Tottenham are in a very difficult position to catch Leicester City in the Premier League after The Foxes gained a valuable point at Old Trafford yesterday in the 1-1 draw.
Tottenham are now 8 points behind Leicester with three games to go, so they must win their game at Stamford Bridge tonight to stay in it.
If they only draw they are 7 points behind with two games to play.
And even if they win tonight they are still 5 points behind and will need to win both their remaining games and Leicester lose both of theirs – if Spurs are to win the Premier League title for the first time.
Harry Redknapp – former QPR manager
Stranger things have happened for sure, but it´s very difficult for Spurs, although still not yet impossible.
Harry Redknapp has alluded to that in the Mail today when he was talking about former Tottenham player Andros Townsend and contrasting his fortunes at Newcastle to that of our other English signing in January, Jonjo Shelvey.
This is what Harry has said:
“When Andros Townsend joined Newcastle, I thought he could be the missing piece in the jigsaw that kept them up.“
“It hasn’t quite worked out like and there is a long way to go but that superb free-kick could be one of the biggest goals of his career.“
“He’s a talented boy and England fans know what he can do. He’s not always the most consistent but he has been so important for Rafa Benitez in recent weeks.“
“The same can’t be said for his fellow January joiner Jonjo Shelvey.“
“He has gone from captaining the side to making cameos from the bench. Newcastle are still my favorites to stay up but they must hope Chelsea win on Monday night.“
“The last thing they want is to face a Spurs team with something to play for on the final day.“
In fact, as we mentioned Chelsea need only draw tonight and that would mean Tottenham cannot win the Premier League this season.
Comments welcome.
150 comments so far
Essex Geordie Bill
May 2, 2016 at 1:15 PM
Comment #81Oh! someone has. 🙂
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:18 PM
Comment #82Apart from 74 being the year they formed, 74th is where they may well be before they stop freefalling! 😉
B&B, i also found the comment about Mbabu curios. Having watched the lad play for the academy, then the U21’s, he was always a right back who can play – with the same ability it must be said – at CB. In fact, i can only remember himplaying at CB once, when the U21 cb went off injured and Mbabu moved across. He’s definitely one for the future.
Regards strikers who can get behind defences and run the channels, we already have a very good exponent of that art in Adam Armstrong. Can’t wait to see what Rafa can do with him – or more importantly how he gets the midfield to match their passing with his runs into the channels. Arma to explode for the Toon next season, regardless of which league we’re in. And until the maths tell me differently, that will be the PL. 😉
Rotonda heights
May 2, 2016 at 1:20 PM
Comment #83we only know he exists from that photo with him holding his mobile phone looking like he’s just followed through!
– – – – – – – – – –
nearly spat my coffee out !!
jayphoto
May 2, 2016 at 1:21 PM
Comment #84@essex – if you can understand/read french you’d hear alot of pundits and journos in france ripped garde apart alot at lyon and most said he would fail in england!
Absolutely can’t handle stress, can’t deal with problem players etc, would ignore players when they voiced concerns in playground fashion not replying and walking off.
In one season at lyon he lined up 25 different ways/formation in a season! Tactics were all over the place!
Apparantly he is very knowledgeable about the game, was a gary neville like pundit and is credited for having a great eye for a player! But as a manager hes a car crash
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:25 PM
Comment #85Jay, and despite being a great pundit, we all know what happened to Neville when he put his money whete his mouth is. 😉
Munster Mag
May 2, 2016 at 1:27 PM
Comment #86Jay yes that ac milan team would have looked after barca . Baresi was a master. Italy are usually the team i support at tournaments because ireland usually aint there. Argentina my second team. Italy – what a country 🙂
Mister Tuff
May 2, 2016 at 1:30 PM
Comment #87Shock and horror – for once I have to agree with Jib Jibberish even though he is a clot a lot of the time.
I can assure those concerned I have not bashed my head or had a seizure.
Nothing at all the matter with a bit of humour – but it is really apparent that humour is a bit like “one mans meat is another mans’ poison”.
It is especially so on the blog – where some on one side of the divide (blog wise) can laugh or be offended – depending on who makes the joke -or tries to make a joke.
If their longstanding blog foe makes a joke – faux outrage is demonstrated.
Also whilst the most concerning/important thing is our relegation battle at the moment I am really uneasy about the suggestion that future matters should be a taboo area. For bloggers discussing things on here what bloody difference does it make.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:32 PM
Comment #88Munster, tell the truth you thug. You floow italy because their firm is so well dressed! 😉
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:33 PM
Comment #89Follow even! What a bummer when a spelling error ruins you smart assness, 😉
Veltman
May 2, 2016 at 1:33 PM
Comment #90Blackley – You sometimes get too quick to judge on players on little shows.You are the same guy that slated Dummett as soon as he got little cameos in his earlys,saying he is awful,while currently doing good job at LB.Lascelles is improving and learning, that’s all we can say atm.The way he talked to journos doesn’t make him top notch yet.He still is error prone and untested well by opponent strikers or players.By his earlier cameo shows,he looked typical championship defender,nervous and panicking.Until lately a bit settled.But still it is the return of Mbemba that made the actual difference & calmness at the back.Las lacks experience and calmness,which is why I shouted for Colo.I know u hate Colo badly and may not be a good leader,but still is a better defender we have from the current squad.
