There’s still plenty of football to be played but as we head into March and towards British springtime the pressure is building. Jose Mourinho’s club must clinch the top four finish needed to secure Champions League football for next season but can take nothing for granted.
At the end of February, Spurs could be found lagging behind Chelsea and Man Utd in the race to join Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester in the prize places. With the Red Devils and Frank Lampard’s blues lacking consistency, nothing has been decided yet and there’s still all to play for.
People looking to make profit on the team success will find several markets available, including to finish in the top four or win a trophy. The Premier League outright prize is already a bridge too far, but backers are spoiled for choice when it comes to their betting options.
Lack of firepower
New Tottenham boss Mourinho made some interesting moves during January, his first transfer window since replacing Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane. All eyes were on the special one, expecting him to hold the Spurs board to ransom for the millions needed to bring in big name players and improve the squad. The spending spree wasn’t quite as extravagant as was expected.
The main talking point from the winter transfer window wasn’t who Tottenham were able to attract but, instead, the failing to address the major issue of fans by signing a proven goalscorer. It was no secret that, despite boasting one of the best strikers in the world in Englishman Harry Kane, the squad looked light on attacking options.
No hiding from the stats
That can be proven by the stats so far this season. In their first 27 games of the campaign, Tottenham managed to find the net only 44 times. That’s alarming when compared to the 64 of Premier League leaders Liverpool, 68 of Man City and 54 of Leicester City. Spurs also scored less than Man Utd in fourth. To make matters worse, they conceded 36 goals in the same period. That’s more than Crystal Palace down in 13th on 32 goals conceded.
A lack of striker will hurt Spurs on all fronts. What’s the answer to Tottenham’s shot shy attack? Well, with the transfer window closed it means Mourinho must make do with what he’s got. He must work his magic and inspire confidence in the same players who have proven rather toothless since August. That’s a big ask but if anyone can do it, you’d expect Jose is the man to get a reaction from his squad. He has done it many times in the past, of course, including at Chelsea and Man Utd.
Mourinho needs Kane back firing
There are goals and plenty of talent in this Spurs squad, but the problem is Kane and teammate Son Heung-min just aren’t fit and time is running out for them to get back up to match sharpness. Only after that will Mourinho be able to rely on a pair who have scored some important goals for the club in recent seasons.
This isn’t the first campaign for Kane that has been hampered by injuries. The stats and predictions suggest he is on course to smash all scoring records in the Premier League but to do that he must steer clear of injury and suspension. Mourinho also needs his best players on the park and performing. Having said that, he won’t want to rush them back.
Daniel Levy is a business man and a good one at that.
However it is beyond comprehension that he didn’t sanction the purchase of a striker in the last January transfer window.
Non Champions League football next season will cost the club several 10s of Millions of £.A lot more than a decent striker would have cost.Absolutely pathetic.