Manchester City European ban significantly helps Tottenham

City have been banned from all European competitions for two years, meaning a fifth place finish for Tottenham will guarantee Champions League qualification.

During a season rife with challenges, adversity and hurdles to overcome, a slice of good fortune has come Spurs way at the most opportune time. City’s ban, for falsely inflating their sponsorship revenues, will take effect next season.

Make no mistake, Tottenham are in a dogged tussle with the likes of Chelsea, Sheffield United, Wolves, Everton and Manchester United, all of whom are jostling for position to claim an all-coveted Champions League spot. City’s irresponsible and underhanded behaviour has offered another club the chance to participate in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Spurs must be very careful not to allow this good fortune to bread any complacency. Tottenham belong in the top four, and that’s where their intentions lie.

Tottenham remain two points adrift of Sheffield United, a team enjoying a fairytale run, and four points behind bitter west London rivals Chelsea. They are a point ahead of Wolves and Everton and are two points clear of United.

While City’s abhorrent, scandalous actions have opened the door for the Premier League’s fifth place finisher, five, maybe six, clubs will be licking their lips after hearing the breaking news. It’s now up to Jose Mourinho to capitalize.

Finishing sixth would be an utter disaster for Spurs, who have been handed a golden ticket. A win at Aston Villa is a must, the first step to ensuring Tottenham finish in the top five, which would guarantee their place in the Champions League for the fifth year running.