Carling Cup Catalyst: Tottenham's Loss Ensures Their Survival

It has been a little more than a year since Jonathan Woodgate headed Tottenham Hotspur to their first cup triumph for nine years. On that night, Spurs were superb; they had a winning manager, desperate fans, classy strikers, and a well balanced squad.

Only one year later, the Carling Cup Final presented a drastically different scenario for Harry Redknapp and the Tottenham squad. After fighting hard for 120 minutes, the new-look Tottenham side had to settle for the loss of a cup as well as European football next season at the hands of Manchester United.

Following defeat, many suggested that Redknapp's team would suffer from a Carling Cup hangover, much like last season under Juande Ramos. Following their 4-0 domination of Middlesbrough and last minute draw with Sunderland though, it is fair to suggest that this cup final loss could serve as the catalyst to save the Lillywhite's season.

Although only a select few actually considered the possibility of Spurs going down, Tottenham finally look as if they're capable of pulling away from the rest of the relegation pack.

Recent results have been fantastic, with the squad collecting seven points from the last three premier league games. In order for Spurs to confirm their place in next season's Barclays Premier League though, a few things must continue to occur.

Aaron Lennon must continue to produce.

The 21 year old has been given ample time by Spurs to improve his end product and recent displays suggest that his qualities are finally starting to come to fruition.

After making two of the worlds greatest left-backs in Gael Clichy and Patrice Evra look like Sunday league casual players, the little Englishman earned a brace over Middlesbrough.

If Lennon continues to produce such superb results, then Tottenham's season will surely be headed towards the top half rather than the bottom three.

The midfield should remain structured around Wilson Palacios.

Arsene Wenger must be grieving over his incompetency in signing who has proved to be one of the best all-around central midfielders in the Premier League.

Following his standout performance against fierce North London rivals Arsenal, the Honduran International has been doing all the little things that have helped Tottenham win three straight premier league games. If Harry wants to ensure relegation safety, then he should continue to balance his team around this tenacious midfielder.

Luka Modric should remain employed on the left side of midfield.

With Wilson Palacios dominating the middle of the pitch, Luka Modric has recently been sacrificed to the left midfield role. With it though have come some of his best performances of the season.

Not only does this shift allow Modric much more space to work his magic, but it also provides the team with a real offensive threat on both wings of the pitch. With Luka Modric on the left and Aaron Lennon on the right, there doesn't appear to be any better pair of wings outside the top four.

Home form must continue to shine.

Spurs have struggled away from home over the past two seasons, and as a result have relied on their home form to get the job done. If Tottenham can win two of the crucial home games against West Ham, Newcastle, West Brom, and Manchester City, then they will have fully recovered from the worst start to a season in a 126-year history.

Only time will tell what will materialize of Tottenham's season, but the fact remains that they have an English manager who understands how to keep his team in the English Premier League.

Even though relegation remains a distinct possibility for Spurs, they simply have too much quality to not pick up the points needed to retain their status as a Barclays Premier League club. In terms of the quality that they bring to the league, all fans alike should be thankful.