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Average results against Premier League’e elite: Tottenham’s achilles heel

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal and Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur shake hands prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal and Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur shake hands prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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If forced to pinpoint the reason Spurs haven’t won the Premier League title in recent years, look no further than their deficiencies against the Premier League’s elite.

When playing inferior opponents, Tottenham almost always gets the job done. But Spurs have a tendency to falter against perennial powerhouses. Tottenham’s record against the big boys isn’t revolting, nor does it instigate acid reflux or the need to involuntarily spew.

It’s not that bad, but it’s not great, either.

I’m referring to Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. Spurs adequate record against these teams is preventing them from lifting the Premier League crown aloft.

Spurs 2015-16 record against the elite

A bit of a caveat before we begin.

I”m not including Leicester as an “elite team.” Their Premier League title-winning campaign was a mere aberration. One miraculous, odds-defying season does not qualify Leicester as an elite, perennial powerhouse. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s proceed.

Spurs weren’t far from glory in 2015-16. However, their record against the best considerably hamstrung their title chances. Six draws from 10 matches against peers of parallel creedence sealed their fate.

Unsurprisingly, Tottenham’s only two wins came within the Lane’s friendly confines. Spurs knocked off both Manchester teams at White Hart Lane, throttling City 4-1 and comprehensively brushing aside United 3-0.

Overall, Spurs took 12 from a possible 30 points against similar-caliber foes. Not exactly title-winning numbers.

How about the current campaign?

Tottenham haven’t improved their standing against the elite in the current campaign. In fact, they’ve regressed to some extent. That is unless their next two results indicate otherwise.

Two wins from eight matches thus far has Spurs needing at least three points from their two remaining fixtures against United and Arsenal to better last year’s point total against the top five. But even that wouldn’t be enough for Spurs to make a final push for the title. Nothing but wins in both remaining games will suffice.

Both wins against elite teams so far, akin to last season, have come at home. Spurs have taken seven from a possible nine points at home against elite teams this season but have gained a paltry two points from 15 on their travels.

Next: Spurs want more from season than besting Arsenal

All will be forgotten if Tottenham manage to take all three points from Arsenal and United in their final two home games at the Lane. Anything else would spell disaster and incessantly remind Spurs faithful of one of a few disconcerting – and annoying – reasons Tottenham haven’t won a league title in 56 years.

Tottenham, however, haven’t lost in eight recent matches against the elite five at home, incredibly positive news ahead of hosting Arsenal on Sunday.

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