Daring is Doing
Can Tottenham mount more of a title charge this season?
Tottenham fans are used to hearing about the club’s lack of trophies but there is genuine optimism that Spurs could win something fairly soon under Ange Postecoglou. Manchester City have certainly established a stranglehold on the Premier League after winning it for a record fourth time in a row, but could Tottenham beat them to it this season?
Ange is building something
While last season petered out in terms of securing a top four finish, most Spurs fans will tell you that it was the most enjoyable campaign for a long time. As a result of the new style that the former Celtic manager has implemented, Tottenham proved they’re a match for any team on their day. Fans were selecting Spurs’ big hitters in their fantasy teams and people who have the occasional Premier League bet were backing the team for an unlikely title tilt. That’s progress. In fact, it’s the type of evolution that felt distinctly unachievable under the likes of Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte.
Of course, closing the gap on Manchester City will take some doing, but Spurs are moving in the right direction. Should Tottenham start the season strongly once again, it could be on the cards. An opening day fixture away at newly-promoted Leicester, a side who are currently priced at 4/9 for the drop when assessing Premier League relegation odds, is the perfect opener to lay down a marker. From there, given the fearless approach adopted by Ange Postecoglou’s side, anything is possible.
A stronger squad
This season, some shrewd additions appear to have elevated Tottenham’s squad even further. While some acquisitions are relatively inexperienced, they’re hungry and possess huge potential. One of them is a versatile right-sided player who lit up the Championship last season, while the other is one of Swedish football’s brightest sparks. With more signings likely to arrive before the start of the campaign, Ange Postecoglou’s squad will surely be in a much healthier position.
Son Heung-min could take centre-stage
Given the fact that Ange Postecoglou is likely to have more tools at his disposal this season, it could mean that players like Son Heung-min aren’t feeling the pressure as much. The South Korean international could be rested on occasions, resulting in a fresher attacker as a result.
Additionally, the increased competition could see the former Hamburg player take centre-stage once again and lead from the front. Son will captain the team, but with more competition for places, he could potentially avoid the burnout that hindered his performances last campaign, particularly near the latter stages of the season.
Some of the competition is arguably behind Spurs
While Arsenal are looking ready for a title charge and Aston Villa have strengthened well, the departure of Jurgen Klopp has left Liverpool looking like somewhat of an unknown quantity. The Reds could easily decline this season with an unproven manager and an ageing Salah.
Meanwhile, a new ownership era is underway at Manchester United, but the same old issues that have blighted the club might not have necessarily faded just yet. In fact, it could take some time to get things right at Old Trafford.
Likewise, Chelsea have a new manager with no experience of managing in the biggest league around, plus owners the fans despise, while Newcastle haven’t added the world-class operators many thought they might.
With that in mind, should Postecoglou’s troops get off to a strong start, then becoming Manchester City’s nearest challengers isn’t out of the question.
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