Sorry Tottenham Hotspur fans, a Chirpy in a pear tree isn’t one of them.
It has been a strange year for Tottenham Hotspur fans, where moments of real success seemingly around the corner gave way to Spurs falling disappointingly short. However, perspective is vital especially towards the end of a calendar year, and for the most part supporters should be full of optimism as they head into the last few months at the old White Hart Lane.
But if the Tottenham faithful could choose seven Christmas wishes to come true, here is what they might look like:
Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris celebrate
1. New contracts for Hugo and Toby
Daniel Levy and co have been especially productive when it comes to tying down their stars to extended, and deservedly improved, deals over the last few months. The two big ones that are missing at the time of writing are skipper Hugo Lloris and key centre back Toby Alderweireld. Securing the two Spurs players, who are arguably among the world’s best in their position, in the near future would make it a full house of signatures. And no release clauses under £50 million please.
2. Janssen to score from open play
The Dutchman has impressed many at White Hart Lane with his work rate and commitment this season, but however good he has been at finding the net from the spot (three penalties scored from three), Spurs need him to get some football under his belt in the New Year and to find the back of the net from open play. Only then will confidence begin to return for the striker.
3. Silverware this season
Tottenham Hotspur’s Gary Mabbutt raises the FA Cup in 1991
Tottenham are a club used to silverware, tending to pick up a trophy at least once a decade. The North Londoners have had a couple of finals since 2009, without coming away as champs. Mauricio Pochettino, himself yet to win a cup as manager, will be eager to keep this proud club run going, with a cup or championship win in every decade since the 1950s. The Europa League and FA Cup, last won in 1991, represent the best chance of that.
4. Top four – with Arsenal missing out
A title challenge will be more than welcome, but with Chelsea in relentless form in December, that may be a tough ask. A much more realistic expectation is to secure a second successive top four place, ensuring Champions League football once again. Doing it by finishing above Arsenal would be a nice way of doing it too.
5. A thumping win over Arsenal in last derby at WHL
Tottenham’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring against Arsenal
Speaking of the Woolwich outfit, this season will see the last North London derby at White Hart Lane. An impressive draw at the Emirates in November is of much less significance than ensuring Spurs don’t just avoid defeat against their rivals, but dispatch them with a confident win for one more time at the famous old stadium.
6. A striker with some pace
There is no denying that Harry Kane is the talisman of this Tottenham side, especially from an attacking perspective. Vincent Janssen possesses many of the England international’s qualities even if he is yet to demonstrate the goalscoring ability of his teammate. What neither player has is pace to mix up the attacking threat the team possesses. Spurs have been crying out for a natural centre forward who has blistering speed, January would be a great time to fix this.
7. A run of Wembley wins
Tottenham’s Danny Rose in action with CSKA Moscow’s Kirill Nababkin
The club and its supporters will have been relieved to end a difficult run of results at Wembley with a 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow, rounding off what was a disappointing Champions League adventure. The ‘Wembley curse’ may or may not be a reality, but with Spurs set to play all their home games there next season, a run of victories in the remaining home legs of the Europa League would certainly set the nerves at ease.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
