Source: Telegraph
Tottenham's start does guarantee success
However, as this table shows, making a flying start is no guarantee of sustained success.
In 2004 and 2006 Manchester City began the season in fine form only to tail away badly, while Ipswich were relegated in 1994 despite title-winning form in August.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp knows his side face a tough task maintaining their early season form, but insists his squad has both talent and strength in depth.
"It could be open this year," said Redknapp. "Man City will certainly be pushing to be a top four team, and there's no reason we can't push and be up there having a go at it.
“We've got good players. We only lost one home game last season since I went there (in October 2008) – to Everton – including all the cup games. We've won two away games already this year. If our home form stands up, we'll be right up there.
“If you have a bad start, you never seem to move from where you are in the table. We had a terrific run last year, but we were still stuck in the relegation zone after Christmas because of the start they'd had. Now the players must be looking at it wondering: 'Who knows what we can achieve?' I'm not saying we'll finish in the top four, but we have good quality and we'll give it a go.”
