Can Tottenham Qualify for the Champions League?
Another season, another top four finish appears just out of reach for the Spurs. It seems like every year they land just below what’s needed for a Champions League qualification. In the 2011-2012 season, Tottenham had done all they needed to do. That is of course, until Chelsea went on to win the Champions League, bouncing the Spurs from their spot by the slightest of margins. After that campaign, it has seemed impossible for the Spurs to replicate that finish. The season after they ended right below their rival Arsenal, in fifth place. Then, after losing Gareth Bale, they were only able to muster up a sixth place finish last year. And that’s where they find themselves this season, level on points with Liverpool, with the Reds having a game in hand.
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With five games remaining, the Spurs will have an uphill task of catching both Liverpool and Manchester City. They are just seven points behind the Citizens, who won 2-0 against West Ham at the weekend. City will have a couple difficult games left to finish the season. Next weekend, they match up against an Aston Villa team that just knocked off Liverpool to reach the FA Cup final. After that, Tottenham get a chance to take points directly from Pellegrini’s men when they visit North London on the third of May. City will also have to face resilient Swansea and Southampton for their last two games. Due to the fact that Manchester have been struggling to find their best form in the last couple of games, anything is possible.
However, City’s poor form is only one of part of Tottenham’s qualifying hopes for the Champions League. The Spurs also have to do their bit by essentially winning out. Their first test will be picking up all three points at St. Mary’s Park against Southampton. After that they have the opportunity to take on City directly. They end the season against Stoke, Hull, and Everton. Realistically, the Spurs can win all of these games. Even if they can get a draw from City, assuming the Citizens make some mistakes down the stretch, it’s definitely possible.
There are several keys to Tottenham pulling off the comeback. First and foremost is a strong performance in net. They would do well to get Lloris back on the field as soon as possible. However, if this isn’t the case, they will have to ask a lot from backup Michel Vorm, who has played pretty well in the Frenchman’s absence.
Next, is the continued star-studded performances of Christian Eriksen in the midfield. The Danish international has continued to impress week in and week out. If the Spurs have any chance of pulling this off, the 23-year old will have to be close to perfect.
Finally, and essentially the most obvious, Harry Kane has to continue to overachieve. Kane has been exceptional, and an example of what happens when you trust in young talent. The young Englishman picked up his 20th goal of the season on Sunday, making him joint leader in the race for Golden Boot. It is simple. If Tottenham are to qualify, Kane will have to continue to score goals, and make a large impact in each remaining match.
It’s an uphill battle for the North Londoners, but it’s not over. Maurice Pochettino’s Spurs are taking it one game at a time, and that’s the right attitude. However, if they are to be successful in their quest for the Champions League, they will have to take more than just a good attitude, they will need maximum points from their last 5 matches. It’s not over for the Spurs, but it’s not exactly encouraging. One game at a time is good, three points at a time is vital.