The Spurs thread

[Gol123]

Even if this was true which it isn't, so what?

Clearly Atletico have had the best defence in La Liga and probably Europe for a number of years, so does not becoming a regular in that defence in just one season reflect badly on a player?

Which PL club has good enough CB's that Alderweireld wouldn't be a regular starter for them?

He played for Atletico for two years and couldn't break into their side.

The post I was replying to stated that Atletico's system makes their defenders look better then Tottenham's and that Alderweireld would look just as good playing in Atletico's team. I chose to prove him wrong by pointing out that he never looked as good as Godin/Miranda when he played for them. Which is true as he couldn't displace either if them.

Not saying he isn't a good player, just saying that Atletico's CB's are better.

 

[Revan]

The title requires more points than the 2nd place team, or the same with a better GD, it doesn't require a hard n fast number, especially in a league that's changing. Spurs may finish 2nd this year on say 72 points, therefore it would have required 73 to win it.

The point is that no club in EPL era has won the league with less than 80 points. Usually, it takes more than 85 points. So, unless the 'trend' has really changed (we will see that next season), it is quite normal to say that in a normal season, Spurs wouldn't have been fighting for the title.

About your other point, 'where does it leave United who are fifth if Spurs are shit and still second' (well, you didn't formulated it exactly like that), you can see that every member of this forum (bar Twigginater) think that United have been awful this season, and don't even deserve to be in the fight for the fourth place. We have been really really bad, quite worse than Spurs (despite that in the end we might end both in UCL with us getting an another trophy).

However, the improvement in football is not linear (ask Branton Rodgers/Roberto Martinez if you don't believe me). We have seen repeatedly midtable clubs do very well for one season, only to crash on the following one, while top clubs do shit on one season, but improve a lot in the following season. Will that happen? Neither of us is an oracle to know it, but the history of EPL says that it will (with a high chance).

 

[Ecstatic]

The most important thing is the ranking, not the number of points.

Sure, football is made of cycles.

Tottenham is not a mid-table club but a consistent performing club that belongs to the top 6 for a while.

 

[Fortitude]

You're the worst club in England. You play Europa league every season and use it as training ground, always calculating how that will impact your performances in EPL, but you still can't win the EPL and you make it into CL once in 3 years.

When Bilic decided to ditch EL in order to focus on the league campaign, that actually made sense to me, but Spurs are supposed to be level above West Ham and if you are, then compete for the Europa League and actually try to create some history and real success for yourself.

You need some perspective man, you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else.

The only thing snobbish in this discussion is Spurs and their fans like you, acting as if you actually represent something in the football world, as if Europa league isn't good enough for you, even if you rarely manage to qualify for the competition that you are actually aiming for.

How about you try to take it step by step. It was good enough for Dortmund, and if Liverpool go on to win it, who will have the better season, you or them? Think about it and think about how you set up and played Dortmund.

The presentation is a little brutal, but there are valid points in there: Glaston, please don't gloss over this post. Would love to know your actual thoughts on what gaucho_10 has said here.

Is that not exactly what Spurs fans have been doing? Utd fans aren't hiding from the fact we've been shite. Quite the opposite. I've only seen Spurs fans seeking solace in the fact you've been better than others who have been awful. Or pointing at trends to make them feel better about not winning the league with their best chance at it in half a century. Others are only pointing out it's unlikely that a team like Leicester will be the main competition next season and for that reason it's not going to get any easier for Spurs.

Exactly.

 

[ti vu]

The most important thing is the ranking, not the number of points.

Sure, football is made of cycles.

Tottenham is not a mid-table club but a consistent performing club that belongs to the top 6 for a while.

Not clear cut like that. Both mutually related. Or noone makes a fuss about PSG dominance in Ligue 1: The point gap from 2nd place to relegation zone is less than the points gap from second place to PSG (yet PSG has played 1 game less than most)!

 

[Ecstatic]

Not clear cut like that. Both mutually related. Or noone makes a fuss about PSG dominance in Ligue 1: The point gap from 2nd place to relegation zone is less than the points gap from second place to PSG (yet PSG has played 1 game less than most)!

