Could Spurs Secure a Top-Half Finish?

After a dramatic point at Arsenal, two victories over Liverpool, and an unbeaten start of five games, Spurs fans could be forgiven for entertaining notions of a top-half finish as Harry Redknapp’s arrival has galvanized the entire club and vanquished memories of its worst-ever start.

Four months later, however, the Spurs remain embroiled at the wrong end of the table.  Until the recent victory at Hull, dire away form had stalled the Spurs’ ascent from the mire. 

Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. An emphatic victory on Wednesday, securing the club’s first back-to-back league victories since November, lifted Spurs to 12th and suddenly a top-half finish appears achievable.  Yesterday’s draw at the Stadium of Light consolidated this position.

Despite being unbeaten in four matches now, survival is not yet guaranteed. As many as twelve teams remain vulnerable to the drop, an unprecedented number at this stage of the season. 

Close to mid-level security, Spurs have demonstrated how a minor run of positive results can hugely impact the composition of the table.   With the possible exception of West Brom, anybody capable of stringing two or three decent results could make similar progress.

For Tottenham, home form alone should ensure their safety.  In particular, home games against Newcastle, West Brom, and Manchester City look winnable.  Everton are the only team to have emerged from White Hart Lane with three points since Redknapp took over. And it is not unreasonable to expect points from the visits of West Ham and Chelsea.

Frustratingly, the team is a different proposition on the road.  Performances away from home have often been poor, and a recent run of league defeats at Newcastle, West Brom, Wigan, and Bolton do not inspire confidence for the weeks ahead.  Spurs must visit Villa Park, Old Trafford, and Goodison before their season concludes at Anfield.

Yesterday’s point, and a decent performance to boot, was encouraging, but the disparity between home and away form remains.  Ultimate survival will be achieved but the ride may not be a comfortable one.

On a more positive note, Spurs, unlike the ailing economy, are beginning to show the encouraging green shoots of recovery.  With new additions Keane and Palacious already making a tangible impact, Lennon and Modric are also reaching top form.

Less celebrated has been the improvement of the Tottenham back four.  Spurs have kept nine clean sheets under Redknapp and only the top three have conceded fewer goals at home.  Michael Dawson, in particular, has enjoyed a renaissance in form.

Yesterday’s game will have underlined this collective improvement.  Sunderland, like Spurs and Blackburn, has also benefited from a change in management and appear to be a good bet to avoid relegation.  The result will have satisfied both teams.

Sunderland’s North East rivals are not faring quite so well.  Both appear to be in disarray and are urgently in need of a change in fortune.  Middlesbrough’s thrashing at White Hart Lane this week will surely have dashed any brittle confidence taken from the defeat of Liverpool. In contrast, Newcastle, with the irascible Kinnear sidelined indefinitely, appear rudderless. 

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