A bridge too far

After Thursday night’s disappointing Europa League exit, there seemed a certain inevitability to the outcome of a cup final only three days later, against the best team in the country, and arguably in the top 4 in Europe. As it turned out, while the result was predictable, and probably fair, the performance was considerably better than I had anticipated given events in Florence the other night.

Perhaps it was the sense of occasion that galvanised the team. Perhaps it was the memory of our victory on January 1st. Perhaps it was simply the encouragement of the 30,000 Spurs fans, who were magnificent throughout. Either way, we found an extra level in the first half, dominating midfield and creating space. We were unlucky to concede so late in the half – a goal that probably turned the balance of the match – but ultimately, as has been a theme in recent weeks, we paid the price for failing to capitalise on our period of dominance.

[linequote]Chelsea, much like Fiorentina, seemed to make the necessary adjustments at half time to reduce our time on the ball[/linequote]

For all our industry and energy, we didn’t really create any clear cut chances other than Eriksen’s bar-rattling free kick, and a couple of tame shots at Cech. Chelsea, much like Fiorentina, seemed to make the necessary adjustments at half time to reduce our time on the ball, and after Costa, somewhat fortuitously, doubled their lead early in the second half, there never really looked to be a way back for our tiring team.

That performances and results have declined in recent weeks is hardly surprising, given the limitations of our squad, and the commitment required from each player for every second they are on the pitch. The sidelining of Adebayor, Capoue, and Kaboul, the weak performances of Chiriches, Paulinho, and Soldado, and the loaning out of Lennon, have left us short in key areas, and this has been particularly exposed given the sheer volume of fixtures over the past 2 months.

In defence, we are reliant on three centre backs (Vertonghen, Dier, and Fazio). In central midfield, again, we are forced to rotate just three main players (Mason, Bentaleb, and Stambouli). We have five players to fill three places in behind the striker (Lamela, Eriksen, Dembele, Chadli, and Townsend). And up front, Kane is currently our only real option. Given this, it is little wonder that we appear to be burning out. There has been some criticism of Pochettino’s failure to alter the system in recent weeks to mitigate this, but given the limitations of the squad at his disposal, it is hard to point to an alternative tactical strategy that would realistically prove more successful.

[fullquote]In truth, we have probably overperformed to this point in the season, and as a result, now find ourselves stretched beyond our means[/fullquote]

It would be easy as fans to be pessimistic about the remainder of our season. With only the league to focus on now, we perhaps still have a shot at fourth place, but considering Liverpool’s incredible run of form, United’s ability to keep winning while playing appallingly, and Woolwich’s track record of finishing ahead of us regardless of how well we perform, we are certainly the underdogs.

Yet considering how far we have progressed since Sherwood’s departure, that should not be cause for concern. In truth, we have probably overperformed to this point in the season, and as a result, now find ourselves stretched beyond our means. But failing a major injury crisis or implosion of confidence, there is no reason to suspect we won’t finish the season strongly, even if we ultimately miss out on top four.

[linequote]Even though we might have fallen at the final hurdle here, and gone out of Europe on Thursday, but there is a real sense of belief and pride in the club again[/linequote]

And it would appear that many share my optimism. The atmosphere from our side of Wembley was superb – far better than anything the plastic chavs, who only started singing after they scored, could muster. And even after the game, as we made our way back down Wembley Way, the chorus of ‘Everywhere We Go’ continued unabated – a truly spine-tingling experience, especially considering the result.

Even though we might have fallen at the final hurdle here, and gone out of Europe on Thursday, but there is a real sense of belief and pride in the club again – belief that this is the beginning of something special. After all, if this is what we’ve been able to achieve with a limited squad, there is every reason to believe that, with the right additions to the squad in the summer, we might not be waiting too long for our next trip to Wembley…