29 Aug 2013 14:10:38
I won't name people, but some people on this site are either extremely arrogant or in denial of the fact that Tottenham are actually a significant threat.

For the past 2 years, we have only beaten them by a point and this year they have strengthened ALOT.

Lamela
Soldado
Paulinho
Capoue
Chadli
And maybe Eriksen

Are all great signings.

Who have we signed? Some injury prone dud from Auxerre. I know it might be too early to judge but based on what I have seen of him he isn't the sort of quality we should be after, and probably never will be top quality either. (I would love to be proved wrong).

I'm legitimately concerned over the fact that unless we pull off a ridiculous run of form with some luck along the way, I can't really see this current injury ridden squad having a better season than a hungry, quality filled side with an energetic manager in tottenham.

People think finishing above spurs is a given. 10 years ago sure, 5 years ago sure. Not anymore though. For the past 2 years we have struggled to finish above them, and this season will be even harder than last.

The arrogance of some fans is ridiculous.

Tottenham are actually good, they're genuine top 4 material now. If we have this 'spurs are forever in our shadow' attitude we will finish 5th.

Nick.

1.) 29 Aug 2013
Nick - you are correct, we have no devine right to finish above Spurs.

What we do have is a team, manager and infastructure that continually produces results. Not league winning results, but top 4 results. that's not good enough in general, but for the purpose of this discussion is.

People are getting overexcited by Spurs purchases, as I mentioned earlier. They have filled there squad, but not necessarily strengthened their 1st team. Additionally, I wouldn't call any of their signings at this stage great. Potential yes, but how many of the players they signed would get a game at Manu, city or Chelsea? Or us for that matter? Are Capoue or Paulinho better than Wilshire/Rosicky/Arteta? not in my eyes for the system we play. Soldado or Giroud? Close but again I go for the Gooner. Lamela is a wild card, expensive at that, so who knows what he will be like.

Sure we have lacked signings, still time for that to be rectified. let's leave the knee jerking for Sept 3rd and then assess again hey.

Roll on Sunday - I see nothing but a Walcott inspired win.

2.) 29 Aug 2013
I agree- we should no underestimate the spurs this season.

That is not say in a head to head i.e. the match this sunday, we can't beat them- in fact I think we have a very good chance.

But it's the season overall.

ppl wonder why we seem to get so many injuries- there could be numerous reasons.

But I think one reason is because we rely on the same players too much and keep asking them to perform to pull us through games all the time- which takes its toll.

Some of those players are young (i.e. jack w, etc) and perhaps haven't had time to fully recover from their injuries- because we need them so much! And on it goes.

Unfortunately that's the lack of having (quality) depth at your disposal.

So it will only take a suspension and a couple more injuries, before our first 11, will simply lack quality.

So I totally agree we cannot take anything for granted at all and we must hold the club/wenger, whoever it is accountable- when money IS available to be in this position.

Unless. Well you know.

3.) 29 Aug 2013
Of course they are stronger than last year. Many on here would have aken Paulhino & Soldado at the start of the window.
I've got a feeling that as the season goes on Soldado will prove how good he really is