Are we on the road to greater things now?

Review of our defeat by City (1-3) and a look at tomorrow’s match against Brighton.

You could argue that City had an unfair advantage when they had Jesus in their squad. Instead of turning water into wine or multiplying fish and giving it to the multitudes, he stepped up and scored City’s first goal. And no, Kane didn’t claim Jesus' goal for himself. He could have done, but being a gentleman and didn’t want to court controversy again he kept his mouth shut. And of course, if he did claim it he would be in a very awkward position of trying to score for Spurs but claiming goals for City. And we don’t want that, in fact, he doesn’t want that. So a dead story there… but worth mentioning just in case there are some Arsenal deviants out there trying to make mischief.

To our sorrow in had; we started off poorly against City and the first half was lost, even though they were 2-1 up. As we went into the second half we got back into the game for a while and gave them some problems, but they quickly got back on track and scored another goal making it almost impossible for us. The whistle went and we dropped our heads. They are the only club to have won the double over us this season, and in the process showing their quality and exposing our concerns.

I must say that the atmosphere was great on Saturday night and the feeling that we could win was strong and right up until the final whistle we were still positive, but alas, it wasn’t to be.

With them winning against us on Saturday and United losing to WBA at home the Premier League Trophy was handed to City while they relaxed at their favourite haunts. Even though it was predictable (that they would win it), that should be no excuse for the handing over the title without a real fight. We showed how much we’ve got to do if we want to challenge for the title in future seasons. Next season United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will be upping their game, we’ve got to evaluate our situation and see where we go from here. In the meantime, it isn’t over for us this season as we’ve got Brighton tomorrow night in a must-win match.

Currently, we've got a game in hand over Liverpool and tomorrow night is that match.

So, we turn to tomorrow night. Brighton are 13^th in the league, but not yet safe and Chris Haughton will be looking for a win to help them stay in the Premier League. We want them to stay, but not at the expense of ourselves. Chris Haughton was one of Spurs heroes and we all wish him well, just not tomorrow. Brighton has lost 14 games this season, while we’ve lost 6. But as we have seen with United's match against WBA, we shouldn't take it for granted.

Toby & Lucas should be in the squad, whether they will play we will have to wait and see. We also mustn’t forget, when Pochettino thinks of the team squad he will be also be thinking of the important match he's got this Saturday against United in the FA Cup Semi-Final. So his team thinking will also take on board that match.

TEAM NEWS

For Brighton Davy Propper is absent due to suspension, along with Steve Sidwell and Izzy Brown, both injured.

Our squad will not feature Danny Rose and Harry Winks, but Fernando Llorente is in contention after missing the Manchester City defeat due to personal reasons. So there you have it.

A must win match, otherwise, Chelsea could be looking over our shoulder and a strong possibility of no Champions League football next season, but Europa Thursday nights instead.

Those of us that are going, get behind your team, those that are watching on the box do likewise, but in silence.

Yours Truly, Don Scully