Despite being 34 or 35,he didn’t underperformed as most feared,including myself.Credit whenever it’s due to all,including Lascelles ,but
You are just making Lascelles look like Nesta or Ramos!
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:43 PM
Comment #91Maybe Lascelles was nervous when he came here because he expected everyone to be so much better than him, being a PL team. Now he realises that everyone makes the same mistakes as he has, he no longer feels he has to prove anything and is just playing his own game. I think the main factor though is Rafa. Lascelles has grasped with both hands the opportunity to learn off one of the best and is taking in every little word Rafa utters. Certainly one of our most improved players regardless.
Mashley u Batfastard & lambiarse u Cupid stunt
May 2, 2016 at 1:52 PM
Comment #92What a difference no Colo or Taylor it’s like our defence has gone from league 1 to top halve premier
mindshaft
May 2, 2016 at 1:54 PM
Comment #93Funny people are saying Arma will set the prem / championship alight next season – he’s been stuck on 19 goals for months – seems league one teams have figured him out
I think he’ll do okay but he’s not going to terrorise prem defences
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 1:57 PM
Comment #94Has anybody else seen this story that inter milan are wanting to sign Thauvin? The mind boggles. What a bonus it would be if we could get our money back on what can only be described as a strange bit of business. Or is it just another paper story? Comments?
Mister Tuff
May 2, 2016 at 1:57 PM
Comment #95Off Topic.
Shortlist for French Player of the Year.
Hatem Ben Arfa (FRA/Nice)
Lassana Diarra (FRA/Marseille)
Angel Di Maria (ARG/PSG)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE/PSG)
Top top players there – for Benny to be on the shortlist – of that group of top players must mean he can play a bit of football himself.
Love to see him win it and be at the Euros.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Comment #96I’ve kinda followed Coventry’s progress whilst Arma’s been there. What actually happened was that Mowbray built his team around young loan players. Not his fault, but a lack of funds dictated this approach. In january and since, clubs called back their young players – the ones who were supplying Arma with through balls to match his runs. It’s no coincidence that the removal of these young players coincided with Coventry’s demise and Arma not carrying on scoring for fun. All strikers need supply lines. He’s still banging them in for England’s youth, which supports this. He’s still only 19, but given the right service, he will score goals at any level.
Blackley and Brownlie
May 2, 2016 at 2:08 PM
Comment #97Veltman.
You have the wrong man. I’m never too quick to build a player up or too quick to write him off. No one mentioned Lascelles in the same breath as Nesta or Ramos. I just thought from the off that the lad shows bags of potential. He has got to do it over a full season before he’s arrived but he can do it.
I can’t ever remember slating Dummett as a player, although I’ve said plenty that we need strengthening at LB, We still do but I wouldn’t be getting rid of Dummett, who can compete for a place.
Blackley and Brownlie
May 2, 2016 at 2:13 PM
Comment #98As for Mbemba, I liked him from the off but I don’t have full confidence in him. He doesn’t look fully confident himself IMO. I don’t know why you think he is the difference. He is one in the oven and definitely got a lot to prove.
JamesToon
May 2, 2016 at 2:13 PM
Comment #99So whats gonna happen to krul in the summer? we now have two top quality english keepers who have proved to be better when they have played?
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:14 PM
Comment #100Dummett is unfaily maligned imo. He’s still very young for one thing and will only improve with age. He’s actually been clocked as being one of the quickest players in the PL and his pace has certainly helped him contain players expected to run him ragged. He’s nowhere near the finished product, but he always comes off the field having left nothing behind.
mindshaft
May 2, 2016 at 2:17 PM
Comment #101Darlow has a lot to learn , made a good save on sat quickly followed by a weak punch straight to a palace player – those selecting him as 1st choice keeper need to get back to Fifa
mindshaft
May 2, 2016 at 2:19 PM
Comment #102Dummett is a decent defender , his distribution is very poor though – good hoof upfield seems to be his only option
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:20 PM
Comment #103James, not sure I’m ready to say they’re better than Krul. What is for certain, is that they’re playing behind a much better defence, one that is now well organised and fit for purpose, unlike the rabble Krul had to keep saving. We’re really lucky to have strength in depth in that position, but Krul has proved himself over a number of seasons when the defence was awful. Will be an interesting fight for the number one shirt and one that can only be a positive for the team.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:23 PM
Comment #104Mindshaft, i agree his distribution needs to improve, but Rafa will instill that into him. Even so, better to launch it in some situations when you know you lack the skill to play it out. Still very young remember. Plenty for coaches to work with though.
nufc786
May 2, 2016 at 2:24 PM
Comment #105Blackley and Brownlie
The good thing is though that both Mbemba and Lascelles are young and will only develop further and they can be part of our back line for years.
