The Possibility of a Tottenham Top 4 Finish

The Tottenham Hotspur. A team that until they can manage to win a trophy, or even consistently finish top 4, will be a laughing stock among the fans of other top Premier League clubs, such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. This year, however, like all years, begins with hope. All fans hope. Stoke fans hope that this will be their year to win the league. United fans hope to avoid relegation. Tottenham fans hope for a top 4 finish. But can the Lillywhites do it?

The Possibility of a Tottenham Top 4 Finish

The start of the season began very brightly for the White Hart Lane side. They beat West Ham in a tight game 1-0, with new signing Eric Dier, a defender, having the class of an out-and-out striker, and sliding home the game winner in the dying moments. This victory was made all the more satisfying with Tottenham having to play well over half the game with 10 men, after and extremely harsh decision by the referee resulted in Kyle Naughton being sent off.

The second game was a less contested match against QPR. Spurs were playing at the Lane for the first time this season, and they put on a show. A 4-0 victory in which Dier  scored again, along with Adebayor and Chadli (2). Also promising in that match, was the play of Erik Lamela, who ran wild around the opposition, using quick cuts and changes of pace to bamboozle the defenders. A performance from him that was a year in the making.

Due to these 2 games, Tottenham sees itself at first, yes, you read that correctly, FIRST, in the Premier League. Sure, it’s 2 weeks in, but it’s an accomplishment none-the-less. Will they stay there? It’s possible, but what is more realistic is top 4, a Champion’s League place.

Spurs have Hugo Lloris in goal, without a doubt one of the most electrifying and talented goalkeepers in the league. The defence worries me. They have plenty of options at outside back, with Rose and Dier playing out of their minds, but in the centre of the backline they really only have Vertonghen who has proven to be consistent. Kaboul has his ups and downs, and Fazio will be adjusting to the Premier League, so what is a concern is the possibility of Vertonghen getting injured. They have no one to replace him.

The midfield was great against QPR. Spurs ran circles around the Joey Barton-led side, with Nabil Bentaleb and Capoue playing the possession game and breaking up play, perfect from the defensive midfielders. Chadli and Lamela both looked bright, and ideally Lamela will only get better. His confidence is up, and he should be a shining star this season. Spurs will need to see a bit more out of Eriksen, who, as Tottenham’s Player of the Year last season, has looked a touch too slow at times this year.

Emmanuel Adebayor seems to be the manager’s first choice up top, and he is playing well. He found the back of the net against QPR, and he is as creative as ever. Another fantastic quality about the Togolese striker is his holdup play. When he holds the ball, it allows the wingers to get into the attack, which is when the Spurs turn deadly.

To finish top 4, Spurs will need to do the opposite of what happened last season, and that means- Beat top teams. Tottenham cannot afford a 5-0 smashing against City and Liverpool again. They need to go get at least a point out of those games, if not win. Why settle for top 4, if you can go win it all? #COYS

Next up in the Premier League is a key match against Liverpool, who will be the biggest test so far for Spurs.

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