The 2023-24 Premier League season has been nothing short of spectacular for Tottenham Hotspur. Their remarkable journey, as led by Ange Postecoglou, is sending shockwaves through the footballing world. Following a nail-biting win over Crystal Palace, they’ve made history by going five points clear at the top of the Premier League for the first time ever.
Spurs dominated the opening half against Crystal Palace, boasting an impressive 72 percent possession. And despite not registering a single shot on target during the opening half of the game, they still managed a win thanks to an own goal by Palace captain Joel Ward and a late Son Heung-min strike to seal the deal, taking Son’s tally to eight goals this season.
Now, ten games in, the Spurs’ unbeaten streak is raising questions, hopes, and eyebrows.
A Historic Start to the Season
In the world of sports, records are meant to be broken, and Ange Postecoglou is rewriting history as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Not only did he set the record for the most points in a Premier League manager’s first ten games, but the team’s unbeaten run now has propelled them to a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.
With eight wins and two draws in their first 10 games, Tottenham Hotspur has accumulated 26 points, marking their best start to a top-flight season since 1960-61. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the revitalization of the club under Postecoglou’s guidance.
What stands out most this season is the brand of football being played by Tottenham. They’ve transformed from a team in disarray to one that’s attacking, entertaining, and cohesive. Postecoglou has breathed new life into players like Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero, and Pape Sarr, who have reached new heights. While notable signings such as James Maddison and Micky van de Ven have helped establish a new identity for the squad.
But the question on everyone’s lips is whether this resurgence can translate into a Premier League title.
The Depth Dilemma
While the squad’s resurgence is impressive, Tottenham Hotspur faces a depth challenge compared to their rivals. This was evident during their match against Fulham when a series of substitutions led to a drop in performance. However, there is still reason for optimism.
First off, Spurs enjoy the advantage of not participating in European competitions. This gives them extra time to rest and recover between Premier League fixtures, a factor that could be pivotal in their title quest. In contrast, Arsenal, City, and Liverpool have Champions League and Europa League matches to contend with.
History also reminds us of Leicester City’s miraculous title win in 2015-16, despite boasting 5000-1 preseason odds at betting sites. So, while favoured sides like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool have emerged as champions in recent seasons, the underdog narrative is still one to watch and Tottenham could very easily replicate what the Foxes did eight years ago.
Can Spurs Go the Distance?
The question of whether Tottenham Hotspur can sustain their impressive start throughout the season remains open. The 2015-16 Leicester City squad had a small squad but still managed to win the title, and the Spurs were among the closest challengers that season.
Tottenham’s resilience is evident from their performances this season. They’ve already secured four points from back-to-back league games against strong rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool, and they held Manchester United scoreless back in August. Their ability to claim points against top-tier teams while maintaining consistency against lower-ranked sides is a positive sign.
Moreover, Postecoglou’s unifying presence has replaced the constant sense of conflict that previously defined the team. He’s transformed the club, and the departure of Harry Kane is no longer a gaping hole. Spurs now look like a more balanced team, with Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski stepping up. So, at least at a glance, it looks like the bold decisions of dropping established players Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris have paid off.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
Tottenham’s success this season marks the start of a new era for the club. While lifting the Premier League trophy would be a dream come true, Postecoglou is laying the foundation for a brighter future.
The club’s journey is far from over, but in a Premier League season that’s already seen its fair share of surprises, Tottenham offers one of the most captivating storylines. As a sports fan and someone who appreciates a little friendly wagering, it’s an exciting time to follow Spurs’ path to potential glory. In football, anything can happen and this could be a season to remember for Tottenham Hotspur.