For the first time in many years, Spurs are title contenders. The mentality of the club has, vitally, strengthened. Whilst they missed out on winning the league last year, Leicester were almost always in the ascendancy for the title. But if their form continues and key players stay fit, a first Tottenham Hotspur title since 1961 could well be on its way.
Pochettino Effect
Any successful club needs a good manager. Pochettino certainly is fitting the bill to great success. He has shown himself to be tactically aware and flexible. This has included multiple formation changes, most recently experimenting with a back three.
Investing in youth players has also been a large part of his management ideology. His faith in the likes of Harry Winks and Cameron Carter-Vickers has sowed the seeds for future successes. Furthermore, the players seem to believe in him. As a result, the dressing room has formed a tight-knit group of professionals all working for each other; a dressing room capable of creating success.
Key Players
Harry Kane has continued to be a sensation. Recently scoring a hat-trick against West Brom, he has been increasing his goal tally at the club, which now stands at 62 Premier League goals, bettering Thierry Henry’s record after his first 100 matches in the process. His form is vital to the club’s chances of winning the league.
Victor Wanyama was a very low-key signing in the summer. But since joining the club, he has truly cemented his place in the first team. His role is vital in breaking up play and providing immense physical strength in the centre of midfield. By playing alongside Mousa Dembélé, Spurs have a strong midfield capable of playing out from the back. This is because the strength of these two midfielders allows them to retain the ball under pressure. So long as Wanyama stays fit, most midfield battles will be won by Spurs.
Danny Rose has truly lit up White Hart Lane with his performances. From zero to hero, he has started putting in some truly awe-inspiring performances. In 16 Premier League appearances this season he has scored two goals and picked up two assists. The width that he provides, especially with a three centre-back defence, is invaluable. He is constantly an outlet for any attack and is an absolute nightmare for any full-back to mark. Pacey, robust and with a hunger to attack, he is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
Depth
Overall, Tottenham have strength in depth in almost all positions. Hugo Lloris is backed up by Michel Vorm; Kevin Wimmer, Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier cover in defence. In midfield, there is a plethora of options from Eric Dier to Wanyama and Dembélé, from Heung-Min Son to Erik Lamela, from Harry Winks to Christian Eriksen.
Spurs arguably have one of the best second teams in the Premier League. There is plenty of quality in the squad, but also determination and willingness to give all for the team. No longer are there mercenaries like Emmanuel Adebayor. Every player wants to get on the pitch and to cement a place in the first team.
There is, however, a key weakness in the squad up front. Vincent Janssen cannot be relied on for goals. He is young and should definitely be given more of a chance, but he may take some time to develop.
Meanwhile, Son can be deployed as a striker to some effect, but it is much more important to sign a top striker who has made his name in that position. It needs to be a player similar to Kane in physicality, finishing and all-round quality so that he has both cover, but also competition to push him on. Nevertheless, if Kane gets injured, Spurs’ title chances could well plummet.
Mentality
In the recent past, the key criticism of any Spurs side was the weak mentality. It was typical of the club to perform well for most of the season, before crashing out in towards the end. Often this meant finishing fifth or sixth.
Now, the mentality has improved. Whether against West Brom at home—a fixture Spurs hadn’t won for five years—or against Manchester City at the Etihad, there is no longer fear against the big teams or disrespect to the lesser teams. Every match is fuelled by the same steadfast, hard-working mentality that gets the most points.
The biggest test to this newfound mentality is yet to come. The club are still chasing Chelsea, but are closing the gap. If and when they do close this gap, they must be strong and try to avoid the previous season’s disappointments.
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