Sure. The French league is boring and predictable unlike the PL.

Next year will be very interesting:

- Chelsea, MUFC, Manchester City: new coaches
- Leicester & Tottenham: to confirm their current results
- Klopp will start the season

 

[Sarni]

While thinking about trends today I would like to point out that of the last 1 games Tottenham did not win a single one of them... It's all about trends, baby, trends trends trends...

 

[dumbo]

If you close your eyes tightly, put your fingers in your ears and keep singing lalaleicester dont exist, pretend that Chelsea had a great season, ignore the lvg anger, the despairing gooners and the flakey as feck City, suddenly a trend emerges that sees Spurs, not just rising up the league table, but literally ascending Christ-like into the kingdom of heaven, to atone for all our footballing sins. #Trendy.

For what it's worth it seems fair enough that Glaston dishes some out to opposition fans with regards to respective league positions - given the flack he takes every year. But he also deserves some based on his strange theories and creative accounting.

 

[GlastonSpur]

The presentation is a little brutal, but there are valid points in there: Glaston, please don't gloss over this post. Would love to know your actual thoughts on what gaucho_10 has said here. ...

@guacho_10

This is what he said:

"You're the worst club in England. You play Europa league every season and use it as training ground, always calculating how that will impact your performances in EPL, but you still can't win the EPL and you make it into CL once in 3 years.

When Bilic decided to ditch EL in order to focus on the league campaign, that actually made sense to me, but Spurs are supposed to be level above West Ham and if you are, then compete for the Europa League and actually try to create some history and real success for yourself.

You need some perspective man, you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else.

The only thing snobbish in this discussion is Spurs and their fans like you, as if Europa league isn't good enough for you, even if you rarely manage to qualify for the competition that you are actually aiming for.

How about you try to take it step by step. It was good enough for Dortmund, and if Liverpool go on to win it, who will have the better season, you or them? Think about it and think about how you set up and played Dortmund."

And you want me to respond to this hysterical mass of contradictions and absurd statements? OK, just for you ...

Spurs are "the worst club in England" Response: we're currently 2nd in the Prem. Go figure.

"You play Europa League every season ..." You mean apart from next season .... and the season when we reached the CL QFs. And it would have been a 3rd season, had not Chelski fluked their way to winning the CL that year.

" ... you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else". Err ... OK if you say so, but it means something to prospective player-signings, and it means something in terms of keeping your best players all together for the next season. And the CL income that usually follows next season means something to the bank balance of clubs - like Spurs - who aren't funded by a sugar-daddy and have new stadium to finance. That's quite enough "meaning" to be going on with for me.

"... acting as if you actually represent something in the football world ..." How could we possibly represent anything in football, since we're the "worst club in England"? Thus it follows logically that Accrington Stanley are more widely known than Spurs. And from the Prem, clubs like Norwich City and WBA are clearly global giants compared to us minnows. Oh well, we'll just have to content ourselves with remembering that we were the first British club ever to win a European trophy ... but of course that was back in the days before football really started (aka the Prem era).

Now for the rest of his rant, about Dortmund and the EL ... Since reaching top 4 (which we've now done 3 times in the last 6 years) is of huge importance for Spurs - for the reasons I've given above - it's hardly surprising that the EL is generally given a lower priority than the Prem competition. This has precisely nothing to do with thinking that the "Europa league isn't good enough for you [us]".

His post seems to stem from outrage that Spurs will be playing in the CL next season - "How about you try to take it step by step ..." - instead of playing in the EL again and trying to win that. Well, sorry, but Spurs don't need to apologise for thinking that they'd rather play in the CL instead.

 

[Fortitude]

I didn't see it like that, but it's open to interpretation, so fair play for answering.

 

[K2K]

I can see the argument with 'always fourth' Arsenal but is it really mental fragility to finish second behind a rampant Leicester? Spurs have amassed a credible points haul this season, and had Leicester not had a wonder (maybe freak) season they would have been champions.

I'm not basing it on one season . Spurs have been notorius bottlers over the years. In 2012 they were in the running for the league in Jan. ended up playing in the Europa league .

