Spurs have enjoyed a fruitful season to date under the guidance of Antonio Conte. After taking the reigns of the club in November 2021, the Italian used the rest of the season to embed his ideas into The Lilywhites.
Conte is a system manager, so after an entire off-season to instil his philosophy into his players, Spurs have been getting results. They may not have played their best football yet this year, but results have been going their way.
In past seasons, it may have gone the other way. Nevertheless, how can Spurs stay in the title race until the World Cup?
Liverpool fixture
At first glance of the table, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Spurs would have the upper hand in this tie. Betfair currently has Tottenham as the fourth favourite to win the league at 19/1, while Liverpool is only 22/1, any betting tips today would suggest that Spurs are the safer bet.
However, Liverpool may have regained some momentum after The Reds’ splendid display in the Champions League against Rangers and their virtuoso performance versus the usually unstoppable Manchester City.
The backline seemed to have steadied the ship and even managed to keep out the scoring machine that is Erling Haaland.
Spurs have shown that they are no pushovers this season, but Liverpool will be their toughest challenge before the World Cup. If Conte can have Harry Kane and Son Heung-min firing that day, it could be a result that propels The Lilywhites season.
Rest stars in the Champions League
Conte has a habit of sticking to the same players every match. The system in place needs everyone to know their place and role, so the Italian isn’t too keen on squad rotation.
However, the tactician has also never fared too well in European competition. His Juventus sides never really threatened, nor did his league-winning Chelsea squad. Conte could take this as a sign and stick to what he knows best, how to manage a league season.
Although Spurs are top of their current Champions League group, they are far from guaranteed to get through to the next round.
Sitting one point ahead of both Marseille and Sporting CP, the final two games of the group will be crucial in qualifying. That being said, the Spurs have a much deeper squad than they have had in previous seasons.
The group isn’t stacked with talented units; they should be able to navigate those two fixtures with a rotated team.
Win games they’re supposed to
What the Spurs have been doing this year that may not have been the case in years gone by is winning games they’re supposed to.
Not performing at their best, yet still grinding out results, is usually the sign of a league-winning side. That is, assuming that they will eventually pick up their form.
Tottenham may have lost to league-toppers Arsenal, but they have managed 1-0 wins against the likes of Wolves and Brighton–games they may have lost in the past.
Without seeing the best Kane, Son or Richarlison just yet, we could be in for a dominant Spurs run after the World Cup. That is, as long as they keep pace with the very top until the Premier League winter break.