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Tottenham Hotspur’s 2016 in nine images: Joining the Premier League elite

Tottenham fans before the game (REUTERS)
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After missing out of their first ever Premier League title in 2016, Spurs fans will be hoping for another big season in 2017.

Going into the early stages of 2016, Tottenham Hotspur were playing arguably some of the best football in the Premier League, as Pochettino’s men picked up a sensational 6 wins from their 7 Premier League fixtures, including a 1-2 away win at Manchester City, thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane.

Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring the second goal for TottenhamChristian Eriksen celebrates after scoring the second goal for Tottenham

Tottenham were looking like pushing Leicester City all the way for the Premier League title, but in March Pochettino’s men dropped points at West Ham and Arsenal, losing 1-0 to the Hammers and drawing 2-2 with their arch-rivals, thanks to goals from Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane.

Harry Kane scores the second goal for TottenhamHarry Kane scores the second goal for Tottenham

With Spurs and Arsenal now neck and neck to finish behind Leicester, it would go into the final days of the season for Tottenham’s league finish to be decided. However, after a shocking 5-1 defeat on the final day of the season to Newcastle United, Spurs fell behind their rivals Arsenal to finish 3rd; a bitterly disappointing finish for many Spurs fans to take.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez and Tottenham manager Mauricio PochettinoNewcastle manager Rafael Benitez and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino look on

But on reflection there was much for Spurs fans to be happy about. After securing Champions League football for next season, Pochettino went on to strengthen his side by bringing in Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama, as well as Dutch forward Vincent Janssen and Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko waits to come on as a substituteTottenham’s new signing, Moussa Sissoko, waits to come on as a substitute

Tottenham’s 16/17 started much in the same vein of form as the earlier half of the year, as Pochettino’s men went the course of August and September unbeaten in the league, picking up wins against Crystal Palace, Stoke City, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, the latter thanks to two goals from Hueng-Min Son.

Tottenham's Son Heung-min celebrates scoring their first goalTottenham’s Son Heung-min celebrates scoring their first goal against Middlesbrough

Their Champions League form however was not so good, as Spurs lost their opening match against Monaco 1-2. Travelling to Moscow for their second game, Pochettino’s men picked up their first Champions League win thanks to a goal from Hueng-Min Son again, beating CSKA Moscow 0-1.

Tottenham's Son Heung-min scores their first goalTottenham’s Son Heung-min scores their first goal

After a 2-0 win against Manchester City at the beginning of October, Tottenham’s form took a drastic dip, as Spurs failed to win any of their next four Premier League games. They did however return to winning ways on the 19th of November, beating rivals West Ham United 3-2 thanks to goals from Harry Winks and Harry Kane.

Tottenham's Harry Winks celebrates scoring their first goalTottenham’s Harry Winks celebrates scoring their first goal

Despite the turn around against their London rivals, Spurs couldn’t improve their Champions League form, and after losing 2-1 once again to Monaco, Tottenham crashed out of the Champions League, much to the disappointment of their loyal fanbase.

Monaco's Kamil Glik in action with Tottenham's Son Heung-minMonaco’s Kamil Glik in action with Tottenham’s Son Heung-min

Despite dropping out of the Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur still look like one of the stronger sides in the Premier League, and after an impressive 5-0 victory against Swansea City, as well as a comprehensive 3-0 win against Hull City, Spurs could still be on course to challenge for the title in 2017.

Tottenham fans before the gameTottenham fans