Ahead of the London Derby, we spoke to Alex Neil of Tottenham Hotspur fan site spurs-web.com to get his perspective for tonight’s huge clash between the two clubs who are aiming for a top-four spot.
We ask him his thoughts on Mourinho, which players we need to be wary of, and the situation of Gareth Bale and Dele Alli at the club.
1. What are your thoughts on your season so far?
It has been a complete rollercoaster for us. It started with the disappointing home defeat against Everton and then we started to click into gear with Son and Kane tearing the likes of Southampton and Manchester United apart. We did experience life at the top of the table a couple of months ago when we were playing some good football, however, the wheels have certainly come off since then.
A London derby against Chelsea is always a huge match, but this match certainly means more given the poor run of form we are on.
2. Are you happy with Mourinho?
He’s certainly Marmite. Happy would be going too far. Yes, we are in the final of the Carabao Cup but that would only paper over the cracks of the discontent that appears to be going on in the dressing room.
Dele Alli is no longer the player he was, while Serge Aurier decided to drive home at half time against Liverpool. Time will tell if it has been worth it.
3. Who has been your danger man this season? Which player do we need to be wary of?
While Harry Kane and Heung-min Son have been receiving all of the plaudits, the remarkable turnaround in form of Tanguy Ndombele has been astonishing to witness. He has become a pivotal part of his midfield this season when he could hardly run ten yards during the last campaign.
He gave your midfield the runaround at Stamford Bridge and I’m expecting a big performance from him.
4. And who do you fear – if anyone – in the Chelsea side?
It used to be Eden Hazard, but he’s too busy eating Mars bars in the physio room in Madrid. I really rate Timo Werner after watching what he did against us with Leipzig and expect him to come good. Hopefully it isn’t against us.
5. Gareth Bale and Dele Alli – what’s going on there?
Bale looks a shadow of his former self. Mourinho gave him an opportunity to impress at Brighton and he was one of the worst players on the pitch. He looks as if he does not want to push his body and risk another injury – maybe we should try putting a Welsh jersey on him and we’ll see a different player.
The Dele situation has frustrated many fans, especially with how we are desperate for creativity in the final third. Mourinho revealed he has had a heart to heart with the midfielder and they’ve found common ground; I really want to see him kick on and rediscover the old Dele, if Jose hasn’t ruined his confidence past breaking point.
6. Where do you think both sides will finish in the league this season?
Spurs will finish fourth with your lot having to settle for a campaign of Thursday night football once again.
7. And finally, a score prediction?
1-1, a very tense game with both sides looking to catch each other on the break.
