1) Tottenham have the squad depth to handle a European run
It was meant to be a run-out for players who wouldn’t get a sniff in the Premier League. Instead, it suggested Tottenham could get injuries – other than to Harry Kane – and survive comfortably.
Kieran Trippier, Clinton N’Jie, Tom Carroll… all outstanding. It made no sense. Mauricio Pochettino has taken a mediocre bunch of players and made them a frightening force. The ease at which they robbed possession, then set about picking apart their opponents, made for terrific viewing. Next question: can they back up these fine performances when it matters come spring?
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2) Liverpool need to forget Sturridge, and get fit strikers firing
It’s inevitable: Daniel Sturridge will return over the festive period, Liverpool fans will get excited, then he’ll get injured… again.
Ahead of the Sion encounter, it was the central theme: when will he return? But it’s a topic that must be forgotten. Liverpool can’t rely on Sturridge any more, not how they once did anyway. If he’s fit, great. But that should be a bonus. They have to find an alternative source of goals – particularly as Christian Benteke struggles with his own fitness woes. Jurgen Klopp has to delve into the January transfer window if he fancies challenging on European and domestic fronts this season. The signs are promising – you don’t win at Stamford Bridge and the Etihad without a solid setup – but if they can’t add firepower, then their aspirations will be derailed by a swarm of draws. The stalemate in Sion was a warning…
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3) Manchester United could very well suffer a double European embarrassment
United were unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday and will now have to suffer the apparent ignominy of competing in the Europe League. The issue is, though, United are going to struggle to compete. As unpalatable as it may sound to some, they are that bad – or, more accurately, are playing that badly.
Somehow the bookies have United fourth favourites behind Dortmund, Napoli and Liverpool. However, in truth, Sevilla, Porto, Athletic Bilbao, Bayer Leverkusen and probably even Tottenham all look better bets to claim Europe’s secondary competition.
Read the full article on eurosport.co.uk: 5 Truths: Spurs are a frightening force, Liverpool need to forget Sturridge
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