A softness in defence has long been a problem for
Tottenham Hotspur, but a newfound edge at the back
now has punters looking at Spurs as serious title
contenders this season.
No Surprises to See Mourinho Impact
Those who have followed the managerial career of
Jose Mourinho will not be surprised by the transformation
seen in the Spurs defence this term. Mourinho's predecessor
Mauricio Pochettino was seen as a hard act to follow,
but Mourinho has been reminding everyone why he is
one of the best in the business.
Punters who like to consider the 'both teams not
to score' or the 'to win to nil' markets, will have
been keeping tabs on Spurs as they have settled into
their rhythm in the Premier League this season. Tottenham
conceded just nine goals in their first 11 games of
the league campaign, while reigning English champions
Liverpool conceded 17 after as many matches.
Spurs were able to shut out the likes of West Brom,
Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in four consecutive
league games. It has put the north London outfit right
in the mix for the Premier League title, for which
they are 5/1
with bet365 in the football betting.
Stars Buy into Mourinho Approach
It's clear to see the Tottenham players have bought
into the way Mourinho has looked to play, with every
man expected to do their defensive duties.
After a 2-0
victory in the north London derby against Arsenal,
attackers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were both rightly
praised for their goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, it was Mourinho who was quick to praise the
defensive efforts from both players in the match,
such is the value the manager places on the unseen
work of his star players. It's this work ethic that
has paid dividends and is why punters will see the
value in keeping an eye on the prices for both teams
not to score and Spurs to win games to nil this season.
Lloris Provides Solid Foundation
French World Cup winner Hugo Lloris has again been
showing why he is one of the best in the Premier League
with his efforts this season. The 33-year-old is one
of the most senior players at the club, having joined
Spurs all the way back in 2012 from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
While Lloris has had to deal with injury problems
in the past, it now appears he has put those behind
him and is thriving between the sticks this term.
The signing of England goalkeeper Joe Hart may well
have had an impact on Lloris and his displays for
the Lilywhites this term. While Hart has not featured
in the Premier League, a keeper of his quality in
the squad can only create more competition for places.
Lloris knows he can't afford to get comfortable and
Mourinho will be delighted to see standards increased
by competition for starting roles.
Of course, there have been false dawns for Spurs
in the past, with the side seen as potential dark
horses over a number of seasons. However, with Mourinho
firmly settled into the club, there do appear to be
signs that this really could be the season punters
who back Spurs can reap the rewards.
