The course of any season can take many twists and turns, with some periods better others for certain teams, whenever jostling for position in the hunt for silverware. During the 2022-23 campaign the Premier League has thrown up quite a few surprises, and Tottenham Hotspur could yet benefit, providing they can hit winning form in the coming weeks.
Given the window of opportunity for transfer will have closed, potentially without any January additions for Spurs ahead of deadline day, Antonio Conte will have to make do with existing resources. February will also bring an important run of challenging encounters, each of which could shape the whole season, both on the domestic front in the Premier League and on the continent in the UEFA Champions League.
After beating Preston North End 3-0 in the FA Cup, the last 16 in the Fifth Round waits for Spurs, undoubtedly keen to reach the Quarter-Finals and beyond. Thankfully that next fixture in the competition won’t come until March, leaving the team to focus entirely on their principal challenges elsewhere through February.
Aiming for the Premier League top four
Tottenham started the 2022-23 Premier League well, going seven games unbeaten, dropping points just twice with draws at Chelsea and West Ham, ahead of eventually suffering their first loss of the campaign. Unfortunately, that came via the 3-1 North London derby defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates, and while Spurs did bounce back after that result, rediscovering the same kind of consistency and form has proven difficult.
Conte’s team concluded 2022 with four wins, one draw, and three defeats, which damaged their credibility as top four contenders. Likewise, the start of 2023 has also been a mixed bag of results, following three defeats and just the two victories. Most notably of all, Spurs lost another North London derby at home, 2-0 against Premier League leaders Arsenal. Then after going two goals ahead at the Etihad, capitulated for a 4-2 loss against Manchester City, before a team meeting apparently inspired the 1-0 win at Fulham.
During the month of February, another challenging against Man City awaits at home, followed by the trip to struggling Leicester City. Then come back-to-back capital encounters, both at home against West Ham and then Chelsea. Regaining lost ground on the Gunners and City may be beyond reach, although Newcastle United and Manchester United are still within touching distance. But what are the chances of breaking into Premier League top four?
Currently the outright odds appear to be stacked against Spurs, quite some distance behind the Red Devils and the Magpies, insofar as the betting stakes are concerned. However, given that odds and promotions can vary significantly, this highlights the value of comparing top online betting site recommendations. Especially when they are backed by expert analysis and in-depth guides, covering all the options available and providing unbiased advice.
Cup competitions can be a blessing or a curse
Insofar as primary objectives are concerned, finishing in the Premier League top four will certainly top the list, given this grants passage to the lucrative UEFA Champions League. Doing so is undoubtedly important for Tottenham Hotspur, should they wish to remain economically competitive next season and beyond. Likewise, further progress in the competition this season remains just as important.
After making a winning start against Marseille, the reverse happened against Sporting, before a goalless draw in Frankfurt. But after beating Frankfurt at home, then drawing against Sporting, another win against Marseille put Spurs at the top of their group. While there are no easy games in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League, it’s fair to assume that Conte will fancy his chances, when Tottenham take on AC Milan in the Round of 16.
Winning the first leg in Milan would be priceless, and more so considering how strong Spurs typically are at home in European competitions, ahead of the second leg in March. By then, we could have a much better perspective of how the season will unfold, as Tottenham fans continue hope for continuity in the FA Cup and progress in the Premier League.