Latest Spurs signing gives off all the right signals for success
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Daniel Levy is well respected for his negotiating skills and it looks as if Tottenham’s chairman has pulled off one of his best deals yet in tying down Mauricio Pochettino to a new long-term deal.
The Lilywhites may be finishing the Argentine’s second season at the helm empty-handed in terms of silverware, but Levy and the White Hart Lane faithful will be delighted with the rapid progress made under the man affectionately known as Poch.
Having guided Spurs to the Capital One Cup final and fifth place during an impressive debut campaign at the Lane, comfortable qualification for the Champions League, let alone a title challenge, were still some way off most fans’ 2015/16 radar.
However, some super shrewd summer acquisitions coupled with a full pre-season under the fitness fanatic coach, ensured Tottenham ventured into uncharted Premier League waters this term.
Although always playing catch up to eventual champions Leicester at the summit, Spurs’ impressive pursuit was only mathematically ended three games from the end of the season.
Now a win at relegated Newcastle on the final day will not only seal a first runner-up spot in the top-flight since 1963 but also a first finish above bitter rivals Arsenal since 1995.
The latter achievement may be held most dear by those from the white side of North London, though the former is definitely more impressive.
No wonder Manchester United were supposedly chasing the former Southampton boss’s signature as the season wound down.
It’s not only Pochettino’s focus on his high-pressing tactics which has elevated his managerial status either.
While forging the most robust top-flight defence as the basis for their journey back into the Champions League, Spurs play with panache in attack too.
Only two goals in arrears of Manchester City heading into the final day, Harry Kane and co could yet finish the season as the Premier League’s highest scorers.
One strike ahead of Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero after 37 games, Kane is the 1/2 favourite to be crowned top scorer and Spurs are 2/9 to finish behind Leicester.
If punters thought 5000/1 on Leicester winning the Premier League was a bit steep at the outset of this season, then Spurs being 7/1 fifth favourites for the 2016/17 crown may be worthy of a poke now Pochettino is staying in town.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
