Can Spurs Mount Serious Title Challenge this Season?
2049
At the time of writing, the majority of teams in the English Premier League have each played 11 matches and it is Tottenham Hotspur who sit at the top of the table.
When discussing potential winners of the Premier League before the beginning of the season, Spurs were rarely mentioned as a serious threat for the title.
Liverpool and Manchester City were the two teams considered as favourites to win the 2020/21 Premier League title. These two teams have won the League between them in each of the last three seasons. Aside from last season, Spurs have always been in the mix for the Champions League qualifying places and they have finished inside the top four in 4 of the last 5 Premier League seasons.
Last season was one of transition for Spurs and with Mauricio Pochettino leaving the club on the 19th of November, having achieved great things despite not winning a trophy, it was difficult to see where Spurs were going to turn to next for their manager.
However, just a day later the club announced the arrival of former Chelsea and Manchester United manager, José Mourinho. The Portuguese knows what it takes to win the Premier League and the Champions League but has found life difficult in his most recent jobs in English football.
Mourinho was sacked by both Chelsea and Manchester United but it did not deter Daniel Levy from making the appointment.
Fast forward to the 7th of December 2020 and that decision now seems like a stroke of genius as Spurs sit top of the table, above Liverpool on goal difference. Mourinho appears to have the whole squad buying into his philosophy and that has been evident in recent victories at Manchester United and at home against Manchester City and Arsenal.
The basic principle it to keep out the opposition and play on the counterattack using the pace and skill of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Steven Bergwijn. However, while the attacking players have been receiving most of the plaudits, the defensive side of their game under Mourinho has improved as the season has progressed.
Defensive midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has been in excellent form and aside from his debut against Everton, the Dane has proved a great buy. Mourinho has also managed to get the best out of Tanguy Ndombele, a player who seemed to be heading for the exit door in the summer.
There are sure to be injuries and suspensions to deal with as the Premier League season continues but Spurs now have strength in depth. Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela, and Gareth Bale provide great cover for the wide attacking positions.
Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso are available in central midfield with Matt Doherty, Davinson Sánchez, Joe Rodon, and Ben Davies in defence.
The only major issue would be if striker Harry Kane picked up a serious injury. Carlos Vinícius may not be up to the task but perhaps that is where Gareth Bale will be used when required.
It is certainly an exciting time to be a Spurs fan and with the winning mentality of Mourinho behind them, could they be about to win the Premier League for the first time since 1961?
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