Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed the club to challenge for the title this season, and insists rivals Arsenal will struggle to maintain their assault at the top of the league.
American keeper Friedel spent four years at Spurs at the end of his career, making 67 appearances for the North London side (Transfermarkt) before retiring in 2015.
After nine games, the Premier League table is beginning to take shape and we can tentatively start to assess the credentials of those competing at the top of the league.
Spurs are in the mix, and despite some poor performances, have only lost one game in the league this season and find themselves in third place in the table at present. North London rivals Arsenal, however, are top of the pile.
There may be a long way to go, and a major international tournament on the horizon, but Friedel reckons Spurs have got what it takes to contend for the title this season.
Speaking to OnlineCasino, Friedel said: “I think Spurs are in the discussion for the title, especially with this kind of season. I don’t know what is going to happen with teams’ form after the World Cup.
“All the top teams are going to miss players, and one or two players picking up injuries, or that are mentally tired, or wanting a break after the World Cup could change it.
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“This season is a bit of an anomaly: you don’t know what is going to transpire after the World Cup. With Conte in charge, with that front four and rotation that is one of the best strike forces in Europe, you always have a chance.
On those around Spurs at the top, Friedel said: “Arsenal looks very good right now, and Manchester City looks phenomenal. A team like Arsenal could struggle with this break, though, which could take this momentum from them.
“I don’t think it matters at all for Manchester City. [They] could put their 30th player out there. They are just awesome to watch, they really are. Adding Erling Haaland to that team is just really not fair to teams. Things can change, but we will see.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It’s been a strange season so far. Spurs have not looked great by any means, but to be third in the table and grinding out results while not playing well is a pretty good thing in a weird way.
Obviously, we would all rather see Spurs play nice football and comprehensively beat teams, but every successful team has to work hard for their points, and Antonio Conte’s men are doing just that.
If and when the performances do improve, it’s an exciting prospect, and we could just see a title challenge after all.
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