Now what?

[dagraham]

Been a Spurs fan for plenty long enough thanks, and in that time we've never been in a title race.

If we get to the end of December and we're within striking distance of the top, I really do think Levy would look at reinforcements.

Have you blanked the Saha/Nelson window out of your mind?

 

[NickHSpurs]

We normally do quite well in December and January because Europa League stops so I don't think this is the period that will define us.

It's February when Europa kicks back in when our form usually drops off as the games start stacking up being must win because it's knockout stages and the squad gets fatiqued because we don't rotate enough.

Whilst I'm absolutely loving our form and everything about this season and Poch, I see lack of rotation potenially being an issue again come February.

 

[talkshowhost86]

Have you blanked the Saha/Nelson window out of your mind?

Yeah that is true. I suppose that's the closest we've been to being in a title race in recent times and Levy didn't help then.

But in the Summer he seemed much more willing to back his manager (both in terms of sales and purchases) so I hope that carries through to January.

 

[HotspurFC1950]

Timing is everything. Had we beat the Chavs one nil the response on this thread would have been sky high positive.

And yet we did not lose pace with Arse Manure nor Leicester.

We are in a good position just in behind the leaders and we are on a positive curve.

 

[beats1]

I'm interested to know what makes you think this?

Us in November

Villa H 3-1 W
Arsenal A 1-1 D
West Ham H 4-1 W
Chelsea H 0-0 D

8 points

I'm guessing you consider City, Arsenal, and United as title contenders? (I've added their last fixtures of October)

City
Norwich H 2-1 W
Villa A 0-0 D
Liverpool H 1-4 L
Southampton H 3-1 W

7 points

Arsenal
Swansea A 0-3 W
Spurs H 1-1 D
West Brom A 1-2 L
Norwich A 1-1 D

5 points

United
Palace A 0-0 D
West Brom H 2-0 W
Watford A 1-2 W
Leicester A 1-1 D

8 points

Think we had the hardest games there, and yet only United scored as many points as us. We dropped points to other teams challenging at the top, yet the others all dropped points to what should be seen as weaker sides.

Surely if you're looking at everyone over the last month then our stock has only increased.

We were already down on them, the reasoning for us not being title contenders atm, is that even though I think we will gain points on the top teams, I still think that Liverpool and Everton will also do well over the next month and have just as easy as a run in.

Atm we are closer to liverpool and West Ham than Man City and United, hence why I think we need to step it up.

So far we have been averaging 1.79 points a week, we need to average 2 a season to get top 4 and about 2.25 to be a title challenger or win it.

In theory we have some easy games, but we have a hectic schedule coming up and would need win nearly all our games in the month to be up there with a chance of top.

If we win 4 matches and draw against southampton in december we will be on 38 points after 19 games. That is averaging 2 points a season and has us finishing on 76 points and about 3rd or 4th historically.

To be in a chance with winning the title we have to win all those games. With the form we have shown especially since we are no longer travelling anymore, it is achievable but at the same time Im a spurs fan. I believe it when I see it.

My experience of being a spurs fan tells me WBA, Norwich and Watford aren't easy matches

 

[soup]

Right now, I'm more happy than most about this unbeaten streak. Not only is it an unbeaten streak, it's an unbeaten streak because the team is better, the shape is better, the cohesion is better, the understanding is better, the fitness is better, the individual performances are better, the morale is better, the team ethic is better, the whole team and club structure is better!

Transitional seasons sometimes go very pear shaped, but if we're still in a transition, then it's definitely on the upward trajectory and I'd much rather we spent a season or two drawing 2 and winning 2 rather than galavanting about trying to just outscore the opposition every game. That's been cavalier Spurs for too long. We need to be looked at by the teams around us a a serious threat and not the 'It's Spurs' version. That would be a real shift into the top 4, on and off the pitch.

So right now, roll on the hard to beat Spurs and a few draws. In January or next season we build on it. Then again. But what we've never been able to build on is shaky foundations. Sure, unbeaten streaks aren't glory, but they are a great start to having sound foundations at long last.

 

[fletch82]

Spot on with that prediction. Well done, hopefully you had a bet

Bookie told me to feck off and had a cpl of right geezers waiting outside with sticks to beat me

 

[TottenhamMattSpur]

We have to go away to chelsea, Liverpool and City,
Of those we only beat a City in the home legs.
Imo we need to win at least one of those 3 away games and not lose at least one of them.

I appreciate that's only 3 games out of 24 remaining but they'll all be 6 pointers come the end.

We also have united and arsenal at home and need to take points in both games.

 

[theShiznit]

Wouldn't want us to make too many additions in January, 1 possibly 2 at most.
Breel Embolo would be my choice as backup/alternative for Kane.
But our squad balance and morale seems so good ATM I wouldn't want to risk that by bringing in 3-4 possibly changing the dynamic in the dressing room, training and ultimately on the pitch.

Don't even think we've fielded our best 11 yet due to injuries/form/fitness.

 

[slartibartfast]

Even the big top teams are dropping points left right and center so to say we have to 'win this or draw that' at this stage is nonsense.
I mean Arsenal just picked up 1 point after playing West Brom and Norwich ffs.
Can I get a reality check please people lol.
One game at a time and see what happens.
No more Mystic Meg shit please

 

[Sir Henry]

Were in a fantastic position, weve worked our balls off to get to this position and I'm proud of the players so far. In the past we could have got 1 point out of those 3 derbys (nothing against the scums and a point against the pikeys), but we got 5 and that was pretty good going I feel. Keep it going, dont let our standards drop, and I feel we can do whatever we want.

