Heurelho Gomes: Hero and Villain, but Not Spurs' Future

Once again a Tottenham Hotspur game became a suitably festive pantomime as their Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes managed to steal the spotlight again with a Jekyll and Hyde performance.

In just over two years, the 29-year old goalkeeper has become popular amongst football fans as his blunders have been the source of much amusement to everybody except Spurs fans. But after a dismal first few months, he began to show why Tottenham had made him their No. 1 keeper with some fine performances which ultimately helped Spurs to a Champions League spot and him to the "Best Goalkeeper in the Premier League" award in 2009.

However in recent weeks, several more costly errors have cost Spurs crucial points in what should be a quest for a long-awaited league title. Tottenham are more than capable of putting together a title challenge, despite some notable injury concerns. They have a very talented and deep squad with decent backup and have enough ammunition, along with rivals Manchester City, to threaten the weaker big three this season. If their keeper keeps making mistakes in big games though, they will never win a major trophy.

Gomes's recent errors in big games against Manchester United and Chelsea are worrying signs that he will never be the top-class, consistent goalkeeper that Tottenham need to be serious challengers, both in the league and Europe. Just look at Arsenal for further proof. If Spurs cannot invest in a new keeper in the January window, then I think trophies will be beyond them this season, which would be a shame for the White Hart Lane faithful. As I believe, this will be their best opportunity in a long time to upset the status quo and bring major trophies back home to North London for the first time since 1991, and potentially, with luck on their side, a first league title in 50 years.

One thing is for sure, Spurs will have to be on their game and delivering week in, week out to even stay in the top four this season. Their No. 1 goalkeeper making errors only hinders the brilliant progress they have made under Harry Redknapp in the last two years.