Pochettino staring into the pits of hell
Spurs News 24/7The fixture list for the 2014/15 season has been published and it would appear Tottenham Hotspur have to play competitive games against other clubs, both home and away, randomly calculated to make sure local teams are not playing in the same city on the same day. Hedonistic.
The fixture list is the first genuine indication that 'next season' is gradually creeping towards us again as we ready ourselves for more emotional upheaval.
Let's be honest, it hardly matters who we play and when. It makes no real difference looking at it now, on paper or screen. None of it is truly relevant aside from perhaps noting down the all important North London derby dates which this season will be early doors away at the Emirates towards the end of September and then again in early February at the Lane.
The other obvious fixture is the opening game, where it all kicks off.
West Ham United away is the Premier League computer's choice, displaying a wonderful sense of humour as it appears to want to force the East London side and their merchandising department to modify their 'treble winning' t-shirt celebrating their dominance over Spurs last season with a newly revised quadruple version.
From my perspective, it's the perfect start, a chance of redemption and instant bragging rights and gratification for new boss Mauricio Pochettino, who will be staring into the pits of hell with a visit to Upton Park.
The rest of the list only comes into play once we're two or so months into the season. When form and momentum makes it all that bit more relevant. Then clusters of games might be worth a scratch of the chin, say for example, the month of February where we play Arsenal and then Liverpool away. Or if you wish to worry yourself at an early juncture, there's always Arsenal away, Southampton at home and then Manchester City away - all games early doors, September into October. Pochettino up against Ronald Koeman will be tasty for the narrative.
But that is about it. There are no obvious manic clusters of games that make my mouth drop in panic. We've had a few nightmare looking runs of fixtures in past seasons but whether we do or not is only really important if we're heading into games with little confidence.
The only key highlights in conclusion then is that we play West Ham away first game, with the first real test against Liverpool at home and then we've got both Arsenal and City away - all in the opening eight games.
Obviously, ignore all the 3pm kick-offs and thank the Europa League for that.
That's it. Let's try not to lose again to West Ham as we'll find ourselves three points behind them after a single game. Which no doubt will be printed onto another new t-shirt.
Onwards with the World Cup, one I'm enjoying, although I am a little disappointed with both England's result against Italy and Brazil's dysfunction for free flowing flair. The wait for Pochettino's first Spurs signing and the rebirth of our hope and ambition continues. Any moment now...
via Club Metro
