In our latest chat with the opposition we did not have to go far as resident Tottenham Hotspur fan Kevin DeVries was more than ready to take on our line of questioning ahead of the short trip to South London.
Q. How has the season been for Spurs so far?
It’s gone very well indeed. We currently sit second, just four points off Chelsea. The stats back it up as we have the best defence (22 goals allowed) and the best goal difference (+46) as well as the second best attack (68 goals scored). We have seen huge steps forward from Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min that has made our attack more balanced, fluid, and more lethal than at any point in recent memory. Mauricio Pochettino has continued to develop as well, utilising more formations this season than in his previous two seasons combined. This flexibility has allowed us to adapt and largely contain the primary threat from any opponent.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on the game at White Hart Lane earlier in the season where Spurs took all three points in a narrow win?
Looking at the starting line up from that match is so surreal. Vincent Janssen and Erik Lamela both started, we played two defensive midfielders, Hugo Lloris missed out, and even Tommy Carroll made an appearance. It was a very tight match and despite having the better chances, it certainly felt as though it would end as a draw. Fortunately for us, Victor Wanyama scored a goal, something he’s only managed once since, and it ended up being the winner.
Q. How do you feel the club did in the January transfer window and were all needs addressed?
We had a very quiet, verging on silent, January with the sale of Tommy Carroll as our only move. Pochettino often mentions how hard it is to add to our team as we are very good on the pitch, but also with how close the squad are off it. In a vacuum it may have been wise to bring in another forward or a pacy winger, but we have the best record in 2017 so it’s hard to complain.
Q. Is the title race back on?
Technically, yes. It’s hard to see where Chelsea will drop points and we have plenty of challenging fixtures still left on our schedule. If the gap comes down to three or even two points, where one result could see us go top? Well, that’s when things would get very interesting.
Q. Did the injury lay off for Harry Kane hinder the chances of Spurs challenging Chelsea for the title sooner or was there another reason?
His absence in October certainly had a major impact on our season as we drew or lost five of seven matches in all competitions including both matches against Bayer Leverkusen which knocked us out of the Champions League. As for the Premier League, that run of draws against West Bromwich Albion, Bournemouth, and Leicester City as well as the loss to Liverpool are definitely the black marks on our season.
Q. Having been competitive at the right end of the table for two seasons in succession now, what additions to the side do you think could take you that next step closer to being title winners?
As mentioned earlier, it is very difficult to improve on our team in a meaningful way. Obviously Janssen’s struggles hurt us in Kane’s absence so it’s possible we could look for a backup further along in their development. A change of pace winger is probably the most obvious need as our gambles on Clinton N’Jie and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou have both seemingly failed. Frankly, the way we can close the gap the best is the continued growth of our young stars like Kane, Dele, Son, Dier, et al.
Q. If you had the power to make one change to the game of football, what would it be and why?
MULTIBALL! No, seriously though, video refereeing. As the host of a show I can’t tell you how many weeks we’ve been forced to discuss whatever the latest egregious call has been. Institute video referees, give the linesman a watch that buzzes when players are offside and call it a day.
Q. What is your view on Palace both as a club and how the season has panned out so far?
I’ve had a soft spot for Palace since your most recent arrival in the Premier League. The atmosphere that first season was so electric, and daunting to opponents that many a neutral started quietly hoping you’d find success. As for this season? It has to be viewed as a disappointment. This is probably the most talented team you’ve had since coming up, yet you’ll likely finish lower in the table than the last two years? Something’s not right there. The wins against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool are huge gets mind, and should, for all intents and purposes, keep you safe.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about.
Kane has scored in our last two visits to Selhurst and will be highly motivated as he tries to run down Lukaku who currently leads the Golden Boot race. Your defence has been much better with the addition of Mamadou Sakho but the injury to James Tomkins should shake things up at the back which you probably wouldn’t want to do before this match.
Allardyce has made some comments about rotation, but Wilfried Zaha is a terrifying prospect at the moment. Have very little time for the “playing for a transfer” take that’s doing the rounds. This is just a classic case of strength versus weakness as one of your best players faces one of our worst in Ben Davies.
Q. Your prediction ahead of the game at Selhurst?
I think it will be a fairly cagey affair once again with both sides in very good form but I have to give it to Tottenham don’t I? Palace 1-2 Tottenham.
Q. Thanks for your time talking to your colleagues at TEB. Feel free to share any projects you are currently working on.
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