After the departure of Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur fans could have been forgiven for fearing the worst in the current Premier League season. But surprisingly, Spurs have had an impressive start and are now serious contenders for a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Spurs aiming for the Champions League after impressive start to the season
Spurs aren’t in the Champions League this season. The four English clubs attempting to win European club football’s elite competition are Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United. Manchester City are the favorites with the bookmakers, and also the defending champions. In the latest Champions League odds, Man City are +200 to win the title again. That puts them way clear of Bayern Munich, who are second in the betting markets at +550.
If they’re to make it into next year’s competition, Spurs need to finish in the top four in this current Premier League season. The betting to finish in the top four is dominated by Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
At the start of the season, City and Arsenal were the two frontrunners. But after an impressive start to the season, Liverpool have made it a leading front three. Manchester City are -5000. Liverpool are next at -300, and then it’s Arsenal at -333. Outside of the three frontrunners, Spurs are next at +125, putting them ahead of Newcastle at +160, Brighton at +175, and Manchester United at +350.
Lack of European football increases Spurs’ chances of top-four finish
There are numerous reasons why Spurs can make it into the top four in the Premier League this season. But one critical reason is the lack of European football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.
Spurs have a free run at the top four with no distractions. The club was so bad last season that they failed to qualify for Europe. This is going to be a massive plus point for them, as there will be less need for Ange Postecoglou to rotate his squad, and they also won’t have the regular Thursday and Sunday fixtures that some teams fail to adapt to.
Another team in a similar situation to Spurs is Chelsea. But the continued struggles of their London rivals are leaving the Blues with a mountain to climb as former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino isn’t having the instant impact at Stamford Bridge that the club’s owners would have wanted.
Chances are, Chelsea will bounce back strong later in the season. However, by then, they could already be too far off the pace to threaten any of the teams within the top six of the table, never mind the top four.
Chief rivals fighting on two fronts
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are competing in the Champions League this season. This will also help Spurs in their pursuit of a top-four place. It’s clear to everyone that Manchester City can cope with the combined demands of the Premier and Champions League, but the other three teams won’t find it as easy.
The Gunners are only just back in the Champions League after a seven-year absence. Manchester United seems to have problems mounting up every week, and Newcastle United is competing in the competition for the first time in over 20 years.
Excellent form of Son Heung-min
Harry Who? The excellent form of Son Heung-min this season is a major reason behind their decent start to the new season. Son seems to be reveling in the star role after Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich. It’s almost like being the leader of the team has raised Son’s game to a new level.
When he’s on form, Son Heung-min is one of the best players in the Premier League. This season he’s not just on song, but on fire. And in this form, he makes Spurs a real contender to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
