Tottenham Hotspur are the Premier League’s perpetual Cinderella team – very pretty, but always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Uglier-looking teams know how to win, but maybe one day Cinderella will have a blast. Will it be this season?
There was plenty to admire against Everton, just like the first half against Leicester last week, but have they done enough to comfortably secure a top-four spot? The answer is… definitely, maybe.
Having already brought Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison into the attacking half, they have now added the ultra-tricky winger Wilson Odobert and £65m striker Dominic Solanke, which makes perfect sense given the demands of the attacking style.
“You need a strong and talented squad, especially in the final third, because they are expected to play to the point of exhaustion in every single game. Being fit helps, but no one can do that three times a week for an entire season. Every player gets tired.”
“I saw Ange demand this at Celtic and although he was very successful, fatigue became a problem towards the end of games and towards the end of the season. Last season he knew he needed more support on the bench.
“The problem is to keep everyone happy – and that’s not easy.”
Richarlison was stone-faced on the bench on Saturday. If Ange can keep them all happy with his impressive and honest personnel management, Spurs may be able to finish in the top four – or, more likely, win a trophy.
Then the fans will be able to get their second ball of the century.
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