This season’s results have been a little too ‘bouncy’ for Spurs, and for every solid victory against Manchester United, there have been frustrating losses against sides such as Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Ange Postecoglou picked up a morale-boosting midweek win, beating Premier League topping Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, and will be hoping that alongside the tremendous run he’s achieved in the Europa League the good form spills over into the league.
This Sunday, Spurs entertain Aston Villa, who last time these two met the West Midlands side were battered 0-4 for their trouble. James Maddison and Brennan Johnson scored second-half goals and finally, Son Heung-min and Timo Werner finished off the rout with stoppage-time goals.
How might things pan out, this time? Paul Merson has told London World that this game could be pivotal in how the sides shape up ahead of the Christmas period, and for one side, the consequences could be chilling.
“I thought it was a really bad result for Aston Villa when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup during midweek. I know they play in the Champions League and compete well in the Premier League, but they should also look to win the cup.
“That exit would have definitely been disappointing for Villa. I’m still going to back them to beat Tottenham though.
Villa’s high line could face problems against Spurs, but I just can’t see them not scoring in this game. It’s going to be a big blow for Tottenham in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League if they lose this game. Villa can open up an eight-point gap over Spurs if they win and that may well be curtains for the north Londoners’ hopes about finishing fourth. I just think Villa have a bit more in them than Tottenham and fully expect them to win here. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa.”
All eyes will be on Unai Emery, who will certainly be looking to do a better job of stifling Tottenham’s free-scoring ambitions, this time around. What is certain is that Ange Postecoglou’s bullish approach will be predictable enough, but will that ‘be curtains’ for the North Londoner’s Champions League qualifying hopes?
It’s probably a little early for Merson to be calling a final league position, but then there is very little love lost between us and the former Gooner.
Ange is well aware of the pressures he is facing, and it will surely take more than a home tie against Aston Villa to derail his season.
