Spurs Back In Title Race

Although it was a scrappy start, Spurs were eventually able to dispose of Manchester United with relative ease. And with those three big points, it seems as though the title race could be back on.

Many have already written title chase eulogies, myself included, and even though the odds are quite long, the results last night reinvigorated supporters that a title challenge is still possible. Any stumble that Leicester City may encounter throughout the last five games, Tottenham have put themselves in a position to pounce.

At the very least the win against Manchester United keeps the pressure on Leicester City. Had Spurs dropped points last night the Foxes would have jumped out to a minimum of a nine point lead with five matches to go. If that were the case this morning, the deficit would have been all but insurmountable. While it doesn’t seem like Leicester will ever lose a match, knowing that Spurs are still in the hunt can make life more difficult for the Midlands club and keep the margin for error razor thin.

This weekend in particular may be Leicester’s toughest test since their February meeting with Arsenal. The Foxes host West Ham at the King Power Stadium with the Hammers well in the race for top four. West Ham have been in fine form of late, and although they will be coming off of a mid-week FA Cup replay against Manchester United, they haven’t left a ground pointless since a 1-0 loss away to Southampton in early February.

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It seems that if there is any opportunity for Leicester to drop points, this is as good as any. West Ham have scored in every game since their match at St. Mary’s and are coming off of a 3-3 draw with Arsenal where Andy Carroll netted three goals. On top of that, West Ham have only failed to score in six of their matches this season. Three of those coming from a stretch of three straight 0-0 draws in December. So, even in their biggest scoring drought of the season, the Hammers were able to keep a clean sheet and still leave with points. It’s a tall task to keep Leicester City’s potent offense quiet, but West Ham is the first team in at almost two months to inspire some confidence in those rooting against Leicester City.

Should West Ham get a positive result, that jubilation could become moot if Spurs fail to take care of their own business Monday night. Going away to the Brittania is never easy, but for a pleasant change of pace, Spurs will have no mid-week commitments. And barring any training injuries, should be able to field a full strength side.

While Kevin Wimmer could feel a little hard done losing his starting place to a healthy Jan Vertonghen, there is little room to argue that having Érik Lamela back against United made a very clear difference. From his dogged tracking back and pressing, to his classy finish, Lamela often times is the straw that stirs the drink for Spurs. Having him back and healthy will only help for these last five games.

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It’s been said that Spurs should be worrying about finishing above Arsenal and avoiding fourth place; but beating Manchester United at White Hart Lane should feel just as good. It reinvigorated a title fight that felt dead on so many fronts.

Mauricio Pochettino said they the squad sent a message to Leicester that Spurs are still alive, and if he and the squad are willing to believe, then supporters should be as well. And who knows, maybe having the best goal difference in the league could be the title winner after all. There’s only one way to know, and it’s why we all gather every weekend to watch.