Beware The Ides of March

Article by Chris Mecoy

Hello Spurs fans.

Please forgive the somewhat cryptic title of this article, but hopefully you'll see what I'm getting at soon enough.

I'd like to talk to you about a fear I have regarding Tottenham's season. Now, please don't think of me as someone who has no faith in the mighty Spurs, but I am going to play devil's advocate here.

Just like every one of Arsenal's Champions' League campaigns (win the first three group matches, then sod about for the last three, finish second, and then get knocked out by a far superior side in the next round), I'm concerned that our season might have an all too familiar sense of inevitability about it.

For now, at least, forget about Arsenal, forget about Bale, forget about the money, forget about the new stadium. Can you do that? Well, on top of those, forget about Baldini and Levy, forget about AVB, and lastly, forget about our squad, including our new signings, a.k.a. 'the seven wonders of the world'.

What if, once again, our season does not depend on these things? Not a single one? What if, as usual, our season depends on whether or not our early Spring capitulation occurs again?

We all know the story. From September right through to the start of February, we seem almost invincible. Unbeaten runs, clean sheets, player and manager of the month awards.

Then, right around late February - early March, we lose our way. Whether it be injuries, unlucky defeats, poor refereeing performances, or a simple loss of form, our end of season never hits the heights of the preceding six months.

With all the money spent, all the players that have been brought in, this season may all come down to the same damned thing.

Right, playing devil's advocate is really boring, so let's talk about whether or not our beloved Spurs can overcome this annual 'blip'.

Firstly, there is something else that surrounds the club is detrimental to our chances seemingly every year, and that is the inevitable injury to the beast, Sandro. To lose him the last couple of seasons the way we did was very unfortunate, as we all know just how good the Brazilian nutter really is, but what was even more unfortunate, was the players that had to come in to replace him. Players such as Livermore and Huddlestone. Two players whose abilities haven't improved in line with the majority of the rest of the squad.

We went from a side who could dominate in the middle of the park to a side who were being overrun. This year, however, if Sandro was to fall foul of the injury Gods once again, we do have cover now. With Paulinho and Capoue also more than capable of protecting the defence, along with the likes of Holtby and Dembele who are willing to help out, our midfield is fully stocked when it comes to the strength. And let's not forget, it isn't just Sandro's injury that could have a negative effect on the team, our starting eleven is packed out with world class players. I, for one, feel that we now have a very good back-up in almost every position which will not only provide excellent competition for the first choice players, but also mean that we can cover all but the very worst injury crisis.

When it comes down to poor refereeing decisions, such as Balotelli still being allowed on the pitch to win and score the winning penalty in 2011-12 despite having earlier clearly kicked Scott Parker in the face, or Chris Foy's shocker at the Brittania in the same season, there really isn't much that our boys can do to counter-act these mistakes. The only thing I will say, is that with the new goal-line technology in place this season, it might mean that Chelsea are far less likely to screw us over with all their fake goals!

Now....it's all about the loss of form. With all the extra competition for places, coupled with the undoubtedly higher standard of players in our squad, I feel that this is less likely this season than in the past, but obviously, not dropping points at home to clubs like West Brom and Norwich, who we host this weekend, will play a major role on where we finish this year.

As I said, Spurs fans, this article wasn't really about voicing my opinion, but only to try and look at both sides of the Tottenham coin. It would be great to know if you share any of my concerns, or think I'm just worrying about nothing!! (Your comments are welcome below).

One thing that is guaranteed, though, is that my poor heart cannot take another end of season blip, as we watch our rivals (usually the scum) sneaking up on us.

So please Tottenham, pretty pretty please, don't balls this one up!!

COME ON YOU SPURS!!

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