutting edge without him, but recent performances have shown Spurs can cope without their talisman.
As the stats and results illustrate everything bodes well for Spurs on the pitch and it looks just as good off the pitch after securing a number of their top stars on long-term deals.
Following on from May when Pochettino signed a new deal seven players have signed new long-term contracts since the start of the campaign and with more to follow the club look poised to prosper in the future.
Tying down the large majority of the first-team to new team will ensure continuity, stability and harmony to the squad and show that progress is rewarded by the White Hart Lane hierarchy.
Pochettino has overseen impressive progress since his arrival from Southampton in the summer of 2014, shaping a young squad in his style.
Tottenham at their best when they are playing with unbelievable energy and confidence are arguably the toughest side to beat in the Premier League and this season may offer them their best chance of winning their first English championship since 1961.
Their rivals are somewhat in transition with Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte all still coming to grips of their first seasons in charge of their respective clubs.
Also the experience of last season’s near miss will stand Tottenham’s young players in good stead as they look to be involved in another title race.
Bouncing back from last season was always going to be a test of Spurs’ strength and resolution and their start to this season shows they are now the real deal going from pretenders to contenders.
Tottenham are determined to show that last season’s title tilt was no flash in the pan and that they plan to be contesting for England’s top prize on a regular basis over the next few years.
Spurs look a good bet to match last season’s achievements or go even better and with everything in sync on and off the pitch you would not bet against them.
