Burnley v Spurs and Spurs v Southampton over Christmas.
I said after the Burnley win that one game doesn’t make things better. Then comes along Southampton and we go one better. And congratulations to Kane for his two hat-tricks and breaking a 22-year-old record, set by Alan Shearer. In those two games, we got 8 goals. That’s a start. But we are still fifth in the league and chasing those above us for a top-four placing.
I said from the beginning that we have the squad – granted – we’ve also had the injuries, but if we are going to challenge for top honours then we must overcome a few local difficulties and beat/ overcome tough opposition. Yes, we had a worrying start at Wembley, with the so-called jinx and all that. But now that bogey has been laid to rest – and we’ve only been beaten once in the league (Chelsea) and once in a Cup competition (WH), at our temporary home, which isn’t that bad. But most of the damage in the league was in Away matches (United, Leicester, Arsenal and City). We face those four teams again in the league and these matches can all be overturned, and yes, even the City game. But we must keep focused. Two of those games we were poor;; City and Arsenal… and maybe we could throw in Leicester. A total of five defeats. That isn’t a disaster, but it could easily turn into one if we lose focus again.
Next, we face Swansea (away) and West Ham at Wembley. These matches are winnable and must be won. Not to do so will bring a whole range of questions to Pochettino management.
In the Burnley game, we put so much pressure on them that they were left out in the cold. The same could be said about Southampton. The two goals that we conceded – to me – was easily save-able. Lloris has made a few of those mistakes this season and even though he is a favourite of the manager's, there might be a time when we start looking elsewhere for such cover. I do accept that mistakes happen to the best, but Lloris has had his full share by now. Anyway, let us move on and not dwell on it, at least, for now.
The squad as a whole I thought played well. It was obvious that Sanchez was missed and has made a difference since coming back. Hopefully, it won’t be long until we have a fully fit squad. And then watch out.
Now, let us have a look at some of the league matches coming up: I’ve mentioned Swansea and the Hammers. Both, I believe, we can win. The rest of January we’ve got Everton, at home, followed by Southampton, away. Then United at home. We can show our pedigree by overcoming them. Especially when we face United, as they have been spluttering all over the place.
February will see us face a couple of big guns; Liverpool (away) and Arsenal at home. Get through those two months with wins and then anything could be possible. In February, we are also facing Palace away. I am a very optimistic person and my thoughts are focused on wins. Anything can be achieved, apart from avoiding tax’s and death (however, I am still working on the theory that death can be cheated… if I am still writing in a hundred years from now, then, I have no doubt, you’ll be pestering me for the secret… but that is for another time).
Remember; we are six points behind second-placed United. Five points behind Chelsea and one point behind Liverpool, in fourth place. I bet you are feeling warmer already. And as for City, I do accept that they look like winning it, but even great horses – miles ahead – have fallen at the last hurdle. One can get too cocky and catch one's old fellow in a vice-like grip and it gets ripped off in mid-flow. It might not do anything for one's sex life but will bring a few smiling faces to the baying pack, that are falling over themselves to catch up.
Until we meet again, happy new year and all the best for 2018. It is the year we move to our new stadium. Be great if we could take a trophy or two back with us. Something to wet the babies head.
All the best, Don Scully
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