It is no secret that Tottenham’s form could be a little better when it comes to playing league games the Sunday after a Europa League match. Although we have picked up a few good wins after Europa League fixtures, we have observed some crushing defeats.
Here is our record in the Premier League after Europa League games: (Bold= Win)
QPR- (H) 4-0
Liverpool- (H) 0-3
West Brom- (H) 0-1
Southampton- (H) 1-0
Newcastle- (H) 0-1
Stoke- (H) 1-2
Everton- (H) 2-1
Swansea- (A) 1-2
Won: 4
Drawn: 0
Lost: 4
Win Percentage: 50%
A 50% win percentage with no draws is okay, but we could do better, especially if you look at the fixtures that we have lost, West Brom, Stoke and Newcastle are the ones that stick out.
However, we certainly have the resources to turn this around, we have a very fit, and very deep squad. But these games after our two legs against Fiorentina are absolutely crucial to our season.
Firstly, next Sunday we face West Ham in an early kick-off. The Hammers will be getting to bite back after Eric Dier’s last minutes winner on the opening day of the season. Let’s not forget that they beat us 0-3 at White Hart Lane last season, and it was after a Europa League.
You must know what comes after the second leg in Italy. Yes, it’s the Capital One Cup final showdown at Wembley against Chelsea. A trophy in Mauricio Pochettino’s first season at the club would be phenomenal.
No, the Europa League shouldn’t really affect our push for a top four finish, but we need to stay focused right the way through until the final week if we are to give ourselves a chance of Champions League football next season.
