Tottenham, commonly referred to as Spurs is a prominent football team based in North London. They have consistently competed at the top level of English football.
The White side of North London has been playing catch up in the last 15 years. However, they have been consistent in their little way by reaching different heights as a club.
Therefore, this article explores why Tottenham should be classified as a “Top Six” team in the Premier League, focusing on historical achievements, recent performances, financial strength, infrastructure, and fan base.
Historical Achievements
Spurs were also the first club in the 20th century to achieve the League and FA Cup Double, winning both competitions in the 1960-61 season. They have also enjoyed success in European competitions, notably winning the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) in 1972 and 1984.
Over the decades, Tottenham has accumulated a respectable collection of silverware, including multiple FA Cups, League Cups, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
These historical successes gave the Spurs leverage to build on. Although they have not been quite successful in recent seasons, not so many clubs in the division have won as much as them.
Recent Performances
While they impressed in the last century, Tottenham has consistently finished in the top six positions of the Premier League, often challenging for the title and securing European football. Although trophies have not come their way, they have made a couple of finals and played in Europe consistently.
Under the management of Mauricio Pochettino (2014-2019), Spurs became a force to reckon with, achieving a runners-up finish in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.
Even after Pochettino’s departure, Tottenham remained competitive. Managers like José Mourinho – who took them to a League Cup final – and Antonio Conte have continued to ensure the team competes at the highest level.
Tottenham’s recent performances in the Premier League and European competitions justify their classification as a top-six team.
Financial Strength
Another key factor in determining a top-six club is the financial muscle they can pull. In the Premier League today, Tottenham is one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. The club’s financial stability is bolstered by lucrative sponsorship deals, commercial activities, and matchday revenues.
The move to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019, which is one of the most advanced stadiums in the world, has significantly increased the demand for Tottenham tickets and in turn their matchday revenue potential.
The stadium not only hosts football matches but also NFL games, concerts, and other events, providing additional revenue.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Tottenham currently boasts of state-of-the-art facilities that are among the best in the world. The New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its capacity of over 62,000 is a beautiful masterpiece, giving fans a proper matchday experience.
Another one is the club’s training ground, Hotspur Way, which can be regarded as a testament to their top-tier infrastructure. It includes world-class training facilities, medical centres, and accommodations for the players. These facilities not only help in attracting top talent but also in maintaining the fitness and performance levels of the current squad.
Managerial and Player Quality
Another important aspect of being a top-six team is the quality of managers and players. Tottenham has been home to some of the best managerial minds and footballing talents. Managers like Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte have all contributed to the club’s success and stability.
With Ange Postecoglou in charge now, the Whites finished fifth in the Premier League in his first season in charge despite the departure of Harry Kane. He knows what the club needs at the moment and hopes to make a mark before leaving North London.
In terms of players, Tottenham have seen some of the world’s best footballers don their jerseys in the past decade. Kane, one of the most prolific strikers in the world, is one of them. Currently, Son Heung-min, the club’s captain, is one of the best finishers in the Premier League, while Christian Romero, who won the World Cup with Argentina, is also a man of quality and one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Competitive Rivalries
Tottenham’s rivalries with other top clubs also highlight their status as a top-six team. The North London Derby against Arsenal is one of the most fiercely contested and widely watched fixtures in English football.
Matches against other top-six teams, such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool, are often highly anticipated and crucial in the context of the league standings. Spurs might not have won any trophy in the past decade like the others, but it is difficult to see a team that has been as consistent as them after the other Big 5.
Therefore, these rivalries are not just about historical significance but also current competitiveness. Tottenham’s ability to compete with and often defeat these top clubs is a testament to their quality and standing in English football.
Current Ambitions and Future Prospects
Spurs have failed to win a trophy since 2008 and the patience of the fans is waning gradually. The club, under the chairmanship of Daniel Levy, have continued to splash the cash in a bid to get into that winning groove again but it has not worked out for them.
After missing out on Europe in the 2022-23 season, the club went for Postecoglou and he was able to return them to Europe – the Europa League. The Whites were unbeaten in their first ten games of the season but injuries and poor form struck and they struggled until the season came to an end.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou questioned Tottenham’s mentality around their 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City by claiming the club’s foundations are “fairly fragile.”
“I think the last 48 hours has revealed to me that the foundations are fairly fragile,” he said. “That’s just what I think. I just think the last 48 hours have revealed a fair bit to me. That’s alright. It just means I’ve got to go back to the drawing board with some things.”
Spurs would have preferred the UCL but they will manage a place in the Europa and play for a place in Europe’s top competition in the league next season.
Conclusion
Tottenham have done just enough to be regarded as one of the top six teams based on their performance and their level of competition. After the Big 5, you will most certainly pick the Spurs because of the points discussed above.
