4 of 7

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Gerrard to fit into the centre behind the front two in the place that Garcia used to fill. This is a subtle change, but one that will be highly effective.

That leaves Spurs needing one of last season's two runaway top clubs to falter by a considerable amount. Well, this could happen, as I do not believe that there will be as large a gap between second and third as there was at the end of the last campaign. Last season's success by United in using all-out attack as their prime weapon will spark more open football this season, plus there are more clubs that have strengthened their squads, like Spurs, who will be capable of nicking points off the previous high-flyers. This will draw more teams into the battle for European slots, and as well as those difficult-to beat sides like Bolton, Blackburn and Everton, it is the likes of Newcastle and Manchester City that will be posing awkward questions for any team unable to put them at a safe distance early in a game.

Watching the Community Shield, it is clear that United will continue to reap success from their high-octane tactics, especially with the arrival of free-scoring players like Tevez, Nani and Anderson. However, I was fairly uninspired by the Chelsea performance overall, but then again I have rarely found their performances anything more than ordinary in the last two seasons. The rumours surrounding moves for Ballack and Robben don't seem to want to go away, and with a small squad suffering somewhat of an injury crisis at the start the season, affecting key components of that critically-important spine of the team, it does not auger well. If they do not have any signings lined-up before the transfer window closes, they may have too much to do by Christmas. So unless Mr. Abramovic is prepared to dig deep again into that bottomless wallet of his, something he has shown some reluctance to do since the Shevcenko debacle, it will be difficult to play catch-up.

So there you have it Spurs fans, fourth place is there for the taking if you really believe that, in doing so, you can demote Chelsea to the UEFA Cup.

Learn more about this author, Malcolm Toogood.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Can Tottenham Hotspur break into the top four in the 2007 English Premiership??
We want to hear your view. Write now!