Andre Villas-Boas’ performance this season with Tottenham has been lauded after his dismal introduction to the English Premier League last season with Chelsea.
Two Premier League manager of the month awards have left some in the English press red faced after writing Villas-Boas off last season after he failed to win over the Chelsea dressing room.
AVB’s turnaround this season with Tottenham has even seen him linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks – a far cry from this time last year, when many in the football world doubted that he had the appropriate experience and man-management capability to coach at the highest level.
After fan-favourite Harry Redknapp was bundled out by Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy at the end of last season, many Tottenham supporters were dubious about the appointment of a young manager who had less than two full seasons’ experience at senior level.
After a shaky start, AVB won over the support of the White Hart Lane faithful with a famous win at Old Trafford, and a string of 12 unbeaten matches between December and March that left Tottenham above Arsenal and Chelsea and in pole position for Champions League qualification.
However after Spurs have only picked up four points from their last four matches, this season is starting to have a familiar feel to Tottenham fans.
Redknapp lost his job last year after giving up a twelve point advantage to Arsenal last year, which ultimately cost Tottenham a place in this year’s Champions League.
With Tottenham now sitting fifth and with games against Manchester City and Chelsea still to come, AVB is facing the biggest test of his managerial career.
The injuries to Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe could not have come at a worse time for the Portugal native, having relied on Bale and Defoe for 27 of Spurs’ 55 Premier League goals this season.
Despite the injuries, there will be no excuses if Tottenham do not manage to finish in the top four and it will result in more questions being asked of AVB’s pedigree to perform at the highest level.
The promotion of Bale to striker was a great move and has taken the Welshman to the top of his game.
The Adebayor situation is a difficult one – it seems as though the mental side of the game is where Adebayor struggles most, so perhaps AVB can be commended with continuing to show faith in the big Togan, hoping that a continued run in the side would give him the confidence he needs to regain his form from last year.
Adebayor’s consistently apathetic performances are starting to wear thin on Tottenham fans and most are calling for him to be dropped from the team.
Unfortunately, with both Defoe and Bale struggling for fitness, this leaves the Tottenham manager with very little choice but to stick with him for the time being.
Questions do have to have to be asked about the fluidity of Tottenham’s attack this year. They have shown their ability to dominate possession for long periods of the game, however this rarely converts into high number of shot on goal.
Often Tottenham look disjointed coming forward – this may be a reflection on the personnel that AVB has available but he has to take some of the blame for not being able to set the side up to score goals more easily.
There is an argument to suggest that some of Tottenham’s wins have been the result of individual brilliance rather than tactical dominance – this detracts further from AVB’s tactical abilities.
Ultimately AVB’s first season at Tottenham will be judged on his results over the coming six matches and the ability to break his team into the top four, displacing either of Tottenham’s London rivals in the process.
There will be no excuses should Champions League football not be attained for next year and the Tottenham fans will not be forgiving of another manager giving away a big points advantage to their bitter North London rivals.
Greater than any time in his career, Villas-Boas’ reputation as a manager hinges on the next four and a half weeks.
Success will see him cement his position as the world’s most promising managerial talent, and may see the beginning of a glorious new reign for Tottenham Hotspur.
Failure will cast serious doubts over his ability and leave Tottenham as also rans for yet another season.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
This time next year, Ange Postecoglou expects Tottenham to be in the Premier League title race.
Son Heung-min's 86th-minute winner has helped Tottenham get their Champions League qualification hopes back on track with a 2-1 home victory over Luton. Ange…
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has doubled down on his belief that Champions League qualification is not crucial for the development of his team. Disappointed…
Ange Postecoglou has warned no magic wand will get Tottenham's Premier League top-four tilt back on track after they suffered a 2-1 home defeat…
Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham are still a "long way" from playing the football he wants after he fended off talk he could leave at…
Nathan Ake's 88th-minute tap-in has helped Manchester City end their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo and progress into the FA Cup fifth round after a…
