The win away to Swansea was more than just 3 points, much more. It was a declaration of love, a compilation of a series of superb performances summed up by a passionate embrace between teammates. It was personally one of the most heart-warming memories I can remember, I’m sure I wasn’t the only fan glowing with pride. Players were beaming with delight, fans cheering with excitement and gratitude, even the usually reserved Manager couldn’t resist a jig down the line at the Liberty Stadium. This really is the beautiful game we are witnessing, well in our eyes anyway!
No other club currently in the Premier League can boast a true ‘brothers in arms’ mentality. The players are all really good friends. You only have to witness their social media accounts to understand the real bond they have on and off the field; their pranks and antics make for hilarious viewing at times. This atmosphere and good feeling has a huge impact on performances, and is surely the trigger behind Spurs gaining 17 points (at the time of writing) from losing positions this season. A stark contrast to Spurs sides of old. I have a dark memory of a 7-1 defeat away to Newcastle in the late 90’s, it was an embarrassing capitulation that made me question my selection of football club. Modern times however are our reward for those past short-comings.
There is a growing realisation that our club is going places for real; of course we have said those words in the past but it was more a pipe dream or a wish. But it’s never been more evident than this incredible campaign. A campaign that follows our best ever finish in the Premier League (despite the end of season disappointment). The expectation, challenge and pressure was so great this season: Kane, Alli et all suddenly had reputations to maintain, and to add to that pressure, a disappointing Euro 2016 hanging over their heads. Was it all just a fluke last year? Would resume normal service in 4th/5th spot? After all, Chelsea, United, Liverpool and Arsenal would surely make the task even greater?
United appointed serial winner Mourinho and splashed the cash, City pulled off the biggest Managerial coup in signing Guardiola ahead of a pack of teams and Liverpool brought in Jürgen Klopp in the hopes of completing their revival into one of the League’s best teams. Yet Spurs have not only maintained their status and performance levels, they have raised them to an even higher level. There is a great sense of maturity about the squad coming off of the back of last season’s experiences. The young players are playing like accomplished pros who have been around for years and that winning mentality is being wired into the players with every victory.
At first my thoughts regarding this positive winning run were: “but what will happen WHEN we lose or concede? What if we buckle again at the vital stage when it matters most?” Recent triumphs at Burnley & Swansea are a sign of the times; a couple of years back we would have lost both. That added to the fact our home form is so good, I now ook at the fixture list with excitement and anticipation. Arsenal, United, West Ham and the FA Cup Semi versus Chelsea at the end of the end of April, the stakes will be high but the firepower and togetherness we have to go into battle leaves me with no fear whatsoever. Bring it on.
@CCARTER1989