Premier League winners and losers: Arsenal and United play game of the season
By Ty Finch
Loser: Tottenham
Watford kept Tottenham winless in their last four matches on Saturday with a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road. The tie essentially takes Spurs out of the title race with Manchester City and United winning their respective matches over the weekend.
Mauricio Pochettino has over-achieved with this Tottenham side since his hiring in 2014, even without a trophy to his name. Spurs have been an above average side for a long time, often coming close to Champions League spots and winning trophies, and Pochettino has taken them a step above that since his appointment.
Now I’ve gotten the appropriate amount of praise out of the way, it’s time to throw some appropriate shade. Tottenham have lost two and drawn two in their last four matches. Those failures have come against Arsenal, West Brom, Leicester and Watford. Not exactly world-beaters. After beating Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League in November, Spurs have hit a tailspin that would make a 1980s Toyota Camry with worn out tires in December proud.
Watford are a good side, and Marco Silva has taken them to new heights this season. That doesn’t excuse Tottenham for not beating them, or this disastrous slide they’ve been on. Part of the blame for this game can be laid on Davinson Sanchez, who picked up a red card after throwing his elbow into Richarlison’s face. The incident may have been accidental, but it was still a huge blow to a team reeling in the Premier League.
Tottenham are still very much in the top four race, but they need to get back to winning ways soon if they want to stay there.