Football is a funny old game and the saying is true when they say a lot can happen in five years – especially where Tottenham Hotspur are concerned.
Looking back on how your side were faring five years ago can either be a jubilant or daunting exercise, as you will naturally want to compare and contrast the fortunes of both time periods. For Tottenham Hotspur fans, 2011 was an interesting year as they were coming off the back of a successful run to the Champions League quarter-finals under former manager Harry Redknapp. The upcoming 2011/12 season, however, would prove to be Redknapp’s last.
On this day five years ago Spurs were in the midst of an 11-game unbeaten run in the league that would momentarily see them jump up to 3rd in the table as they attempted to get back into the Champions League. In the end they accomplished the goal of finishing in the top four, but unfortunately due to Chelsea winning the competition they had to settle for the Europa League.
It was seen as an unfair treatment in a season that also saw them reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup only to be smashed 5-1 by the Blues at Wembley. The positive energy from the seasons prior had faded slightly due to the misfortune of just missing out on glory.
Now, five years on, they have a new and younger manager in the form of Mauricio Pochettino. If you offered Spurs fans the chance to go back to that time they would more than likely be tempted, but with the squad they have in the present day the future is brighter than it ever has been before.
They are back in the Champions League and everything just feels a bit more stable around White Hart Lane, as the club are looking to become a more regular fixture in Europe’s greatest club competition as opposed to a one hit wonder.
The potential of a push for the title is also more likely in the present day, with last season being the closest they have got to lifting the Premier League since it’s inception. The days of Redknapp were certainly fruitful, but under Pochettino things look even greater.
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