Yes

by Michael Sawh

Created on: August 03, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Having just watched the current Tottenham Hotspurs side in action for their penultimate pre-season game at Leyton Orient, I was notably surprised with an expectant Spurs side that again attempts to claim that elusive fourth spot and lucrative draw of Champions League football. A comfortable 4-2 victory at Brisbane Road showcased the array of attacking talent at Martin Jol's disposal this season but also emphasized those areas which could potentially harness their bid to break into the top four.

Their pre-season held many positives, in particular the goal scoring form of Darren Bent. The new 16.5 million acquisition from Charlton seems to have adapted to life at White Hart Lane greatly and crucially completes a strong four-pronged attack line which is essential for the North London club to be challenging for a top four position.

Much has been written about Arsenal's untenable position, intensified by the sale of their top asset Thierry Henry as Tottenham's route into the elite. But with a returning Robin Van Persie, a fully fit William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure, and a array of prodigious young talent who now have a Premiership seasons experience under their belt, they can not be discounted so easily to give up their position without a fight.

Tottenham are not the only team in the shake-up to break the stranglehold that the current top four clubs have over the remaining clubs. Everton who finished two points behind Tottenham last season may not have spent lavishly over the summer but have a settled squad, who show tremendous fight for each other, and possess enough quality in midfield and upfront to mount a challenge. Portsmouth who were amongst those last season have bought well in midfielder Sully Muntari and strengthened at the back as well as up front with the signings of John Utaka and Dave Nugent. Among the big spenders, West Ham have bought well in Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, and Bordeaux's Julien Faubert amongst others, and should not be discounted for being among the front-runners. Sam Allardyce at Newcastle has revamped a much-needed Newcastle squad and with a returning Michael Owen and a more shored up defense that they can also be considered as challengers. Aston Villa is a team to look out for this season in the shake up for fourth spot. Martin O Neill is building a team that possesses an impressive spine of young English talent, who will be fearless as they look to be regarded as genuine contenders.

A top four team is built on a solid back line, Manchester United showed that their ever-present back four provided the basis for their title winning side, as did a mean Chelsea defence. Tottenham have a strong partnership in the centre of defence in England internationals Michael Dawson and Ledley King, while Pascal Chimbonda has established the right back spot and new signing Gareth Bale certain to make the left back position his own. Problems will begin to surface with injuries to these key players; in the centre back roles Ricardo Rocha failed to impress last season, while new signing Younes Kaboul will need time to embed into the team. The question is whether this squad will be strong enough in quality to cover for what is an impressive first-choice back four.

Their depth of midfield talent will ensure that Spurs are top of the chasing pack comprising of disciplined tough tackling midfielders in Zokora and Jenas, and abundant creativity courtesy of Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon amongst others. In addition to this they have what can be considered a precocious talent in Adel Taarbat. Signed on a permanent deal after a productive loan spell from Lens, Taarbat is being talked about as the Spurs Zidane'. With a host of tricks and the enthusiasm to run at defences with great pace, the dynamic midfielder could become a key player for Spurs over the upcoming season.

The mental strength of both the playing staff and the manager will be a crucial aspect in a successful season for Spurs. The team will have to believe they warrant a place among the elite clubs and that can be addressed with improving what has been over previous seasons, a poor head to head record against the top four. Martin Jol himself will surely have to familiarize with the host of mind games, which will emanate through the season to test his resolve and instill a belief in his squad. Ferguson, Mourinho, Benitez, and Wenger have had plenty of experience dealing with the crossfire of words through the press and it will have to be something that Jol can learn to use to his advantage, and know when not to be drawn into.

Having come so close in recent seasons with consecutive fifth place finishes, optimism and experience can be taken from both campaigns. Spurs fans will have every reason to look forward to the forthcoming Premiership campaign; Martin Jol has assembled a fine squad of players and perhaps with a few additions to come possesses a team most certainly capable of launching an assault on that all important top four berth. With their North London rivals experiencing a transitional period, Spurs fans will surely see this as their best opportunity in recent years for a youthful, but rapidly maturing, talented squad to achieve that much coveted place amongst the elite of Premiership football.

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