Amidst all the hypes and fanfare of the Manchester clubs along with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal; Spurs have quietly established themselves as an elite European outfit under Mauricio Pochettino. The young Argentine has not only transformed them into potential Premier League contenders but also earned plaudits and admiration in Europe defying the odds.
The financial restrictions refrained Tottenham from recruiting new names in both the windows. But the headstrong North Londoners have always managed to grind out results in spite of injuries to key personnel. Be it veteran Fernando Llorente or young Harry Winks; Spurs have always found a way to salvage results extraordinarily.
The absence of Harry Kane and Dele Alli could not stop them from scripting a momentous 3-0 first-leg victory over Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League Round of 16 contest. The spirit was sky high on Wednesday night which saw central defensive ace Jan Vertonghen scoring and assisting despite featuring in a bizarre wingback role.
Spurs have battled out all the constraints and are no more the club that could be ignored by the so-called big guns of English football. They are yet to witness the title glory in recent years, but closing in on grabbing one should not be counted off anymore.
Their upsurge has amazed Martin Keown, the legendary Arsenal centre-back, who heaped praise on Pochettino’s men and backed them to lift this prestigious silverware while speaking on BBC programme Football Focus (as cited by Football London).
” City is the safe answer but don’t back against Spurs, think about how Liverpool won it in 2005. I’m not sure but they won’t go away, will they? A brilliant performance against Dortmund in midweek.
“They have had a lot of disappointments and they’ve learnt very well, came back. They have almost been playing out of a suitcase this season, no real natural home, so I think you’ve got to give a lot of credit. Let’s see how they progress.”
Although they have been knocked out from both the domestic Cup competitions, successive victories in the league have brought Spurs back into the Premier League title race alongside Liverpool and Manchester City.
A thumping win over BVB has made the return leg tie a less significant one, as Spurs already have one foot in the next round already. Tottenham have exhibited their tenacity and resolve over the heavyweights at home as well as abroad and should not be blown out of the race this early.
