Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs are vying for favouritism for the Premier League crown; the race to become Champions May 2014 seems to be a three horse race in everybody's eyes.
The race 4th, the final coveted Champions League spot also seems to be a three horse race, between Liverpool, and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Arsenal have finished in the top four in each of last 16 seasons, due to Arsene Wengers experience the bookies make them slight favourites ahead of their two rivals.
But here are 3 reasons why I think Spurs why young Portuguese manager Andre Villas Boas will capitulate Spurs into the top four again.
1.) A Quartet of Impressive Signings
Daniel Levy has spent nearly £60 million on four new signings, adding strength to an already impressive squad, which narrowly missed out on 4th spot by one point last season. Roberto Soldado is the marquee signing, the Spanish international scored 24 goals in 33 games for Valencia last season. The 28 year old has set himself a personal target of goals for this season: "My objective is to score more than 20 goals. With the help of my team-mates I can do it." said Soldado, speaking at the unveiling of Tottenham's new shirt sponsor. Another impressive buy is Confederations Cup winner, Brazil's Paulinho. The 25 year old 'box to box' midfielder has been brought in from Corinthians for £17 million. With an eye for goal Paulinho will look to form a good midfield partnership with fellow Brazilian Sandro, or another new signing Etienne Capoue. A £9.3 million buy from Toulouse he is a full French international, at 25 years old he has made over 173 appearances for the French club, scoring 13 goals. Belgian Nacer Chadli also comes to White Hart Lane, at a cost of £7 million from FC Twente, the winger will give Aaron Lennon competition for a starting wing berth.
2.) Arsenals Transfer Window Inactivity
Its mid-August and Tottenham North London rivals Arsenal have not brought in anyone of note to date. A deal for Liverpool Luis Suarez now seems unlikely as ever. Other targets Gonzalo Higuian and Luiz Gustavo chose Napoli and Wolfsburg over the Emirates. Even if Arsenal do make last-ditch moves this summer they will likely not be the big name signings the Gunners faithful want. With Tottenham only finishing one point behind them last season, they since have made four new signings, AVB has a side of more quality, and more strength in depth than Wengers team. Although other rivals Liverpool have made moves in the transfer windows, they haven't been of the same quality as Spur's four buys, and with no European football, Brendan Rodgers may not get the marquee signing that Liverpool fans are crying out for before the window closes.
3.) Keep or Sell Bale, a win-win situation
In Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur have one of the best players in the world at their disposal, a match-winner, a goal-scorer, an influential player, and at 24, he will only get better. But Real Madrid have come calling, and Bales future looks increasingly uncertain. Bales sale though could add nearly £100 million to the Spurs coffers, and that could be re-invested to add more quality to an already impressive team. Romas Erik Lamela is one of the names rumoured that Tottenham could make a move for; he would cost £30,000,000. At 21 years old, the Argentinian has the world at his feet, and he would be a quality replacement for Welshman Bale. And with money left over, perhaps left-back Fabio Coentraeo will be brought from Real Madrid as well.
Source: DSG