 

[thfc1973]

Right, with that tricky month of November out of the way how are people feeling about our chances?

Over the past couple of months people have been pointing toward this recent period of games as being our toughest stretch that will really show what we're made of. Well, we've remained unbeaten, qualified for next round of the Europa League and have a clear week to rest up a bit before a run of games that look much more favourable.

I seem to recall a number of posters claiming that November would prove whether we can really consider ourselves real contenders for fourth, let alone higher. What do you think now? Because we've passed that test is WBA the new test?

For ANY good manager and team - the NEXT game should always be viewed as the new test. Theres a very good reason why the old saying 'one game at a time' means so much.
Every title contender team and manager always instills this one game at a time idea into the team, because it comes from that old adage of breaking down your goal you want to achieve into smaller goals. If the goal is winning the title and its made up of 38 goals then you need to approach it as such, and make each game a goal so to speak. Only plan for and go for 100% victory in each and every game. And if you are successful in most of them theres a good chance you'll achieve your eventual goal

 

[Atomic Flea]

We have a fantastic chance in doing something special. We do need to start changing our team up a little and giving some key players a rest. We seen what it done to us in February and that was when our season was ruined. As much as I think our team is great the way it has been recently, we do need to start giving Kane/Dier or Eriksen a rest before they become tired or jaded.

Thankfully Bentaleb will be back soon so he could possibly play in Dier's role against the 'lesser' teams. I think we could possibly start with Son up top and give Kane a rest for the odd game. We do however need a suitable replacement for Kane should he get injured. Son will do up until January but he is better played out wide.

January is key. I see Townsend leaving which could see us getting in around 12 million if he goes permanently. We will have Pritchard back from injury if all goes well around that period too so filling that void could wait until the summer.

Hopefully we can shift Fazio on also and maybe bring in a cheap experienced centre back and someone who could actually work well with Wimmer.

 

[Atomic Flea]

Been a Spurs fan for plenty long enough thanks, and in that time we've never been in a title race.

If we get to the end of December and we're within striking distance of the top, I really do think Levy would look at reinforcements.

Yeah signings in the ilk of Saha and Nelson should do!

 

[miamispur]

Enjoying the run, long may it continue but as others have said we should only be looking at the next game.

 

[jezz]

I think the point is that for us to genuinely be considered title challengers, we'd need to take advantage of the fact that the teams around us haven't done so well.

Title winning teams turn dominant performances into victories (we didn't do that against Arsenal) and take advantage of struggling teams (we didn't do that against Chelsea).

The fact is that for all our good play and our unbeaten run, we are in 5th. I can't remember how many title winning teams have been 5th going into December, but I'm prepared to suggest it's not many.

Ultimately we're not going to know if we're genuine title contenders till something like March, and obviously if results continue as they have then we will be there and thereabouts.

But if we'd held onto our lead against Arsenal and put away a limping Chelsea, then I'd be far more confident talking about us as title contenders.

POSLPCLUBPWDLGFGAGDPTS
1

(1)Arsenal13 10 12 27 10 17 31
2

(2)Liverpool12 7 3 2 24 13 11 24
3

(3)Chelsea12 7 3 2 21 10 11 24
4

(7)Everton13 6 6 1 21 13 8 24
Last years November table.
Chelsea champions with similar stats to ours and they were 7 points a drift not 4 like us.
Not saying were gonna win it but we're in contention and think at the end of the Xmas period we will be 1st or second.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Can we not grab someone like Charlie Austin in January? Similar to Kane, solid backup imo.

 

[whitelanefever]

The way I see it is that the quality of the PL is on the whole rubbish & any team worth there salt could have a run at the Title this year (very much like the year Liverpool finished 2nd). There's nothing to fear & there will never be a better chance to win the lg, so feck top 4 aim as high as possible. Could we win the lg..yes.. Do I think we wil.. No..

January there is an opportunity for Levy to really back Pochettino & show the likes of Lloris, Vertonghen, Eriksen & Kane that we mean business & that they can win trophies here. Finding a back up for Kane won't be easy & maybe we will have to settle for a loan however even as important is making a signing to add that killer instinct/killer pass because at the moment I think we rely on Eriksen a lot for that.. so a utility player who can play midfield/forward, I would have someone in mind that would really put out a statement of intent but if I said who I am sure use would all laugh at me.

 

[spurs9]

Is the Africa Cup of Nations on this winter ?

We don't have any players of note we will lose but the oppositions may have ?

Yes, it's in Rwanda between 16th Jan and 7th Feb.

No AFCON this season, next one is 2017.

 

[nightgoat]

I think the point is that for us to genuinely be considered title challengers, we'd need to take advantage of the fact that the teams around us haven't done so well.

Title winning teams turn dominant performances into victories (we didn't do that against Arsenal) and take advantage of struggling teams (we didn't do that against Chelsea).

The fact is that for all our good play and our unbeaten run, we are in 5th. I can't remember how many title winning teams have been 5th going into December, but I'm prepared to suggest it's not many.

Ultimately we're not going to know if we're genuine title contenders till something like March, and obviously if results continue as they have then we will be there and thereabouts.

But if we'd held onto our lead against Arsenal and put away a limping Chelsea, then I'd be far more confident talking about us as title contenders.

What about if you posed it as 'how many title winning teams were four points off the top going into December'? Not saying we are title challengers, mind you.