They was the season they best Arsenal to go something like 13 clear with just a few games remaining. Still crumbled then.

Yes Leicester have been very good but Spurs have historically struggled when the going has gotten tough. The WBA game being the types of games that have characterized their seasons in the run ins over the years.

 

[SirHenryPercy]

I'm not basing it on one season . Spurs have been notorius bottlers over the years. In 2012 they were in the running for the league in Jan. ended up playing in the Europa league .

They was the season they best Arsenal to go something like 13 clear with just a few games remaining. Still crumbled then.

Yes Leicester have been very good but Spurs have historically struggled when the going has gotten tough. The WBA game being the types of games that have characterized their seasons in the run ins over the years.

Notorious bottlers, more drivel.

 

[Sir A1ex]

@guacho_10

This is what he said:

"You're the worst club in England. You play Europa league every season and use it as training ground, always calculating how that will impact your performances in EPL, but you still can't win the EPL and you make it into CL once in 3 years.

When Bilic decided to ditch EL in order to focus on the league campaign, that actually made sense to me, but Spurs are supposed to be level above West Ham and if you are, then compete for the Europa League and actually try to create some history and real success for yourself.

You need some perspective man, you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else.

The only thing snobbish in this discussion is Spurs and their fans like you, as if Europa league isn't good enough for you, even if you rarely manage to qualify for the competition that you are actually aiming for.

How about you try to take it step by step. It was good enough for Dortmund, and if Liverpool go on to win it, who will have the better season, you or them? Think about it and think about how you set up and played Dortmund."

And you want me to respond to this hysterical mass of contradictions and absurd statements? OK, just for you ...

Spurs are "the worst club in England" Response: we're currently 2nd in the Prem. Go figure.

"You play Europa League every season ..." You mean apart from next season .... and the season when we reached the CL QFs. And it would have been a 3rd season, had not Chelski fluked their way to winning the CL that year.

" ... you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else". Err ... OK if you say so, but it means something to prospective player-signings, and it means something in terms of keeping your best players all together for the next season. And the CL income that usually follows next season means something to the bank balance of clubs - like Spurs - who aren't funded by a sugar-daddy and have new stadium to finance. That's quite enough "meaning" to be going on with for me.

"... acting as if you actually represent something in the football world ..." How could we possibly represent anything in football, since we're the "worst club in England"? Thus it follows logically that Accrington Stanley are more widely known than Spurs. And from the Prem, clubs like Norwich City and WBA are clearly global giants compared to us minnows. Oh well, we'll just have to content ourselves with remembering that we were the first British club ever to win a European trophy ... but of course that was back in the days before football really started (aka the Prem era).

Now for the rest of his rant, about Dortmund and the EL ... Since reaching top 4 (which we've now done 3 times in the last 6 years) is of huge importance for Spurs - for the reasons I've given above - it's hardly surprising that the EL is generally given a lower priority than the Prem competition. This has precisely nothing to do with thinking that the "Europa league isn't good enough for you [us]".

His post seems to stem from outrage that Spurs will be playing in the CL next season - "How about you try to take it step by step ..." - instead of playing in the EL again and trying to win that. Well, sorry, but Spurs don't need to apologise for thinking that they'd rather play in the CL instead.

Oh dear, you've had a shocker there. I was really pleased to see you accepted the request to address that post. So disappointing that you did so with such a load of contradictions and logic fails. That Accrington Stanley bit's an absolute nightmare, I wonder if even you can remember how you were trying to hang that together?

 

[Ecstatic]

@GlastonSpur

Don't waste you time with "Tottenham-haters"

 

[SirHenryPercy]

[QUOTE="Gol123, post: 19109678, member: 97207"]He played for Atletico for two years and couldn't break into their side.

The post I was replying to stated that Atletico's system makes their defenders look better then Tottenham's and that Alderweireld would look just as good playing in Atletico's team. I chose to prove him wrong by pointing out that he never looked as good as Godin/Miranda when he played for them. Which is true as he couldn't displace either if them.

