English Premier League Preview - Tottenham Hotspurs
Tottenham Hotspurs heads into the new season, sitting comfortably at the fourth spot in the English Premier League. Under manager Harry Redknapp, the club has been reformed and transformed into one of the top clubs in England. The North London club clinched the fourth spot, even though it faced tough competition from the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City and heavyweights Liverpool. They broke into the top four, breaking the so-called “Big Four” for the first time in many years. Harry Redknapp has transformed the club into a synergized team and is to be credited for the immense success. With Tottenham, it was proven that it’s not always about money or stardom, but about the team’s overall performance. Liverpool was dethroned from the top four, even though they were runners-up in the league only a year ago. Manchester City finished 5th in the league, owing to a last gasp defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspurs, who faced the greatest threat from the Citizens.
The team had one of the best seasons to date and reached such a stage for the first time since the premier league was established in 1992. Finishing fourth in the league means Harry Redknapp’s men would be playing in the Champions League for the first time in history. Playing in the Champion’s league is the most prestigious honour for any club in Europe and teams dream of playing amongst Europe’s elite. Spurs deserved the fourth spot and that is the only reason why they are there. They won against teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, which means it was not a fluke. Tottenham are one of favourites of winning the league this season.
Harry Redknapp is yet to add new face to his impressive squad, but has sold off Sam Cox (to Barnet), Lee Butcher ( to Leyton Orient) and David Button( to Plymouth Argyle). This doesn’t mean that no players will join the club. The likes of Luis Suarez and Luis Fabiano have been linked to the North London Club and Redknapp would be looking to add a few players in order to make his squad able to fight off the top clubs in Europe.
Major Question that need answers:
1. What will be the impact of the Champions league on the Spurs?
Tottenham would be playing the Champions league for the first time in history. They will however have to go through the qualifying stages of the league, and would be playing in Europe during the opening of the new season. Spurs will be expected to concentrate all their fire power on the Champions league, but will this hamper their chances in the Premier league? We know how much such competitions can hurt teams. Manchester United, last season, won 3-2 against AC Milan at San Siro, but lost 3-1 to Everton on the following weekend. Redknapp would want to keep such things in mind and keep enough in the tank to cater for both the competitions.
2. Will Tottenham extend their stay in the Top Four of Premier league?
Spurs face their toughest season yet. If getting into the top four is hard, Spurs will have a tougher challenge to stay there for the coming season. Manchester City wants the spot and is coming to snatch it away with all guns blazing. Tottenham have to fight off the Spurs cash as well as their talented squad.
3. Can Spurs sign someone this summer?
It’s high time for the Spurs to sign up a new player. The Spurs tried to sign Scott Parker this summer, but West Ham rejected their offer. Players like Luis Suarez and Luis Fabiano have been linked with the club but Spurs are yet to sign a single player. They have extreme defensive issues with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate not being fit and therefore would need fresh defenders at his side. Tottenham Hotspurs need to think on this front.
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