The First Stern Test For Tottenham

The Spurs team that I have been following for some 10 years now is certainly a riddle wrapped in an enigma. 

Somehow, ever since the days of David Ginola, Spurs have always possessed a talented side which never fail to underachieve. 

Through chopping and changing managers, Spurs have lurched forth from one crisis to another which culminated in the sacking of Juande Ramos last year.

This year, however, the arrival of Harry Redknapp proves to be some kind of antidote to the team's recent failures to break into the top four. 

After four wins out of four, Spurs are indeed in cruise control. 

The sparkle of Aaron Lennon, the best right winger we had in years, has been refreshing. Together with the tenacity of Wilson Palacios, the flair of Luka Modric and the vision of Tom Huddlestone; Spurs midfield never looked more complete.

But the biggest test of the season so far lies in the meeting tonight, with league champions Manchester United.

To say that Manchester United is Spurs' bogey team is akin to saying that Barack Obama is black.

To buttress this point, think back on how many times Spurs have taken a lead during half time against the champions only to fall to a crushing defeat at the final whistle.

I have tried but my mind simply refuses to reveal the traumatic images of the Red Devils running riot infront of Spurs' goal mouth.

I would like to think that with Harry Redknapp at helm, things might be slightly different but fleeting images of that 5-2 defeat last season at Old Trafford returns to haunt me every single time.

With that said, I am about to watch tonight's game against Manchester United with as much confidence as a 13-year-old geek taking centre stage in school for the first time.

I might start cheering only when Spurs are 4-0 up at half time and probably be doing so only because I know it is with this scoreline that Spurs can eventually finish the game with a point.