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Although everyone is talking about the heroics of Leicester City, another surprise package has crept up almost unnoticeably to the second position in the English Premier League table. This team, of course, is Tottenham Hotspur.Spurs have been mocked endlessly for being the team that was almost good enough to break into the top four, and their supporters have been ridiculed every season when the fans start believing they can do so. But now it's Spurs who are laughing on top, above title favourites such as Arsenal and Manchester City.The success of Tottenham embodies the roller coaster nature and unpredictability of the 2015/2016 season. This is a huge moment for Tottenham - in previous seasons the most they could hope for was a top four finish, but in less than a year, the Premier League title has become an undeniable possibility for the North London Club. Their last league title came in the 1960/1961 season, but are Spurs fans justified in believing that this year could be their year?
#1 The competition
It’s no understatement to say that this season has been one of the craziest we’ve seen in recent years – realistically, any of the current top four could bag the trophy. Contrast this to this time last year when Chelsea were undeniably the title favourites with Manchester City playing catch up.
The competitive nature of the 2015/2016 EPL is nothing short of weird. Leicester are in first place, Spurs second, while Arsenal and Manchester City take the third and fourth spots respectively. And it’s fair to say that Tottenham will never have an opportunity like this for a while. No disrespect intended towards any of the aforementioned clubs, but Tottenham’s competition for the title isn’t the toughest.
Though Leicester are flying, their lack of experience and vulnerability to injury may prove to be their downfall. Arsenal and Manchester City aren't consistent enough and don’t seem to perform in important games. Tottenham have everything that these sides don't, so why on earth can't they win it?
#2 No longer reliant on one man
Tottenham are no longer Harry Kane FC. Last season it was an irrefutable fact that Harry Kane carried Tottenham on his broad shoulders. Of the 58 goals they netted last season, Harry Kane scored 21 of them - a whopping 36%.
This season, of the 45 goals Spurs have scored, Kane has scored 15, just 33% of all of Tottenham’s goals. This may seem like a small difference but at the beginning of the season when Kane wasn’t netting many goals, Tottenham’s other players massively stepped up. Heung Min Son has been a welcome addition to the squad as the goal-scoring burden is now being shared between him and Kane.
Additionally, goals from other parts of the squad have been cropping up more frequently than last year, as the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli are popping a few in the back of the net. Balance and depth are important qualities for any champions, and this Tottenham squad have that.
#3 Mauricio Pochettino
When a manager is being linked with Manchester United, one of the most successful and decorated clubs in Europe, said person must be exceptional. The fact that Mauricio Pochettino is being linked with United along with the likes of Jose Mourinho speaks volumes about the 43-year-old Argentine.
Pochettino has been the mastermind behind the metamorphosis of Tottenham. We saw glimpses of it last season but this season he has taken the squad to new heights. His emphasis on defensive perfection has granted Spurs the tightest defence in the league and has turned the centre-back pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen into one of the best in Europe. He has instilled a high pressing and disciplined style of play, which has only benefitted the North London Club.
Pochettino's biggest quality that has made him so sought after has to be his faith in the youth system. Dele Alli has been one of Pochettino's most prized possessions, having already scored seven goals and has proven to be a revelation. Last season, Pochettino put his cards on Harry Kane and well, we all know how the rest of that story goes.
#4 The defence
Every great footballing team needs an equally great defence. Although great players are hailed for their goal-scoring records, the defence is equally important. Manchester United’s legendary duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic was an integral part of a historic treble winning side. Jose Mourinho and his ‘park the bus’ style, though it drew heavy amounts of criticism for its mundaneness, was key to their title obliteration in the 2014/15 season.
Tottenham’s defence has been key to their success story thus far, a far cry from the goal leakage crisis they've suffered in previous seasons. Spurs have not conceded more than two goals in any Premier League match so far and no other team can boast such a statistic.
The Belgian centre-back pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen is enough to make any EPL team jealous. The two defenders are no strangers to each other, both being Belgian internationals and defensive partners at Ajax in the early years of their careers. Kyle Walker has also improved leaps and bounds, as have Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier. With the defensive prowess and consistency that the team owns, is it such a surprise to see how far Tottenham have climbed?
#5 A powerful midfield
Tottenham’s midfield represents the perfect blend between attacking instinct and defensive solidity. Christian Eriksen’s silky touch, artistic creativity and perfect free kicks have helped Spurs gain valuable points in the table, and have been absolutely crucial in providing chances and assists for the star men up front.
Lamela is finally starting to find his feet after a questionable debut season at the Lane, chipping in with the odd goal, a couple of assists and generally linking up play between the defence and attack very well with his great first touch. Dele Alli has arguably been one of Tottenham's best performers, scoring seven goals already- that's the same amount as what Raheem Sterling scored last season.
Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele have quietly gone about their business and have kept Tottenham on their feet on multiple occasions. Both midfielders are strong and good in the air, providing excellent protection for their already excellent defenders. In particular, Dembele has been the glue holding the midfield together, producing crucial tackles and interceptions to transition his team from defence to offense. His physical presence strikes fear into every team as he pulls the strings from midfield.
