The fight for fourth
place in the Premier League has become more like a war, consuming the
ambitions of clubs in the top half over the last decade, none more so
in recent years than Tottenham Hotspur.
Growing up through the
Noughties, I saw the Big Four in English football as a dominant and
statute force; Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool. Change
to the elite was few and far between, perhaps most notably with
Everton in 2004-05. The top four clubs in English football remained
the same for many seasons, though. The decline of Liverpool, however,
saw a vacuum form, and the seasonal battles for fourth place begun.
Tottenham came
agonisingly close to breaking the mould under Jol, falling short at
the final hurdle in 2006 on account of dodgy lasagna. The 2009-10
season under Redknapp saw Spurs finish above the likes of
Arab-invested Man City, Moyes' Everton and the fallen Liverpool in
fourth, and the Big Four had finally been broken. And ever since
Peter Crouch's goal at Maine Road, Spurs have been battling
ceaselessly and relentlessly to finish fourth every season.
Since 2010, three
managers have been sacked, floods of plastic fans have held up the
Lilywhite banners, and the identity of the squad and the club has
changed beyond recognition. Coupled with off-pitch issues, such as
the rise in ticket prices, inflated transfer windows, and
Northumberland Park Project, Spurs fans have been left thoroughly
exhausted and deflated by the war.
But the saddest thing,
the most tragic fact that angers fans most of all, is that after all
this conflict, after years of battles for a top four finish, the only
rewards for the club has been Ramos' league cup win in 2008 and one
season in the Champions League. Totttenham's status as one of the
best clubs in English football has been returned, however their
European status has not. Fans have been left thinking of what could
have been, rather than what was.
A new season is before
us, and with it, a new manager. Mauricio Pochettino joins Tottenham
after raising Southampton into the top half of the table with
attractive, attacking football and excellent man management. Highly
regarded for his management philosophy and reputation, Pochettino is
expected to change the picture at White Hart Lane, a picture that
took many a heavy beating last season.
Tottenham's squad is
looking healthy and fairly well-rounded. Key players, such as Lloris,
Eriksen, and Vertonghen, will play under Pochettino, a luxury sadly
lost on other clubs. The prospect of Erik Lamela to play a key role
this season after recovering from injury and starring in pre-season
has increased morale for Spurs fans. And with Levy strengthening
defensively, last season's regular beatings may be at an end.
Expectations in the
league, however, are at its lowest in the past five years. The war
for fourth place continues, and motivations for success are high;
United under Van Gaal are looking to return to their place amongst
Europe's elite, Liverpool are hoping to retain their breakthrough at
the top, Arsenal are looking beyond fourth, and Everton under
Martinez want to prove themselves as more than just a threat. After
last season, other clubs and their fans think much less of Tottenham
and their squad, and rightly so.
All of this is
understood by Spurs fans, but hopes of a good seasons should not be
discarded. Pochettino will begin integrating his high-pressing,
attacking, hard-working philosophy on a more than capable set of
players. Our squad depth will allow us to challenge in the cups,
notably a Europa League with a place in the Champions League for the
winner. League games against the top teams will be more competitive
this season.
However, the likelihood
of Spurs finishing in the top four this season is low. This will be a
season of transition under a new manager, reforming a young squad
under Pochettino's new philosophy. Tottenham will be building a
foundation for future success; even the ficklest of fans will refrain
from calling for this manager's head come May.
As surprising as it may
be, a season's respite away from the bloody battle for fourth place
will prove a healthy remedy for a broken club, a source of cautious
optimism for Tottenham's future.
