Article by Sana Jeewa
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A mere year and 5 days ago, a feeling of despondence and utter disappointment had encapsulated the minds of so many avid Spurs fans. On the 8th of March 2014, after watching our team display grit and tenacity for almost an hour in a key London Derby, we ended of the game in diabolical fashion...4 goals conceded, yet another humiliation at the hands of "the big guns". Yes, it occurred at Stamford Bridge, historically a venue where we haven't emerged victorious since 1990, but the manner in which we caved in and simply gave up was enough to demoralize even the most positive of fans!
It could be chalked up amongst so many gutting defeats we agonized through throughout the season (be it at the Etihad, Anfield or even being dismantled by Liverpool at home) and with our season petering out to a mediocre end, we anticipated (with some trepidation) the summer, where we hoped the experience of Van Gaal or De Boer would guide us to a better, more entertaining 2014/2015 season.
Well, we certainly did get our wish...2014/2015 has undoubtedly been far more entertaining and certainly less calamitous! Our progress (as shown by our dominant victories over teams such as Chelsea and Arsenal), has come from some unlikely sources. Who could have predicted that Mauricio Pochettino (Southampton's clearly talented young coach) would be taking over the reigns at Tottenham Hotspur? Who could have predicted that Harry Kane would be the focal point of our team surrounded by home-grown gems like Mason, Bentaleb, Rose and Townsend and rejuvenated stars like Lloris and Eriksen? Who could have predicted the whole team playing with a new found belief- belief that has resulted in an upturn in form?
Perhaps, had one of these globally renowned coaches took over, we would never have seen the tireless midfield efforts of Bentaleb and Mason come to fruition. We would never have been exposed to the pure joy evident on Harry Kane's face as he scored the winner in the North London Derby or the pure screams of elation as he netted a brace in the epic Chelsea victory.
Indeed, our style of play has improved significantly but one key difference from the dark days of 2013/14 is our mentality. Going behind in games is no longer a reason to cower in fear, no reason for supporters to dread a forthcoming capitulation occurring by the time 90 minutes have passed. Instead going behind has become a reason to rally, trying our utmost to get back into games where we would previously have limply succumbed to defeat. 16 points gained from losing positions suggests that there's grounds to believe that things are going to be different now, that the annoying term "Spursy" will cease to exist one day.
As Spurs fans, we've certainly had our share of false dawns but somehow this feels unique. Never before in recent history have we had such a crucial blend of a highly capable manager (tactically and in man-management) and a core group of young players all as passionate for the club's cause as we are. As the cheers of "He's one of our own ring throughout the stands in White Hart Lane and we keep churning out those 2-1 last minute victories away (fingers crossed for Old Trafford!), we can clearly see a unity and togetherness unparalleled to anything we've witnessed before.
It seems as though everyone at our beloved club, from the chairman, to the management and the players share our hope...hope that the new era of a tougher, more resilient Spurs has finally emerged!
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Good article, Sana. As you say, would we have seen much of Bentaleb, Mason or Kane and, if not, where would we be in the Premier League? Shudder, don't even go there! Fingers crossed for Old Trafford. Man U are certainly beatable and it would be a huge result for us if we can take 3 points from them. COYS!
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