If we stay up, perhaps Rafa may bring in an experienced CB to help aid Mbemba and Lascelles. Maybe he might even consider moving Dummett to CB aswell once we move Colo and Taylor on and spend some money on some quality Left Backs…
Veltman
May 2, 2016 at 2:29 PM
Comment #106Not trying to have a dig at you.Just to clarify my point as how quick u get to judge players:
Blackley and Brownlie// Jul 14, 2014 at 6:12 PM
Regrettably, I have concluded that Dummett is pants.I’d like to thank myself for my canny observations and my kindness in sharing them with you.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:30 PM
Comment #107Nufc786, Dummett has always looked a better prospect at CB when he’s played there imo. Good shout.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 2, 2016 at 2:30 PM
Comment #108Jay
No I don’t speak French, I can just about manage English, my wife is the brains of this operation and she speaks fluent French. Unfortunately she isn’t a football fan so wouldn’t try to access that information.
So I was totally unaware that he had such a poor reputation . I thought he had had some prior managerial experience and believe that some of the Toon fans were actually saying he’d be a good manager to get pre McClaren. Looks like we may have dodged a bullet there.
Thanks for the info.
Pitmatic
May 2, 2016 at 2:32 PM
Comment #109Spurs may yet need something at St. James’ to secure second place, even if the title has gone, so I don’t think we can rely on them not showing up on the last day. This whole idea of second guessing teams’ motivations is fraught with danger. I remember the Racing Post did an analysis years ago, looking at the results of teams with ‘something to play for’. There was no general statistical difference in their results, despite the fact that betting prices usually shorten for such teams (Sunderland were strong favourites to beat Stoke away at the weekend, weirdly). On this basis, our strongest chance of staying up probably lies with the weakness of Norwich and Sunderland, who are unlikely to win more than one game apiece if their form over the season is a guide.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 2, 2016 at 2:35 PM
Comment #110Bobby
I was wondering why Coventry had lost their form so dramatically, that explains it. Shame really that sort of circumstance can make manager look worse than he is.
Hail Wor Ashley
May 2, 2016 at 2:36 PM
Comment #111What you want from a keeper is consistency and predictability. Elliot and to a lesser extent Darlow have produced solid 7/10 performances regularly with the odd outstanding game. Krul really declined in recent years, flapping at crosses, not making expected saves, atrocious distribution. On rare occasion he’d show glimpses of the keeper we thought he’d be with a MOTM performance, but not worth it for the number of times he let us down.
Got a real job on his hands getting the no1 spot back. Can’t see any of them being happy to be a no3 beginning of next season, so big call to make for whoever is in charge.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:37 PM
Comment #112Pitmatic, I too don’t agree with the argument that mid table teams are ‘already on the beach’. Stats don”t back it up. I am hoping however, that spurs may be deflated a bit having lost the league to Leicester. Any port in a storm! 😉
Time to watch the Brighton game I believe. More later.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 2, 2016 at 2:40 PM
Comment #113I think we need to get the Villa game out of the way before we start trying to forecast the state of Spurs players minds and which team will turn up.
And yes we definitely need the other two to falter, at this moment they are more in control than we are.
We wasted our game in hand lets hope they do likewise.
Bobbybee
May 2, 2016 at 2:41 PM
Comment #114Bill, before i go. Aye, he’s had it stacked against him this season, but from what i can gather, a lot of coventry fans realise his hands are tied and despite being gutted that promotion slipped past them, i think they want him to stay. Shame, because Arma was on course to break 30, let alone 20 before their better players were called back to parent clubs.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 2, 2016 at 2:43 PM
Comment #115As for Darlow punching balls away, that is the modern GK trend, a good GK seems to be able to get the ball where the opposition isn’t.
JamesToon
May 2, 2016 at 2:47 PM
Comment #116The next two games we need to treat like Villa and Spurs will be up for it regardless. We need to take our chances and I’m not sure we want cisse starting up top, in the last 4 games didn’t he have 2 chances where he was offside but he virtually had open goals and just completely missed both of them. I say start Mitro to offer more in build up play and to bully the villa and Spurs defences, cisse is just way to easy to defend against, he only scores when he’s got a split second to react and it’s on a plate for him
WWSBRD
May 2, 2016 at 2:54 PM
Comment #117people seem far too happy to send Krul on his way imo lad is still the best keeper on our books for me
ilovetoon8788
May 2, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Comment #118None of us can predict any of the results. We don’t know what scums will do. They may win a couple of their last 3 games even.
What we all know is, it will go right down to the wire. I say we will need a draw or win at spurs depending on scums result.
WWSBRD
May 2, 2016 at 3:11 PM
Comment #119As for the run in I don’t think Sunderland have it in them to beat Chelsea or Everton, their form is draws and losses, BFS is very worried about us and rightly so
If we beat Villa I can see us being safe though even if we aren’t I don’t fear the Spurs game, am hopeful
toon kk
May 2, 2016 at 3:15 PM
Comment #120It will go down to the last game of the season, where probably it will be out of our hands.
Unfortunately I think we’ll go down with Norwich.