Tottenham’s Goal Should Be Premier League Title

Something of a threshold was crossed over the course of Tottenham’s three match win streak.

For much of the season Tottenham were simply aiming at a shot in the Champions League. One gets the impression that even if somehow they missed that target yet again and found themselves in the Europa League for the fifth year running, it wouldn’t necessarily be a disaster. The club is the definition of transition at the moment, with a young manager leading young players through a development process that could end up taking years.

Despite that rebuilding process, Mauricio Pochettino has managed to field one of the more consistent and effective teams in the Premier League this season. At the beginning of the hectic holiday period, Tottenham were in the top four and seemed likely to continue fighting for it in the second half of the season.

The wins against Southampton, Norwich and Watford on their own didn’t begin to change that mentality. They were all vital wins, yes, but they did not happen in isolation.

Manchester United’s three consecutive surprise losses and Monday’s draw against Chelsea meant that Louis Van Gaal’s outfit loosened then lost their grasp on fourth place. Indeed, as of this writing Crystal Palace are ahead of United in the Premier League in terms of points and goal difference.

More from Hotspur HQ

• Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
• Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
• Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
• Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
• Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help

Perhaps the most important development for Tottenham’s newfound title aspirations came with Manchester City’s draw against Leicester on Tuesday. That kept either side from breaking away from Tottenham, who are now back to fourth place again but only a point behind City and four behind league leaders Arsenal.

This proximity to the top of the league at the midway point of the year is something almost unprecedented in recent Tottenham history. Harry Redknapp’s side in 2011/12 toyed with a title challenge but eventually fell away from the Manchester clubs as the season wore on. This season, it seems more likely that other teams will be the ones stumbling however.

POPULAR: The 50 Best Tottenham Players of the Premier League Era

Why the confidence here? It’s largely down to two key points.

One: this Premier League season is among the more chaotic ever. With Chelsea unable to defend its title and with United’s second post-Alex Ferguson rebuilding project slowly failing, there has never been more room in which Tottenham can grow and move up the table. Yes, there are clubs like Leicester and Palace who have also filled in that vacuum, but Tottenham have the pedigree and squad depth to outlast them as the season wears on.

Two: this is a genuinely good Tottenham side that match to match might slowly be becoming great. Pochettino’s vision is finally coming to fruition as the players adapt both mentality and physically to the pressing game. Players like Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and even Érik Lamela are turning games on their heads. Depending on injuries and January transfer window investments, there’s every reason to think that Tottenham can keep – or even better – the pace they set for themselves in the last few months.

Next: Tottenham Links: Kieran Trippier Happy to Earn First Premier League Start

From a purely psychological standpoint, it serves Tottenham much better to aim high. Even if they ultimately have to settle for the Champions League, that would still be higher than most insiders and outsiders thought the club would reach this season.

Most importantly: Tottenham owe it to themselves to aim high and go for glory, just a Bill Nicholson – the last Tottenham coach to win a English top flight title – said all those years ago.