Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Spurs last weekend somewhat took the shine off of what has been a fantastic summer for Andre Villas-Boas and co.
Then the Gunners followed up their victory by signing one of the best players in the world, Mesut Ozil. It seems that Arsene Wenger want intent on stealing Tottenham’s glory.
The North London derby defeat, alongside the Arsenal’s deadline day antics may have taken the wind out of Spurs’ sails. But Andre Villas-Boas could yet have the last laugh.
It’s worth remembering that Spurs lost the same fixture 5-2 last year (and lost by the same score the year before that). A 1-0 defeat could be seen as a step-up, especially considering that Tottenham may feel to have left the Emirates without a draw.
By the end of the game, Spurs had Arsenal on the ropes. Arsenal Wenger bent the shape of his team into something unrecognisable, playing four full-backs alongside the club’s centre-back pairing. With no attacking outlet, Tottenham were able to pile on the pressure and create a number of good chances.
The fact that Tottenham were able to match Arsenal so closely is nothing to sniff at. Even without Gareth Bale, they still possess a massive threat and should be aiming for a top four finish this season.
What’s more, Andre Villas-Boas and Daniel Levy have taught Arsene Wenger a lesson in reacting to the loss of your best player.
A year or so, many would have believed that losing Gareth Bale would send Spurs plummeting down the table. Now there’s a very good chance that they’ll come back even stronger this season.
For a start, Spurs have one of the most physically imposing midfields in the Premier League. They won’t get bullied this season and will be able to compete with all comers. But that’s not to say that they can’t get the ball down and play as well. Players like Moussa Dembele and Paulinho have excellent technical ability and I’m excited to see them play together.
The addition of Roberto Soldado upfront is an important one. The Spaniard has excellent pedigree and will provide the club with the goal threat they lacked last year. If both Soldado and Defoe find some goal-scoring form, Spurs will be shoe-ins for a Champions League slot.
Over all, things look very good and I expect Tottenham to look even better once the team has gelled together.
Arsenal fans may feel chirpy at the moment, but should reserve judgement until the end of the season. Spurs still have the bite of an underdog, combined with a world-class squad. That’s a dangerous combination.
What’s your take? What can Spurs achieve this season?
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It seems that Arsene Wenger want intent on stealing Tottenham’s glory? what a joke!
ARSEoles FC were quite fortunate to play us so early. Even the stinking Woolwich boys know that. I fear for Norwich in our next game.
The Spuds are still no way near Arsenal and wont be ever.
What you think you get another penalty??? Can´t score from open play!!
No goals from open play in three matches, doesn’t sound like a team that has gel’d to me.
Sorry im sure we scored 8 (eight) goals in our euro game no????!!! Deluded ARSEoles
Lol! Spurs are second rate. With all the players arsenal had missing and the arrival of ozil (thanks Mr levy) arsenal will easily beat a spurs team littered with expensively average players. 🙂
Norwich is going to be one of those games where they pack the midfield and defence and will be really difficult to break down. I don’t fear for them, they have nothing to lose, it will be a really tough game.
Spurs were unlucky not to come away with a point given their superior possession. However Arsenal did create the clear cut chances and took advantage of poor decision making by Dawson. Overall though disappointed as Spurs must be to lose, their squad does look formidable and maybe they could surprise themselves by challenging for more than a top four place this year.
I am unsure what game people were watching and yes Spurs di play well at the end of the match. However I saw only 1 clear cut quality opportunity. This ws much more likely a 3 or 4 goal victory for Arsenal. The free kicks early in the game were very close and only a fortunate toe poke from Lloris kept the game close. In the emtire first 75 minutes of the game Arsenal were the team looking much more likely to score.
Spurs have a nioce squad for the Europa league. The players they have may or may not be able to play in England. We will see. Why don’t Spurs worry about the amazing lack of goals from open play. You are two soft Pks away from 2 draws and a loss.
Lol. Keep telling yourself that WOOLWICH
The Straford Hotspurs haven’t scored from open play yet.
