Tottenham are going to have to make a much better job of West Bromwich Albion than they did of Swansea when the two go head to head tonight.
The defeats of both Manchester sides over the weekend presented Spurs with the ideal opportunity to close the gap on the league leaders at the Liberty Stadium, but in conceding a late equaliser, those looking at betting offers note how they were unable to grasp it.
Of course, West Brom will not be an easy side to beat. They got the equation just right against Manchester City just a couple of weeks ago and took a well-earned point off them. Whether they can do the same against Harry Redknapp’s men remains to be seen.
But this is certainly another great chance to close that gap. A win will take Spurs to within three points with Manchester United, and if City fail to win their game against Liverpool, the top of the table could, unbelievably, be within touching distance.
An early goal is just what Tottenham could do with – it will be something to build on. Their goal difference is comparatively meagre alongside the two Manchester clubs, so why not get the dice rolling with a big win under the lights at White Hart Lane on a Tuesday night? It is time to re-create that magical Champions’ League atmosphere.
The next few Premier League games present a tricky challenge for Spurs in fact. After the West Brom game, they take on a resurgent Everton side who climbed back into the top half of the table at the weekend.
With the addition of Landon Donovan to their ranks, and potentially Jordan Rhodes according to many transfer betting pundits, they could be primed for a big second half to the season.
Then it is Wolves. A must win game for Spurs, but one that will be no dead-cert. Mick McCarthy’s men have been no whipping-boys this season, and in Stephen Fletcher they have a proven goalscorer who will carry a huge threat.
And finally, the biggy. A trip to Manchester City. Having been hammered 5-1 by them earlier in the season, this will be no easy task, especially considering they did not lose at home once during the year 2011.
It all means there is so much riding on this West Brom game for Spurs tonight. Win, and the race is still on. Lose, and their chances could suddenly begin to slip away.
