The race for Champions League places is heating up, and while Tottenham had a weekend off due to Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final commitments, their rivals faced crucial clashes that altered the complexion of the battle.
Manchester United, who are competing with Spurs for a top-four finish, hosted Fulham. Despite falling behind to Calvin Bassey’s goal in the second half, United managed a late equalizer through Harry Maguire, drawing 1-1. However, Alex Iwobi’s dramatic late goal secured a 2-1 victory for Fulham, ending United’s run of five consecutive wins.
Aston Villa, currently ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, faced Nottingham Forest. Despite storming into a 3-0 lead before halftime, Villa was pegged back by Forest’s goals from Moussa Niakhate and Morgan Gibbs-White. However, Leon Bailey secured a 4-2 win for Villa, maintaining their position in the race for the Champions League.
As a result of these outcomes, Tottenham remains in fifth place, three points above Manchester United but five points behind Aston Villa. With a game in hand, Spurs can’t overtake Villa immediately, but they aim to distance themselves from United, who had been in strong form before the weekend’s setback.
Tottenham’s title aspirations appear distant, and the focus now shifts to securing a top-four finish. Although there’s a possibility of dragging Arsenal or Liverpool into the battle, it seems unlikely.
Looking ahead, Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures include:
Crystal Palace (H) – March 2:
Facing a Crystal Palace side rejuvenated under manager Oliver Glasner, who secured a 2-0 win against Burnley, Spurs aim to bounce back. While Palace has improved, Tottenham will look to assert their dominance.
Aston Villa (A) – March 10:
A crucial clash as Tottenham heads to Villa Park, currently trailing Villa by five points. A win is essential to keep their top-four hopes alive, especially considering Villa’s dangerous attacking capabilities.
Fulham (A) – March 16:
Facing Fulham, who recently defeated Manchester United, Spurs acknowledge the threat posed by Marco Silva’s side. Despite Fulham’s mid-table standing, they have demonstrated their potential.
Luton Town (H) – March 30:
Meeting Luton Town after the international break, Spurs are expected to navigate this fixture with confidence. Luton’s resilience against top teams is noted, but Tottenham aims to secure three points.
West Ham (A) – April 2:
In a London derby against West Ham, who won their previous encounter this season, Spurs aim to capitalize on the Hammers’ recent struggles. West Ham’s slide opens an opportunity for Tottenham to secure a vital victory.
As the race intensifies, Tottenham’s focus is on navigating these fixtures successfully, aiming to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Liverpool next five fixtures:
Nottingham Forest (A) – March -2
Man City (H) – March 10
Everton (A) – March 17
Brighton (H) – March 31
Sheffield United (H) – April 3
Manchester City next five fixtures:
Bournemouth (A) – February 24
Manchester United (H) – March 3
Liverpool (A) – March 10
Brighton (A) – March 17
Arsenal (H) – March 31
Arsenal next five fixtures:
Newcastle United (H) – February 24
Sheffield United (A) – March 4
Brentford (H) – March 9
Chelsea (H) – March 16
Manchester City (A) – March 31
Aston Villa next five fixtures:
Luton Town (A) – March 2
Tottenham (H) – March 10
West Ham (A) – March 17
Wolves (H) – March 30
Manchester City (A) – April 3
Manchester United next five fixtures:
Manchester City (A) – March 3
Everton (H) – March 9
Sheffield United (H) – March 16
Brentford (A) – March 30
Chelsea (A) – April 3