That’s in three games, much more telling then some dopey look at one game
another article by a spurs fan… iam tired of responding. forever making excuses. you ought to be concerned with your midfield capoue was brought down by carzola, dembele fell off after being muscled by ramsey…what league are you watching, skill + experience over muscle any day…you better pray erikksen and lamela learn quick.
Oooooh we better be praying. Lucky to play us so early boy. How many points each??? You want to worry about your poor squad ‘pal’ !! Couple of injuries and its WENGER OUT WENGER OUT AGAIN. Lol deluded goons
I don’t care if spud bought 50 players, all I care is Arsenal will always be ontop of toth spud
What ???????
We shouldn’t forget the inclusion of eriksen in the following games.. He may well become the spark we need to break down defences and retain the ball with more purpose. Spurs will be a great team this year.. But it’s not gonna happen over night! Exciting times ahead 🙂 COYS
I think the author fail to note that Arsenal should have buried the game long b4 with 2-3 goals. Any team that have a 1-0 slender lead would try to hold it out and protect the lead. Tottenham should consider themselves lucky to lose by only a goal though.
You should find yourself lucky. We battered u all over the park for the second have after yous scored your one great chance.
You defended like your lives depended on it. 75% second half possession, 14 shots at goal, with six on target. I think yous were the fortunate ones.
It’s likely that Spurs’ expensively assembled squad of journeymen will avoid relegation but, without Bale to rescue them, this season they’ll struggle to make it into the top half of the table.
Of particular interest this season will be the excuses Spurs use to explain away their perennial failure – so far we’ve had the one about their squad not gelling yet, which came two days after they confidently stated how they’d stuff Arsenal due to the form their “world class” squad was in.
I bet you a grand spurs do finish top half.
I think you will find come the end of the season that spurs will be well above mid table and as for your jibe about spurs signing journeymen .well that shows what an asshole you are
It’s good that you have confidence that your team won’t get sucked into a relegation scrap. Fingers crossed for you.
Out of curiosity, who do you think will take over as Spurs’ manager next season? Sam Allardyce looks like good shout.
Is that yes
Bruce Rioch is waiting in the wings to re-ignite south londons trophy cabinet. L O. L
Tottenham might feel they deserve to at least take a point . Other than the earlier clear cut chance from soldado which was block by mertesacker, spurs does not create any clear cut chances. They are restricted to long range shots because of lack of creativity and idea. The last few minutes are really down to luck. Pumping hopeful ball into the box constantly always cause anxiety for the defending team. But to score need some luck from the defensive team which did not come.
Bring on white hart lane! We will do the same too!
ARSEole are a mid table team who will be exposed come December. Squad is as thin as a cigerette paper and a manager who still thinks buying french kids is the way. Fair play to ARSEole for signing Ozil, who is a great player, but will he find Man city toooo hard to turn down like the seven ARSEoles who left for TROPHIES….mmmmnnnnnn
Spurs re lucky to leave emirate , that’s why hugo lloris was the man of the match…
So spurs fan should rot in the hell
@DoubleDoubleDouble: Journeymen? Players like Soldado, Paulinio, Lloris, Vertongan, Lamella, Erikson, and Sandro are class acts. Spouting tribal nonsense like that above just makes you look like a deluded idiot.
Until Benteke learns to release the ball a bit quicker then Soldado is going to struggle. Can’t wait to see what Eriksen can do.
As for the Arsenal game I think they were very lucky and you only have to look at the stats to see. I have never known Arsenal to field all those defensive players since the George Graham days but then again Arsenal have ridden their luck for the past four seasons and it has to end some time.
Did I miss something? When exactly did benteke sign for spurs?
Lucky, wow you spuds rely are deluded. Everybody agreed that Loris was the man of the game!! Says a lot doesn’t it. Arsenal should have scored at least 4 goals in this game, they were unlucky not to hammer spuds!! And Tottenham is yet to score from open play after three games! That is impressive!!! LOL
ARSEole fc
Lol.. Some jealous ppl here.. Every year is the same. Keep saying they are a better team . This is Tottenham year bla bla bla.. U think signing 7 players will change a club fortunes? Only one is good – Eriksen. The rest are average and probably over paid.
Probably!! Ha