Sir Alex Ferguson’s now infamous pre-match team talk of ‘Lads, it’s Tottenham’ is now taking on a very different meaning and make no doubt about it, Spurs can win the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino’s north Londoners have gone under the radar heading into the new campaign.
A lack of summer signings, the trouble with their new multi-million pound stadium and falling away in another trophy-less season last term hasn’t seen them talked of as title challengers.
Most will place Liverpool as Manchester City’s only realistic challengers to the top-flight crown and their 100 per cent start has shown no signs of that prediction being wrong.
But the Reds have somewhat laboured to their wins over Crystal Palace and Brighton – hardly the most difficult of fixtures – while Tottenham are flying.
They beat Newcastle at the intimidating St James’ Park on the opening day, dominated Fulham last weekend and have now battered United away from home.
Tottenham should be considered Man City’s main title threat after their win at Man Utd
And last night, both their first AND second half displays prove Spurs will have a major say in where the Premier League trophy ends up come May.
United were impressive in the first 45 – pressing high, hounding Tottenham with Mourinho deploying some surprise tactics. They should have taken the lead only for Romelu Lukaku to slice wide in front of an open net.
Tottenham took every blow United could land, kept composed when Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier and Danny Rose were guilty of sloppiness and bided their time.
Then after the break they unleashed.
Harry Kane broke his Old Trafford duck to make it 1-0 before Lucas Moura rose of Premier League prominence with a stunning brace.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has enjoyed a fine start to the season
Spurs have now ended their hoodoo away to United and passed a significant test that will have the likes of City and Liverpool sitting slightly less comfortably today and with good reason.
Yes Tottenham have come up short time and time again and it’s still very early to draw proper conclusions. But their weapons are as dangerous as they are plentiful, summer signings or no summer signings.
Kane is the world’s best marksman. Dele Alli is arguably still the most exciting talent in the top-flight. Christian Eriksen is arguably the best playmaker going.
They’ve kept Toby Alderweireld to partner Jan Vertonghen, they’re enjoying the rise and rise of Kieran Trippier, they’ll have Son Heung-min returning soon and now boast the added pace and threat of a settled and adapted Moura.