CLUB ARE PUNCHING ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT!

TOTTENHAM have to win something. That’s what Spurs fans keep being told. On TV, in the papers, on the radio, you can’t escape it. The lack of silverware — Spurs are on their longest trophyless run since the Second World War — is always brought up by critics whenever the club, team or manager are given any praise. Every fan of every club wants to see their team win something and Spurs fans are no different. But while I’d love to see Tottenham win one of the domestic cups, there is a bigger picture that is too often ignored. Spurs are competing with five clubs who have far greater resources. Look at the spending since Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment in 2014 — City £758million, Chelsea £694m, Man United £677m, Liverpool £625m, Arsenal £386m, Tottenham £254m. The club’s net spend over that period is £29m, City’s is £518m. The gulf in size of wage bills is similarly stark. Tottenham have actually consistently punched above their weight under Pochettino. So why are Tottenham being judged by the same standards as clubs who really DO have to win something? The fact Tottenham are even competing with these clubs is an achievement in itself. United finished above Spurs last season for just the second time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Liverpool have managed it once in the past nine seasons. Even City finished below Tottenham in 2016 and 2017. There is also the small matter of the new stadium. Pundits and rival fans criticise the lack of spending and accuse Spurs of a lack of ambition for not splashing out on new players but the reality is that they are building an £800m stadium. Tottenham are striving to gatecrash the elite — and ensure the club can compete at the top of the game for generations to come — but it takes time without the kind of cash injection enjoyed by Chelsea or City. To ignore that seems deliberately obtuse. Traditionalists might not like it but, for where Spurs are right now, a top-four finish is more important than winning the FA Cup or League Cup.