Spurs’ Title Dream Not Dead and Buried Yet
A snazzy infographic popped up on the screen in the Sky Sports studio on Monday night, following Tottenham’s scintillating 4-0 win over Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. It detailed all the areas in which the North London club were unmatched for the season so far. The list included; most goals scored, most chances created, most goals from set-pieces, least goals conceded, best goal difference. In all, a neat portrayal of how much Mauricio Pochettino was wringing out of this highly motivated, young team.
If Spurs don’t win the League this season, it’ll be a cold-hearted critic who blames their own shortcomings. Leicester might have too many points banked for Tottenham to claw back, but it can’t be said they’re not putting up an almighty fight. Spurs were magnificent on Monday night and have been for some time.
Rule Britannia
Stoke away. Long since a catchword for mental stoutness. The ultimate acid test for a side wanting to be taken seriously. It’s no use putting in a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Etihad in balmy September, if you’re not able to mix it in soggy Staffordshire in the bastard drag of Winter.
Many of the mighty have fallen at the Britannia in recent years. Indeed, this season, before Spurs, not one of the Top Five had taken all three points from Mark Hughes’ men. With the kind of pressure Spurs were under going into the game, a hard-slogged 1-0 would’ve been just fine.
No such luck. Fans of fantasy Premier League might pin the fact that Stoke are anchored cosily in mid-table for the uncharacteristic ease of the win. There was certainly a huge chasm between the two sides in terms of purpose and endeavour, which, perhaps, given their position, is understandable.
But let’s not pretend that Spurs haven’t been doing this all season. Man United’s campaign was still active enough when we met two weeks ago and they were blown away in only marginally less emphatic fashion. I’ve lost count of the number of opposition managers who’ve admitted they just couldn’t cope with Spurs in their post-match musings.
Magic Square
Who was good, then? How long have you got. It’s probably unhelpful to single out individuals, particularly from a side that’s so dependent on its powers as a collective. As Jamie Carragher put it the other night: this Spurs team is a team.
Even so, Tottenham’s front four were in imperious form. From a pure numbers point-of-view it makes for fine reading: two-goals each for Dele Alli and Harry Kane, two assists for Christian Eriksen and another from Erik Lamela. Mousa Dembélé with the other key contribution, who, himself, was hugely influential. The not unsubstantial Giannelli Imbula would’ve had better luck trying to uproot redwoods than dispossess the elusive Belgian.
The velocity at which Spurs counter is something to behold. Like a bush fire they scorched through the Potters’ resistance. It must be quite unnerving to be on the attack against Pochettino’s young hellions, knowing that through one careless pass, the ball can be sling-shotted back into your own half with you on your backfoot again.
You thought you had the situation under control; suddenly there’s a wave of two-tone blue hurtling towards you and the situation is almost the exact opposite of under control. It’s in the bloody net.
Leicester City, we’re coming for you, was the cry from the travelling fans. You get the impression that it’s not only the supporters who believe it. The players have their own unshakeable confidence that the challenge isn’t over yet. We’re not going to stop, were Dele Alli’s words after the game. You wouldn’t bet against them.
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