Not saying he isn't a good player, just saying that Atletico's CB's are better.[/QUOTE]

Nice try, better luck next time

 

[salford_]

This is just what many on here said when LvG was appointed: "top manager" + mega-bucks = guaranteed success. This cosy assumption hasn't worked, but now you're telling us that it's suddenly guaranteed to work.

Comparing Utd under LVG to Utd under Mourinho is like chalk and cheese. One is a serial winner, one is not.

 

[salford_]

"I've always said that I would be pleased to join a great club like PSG," - Poch

feck me, he has shit ambitions. It was obvious he wasn't going to stay at Spurs.

I know he played for them, but fecking hell. Why would he want to manage in a 1 team league, albeit theyll pay him stupidly well. I could see it happen based on those 2 scenarios. Their money is what makes me believe Mourinho wouldn't turn them down flat, even if he did say a kitman could win Ligue 1.

 

[salford_]

Sure. The French league is boring and predictable unlike the PL.

Next year will be very interesting:

- Chelsea, MUFC, Manchester City: new coaches
- Leicester & Tottenham: to confirm their current results
- Klopp will start the season

Agreed. If JM takes the Utd job, I fancy Utd, City Chelsea top 3 not in that order necessarily. Spurs and Arsenal to battle for 4th along with maybe Lpool

 

[ti vu]

I know he played for them, but fecking hell. Why would he want to manage in a 1 team league, albeit theyll pay him stupidly well. I could see it happen based on those 2 scenarios. Their money is what makes me believe Mourinho wouldn't turn them down flat, even if he did say a kitman could win Ligue 1.

He never won anything and as this season goes, seems unlikely to overcome Leicester. So if he can't win anything the next few seasons and bigger clubs than PSG would not be available, PSG is a reasonably ideal big club where a manager can win thing while learning to adapt to big club culture. It's logical Poch would see this as a potential safer bet and he already had connection with PSG during his playing days.

 

[united_99]

The point is that no club in EPL era has won the league with less than 80 points. Usually, it takes more than 85 points. So, unless the 'trend' has really changed (we will see that next season), it is quite normal to say that in a normal season, Spurs wouldn't have been fighting for the title.

About your other point, 'where does it leave United who are fifth if Spurs are shit and still second' (well, you didn't formulated it exactly like that), you can see that every member of this forum (bar Twigginater) think that United have been awful this season, and don't even deserve to be in the fight for the fourth place. We have been really really bad, quite worse than Spurs (despite that in the end we might end both in UCL with us getting an another trophy).

However, the improvement in football is not linear (ask Branton Rodgers/Roberto Martinez if you don't believe me). We have seen repeatedly midtable clubs do very well for one season, only to crash on the following one, while top clubs do shit on one season, but improve a lot in the following season. Will that happen? Neither of us is an oracle to know it, but the history of EPL says that it will (with a high chance).

We did! Look at my user name.

 

[Snow]

He played for Atletico for two years and couldn't break into their side.

The post I was replying to stated that Atletico's system makes their defenders look better then Tottenham's and that Alderweireld would look just as good playing in Atletico's team. I chose to prove him wrong by pointing out that he never looked as good as Godin/Miranda when he played for them. Which is true as he couldn't displace either if them.

Not saying he isn't a good player, just saying that Atletico's CB's are better.

Miranda simply had a very good season. He's been sold now as well to make room for the next talent. Sometimes players don't work out for certain teams and it doesn't have to have anything to do with talent.

 

[Stobzilla]

TIME FOR SOME RANCH !!!!

Spoiler: Sup Deli ?

 

[gaucho_10]

Spurs are "the worst club in England" Response: we're currently 2nd in the Prem. Go figure.

"You play Europa League every season ..." You mean apart from next season .... and the season when we reached the CL QFs. And it would have been a 3rd season, had not Chelski fluked their way to winning the CL that year.

" ... you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else". Err ... OK if you say so, but it means something to prospective player-signings, and it means something in terms of keeping your best players all together for the next season. And the CL income that usually follows next season means something to the bank balance of clubs - like Spurs - who aren't funded by a sugar-daddy and have new stadium to finance. That's quite enough "meaning" to be going on with for me.

