Forget King Kane, if Tottenham Hotspur qualify for the Champions League or even win the title then they will have their midfield to thank for much of their success.
Harry Kane is one of best strikers in Europe over last two seasons. Last season Kane was an iron man, playing all 38 games, averaging 89 minutes per match. Playing without a recognised back up striker, Kane lead the line on his own and scored 25 goals.
This season he has suffered two ankles injuries resulting in nine missed games. The expected dip in Tottenham’s fortunes has not materialised however.
They hung in during the early part of season with the defence keeping them in games but more recently it is the midfield that has scored the goals to maintain their winning run and keep the pressure on Chelsea.
Alli (16 goals), Erickson (7), Son (11), Wanyama (2) and Winks (1) have combined for 37 goals. This makes up 37 goals of a total 64 (58 per cent) scored by the team.
In comparison, the next best is Liverpool who have scored 34 of 68 (50 per cent) goals from midfield players. Of the top six teams, Manchester United and Arsenal share the worst record, having scored only 39 per cent of their goals from midfield players.
On Saturday against Watford it was again the midfield that got the job done, with first half long range strikes from Ali, Dier and Son sealing the points.
On a different note, I watched with delight as ex-Tottenham keeper Gomes repeatedly launched accurate missiles with his long throws. Being used to watching most goal keepers punt the ball long to reach targets past the half way line, I watched in amazement as Gomes launched throw after throw to targets standing beyond the half way line.
While not bearing any fruit today, the accuracy of a throw as opposed to the AFL-style punt may create some problems for Watford’s future opponents.
Lastly, the Spurs have suffered injuries to several key players during the season. The current team is missing five regulars including leading scorer Kane, long-term absentee Erik Lamela, standout defensive midfielder Viktor Wanyama and both full backs (Rose and Walker).
In previous seasons the strength of the squad has been in question but the same cannot be said this season. Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier have covered the two fullback positions with aplomb and Eric Dier’s versatility allowed the shift to a 4-2-3-1 yesterday.
After almost being let go over the summer, Son again showcased his skills scoring a brace playing mostly off the left wing.
Post_hoc
Guest
I don't see us falling away this year, the team is mentally stronger, last year was good practice
The Doc
Roar Guru
Thanks for the comment Elliot. You make some good points and I hope you are right. After being in a similar position last season behind Leicester and falling away- I have adopted the usual Spurs supporter negative mindset and keeping expectations low
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
Honestly I think spurs have a chance of catching Chelsea , Chelsea have to play Manchester United , who are unbeaten in 21 games and Jose Mourinho would love to stop chelsea winning the title. Also chelsea have to play Everton away , and Everton have only lost once at home this season in the league, its not over yet. However Spurs will have to win all their remaining games, which would be very impressive . Plus the fact Spurs still have to face Arsenal which will be one hell of game in a few weeks. 5 years ago Manchester City closed a 8 point gap on Manchester United with 8 games left and City won it in the last second's of the season , you just never know
TonyJ
Guest
Istanbul ring a bell?
punter
Guest
They were championship winners (multiples) except for Gerrard, who was Gerrard. England then made out of the group & fell at the 1/4 finals stages. Plus they regularly left their best player either on bench or out of position Paul Scholes. They have very little now, Sterling, Kane & Ali.
TonyJ
Guest
Hey Doc, great article! I think Liverpool are a bits and pieces side at the moment who have over achieved. Having Milner at LB and Firmino as a striker is not ideal to say the least and the defence is the worst of the top 10 i think. Plenty of work to do to make UCL. I unfortunately think Arsenal will finish 4th. They always just seem to find a way. Heres hoping im wrong. Hopefully, Chelsea fall over (or slip over like we did a couple years ago lol) and give Spurs the title.
TonyJ
Guest
Interesting that you mention England have/had been struggling. The very same England once had Lampard, Beckham and Gerrard in their team and how did they go? I dont rate Hendo and he shouldnt be used in the same breath as Stevie G. Interestingly, since Hendo got injured, Liverpool havent lost! Im not the only one who doesnt rate Hendo but hoping he gets better. He is only 26 so time is on his side. Massive boots to fill. In my reply i wrote those 3 are maybe the ideal midfield under Klopp. Can is a good prospect. Lallana has been outstanding. Gini is getting better all the time. Anyway, didnt want to turn this into a pissing contest. Go Spurs!
The Doc
Roar Guru
Thanks for the comment TonyJ. If I could put my supporters hat on for a second I would echo those sentiments about not wanting Chelsea to even if someone else did at the expense of Spurs. Title race over I think. Chelsea need 14 points from a possible 21 (assuming Spurs get 21 from 21 which is highly unlikely) and with a moderate run home, they have done enough. As for Liverpool- coutinho seems to miss a bit through injury and Manes absence through the ACN and his subsequent injury have been unfortunate. Still you are in the box seat to qualify for the UCL and I'm sure that would mark a very successful season. Pick up a strong DMF and central defensive cover in the offseason, then with a bit of luck you should be able to push for the title
The Doc
Roar Guru
Thanks for the comment Kaks. I did not rate Llalana previously but I think He has improved significantly this season under Klopp. His 7 goals and 7 assists (4 & 6 in 2015/2016) thus far provides a metric value to his output. For mine Liverpool lack a real defensive midfielder and haven't had one since alonso/macherano. Henderson is more of a box to box type. Whilst I also cannot understand why he is rated so highly, Steve gerard in his autobiography mentions his leadership and organisational skills as being crucial to the team, not to mention he is the closest thing they have to a DMF outside of the ageing Lucas Leiva.
The Doc
Roar Guru
Thanks Marcel. Duly noted :)
The Doc
Roar Guru
Thanks for the comment Post_hoc. Watched Jansen a bit more closely (albeit on tv) and I think he will be an asset next season. He plays more on the edge of the line with his back to goal which can offer the team something different. Some players need slightly longer to adjust to the EPL eg. Lamela and I think with a bit of confidence, Jansen will get better over the next season or two
punter
Guest
I was going to say Hendersn is a poor man's Gerrard, but he's not even that. Liverpool is Klopp, Coutinho, Mane, Firmino.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Agreed. All I hear from anyone who supports Liverpool is that without Henderson their team is going to lose. If you rely so much on Henderson, then having Henderson on the sidelines is not your problem.
punter
Guest
If you want to know why England & Liverpool (had been) are struggling, look no further then Henderson & Lallana.
Kaks
Roar Guru
"Lallana, Henderson and Winjaldum"...world beaters that.
TonyJ
Guest
How many games has Liverpool been able to pick a consistent midfield though? Lallana, Henderson and Winjaldum i think would be the ideal midfield in Klopps team. They just cant seem to stay fit. Spurs midfield is exceptional and have had good fortune re injuries. Alli is a sensation. Eriksen is world class. Losing Kane surprisingly hasnt affected the side too much. Chelsea has a pretty decent midfield though. I think they just pip spurs as most complete midfield. Kante has been a revelation. As a Liverpool fan, it hurts not seeing Mane, Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge and Lallana all fit and firing at the same time but it happens. I also hope, somehow, someway, Spurs win the title. I hate Chelsea! Lol
marcel
Guest
Small point Doc....Spurs...not The Spurs.
Post_hoc
Guest
As a spurs fan it is great watching. They look like a team, Son is also infectious, he just seems like he loves playing, he doesn't seem like her has a care in the world. I do feel for Jansen, he just seems to be in a rut, one of those times nothing seems to go right. I do hope they stay with him, because at some point it will click. Should be noted one of if not the youngest teams in the Premier League