SPURring Change

After wallowing in a very intense relegation battle for most of the season, Tottenham Hotspur has on the back of a great run of form, been showing glimpses of the team that brought home the Carling Cup in the 2007/8 season. They currently sit in 11^th spot, tied on 38 points with Manchester City (who leads only on goal difference). Their climb from relegation bound to European hopeful has been one littered with some great performances as well as some hard losses.

Since the turn of the year, the Lily Whites have been going through some reformation on a personnel level. The introduction of Wilson Palacios and Carlo Cudicini, as well as the return of Robbie Keane, Jermaine Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda has more than revitalized a team that looked destined for the second tier of English football. Harry Redknapp has done a great job in reinstilling that winning mentality in the team. His focus on nurturing some of the players who clearly had raw talent but no true mentorship, e.g. Aaron Lennon (who has recently earned himself a recall to the international fold after some great performances), has helped the team immensely.

Wilson Palacios’ exploits in the white of the Spurs uniform has been nothing short of spectacular. His marshalling of opposition midfielders has been what was missing from a midfield teaming with attacking talent. He allows players such as Luca Modric and Aaron Lennon to focus on terrorizing opponents’ defences. This was demonstrated in the Chelsea game that was played on 21/03/09. Chelsea’s midfield duo of Essien and Lampard were neutralized by his tireless work, so much so, that Essien was taken off toward the end of the game. Modric and Lennon ran riot during most of this game eventually culminating in the lone goal of the match.

Much maligned goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes’ return to form has epitomized the revolution going on at the London based club. Gomes’ shot stopping ability has never been questioned, but was usually overshadowed by some grave howlers on his part. The most notable of these was the weak Ashley Young shot that he let slip under his body in the home defeat against Aston Villa in the first part of the season. He now seems a new player, confident in his command of his box and his defence (who have also been relatively impressive only shipping 5 goals in their last 6 outings).

Another player that deserves mention is Ledley King, the man that doesn’t train. Known for his pace, strength, composure on the ball with both feet and ability in timing his tackles, King is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the country (which can be seen from his recent call up by Fabio Capello to the national squad). Even though he currently suffers from a chronic knee injury that limits his playing time, he has been putting in some extra ordinary displays for the Lily Whites. Even old Harry has called King "an absolute freak" for being able to perform at a high level despite not training. He has been an absolute rock for Tottenham in their recent run. Moreover I’m sure the Spurs faithful are grateful for his personal sacrifice.

With eight more games left till the end of the season, it remains to see if this good run of form continues. Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City and Liverpool are the fixtures of note. Spurs undoubtedly have to be aiming for a top 10 finish this season, which would be a feat in itself, but not out of their reach. Good luck Spurs, your fate is in your hands.