"... acting as if you actually represent something in the football world ..." How could we possibly represent anything in football, since we're the "worst club in England"? Thus it follows logically that Accrington Stanley are more widely known than Spurs. And from the Prem, clubs like Norwich City and WBA are clearly global giants compared to us minnows. Oh well, we'll just have to content ourselves with remembering that we were the first British club ever to win a European trophy ... but of course that was back in the days before football really started (aka the Prem era).

Now for the rest of his rant, about Dortmund and the EL ... Since reaching top 4 (which we've now done 3 times in the last 6 years) is of huge importance for Spurs - for the reasons I've given above - it's hardly surprising that the EL is generally given a lower priority than the Prem competition. This has precisely nothing to do with thinking that the "Europa league isn't good enough for you [us]".

His post seems to stem from outrage that Spurs will be playing in the CL next season - "How about you try to take it step by step ..." - instead of playing in the EL again and trying to win that. Well, sorry, but Spurs don't need to apologise for thinking that they'd rather play in the CL instead.

Instead of striping down the brutality and addressing the points of my post you just spin it and talk nonsense. Nothing more to see here.

 

[Gol123]

Miranda simply had a very good season. He's been sold now as well to make room for the next talent. Sometimes players don't work out for certain teams and it doesn't have to have anything to do with talent.

In this case it does as every CB at Atletico was/is better then Alderweireld. Nothing on him though as Atletico have a couple of the best CB's in the world

 

[The Purist]

I don't think that anyone is arguing that the big clubs have done poorly. That is why most of the manager have/will lose their jobs (Jose,Pellegrini and hopefully Van Gaal)

It's just that for a long time we've thought that the reason that Arsenal and Spurs couldn't win the big prizes was simply because they were better sides ahead of them. with those struggling but and Arsenal and Spurs still failing,it points to the mental fragility of both teams.

Mental fragility has nothing to do with it when it comes to Arsenal, mate. I understand that 'mental fragility' actually fits because we always mess up the opportunities. But there is a much more technically relevant reason for this than some kind of heralded mental state - and it's the quality of our defensive organisation. Wenger does not value this aspect of the game and doesn't organise our defence beyond telling them to 'play their way'. When other teams are organised, vocal and have individuals in a defensively efficient system we cannot break them down. This coincides with our lack of quality in this aspect of the game. So whilst we have to work very, very hard to score goals.. we are very, very easy to score against. It's the same reason a manager such as Pulis and Mourinho are capable of causing us problems.

Anyway, we have a fantastic squad. Truthfully, for most of the past decade we actually have. It's just defensive frailties that constantly cost us and this will not be aided by 'new defenders'. We need a new system and a new manager who understands the defensive side of the game.

 

[ti vu]

Mental fragility has nothing to do with it when it comes to Arsenal, mate. I understand that 'mental fragility' actually fits because we always mess up the opportunities. But there is a much more technically relevant reason for this than some kind of heralded mental state - and it's the quality of our defensive organisation. Wenger does not value this aspect of the game and doesn't organise our defence beyond telling them to 'play their way'. When other teams are organised, vocal and have individuals in a defensively efficient system we cannot break them down. This coincides with our lack of quality in this aspect of the game. So whilst we have to work very, very hard to score goals.. we are very, very easy to score against. It's the same reason a manager such as Pulis and Mourinho are capable of causing us problems.

Anyway, we have a fantastic squad. Truthfully, for most of the past decade we actually have. It's just defensive frailties that constantly cost us and this will not be aided by 'new defenders'. We need a new system and a new manager who understands the defensive side of the game.

Or simply put: the lack of leadership, great ones that's being said here. Ever since Vieira departure, simply there has been no Arsenal players/ captains that bring anything close in term of leadership like him. Captain is like a manager on the field in term of motivation and keep the troops inline.

