Evaluating a season where we break into the top four for the first time in Premier League history and where the team provide us with some of the best and most exiting football since the glory days of the 80’s, it is hard to want more.
And I really can’t ask for more. It has been a truly great season. But at the same time I can’t help imagining what might have been if the team had taken a few more chances in both Villa games (4 more points), against Hull and Stoke at home (5) and Everton away (2).
The chances were easily there to win these five games – and then we would have been in with a shout for the championship no less. I am not even counting the two Wolves losses – mainly because I only saw the first one, where we didn’t create anything and so didn’t deserve anything.
I know it is mostly wishful thinking, but my point is none the less that maybe we should start dreaming the not so impossible dream of challenging for the number 1 spot.
Recent history, statistics and the general perception of Spurs might prevent us from believing. But football history, statistics and perception counts for nothing tomorrow other than for example in the minds of journalists. The current – and immensely talented – Spurs squad should not be held responsible for what players before them did or (mostly) did not do.
Based on the exceptional talent and depth in the squad, the way they play their football and the new found possibilities of Champions League qualification, I think Tottenham Hotspur vintage 2010/2011 has every right to stake a claim for challenging the current top dogs.
I know there are several unknown factors: will we keep our key players? will new players disrupt the current cohesion and team spirit? will we at long last be able to match top teams away from WHL? how will the team cope with the added pressure of (hopefully) playing the best European clubs midweek and maintaining momentum in the Premier League at the same time? how will the players cope with injuries and fatigue? Etc…
But is it not every top players dream to be involved in such a scenario? Then now, the Spurs players have the opportunity to live that dream and show their true potential. I am so looking forward to witnessing that. And if they can continue playing the same brand of exciting and attacking football as we have seen this season, I am confident that we are in for even more thrills come August. I can hardly wait…
And I really can’t ask for more. It has been a truly great season. But at the same time I can’t help imagining what might have been if the team had taken a few more chances in both Villa games (4 more points), against Hull and Stoke at home (5) and Everton away (2).
The chances were easily there to win these five games – and then we would have been in with a shout for the championship no less. I am not even counting the two Wolves losses – mainly because I only saw the first one, where we didn’t create anything and so didn’t deserve anything.
I know it is mostly wishful thinking, but my point is none the less that maybe we should start dreaming the not so impossible dream of challenging for the number 1 spot.
Recent history, statistics and the general perception of Spurs might prevent us from believing. But football history, statistics and perception counts for nothing tomorrow other than for example in the minds of journalists. The current – and immensely talented – Spurs squad should not be held responsible for what players before them did or (mostly) did not do.
Based on the exceptional talent and depth in the squad, the way they play their football and the new found possibilities of Champions League qualification, I think Tottenham Hotspur vintage 2010/2011 has every right to stake a claim for challenging the current top dogs.
I know there are several unknown factors: will we keep our key players? will new players disrupt the current cohesion and team spirit? will we at long last be able to match top teams away from WHL? how will the team cope with the added pressure of (hopefully) playing the best European clubs midweek and maintaining momentum in the Premier League at the same time? how will the players cope with injuries and fatigue? Etc…
But is it not every top players dream to be involved in such a scenario? Then now, the Spurs players have the opportunity to live that dream and show their true potential. I am so looking forward to witnessing that. And if they can continue playing the same brand of exciting and attacking football as we have seen this season, I am confident that we are in for even more thrills come August. I can hardly wait…