When a team finishes third last season after being involved in the title challenge for most parts of the season, you always expect them to be one of the strongest bidders for the title in the following season. However, that never was the case for Spurs when this season started. The Lilywhites started the season with very little fuss around them but those, who thought they did not stand a chance, must have a second thought now.
Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad this summer and starting off in the best possible manner, Arsenal getting their wins by hook or by crook, Liverpool scoring for fun while massive arrivals like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Manchester United and Chelsea respectively- all went against the Lilywhites this summer stealing the limelight from them despite their excellent last season. However, Spurs spoiling Pep’s party with a 2-0 win on Sunday, which could have easily been much worse for the Cityzens, has once again started a fuss about the chances of the North London side.
It was a terrific performance from the Lilywhites against the mighty Cityzens as they terrified the shaky Manchester City defence with quick and fast counter attacks. City were exploited mostly from the wide areas and Mauricio Pochettino once again showed the world that he is a world class manager in the making. Now Spurs are sitting second on the table with 17 points, just one behind Manchester City after seven games and one point ahead of rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
This is the third season of Pochettino at White Hart Lane and in such short span of time, he has built up a solid squad at White Hart Lane mostly based on youth. There is a sense of togetherness in the squad which is really needed to go all the way and become champions. Apart from Arsene Wenger, every top club manager had lesser time with the squad the Argentine. Slowly but surely, Pochettino has made Spurs a real force in English football and this could be the season when they claim the biggest prize in English football.
A solid defence which is probably the best in the Premier League, a number of options in midfield that provides both industry and creativity as well as steel and players capable of scoring goals- Spurs look solid in every department. Even without Harry Kane, the Lilywhites have been capable of grinding out wins which is a big big positive.
Spurs definitely started the season a bit slow and most players did not look at their best but still managed to grind out points which is a sign of Champions. Trumping a manager like Guardiola tactically is a not a bread and butter task for any manager in the world but Pochettino did it with relative ease. The players also deserve the credit as they were the ones who outplayed Manchester City players on the pitch. Premier League must take Spurs seriously now as they look nothing short of potential Premier League champions.
