Tottenham Hotspur forward Clint Dempsey has revealed that he and his teammates are finding play at White Hart Lane increasingly stressful as the Premier League run in intensifies.
Tottenham remain in fourth place in the Premier League but their lead over Arsenal, in fifth place, has been cut to just two points after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Everton and the USA international has felt the tension at White Hart Lane rising.
“That’s the way it’s kind of been the last few games at home,” Dempsey said to football betting news reporters. “It’s been tense. I don’t know if it has been affecting performances. It’s been noticeable in the last three home games,” he added, after Sunday’s draw followed last week’s home draw against FC Basel in the Europa League and the recent home defeat to Fulham.
Tottenham managed to clinch a top four finish last season but were denied Champions League qualification by Chelsea’s magnificent run in Europe and Dempsey is starting to feel the pressure as his side attempt to repeat that feat.
“There are a few teams right there in the fight for the Champions League, and it makes it more interesting for people to watch. It’s a little bit more stressful, but it’s a good stress,” he said. “Hopefully, we have enough character to get the job done,” he added.
Whilst Tottenham certainly have the playing ability to secure a top four spot, questions remain about their temperament and character.
Punters who bet on premier league games wonder if Spurs allow the weight of expectation at White Hart Lane to prevent them from playing the free-flowing football that their fans have become accustomed to then they may have to settle for Europa League qualification again next season. Spurs face Manchester City in their next home league game.
If they can pick up a win against the champions then they will be confident of securing a top four finish, anything less than a win could prove to be a fatal blow to their confidence.
