UEFA Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur standing tall with Peter Crouch; placed in Group A alongside Inter Milan
For the first time in their history, Tottenham Hotspur are all set to roll with the big boys. Playing in the same stadiums, being on Sky Sports 1 HD coverage; all their dreams are finally coming to fruition after the boys from London dispatched Young Boys from Switzerland by six goals to three on aggregate to earn themselves a place in the elite of Europe, in the UEFA Champions League’s group stage.
Last season, under Harry Redknapp, Tottenham progressed out of the perennial underachievers shell and finished fourth in the English Premier League, fighting off competition from Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Everton. In the last month of the last league season, more precisely in the month of May, Tottenham’s striker Peter Crouch struck in their last game of the 2009-2010 season.
Last night, the same English striker came to their rescue again after Tottenham needed an emphatic win at White Hart Lane after disgracing themselves in the first leg of their play-off tie against Young Boys F.C.
The eventual score-line of four-nil on the night in favour of Tottenham Hotspur has signalled a commencement of a new era for the Spurs. For a long time, Tottenham’s fans were hoping that one day their team will become the bride after years of being the bridesmaid. At last under Redknapp, Tottenham will feature in Group A of the UEFA Champions League group stages alongside Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and FC Twente, after the draw which took place in Monaco today.
It will not only be a welcome occurrence for Tottenham fans but for English Premier League fans as well, who have seen the previous “Big Four” of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool represent the English league in Europe’s biggest knockout club competition.
Hotspur’s entry into the formerly exclusive club is a breath of fresh air for everyone involved with English football. Peter Crouch’s hat-trick in Tottenham’s second leg match against Young Boys of Switzerland was incredibly the first by a Hotspur player since Cliff Jones’ hat-trick for them in the European Cup. Whatever Tottenham’s rivals might come up with, it will be a great injustice to their team of 2010 if due credit is not paid to the individuals in blue and white.
Despite having a much smaller home ground, a much smaller fan base, a much smaller commercial appeal and definitely a much smaller revenue as compared to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, Tottenham have managed to punch above their weight and get in there with the big bullies of European club football. However, the work is not done yet. Tottenham must act cleverly and swiftly to make the most of this golden opportunity that has befallen them. Firstly, there is a lot of respect to be earned by Hotspur with their European adventures.
Secondly, the UEFA Champions League brings with it a sweet temptation of extra pounds sterling. The amount of increase in revenue that can be made through Spurs’ participation in the Champions League should not be underestimated by the monetary experts at White Hart Lane.
Thirdly, such elite status finally gives Spurs the chance to stand tall amongst their neighbours in London, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Gunners and The Blues have dominated London’s football scene since the year 2000. Titles have been fought between the two sides but now it is Tottenham’s turn to have their rightful say in the swing of things in England’s capital city.
It is time for Spurs to act rationally and logically. Peter Crouch came out after last night’s goal extravaganza at White Hart Lane and said that Tottenham want Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the group stages. His wish was granted, as they’ve been placed alongside defending champions Inter Milan in Group A. Harry Redknapp, Tottenham’s manager, is a shrewd tactician and he will no doubt know the importance of progression to the round of sixteen and the goodies such a triumph brings within. Now begins a new chapter in Tottenham’s history, one where they stand tall amongst giants.
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