Former Arsenal star and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has been left fearing the worst for Tottenham as he highlights how important their next two games are for the club.
The Lilywhites have two cup games to play before their next Premier League clash, with a League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Thursday before visiting Crystal Palace in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Merson has ruled Spurs out of the Premier League title race and insists a Champions League title would be a huge shock, so insists that this week is absolutely crucial for their season.
He told Sky Sports’ The Debate (21/01, 22:15): “If you look at that, this could be another season without a trophy come what Sunday. That quick.
“I think these two games are massive, I really do. They’re not winning the Premier League, no chance, I’d be shocked if they won the Champions League.
“These are the two trophies (for Spurs) and if I was a Tottenham fan I’d want to win one of these. The injuries haven’t come at the right time. They could be out of every competition by Sunday and that wouldn’t be good if you are a Tottenham fan.”
Opinion
Merson might have a slight bias against Tottenham courtesy of his Arsenal history but everything he says about Mauricio Pochettino and his men is spot on. There is no way Tottenham are going to be able to usurp Liverpool or Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table while the Champions League is a hugely ambitious ask considering the lack of depth Spurs have at their disposal – Harry Kane’s injury not helping their case in the slightest. The League Cup is hardly a priority for Pochettino, having made his views on the competition clear before, but they are just one step away from a final appearance and being that close really should change his mind. As for the FA Cup, it is a prestigious competition which fans would love to win and would no doubt be a bright end to what has been a tumultuous season so far. However, all their hopes ride on what happens this week and their potential success could come crashing down with two successive defeats.