Tottenham have lost the knack to win big matches under Jose

It’s been over four months since Tottenham have won a big match against an elite side, a telling storyline that further highlights the club’s confounding season. 

To be the best you have to beat the best. It’s an old, dated cliche that will now irk Jose Mourinho deeply. The Portuguese was once known for his ability to win big games against elite opponents.

That is no longer the case.

Tottenham haven’t won a match against a team ahead of them in the standings at kickoff this season. They beat United and City, the most recent of which occurring over four months ago, when both Manchester sides trailed Jose’s side in the league table. It’s an alarming statistic that shows the quality of teams Tottenham have tasted success against this season. Their recent wins have come against Crystal Palace, Fulham, Burnley, West Brom, Dinamo Zagreb, Wolfsberger, Sheffield United, Wycombe, Brentford, Marine, Leeds, Stoke and Antwerp.

Not exactly a list of world beaters.

Arsenal, on Dec. 6, was the last side Tottenham beat with European pedigree. That was over three months ago, a time when the Lilywhites still, albeit marginally, held on to top spot in the Premier League.

Two weeks later Jose’s side dropped permanently out of first place.

Jose side’s inability to win against top teams has crippled their chance of winning silverware or securing a top four place. Winning big matches used to be a part of Jose’s allure; along with unparalleled esteem, it used to bring him countless plaudits, awards and trophies.

Though in life nothing lasts forever, and it feels like Jose’s knack for winning big games has, like his former uncanny ability to elicit the best from each of his players, since evaporated.