My optimism is returning: the crowing cockerel subdues the Fox (3-0)

My optimism is returning: the crowing cockerel subdues the Fox (3-0)

Before the virus break, I was in the doldrums (with four key players out) everything looked grim for us. I expected United and West Ham to give us a hiding and it probably could have got even worse after that. Then the COVID-19 came to our rescue, like Roy Rogers on his trusted Trigger (no, not him from Only Fools and Horses… but a horse, nonetheless). Of course, it was a bumpy return (even though all our players were back from injury); we drew with United,  beat the Hammers, lost to Sheffield United, but then beat Everton and drew with relegation-threatened Bournemouth. What a mixed bag.

Then things clicked into place with the Gunners arriving on our turf (we beat them 2-1), and then we got an away victory over Newcastle (1-3). The next big game was against fourth-placed Leicester City, who were hoping for a Champions League place, and it would have done their hopes a power of good if they had come away from the Tottenham stadium with thee points in the bag.

The day started as it always does (under lockdown rules) with a cycle ride (two, one in the morning, second in the afternoon), some work (even on a Sunday) and then preparations for the game… which was basically switching on the computer (such hard planning goes into watching Spurs since the lockdown… I can tell you!). As I had previously said, Tottenham had given us free passes to watch the games on NowTV. The Newcastle game was only on Sky – I don't have Sky – so a friend got me a link, but this time (the Leicester game) I paid my £9.99.

No drink or food preparations, just me, myself and I, all glued together to my computer. However, I did have a couple of glasses of wine after the game, more on that later (oh, and a Pot Noodle… yes, I splashed out.. sometimes my extravagance can get the better of me!).

Anyway…

We boosted our chances of Europe-Thursday-night- League football next season. At the same time, we inflicted a massive blow on Leicester's Champions League ambitions with a superb performance.

As observers know, Brendan Rodgers' team have been in the Premier League's top four for much of the season. Still, this game, against us, was a devastating away downfall for them, which leaves the Foxes with a difficult task going into their final league game next Sunday against the unpredictable Manchester United (who lost to Chelsea on the same day, in the Semi-Final of the FA Cup).

James Justin's own goal from Son's strike and a couple from Harry sealed our victory following a brilliant first-half goal rush. To be fair on Leicester, they did have chances but could not find a way past an inspired Hugo Lloris, who made a string of superb saves to deny Jamie Vardy, Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray.

Mourinho's in-form side moved up to sixth in the table, two points clear of Wolves (who play Palace today and Chelsea in the last game of the season).

If you remember, we were 14th in the league and had won just three of our opening 12 league games this season, but Mourinho utilised his vast experience to turn things around, and turn around he did… with some style.

Our pathetic loss against Sheffield United left Jose questioning the mentality of his players, however, we have collected five wins and two draws from eight games. Getting European football for next season looked beyond us earlier in the campaign, a late-season rush means seventh could be enough for a Europa League spot, depending on the winners of the FA Cup.

We finished the first 45 minutes in style, our Nice-One-Son seeing his shot deflect in off James after wrong-footing Kasper Schmeichel. Harry Kane, who recently passed 200 career goals, left-footed a finish and then a brilliant second goal, which curled precisely into the far post past the reach of Schmeichel, killing the game dead.

Having gone 3-0 up by half-time, there seemed no way back for Leicester in the second period as we brilliantly saw out the game.

Mourinho speaking to Sky Sports said: "I think we were strategically good. We knew what worked for us. Brendan Rodgers did an amazing job since he arrived, but in this moment he is in a little bit of trouble with injuries. I know what it is because I had similar problems at the other end.” He went on and said, “Clearly, we are one of the teams with more points during this period than after the break. Now we have to fight to finish sixth. We have to win, and that is difficult and wait for something in our other opponents. Seventh is what we can achieve without dependence on the others. What we are doing and what we are improving is very important for next season."

Man of the Match: Harry Kane

The stats

We have won four consecutive Premier League games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time - it's our longest winning run at home since December 2018 (4).

Leicester City (D3 L5) have gone eight away Premier League games without a victory for the first time since February 2017 (a run of 15).

Leicester City have lost three consecutive away league games against us for the first time since December 1966.

Since Jose Mourinho's first game in charge, in November 2019, we have won 44 points; only Liverpool (59), Man City (50) and Man Utd (46) have picked up more in this period.

Harry Kane has now scored 16 goals in 14 games against Leicester in all competitions, more than he's scored against any other opponent in his career.

Lucas Moura assisted two goals in a single game for us for only the second time, also doing so against Rochdale in the FA Cup in February 2018.

We have benefited from more own goals (5) than any other team in the Premier League this season.

Leicester City conceded an own goal in consecutive away Premier League games for the first time since February 2004.

What next?

We end our season with a trip to Crystal Palace, this will be on Sunday (26^th) kicking off at 16:00. Wolves on that day will play Chelsea away.

After the game – and feeling exhilarated – I went downstairs for a glass a wine (yes, and the Pot Noodle); however, it wasn’t just to drink a toast to our victory, oh, no, but to two friends of mine (Rick & Beverley) who got married. I was supposed to have been with them, but unfortunately, the lockdown rules only allowed a small group to be part of their special day. Both are Tottenham supporters, and both go to home, away and games abroad. So I raised a glass to their health, their future together and friendship… and Tottenham, which was a beautiful gift for them both; our victory.

Best regards to all, Glenn

COYS!