Football punditry gets harsh and grimy often times, and it might be difficult to decipher between when a pundit is unnecessarily trying to be more professional at his job by being controversial (as that sells), or when he is just dishing out the plain truth.
Football fans worldwide are stuck somewhere in between reality and rude awakening, trying to figure out which of the 2 Manchester United legend and 4-time EPL winner Roy Keane, was doing when he said this following Tottenham’s draw against Leverkusen on Tuesday,
”It’s in their own hands (qualifying for Champions League knock out stages) but this idea the can they can win the Premier League, I think no chance. I don’t care, I can’t see them winning the Premier League, but they are progressing really well as a football club. It’s now about getting their hands on a trophy, what I mean is the FA Cup or League cup.”
Considering how Spurs title ambitions fell flat and crumbled with just 4 games to go last timeout, Keane’s hasty conclusion might have such history to back itself up, but on the other hand, and given how Tottenham have started the season, the Irish controversial icon might have just shot himself in the leg in advance like a certain Gary Lineker did last year.
First off, discarding Tottenham’s title credentials when it’s 2 full months away from Christmas is jumping the gun as it gets. The title race for this season is set to be the most contested, and a clear winner might not emerge until the mid-30’s week. We could even be treated to a matchday 38 showdown with as many as 3 sides entering the final fixture of the term with eyes on the prize. The EPL is capable of such breathtaking scenes.
And while it is also still early to tip the White Hart Lane outfit as probable winners, it can’t be denied that they are very strong contenders, and it won’t be Leicester-ly surprising if they emerge eventual champions of the 2016-17 season. The factors, requirements and prerequisites are all in place for that to happen.
After 8 rounds of league games, Mauricio Pochettino’s team are the only unbeaten side in the top flight with a spirited display against West Brom which saw them grab an equalizer at the death a further proof of what they are made of. Only a point separates them from league leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, both of whom are on 19 points and separated on goal difference.
It’s spiteful of Roy Keane to discard Tottenham’s ambition, and even if they flatter to deceive eventually, it can’t be denied they’ve got what it takes to mount a very believable and strong title challenge.
Pochettino has made the team formidable, invincible and nearly unbeatable. Arguably, they are playing the best football in England at the moment. What other evidences are needed than how they dismantled a Pep Guardiola-led Manchester City, and how they still managed to share the spoils with Liverpool despite being 2nd best all day against the Reds.
Having conceded just 4 goals in 8 league games, it clearly shows they are the toughest team defensively, and their offensive return of 13 goals – the 4th joint highest, without their 1st choice striker Harry Kane in the last couple of games proves how much of an attacking threat they are.
Powered by the youngest, and perhaps the most motivated and hungriest squad, Tottenham are taking no prisoners this season, and if they ever need a different inspiration to land their first ever EPL title, Roy Keane’s downgrading and belittling comments are just a click away.