11 months after that dramatic 5-3 win on New Year's Day, Tottenham lock horns with Chelsea again in what should be another memorable clash in this enthralling season of Barclays Premier League. A win for Spurs would make a huge statement of intent for their season's fortunes while at the same time deliver a crippling blow to Chelsea's floundering prospects.
Chelsea may have been in a downward spiral this year. But on paper, they are still a much better team than Spurs (or any other English side for that matter). They know that a win over their London rivals will lift the spirits of their morale sapped side and might possibly even coax some life into their 'well-loved' manager and equally 'charming' striker.
For Spurs who are still basking in their hugely impressive 4-1 hammering of West Ham, a win or any positive result would firmly cement their top four credentials and even make those low rumblings of 'title contenders' seem less farfetched. With recent form reading WWWDWW for the home side in all competitions, it's easy to understand the hype. Admittedly, even Mourinho reckons them to be a 'really, really, really good team' who should be 'fighting for the title'.
For Spurs fans, it almost seems too good to be true. The last time the side was in such irresistible form was during Redknapp's last year of reign when they were even briefly considered serious contenders for the title. We all know how well that ended. The good news is Spurs under Pochettino are now made of far sterner stuff and are less likely to hit the self-destruct button this time. Not to undermine Redknapp's achievements or anything, but he was never the greatest of tacticians. He just happened to have some genuinely world class players at his disposal, who could simply 4-4-2 away most opponents. Anyway, that is what you come to expect from a guy who is fond of harping 'tactics don't win matches'.
However, when you look at this ridiculously young, exciting and hardworking side that Pochettino has assembled, you would be hard pressed to find many frailties. Sure, they play attractive football and are a joy to behold. But this side also underlines stability unlike any other Spurs unit in recent memory. With the rock-solid backline of Lloris, Alderweireld and Vertonghen, and a Dier-wolf pup patrolling the midfield, Spurs boast of one of the best defensive units in the league. Moussa Dembele is in the form of his life and playing like Yaya Toure in his prime. Dele Alli and Lamela are making significant contributions in both defence and attack. They have in Eriksen and Kane, players who can guarantee a lot of goals. Most importantly, they have in Pochettino, a manager who has firmly instilled his philosophy in the team and has given his young side the belief and license to thrill.
The game against Chelsea presents a pivotal moment in Pochettino's reign at White Hart Lane. If Spurs manage to get a win over Chelsea this Sunday, it will mean they can no longer be ignored. It will mean they will finally be a genuine force to be reckoned with. It will prove beyond doubt that this is not a false dawn. The infamous "Lads, it's Tottenham" might start to mean something else entirely.
Source : articlesbase.com
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