Though Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign may not outwardly appear to be as strong as the last one, when they were the main challengers to Leicester City, little has changed at White Hart Lane this time around. In fact, it’s only the imperious strength of champions-elect Chelsea, coupled with a few draws at the start of the season, that see Spurs trailing top spot by a larger distance than last time out.
While the club’s summer signings are yet to wholly convince and there remains an over-reliance on Harry Kane, Mauricio Pochettino largely looks to be continuing to take Spurs on the upward trajectory they’ve embarked upon since his arrival.
Still, one of the most popular narratives of Spurs’ second season as genuine Premier League powerhouses has been the fact the club need to win something. Sky pundit Jamie Carragher highlighted it a few months ago, fearing this vibrant and dynamic young side may not have much in the way of silverware to look back on after the years pass, though that shouldn’t detract from the work Pochettino has done this season.
The fact that Tottenham have been missing one of their most important players for most of the campaign shouldn’t go unnoticed. While it’s unclear as to exactly what the reason is behind Erik Lamela’s prolonged absence, there’s little doubt the Argentine would improve Spurs’ starting XI.
‘Coco’ gives his countryman and boss an option that simply no one else in the squad can. His galloping runs from deep within his own half to break behind enemy lines are a wonderful outlet for the likes of Dele Alli, as well as providing a more natural partner for Kane. Links with Everton midfielder Ross Barkley hint at the need for someone who can bring the ball forward at pace, with neither Alli or Eriksen able to do that to the same degree as Barkley or Lamela.
Which is why we should be applauding Pochettino. It appears to be a rather strange situation that has been imposed on his squad and the former Southampton coach has found a new system to get the best of his side in the meantime, though many of the tactical plaudits this season are reserved for Blues boss Antonio Conte.
To sit second in the league without one of the club’s best players – their third most expensive signing at £25.7m – is a commendable achievement, especially when you consider the form of signings such as Moussa Sissoko and Vincent Janssen. Neither have had the desired impact, leaving Pochettino with more than a few worries over the course of the season.
While deploying a 3-4-3 is barely revolutionary these days and, while Lamela’s presence in the squad would not be any guarantee of a Premier League title, he does undoubtedly improve the starting eleven. With him, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane in full flow, Spurs have one of the most varied attacks in the league and even Kane’s absence can be dealt with more easily.
One of the club’s best performances this season, the 2-0 win over Manchester City (who, at the time, looked unbeatable) saw Lamela play a pivotal role. Kane did not play in that game, with Son Heung-Min deployed as the central striker and the galloping Argentine was crucial in both their high-press, as well as getting up in support of the South Korean.
With Kane out injured again, we’re yet to see how Tottenham deal with it. Without the former Roma man, Dele Alli and Chrisitan Eriksen helped Spurs beat Southampton, though tougher tests will come as they attempt to keep their place in the top four.
The Lamela problem gave Pochettino an almighty headache, though his impressive dealing of the matter has helped prove what a good manager he is. For Tottenham and the two Argentines, making sure the 25-year-old gets back to action as soon and safely as possible is a priority, though no longer a desperate one.