End of Season Report: Tottenham

Gareth Bale had a phenomenal season

Yet more final day heartbreak for the Lilywhites, but plenty of encouraging signs for next season, says Dan Thomas...

Season Summary - 5th

After a slow start, caused in no small part by chairman Daniel Levy doing most of the club's transfer business right at the end of the window, the tabloid talk was of 'mutiny' and 'two games to save AVB's job'. But victory at Old Trafford - Tottenham's first since 1989 - helped to get supporters on side and, once the summer signings settled in to the side, Spurs began to look like an impressive outfit, driven on by Player of the Season Gareth Bale.

After contriving to lose two injury time goals to Everton in early December, thus turning three points into none, AVB's men went on a run of one defeat in 16 in all competitions. This included a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in early March that gave Spurs a seven-point advantage over their north London rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.

However, an incredible run by Arsene Wenger's men after this game, winning 26 points from an available 30, allied to Spurs dropping key points, meant Tottenham once again missed out on Champions League on the last day.

Talking Point

Tottenham sacked Harry Redknapp after 'only' coming fourth last season, so Andre Villas-Boas is a failure for coming fifth, right? Well not quite. The team achieved its highest ever points total in the Premier League era (72) with a squad that was significantly weakened by the departures of Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart, the retirement of Ledley King as well as injuries to key players Younes Kaboul and Sandro.

In many respects, Tottenham actually over achieved during the season, given that Levy left AVB with just two strikers for the entire campaign. Not to mention the 50m gap in the wage bill between Spurs and Arsenal.

Plus and Minus Points

Plenty of good signs for Spurs despite missing out on the top four. Bale has, of course, received all the accolades after a phenomenal season, but new boys Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Hugo Lloris have all come out with credit, while the often under appreciated Aaron Lennon has proved his worth.

But while the attacking midfield unit was firing on all cylinders, the same cannot be said of the two-man strikeforce. Emmanuel Adebayor only burst into life in the last few games, while Jermain Defoe reinforced the view that he is a finisher and not much more. Fresh faces up front are sorely needed.

What Next?

The first key job will be keeping hold of Bale and the early signs are encouraging, with reports suggesting he has agreed a new deal.

The next will be for Levy to support Villas-Boas in the transfer market - and do so early. With reinforcements up front and more cover for the wide players, Spurs will be well set for another tilt at the top four.