Tottenham have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in England. Recent finishes of third and second would normally result in expectations of a title or at least another strong performance but the move out of White Hart Lane and into Wembley had many pundits doubting Tottenham’s title capabilities. Twelve games into the new Premier League season, Pochettino’s Spurs are eleven points off Manchester City who lead the way. The lead is not uncatchable but it raises the question of which competitions should Mauricio Pochettino prioritise for the remainder of the season.
What Is A Good Season For Pochettino’s Spurs?
Champions League
When Pochettino’s Spurs were placed in Group H alongside Real Madrid, Apoel Nicosia and Borussia Dortmund, they were written off. The group was labelled the ‘Group of Death’. However, with one game to spare Tottenham have qualified as group winners. They are unbeaten in their group so far and may be considered as dark horses to win the competition.
Having beaten the reigning champions of Europe at Wembley and also Borussia Dortmund home and away, the North London side could be quietly confident of facing any side in Europe. Although unlikely to win the competition outright, a semi-final appearance is well within their reach and would be a massive statement to potential transfer targets for next season.
Dismissal Of An FA Cup Victory
Tottenham have already been knocked out of the League Cup. The only other remaining domestic cup is the FA Cup. Of the three remaining competitions Spurs are in, this appears to be the most winnable.
Pochettino does not view this as a massive trophy, preferring to focus his side on European and Premier League success. Most Tottenham fans disagree with Pochettino’s dismissive attitude towards the cup. Tottenham have not won a trophy since 2008 and have not won the FA cup since 1991. Many associated with Tottenham are eager to end the drought. They believe that an FA Cup win would be ideal to get ‘the monkey off their back’ and instil a winning mentality into the youthful Tottenham side.
Premier League
Tottenham are currently fourth in the Premier League. With Manchester City widely considered champions elect, a top-four finish should be the priority for Tottenham. Entering into the new stadium with Champions League football will be a massive boost for the club.
Given the quality within the side, Tottenham should not give up on the league but it’s probably more beneficial for them to prioritise the Champions League and FA Cup for the remainder of the season.
Verdict Of A Good Season For Spurs
The very best scenario for Tottenham would be obviously to win the treble. However, that is not very likely to happen.
Realistically, the club maintaining Champions League football, having a good Champions league run and winning the FA Cup would represent a very good and realistic finish for Pochettino’s Spurs that would set them up very nicely to compete next season.
At the very least the club must finish in the top four. With the likes of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli entering their prime, they’ll soon want to win silverware or may begin to look for it elsewhere.
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