Spurs Recap: Tottenham's Season Thus Far

Spurs started the season with the critics branding them "The Likeliest Team To Break Into the Top Four"—but reaching that height has become a burden, as Spurs languish 13th in the Premiership with fifteen points separating them from the top four.

It has been a season of dramatic change, from two consecutive top five finishes to starring down the barrel of the relegation zone.

Firstly, the ever-reliable Martin Jol was unceremoniously given the boot following defeat at home to Getafe.

Martin Jol had previously led Spurs to two consecutive fifth place finishes and a strong UEFA Cup run, which ironically was ended by Juande Ramos’ Sevilla in the quarter finals, who now finds himself as head coach at Tottenham.

Martin Jol and Spurs fans were dragged through the humiliation of a leaked report of members of the Spurs board meeting—with Juande Ramos in a spanish hotel while Martin Jol was still in charge. This was compounded by chairman Daniel Levy’s no-show at Ramos' unveiling.

Nevertheless, Ramos was installed, arriving with a great pedigree. Having twice won the UEFA Cup twice, he was greeted with open arms by fans and players alike.

Footballing wise, the season couldn’t have started more badly, as Tottenham fell behind to newly promoted Sunderland with a late goal from Michael Chopra. Conceding cheap goals has become a trait commonly associated with Spurs this season, with the finger pointing heavily at their defensive frailties.

The absence of Ledley King has brought instability to an already fragile back four. The emergence of Dawson as a Premiership force has not materialised, and France U21 Captain Younes Kaboul was dropped for the Anderlecht clash for centre midfielder Didier Zakora, following consecutive poor displays and questionable positioning.

Questions however should not be asked about the strikers having scored 28 goals in the Premiership this term—more than that of both Chelsea and Liverpool, who reside in 3rd and 4th respectively. Robbie Keane has shown up to play this season—alongside the Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, who is still scoring but not oozing the class that earned him acclaim last year.

Spurs are still a decent young side, with the likes of Lennon and Huddlestone developing well and the purchases of Gareth Bale, who has been outstanding, and Darren Bent, the 16.5 million signing from Charlton who has proven thus far to be as effective as his goal tally last season would suggest.

The emergence of Aston Villa and Portsmouth this year has compounded Spurs poor start to the season. However Spurs have much to look forward too—they have a Carling Cup Quarter Final, a run in the UEFA Cup, and soon the FA Cup.

Nothing will please Spurs fans more than a cup run, and it may lift the players' confidence following a shambolic start to the season. But Spurs fans will be looking for long term results—UEFA Cup qualification and a top six finish is a must.