I had United had the same problem under LVG. LVG used to have great leadership in his other big clubs, and this could go to explain why LVG is slower than usual implement his philosophy (LVG takes blame for his management also). Here just say there is a factor often being forgotten, but hugely important in squad building. Arguably, when SAF had had great leaders throughout his time here at United starting from when he won the first PL. Cantona signing is a remark the transformation, and it's more in term of aspiration and leadership.

 

[GlastonSpur]

Instead of striping down the brutality and addressing the points of my post you just spin it and talk nonsense. Nothing more to see here.

Your diatribe began by describing Spurs as "the worst club in England" ... yet I'm the one talking nonsense?

Apart from containing other wildly inaccurate claims, the gist of the rest of your post was to argue that Spurs should have prioritised the EL more, which would necessarily have meant prioritising the Prem campaign less.

Had Spurs been struggling in mid-table, with no hope of top 4, then you would have a case. But as it happens we were still very much in the title race, with the substantial consolation prize of CL football very much on offer next season via a top 4 finish that brings with it the three big advantages for Spurs that I outlined in my earlier reply. Pochettino made the right decision.

 

[Lash]

Your diatribe began by describing Spurs as "the worst club in England" ... yet I'm the one talking nonsense?

Apart from containing other wildly inaccurate claims, the gist of the rest of your post was to argue that Spurs should have prioritised the EL more, which would necessarily have meant prioritising the Prem campaign less.

Had Spurs been struggling in mid-table, with no hope of top 4, then you would have a case. But as it happens we were still very much in the title race, with the substantial consolation prize of CL football very much on offer next season via a top 4 finish that brings with it the three big advantages for Spurs that I outlined in my earlier reply. Pochettino made the right decision.

I am actually in your corner for this argument with gaucho, but, Poch's decision for that joke of a team for the Dortmund first leg was not a good decision. Not only does it completely undermined the fans that have bothered to make the trip to Dortmund to watch your reserve team, in what was one of your biggest matches for a long time; it also achieved nothing. You're out of the EL, it's not help you win the league. If you'd of played your first team, it wouldn't of dropped you out of the top 4, which is the consolation prize you're getting now. I'd argue he's made a poor decision.

 

[RedSky]

You're the worst club in England. You play Europa league every season and use it as training ground, always calculating how that will impact your performances in EPL, but you still can't win the EPL and you make it into CL once in 3 years.

When Bilic decided to ditch EL in order to focus on the league campaign, that actually made sense to me, but Spurs are supposed to be level above West Ham and if you are, then compete for the Europa League and actually try to create some history and real success for yourself.

You need some perspective man, you need to understand that finishing top 4 in England means nothing to an average football fan living somewhere else.

The only thing snobbish in this discussion is Spurs and their fans like you, acting as if you actually represent something in the football world, as if Europa league isn't good enough for you, even if you rarely manage to qualify for the competition that you are actually aiming for.

How about you try to take it step by step. It was good enough for Dortmund, and if Liverpool go on to win it, who will have the better season, you or them? Think about it and think about how you set up and played Dortmund.

This is baiting.

 

[SirHenryPercy]

Looks like Poch will be signing a new 5 year deal next week.

 

[AltiUn]

Looks like Poch will be signing a new 5 year deal next week.

Cracking bit of business if true.

 

[Loublaze]

Looks like Poch will be signing a new 5 year deal next week.

Good man. He's making sure Spurs get good compensation when he jets off to PSG or Real Madrid before the contract ends. BTW weren't you the guy saying all latin managers want Real and Barca? Apparently Poch's dream job is managing PSG. Not as ambitious as I thought

 

[noodlehair]

I am actually in your corner for this argument with gaucho, but, Poch's decision for that joke of a team for the Dortmund first leg was not a good decision. Not only does it completely undermined the fans that have bothered to make the trip to Dortmund to watch your reserve team, in what was one of your biggest matches for a long time; it also achieved nothing. You're out of the EL, it's not help you win the league. If you'd of played your first team, it wouldn't of dropped you out of the top 4, which is the consolation prize you're getting now. I'd argue he's made a poor decision.

