With a new Premier League season on the horizon, there is always an air of optimism that circulates amongst fans and although dreams of success may be curtailed in the first few weeks, there is nothing wrong with believing that this year is genuinely going to be the one. That misplaced optimism is the fuel that drives this beautiful game and without it, there would just be an acceptance that the big teams will always win the title and the relative minnows will be consigned to relegation.
That said, there are always a couple of outfits that are ready to disrupt the status quo, with Leicester’s fairytale league success of 2016 being a prime example. After the Foxes won the title under Claudio Ranieri, the clubs that comprise the ‘Big Six’ appeared to wake up and from that point onwards, they went on a huge spending spree and subsequently pulled up the drawbridge of success to the rest of the division.
Although there is perhaps one exception when it comes to the sextuplet of clubs that have dominated the English football landscape in the last three seasons and it is one that comes in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur. Much was made last season when the North London outfit failed to purchase a single player in either of the 2018/19 transfer windows and because of that, many pundits took no time in hastening their demise.
While it must be said, those same pundits would have had a certain amount of egg on their face come the end of the season. Although a trophy was not secured, they still managed not only a top four league finish but also an appearance in the Champions League final. Unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino and his players, their own fairy tale would be missing a final chapter after defeat to Liverpool in the Spanish capital of Madrid and although that loss would have been a source for bitter disappointment, it could also be the ignition spark for future glory.
After getting so close but yet so far, the Tottenham players will be fuelled to go one better this time around and, therefore, must be considered when discussing the runners and riders for this season’s title race.
A look at the football betting in the outright Premier League market sees them currently priced at 16/1 -third favourites by bet365 – and although Manchester City and Liverpool can be backed at much shorter odds, it is arguably Spurs who offer the most value.
The acquisition of Tanguy Ndombele strengthens the team in a key area, and his performances in pre-season are sure to have got Spurs fans excited as he has the all-round ability to take the midfield to the next level. And with Harry Kane back at peak fitness, you get the feeling that he is no longer interested in personal accolades that come with leading the scoring charts and if he can turn those goals into a Premier League winners medal, then it will be nothing short of what his talents deserve.
It’s almost criminal that the England forward is yet to lift a major club trophy for Tottenham and although there was agony in Madrid, there might just be ecstasy for the 26-year-old at the end of another enthralling season of club football.