Pundit Give Verdict On Spurs Having Big Advantage Over Rivals For The Top Four
Given that Aston Villa does not have to worry about playing in Europe, Stephen Warnock feels that Tottenham Hotspur has a significant edge over the Lilywhites in the competition for Champions League qualifying.
After Spurs defeated Brighton 2-1 at home on Saturday, the Villans lost 2-1 at Manchester United on Sunday, and Spurs moved up to fourth position.
With Man Utd presently behind Spurs by only six points, the outcome at Villa Park may put the Red Devils right back in the hunt for Champions League qualifying.
Tottenham would be keeping a watchful eye on the teams above them as they pursue Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, but if Erik Ten Hag’s team were to maintain their current winning streak, they may also be uncomfortably peering over their shoulder.
Although Warnock acknowledged that Villa still had the talent to reclaim fourth place, he claimed that the players from Tottenham and Manchester United seem much more rested after playing less minutes this season.
“I still think Villa’s squad are capable of qualifying for the Champions League, especially because fifth place may be enough if England secures an extra spot,” the former left-back for Villa said to BBC Sport.
“However, it seems that they are now vying with United and Tottenham for fourth and fifth place. My concern is that Villa’s extensive experience playing European games in the Europa Conference League may eventually catch up to them.
In the Premier League this season, Villa has used 27 players, which is around average and comparable to what United and Spurs have used. However, their outfield players have been rotated less and have played more minutes overall, the least amount in the Premier League.
With their players returning from injury or international service in recent weeks, United and Spurs seem to be strengthening even if they do not have European games to worry about in the final stretch.
“That hasn’t been the case for Villa, who had Boubacar Kamara substituted off against United due to a knee issue and have already lost important defender Ezri Konsa to injury this month.
“It all makes their task even harder, but they have put themselves in a great position, and I think they can continue with Emery’s expertise and guidance.”
In Our View
Since Emery took charge, Villa has shown incredible consistency, so they can’t be written out from the quest for the top four just yet. Even while they may not say it aloud, it is obvious that Postecoglou and the Tottenham players have their sights set on a far greater reward.
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