It’s only October but Tottenham Hotspur’s top four status could be restored with a win in their next match against Newcastle United. After a torrid trio of big losses, Spurs stopped the rot with a victory over Aston Villa. Now they have a chance to return to their title-topping form with another three points on the cards.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Top Four Aspirations Could Be Restored in Next Match
Spurs Recover From Three Losses on the Bounce
On paper it looks like a great opportunity for Tottenham to win again. Newcastle sit second bottom with just three points, all gained from draws. But the Toon fans have just witnessed a dream scenario of impossibly wealthy investors taking over their club. The excitement is already reflected by St James Park selling out for the first match since May 2019.
How will this reflect on the players? Whether they are excited or daunted by the arrival of their new owners and their bottomless reserves, Newcastle will be a different prospect. They will no doubt be raring to gain their first league victory of the season.
For Tottenham though, it should be business as usual. During their win against Villa, Spurs looked much like they did under Pochettino. There was plenty of energy and some free-flowing moves for both goals assisted by Son Heung-Min. Slowly the players are breaking back out of the Mourinho plaster cast to express themselves and give the fans something enjoyable to watch.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Top Four Hopes: Dreaming Too Small?
The objective of top four football is something that Tottenham were starting to hit consistently under Pochettino. But in the last two years Champions League qualification has been a mere pipe dream. It was beginning to look a bit depressing with Spurs losing three in a row this season. The Premier League Manager of the Month curse struck Nuno’s side viciously. From putting in some promising performances and sitting precariously at the top of the table, the club plummeted. But getting another win starts to put Spurs back on much steadier footing.
Of course, it is still so early in the season to be making any real judgements about how far Spurs could go. But the quality in the squad is there. Tottenham crucially have the goalscorers in Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. As ever, the team’s success will depend on their fitness and form.
But really, this squad is underperforming, with some strong talents throughout. For example, Tanguy Ndombele. He is well-talked about and for good reason. Ndombele is easily worth his £60 million price tag, with his flamboyant skill and ability to beat players with ease. It is just glimpses that Spurs are seeing from him at the moment. Crucially, though, Nuno is giving him plenty of time on the pitch, including 90 minutes against Wolves, where the Frenchman grabbed a goal. Ndombele is the calibre of player that Spurs need to reach the next level.
In defence, Spurs have strengthened with Cristian Romero coming in, as well as Emerson Royal. Already these defenders are starting to bed in and fill the gaps left by Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Even the likes of Eric Dier are stepping up.
This is not to say that Tottenham have a world-class squad. There are gaps as well as misfiring stars they need some time to return to their former glory.
Whether it is how these players are managed, or some kind of mental block, much of this Spurs set-up has struggled to perform when it comes to winning silverware. Frustratingly, though, when the players push through and are in the right state of mind they can put on some masterful performances.
Newcastle will be another test of this. Another hurdle in what has already been a rollercoaster ride for Tottenham.
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