How far can Harry Redknapp take his Tottenham Hotspur team? A thumping 3-0 victory over Manchester City on earlier in the season cemented their status as perennial fourth place chasers. But who will drop out of the top four to make way for Spurs? And does Mr.
Redknapp have the financial clout to usurp one of the traditional big four?
The season so far for Harry Redknapp and his Tottenham side has been one of many ups and a few downs so far.
The Lilywhites have endured a number of disastrous results thus far in the 2009/10 campaign, most recently against Everton where they threw away a two goal lead against the Merseysiders and ended up drawing the game 2-2. They also were beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at White Hart Lane, displaying an abject and soulless performance.
Salvation came before the new year with a number of impressive results, the most notable being the 9-1 victory over Wigan. Though, inconsistency still reins for the North Londoners as they were soundly beaten by a Manchester United reserve side in the Carling Cup at the beginning of December.
Since the turn of the year results and performances have not been too positive, a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool brought the Anfield club right back into the fourth place fight> Spurs were disappointing in that particular match but did have opportunity to put the game beyond Liverpool, but they lacked a cutting edge upfront.
This sentiment was echoed against Aston Villa at the Weekend to an even greater extent, although the match was 0-0 the match stats point to domination by the team from North London. Overall Spurs had 28 shots with 15 on target and 12 corners. Compare this to fellow 4th place chasers Villa, who could only muster 10 shots, half being on target. Three points here would have put Tottenham in a much stronger position and sent out a message to all their rivals.
However, the stop/start nature of Spurs’ campaign thus far could threaten to derail any charge for a Champions League spot, which is the ultimate ambition for the club. Liverpool look ominous and Manchester City have the Mancini factor making things a lot more difficult for Harry Redknapp to reach his ultimate achievement.
The squad assembled is one of the best around, in my opinion only bettered by Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Harry is a manager of quality, but for me there are questions about whether he can tough it out with the big players i.e. Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti.
Who will they displace? Liverpool seem the likely targets but even in for them a disastrous season they currently lie in 4th place, but only a mere one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. For me it would take a great effort from Spurs in infiltrate the exclusive Champions League club, but Harry has assembled probably the best Tottenham side in 20 years, there appears to be ample investment from Mr Levy and board, a new stadium in the offing, things look very bright for Tottenham.
What kind of title is this for an article?
Kevin, yeah it’s a bit vague, I agree.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
i am a spurs fan and i hate to say it but spurs wont get top 4 this season they still need someone ( a player) or something like consistency because we have a big squad but i feel we still aint strong enuf so tbh i dont think we will get top 4 i think liverpool will get it and it will be a miracle if spurs get 4th spot or higher
The stats for the Wolves game where 10 shots on target 9 off Wolves 1 on target none off .Wolves had 13 fouls to Spurs 8 the game percentage was 60% to Spurs and Wolves 40% .The Liverpool game we where Robbed by the ref and high ENERGEY defending in all the games how many games has Gibson played since is two wonder strikes How did Liverpool Beat Everton when they Struggled in the away game with a better side and 11v11 these need to be Answered before you ask the question will we knock the cartel out of the top four ask the FA and UK sport they have the answer.
Bentley has been playing well, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Spurs have lacked that last little bit of quality ever since Lennon’s been hurt.
Gaffer,
Great topic! Totally agree – Spurs have the strongest squad outside of Man. U and Chelsea. I think their 22 man squad is stronger than Liverpool, and Arsenal. However I might concede that Man City is on par. The problem is they are still weak in certain positions in the first 11 when compared to the top teams – Aaron Lennon’s injury has highlighted the lack of pace on the flanks, Korluka is rubbish (my grandma moves quicker), Gareth Bale is not up to standard, and due to injury we are still a little rocky at the back.
But as a long suffering Spurs fan, this is the best squad we’ve had in years. Hopefully Harry is up to it.
Uninspired effort today. Thanks for jinxing with the title of the post.
Hey Aaron, feel free to come back anytime now. You too Benny
Have to agree with my tocayo, Danny. If things were “looking bright” then we wouldn’t be talking Tottenham, no? The performance of the squad in critical games raises questions of confidence, and preparation. Either a)w/o Lennon they can’t get fast enough to run beyond the fullbacks, recent form of Bentley notwithstanding; b)Redknapp doesn’t prepared them to do other than ‘crouchie knocks it down for jermaine to run onto; c)the squad lacks the mental toughness to break through; or d) the Good Lord is a gooner.
Personally, I like a man who owns a horse called, wait for it….”‘Arry’s Orse.” But it is hard to see us in Europe next year unless we’re in the Europa League. Shaktar Donetsk, anyone?