None of the Spurs fans at work were happy at all with the team that was picked. I think their gripe was mainly that the game immediately after at least one of the legs was against Villa or Norwich, or some team they should have been able to beat without needing to sacrifice the Europa League...but Fergie used to pull similar stunts to be fair. Plus I think if they'd have gone through it would have been a distraction. It definitely has been to Liverpool...the difference being they can afford to prioritise it over the league.

I think if I was a Spurs fan I'd think it was a mistake and unfair on the fans who'd gone to the two games...but at the same time it'd be a minor blip on an overall very positive season.

 

[SirHenryPercy]

Good man. He's making sure Spurs get good compensation when he jets off to PSG or Real Madrid before the contract ends. BTW weren't you the guy saying all latin managers want Real and Barca? Apparently Poch's dream job is managing PSG. Not as ambitious as I thought

It's a relief to know that you were part of the negotiations and know the small print. It could of course contained various release clauses so thank you for clarifying that there isn't.

As for the PSG job, get interviewed by a Paris based radio station, get asked an obvious question, respond with an obvious answer and some people get all excited, funny old game.

 

[Mozza]

I can see the argument with 'always fourth' Arsenal but is it really mental fragility to finish second behind a rampant Leicester? Spurs have amassed a credible points haul this season, and had Leicester not had a wonder (maybe freak) season they would have been champions.

Leicester haven't had a freak season in points terms as they'll probably finish around 80 points and could win the title with as few as 79, that hasn't happened in years. They've been amazing, but the competition hasn't been there

We did! Look at my user name.

Yes. Since Jose came the points required to win the title has gone up to the mid to high 80, we lost a title with 89 points!

 

[prarek]

I think they will still be competitive next season but they might not get a chance at the league title like this again. I can't see the big boys faltering for the second season in a row. Normal order will be restored next season.

 

[shaggy]

None of the Spurs fans at work were happy at all with the team that was picked. I think their gripe was mainly that the game immediately after at least one of the legs was against Villa or Norwich, or some team they should have been able to beat without needing to sacrifice the Europa League...but Fergie used to pull similar stunts to be fair. Plus I think if they'd have gone through it would have been a distraction. It definitely has been to Liverpool...the difference being they can afford to prioritise it over the league.

I think if I was a Spurs fan I'd think it was a mistake and unfair on the fans who'd gone to the two games...but at the same time it'd be a minor blip on an overall very positive season.

Yep, it was Aston Villa, one of the worst prem teams of all time. Literally a walking three points for whoever plays them.

 

[K2K]

Yep, it was Aston Villa, one of the worst prem teams of all time. Literally a walking three points for whoever plays them.

We barely best them though and where holding on to see that game out.

 

[BobbyManc]

Apart from containing other wildly inaccurate claims, the gist of the rest of your post was to argue that Spurs should have prioritised the EL more, which would necessarily have meant prioritising the Prem campaign less.

Had Spurs been struggling in mid-table, with no hope of top 4, then you would have a case. But as it happens we were still very much in the title race, with the substantial consolation prize of CL football very much on offer next season via a top 4 finish that brings with it the three big advantages for Spurs that I outlined in my earlier reply. Pochettino made the right decision.

This is true. Spurs were in the title race this season, if it was an ordinary season and clubs like City/Utd/Chelsea were in the EL and also battling for the title they'd be chastised for not rotating the squad for the games. However, I do believe Pochettino made a mistake by dropping too many players. There's rotating the squad and then there's throwing in the towel. He did the latter.

 

[Lash]

None of the Spurs fans at work were happy at all with the team that was picked. I think their gripe was mainly that the game immediately after at least one of the legs was against Villa or Norwich, or some team they should have been able to beat without needing to sacrifice the Europa League...but Fergie used to pull similar stunts to be fair. Plus I think if they'd have gone through it would have been a distraction. It definitely has been to Liverpool...the difference being they can afford to prioritise it over the league.

I think if I was a Spurs fan I'd think it was a mistake and unfair on the fans who'd gone to the two games...but at the same time it'd be a minor blip on an overall very positive season.

I agree, but was just contesting glaston saying he made the right decision. Think it was pretty much his only mistake all season