Tottenham’s season has been a dismal one, but cup success could still bring redemption.
Can Tottenham Salvage Their Campaign with Cup Success?
Tottenham’s season has been a dismal one so far. The team has won just one of their past nine games in the Premier League, are closer to the relegation places than the top eight, and have a lengthy injury list that would hurt most teams.
However, despite all this, there is still a chance this season could prove to be special for Tottenham. They are in three cup competitions, with Thursday’s 3-2 win at Hoffenheim putting them on the verge of reaching the knockout stage of the Europa League.
Their dreadful Premier League form means it will be hard for any Tottenham fan to link this season to the word success, but Spurs have not won a trophy of any sort since 2008. Securing some silverware would be a huge positive.
“It could be a remarkable season for Tottenham,” former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves said on TNT Sports. “They could win a couple of trophies.”
Tottenham’s Cup Competitions: A Route to Success?
As well as the Europa League, Tottenham are also in the FA Cup and have a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. The win at Hoffenheim means victory for Tottenham at home to Elfsborg next week will see them into the knockout stage.
That game comes before a huge couple of days for Spurs as they travel to Liverpool in the EFL Cup on 6 February before going to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round three days later. Around those, they have important league fixtures against Leicester, Brentford, and Manchester United as they look to avoid dropping lower than their current 15th place in the Premier League.
“It is a huge couple of weeks for the club,” Hargreaves added. “It defines their season, with the FA Cup and the second leg of the League Cup.”
Prioritizing the Europa League
Tottenham are now among the favourites to win the Europa League. With finishing in the top four unlikely, success in Europe’s second-tier competition is their best way of securing Champions League football next season.
“The Europa League they have to prioritise now,” added Hargreaves. “I look at the teams and they are capable of beating any of them.”
The Pressure on Postecoglou
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has come under pressure following the team’s poor domestic form. However, Thursday’s win may have eased some of that pressure.
“I thought the senior boys all really stood up,” Postecoglou said after the game. “You need your leaders to stand up and they did. I told the players to enjoy it. Winning away in Europe – it’s a significant victory for us and gives us a good foothold to get into those top-eight spots which will give us a week off.”
What Does Success Look Like for Tottenham?
So, what does success look like for Tottenham this season? According to some fans, winning something is the priority. “As a Spurs fan I would take finishing 17th if we win a cup,” said Simon. “Winning something is the priority, but only if we stay up.”
Others are more optimistic. “Success this season depends on how quickly players return from injury,” said Ben. “Currently getting into the Europa League play-offs and avoiding relegation would be good. If we get players back then it could become positive very quickly. I believe in Ange, anything is possible.
