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Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2 – Five thoughts from a Spurs fan

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter a tempestuous London derby at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, Leicester City have completed their fairytale and been crowned English champions.

A 2-2 draw between the Foxes’ closest rivals Tottenham and outgoing top dogs Chelsea was full of fight and vigour, but ended Spurs fans’ dreams of their team winning the top flight for the first time since 1961.

Although Claudio Ranieri’s men’s success will be shrouded with a feeling of disappointment from the White Hart Lane faithful, there is also reason for optimism for Spurs supporters.

Here are five thoughts from a Tottenham fan after the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Fighting spirit both a good and bad thing

There is no doubting that Spurs played right on the edge of the law in the game, with Mousa Dembélé, Kyle Walker and Érik Lamela all lucky to stay on the pitch after petulant and stupid acts of indiscipline.

Given that Dele Alli is already serving a ban after punching Claudio Yacob against West Brom, Mauricio Pochettino must instil more discipline in this young side for them ultimately to be successful.

However, on the flip side, the fact that Spurs were willing to fight against a team that has historically bullied them is a positive sign.

This will-to-win and hunger will stand a progressive Spurs side in good stead going forward.

Leads need to be closed out

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2There is no doubting that Spurs have shaken off the ‘flaky’ tag that has been aimed at them in recent campaigns, with a more steely collective attitude making the White Hart Lane much harder to beat.

However, the hard truth is that Pochettino’s side have failing to close out a number of games, which has ultimately cost them the league title.

Relinquishing a two-goal lead against Chelsea adds to the same thing happening against Stoke at home, while Spurs have also let advantages slip against Newcastle, Arsenal, West Brom and importantly Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

The best teams very rarely let the opposition back into the game after being in front – something Spurs will look to improve on as they develop.

The 26 year drought remains but a change in attitude apparent

Tottenham’s horrendous record at Stamford Bridge continues, with the North London outfit not recording an away win against Chelsea since 1990.

This was an excellent opportunity to end the hoodoo, but there is every sign that it will not stretch into the future for too much longer.

Interestingly, there appears to have been a change of attitude between Spurs and Chelsea, with more respect from the Blues towards their London rivals.

With the visitors rocking after losing their two-goal lead, Chelsea had a free-kick and dead-ball specialist Willian standing over it – but instead of the Brazilian shooting in an effort to win the game he played it into the corner to run down the clock.

Allow Guus Hiddink’s men were motivated to halt Spurs’ title hopes, there is no getting away from a simple fact that Chelsea celebrated a home draw with Tottenham last night – something that would never have happened in the recent past.

One point still needed

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2Most Spurs fans have an element of pessimism in them and for just reason – and I’m no different.

As such, the threat of losing the remaining two games and slipped down the table is still a horrible thought.

One more point should ensure that the North Londoners play Champions League football next season, with this more than manageable in games against Southampton and Newcastle.

Finishing second would be a real statement and be just rewards for a terrific campaign.

Real reason for optimism for Pochettino and his men

Silverware may well have eluded Spurs at the end of a campaign full of thrills and excitement, but the performances and results recorded this season should be a real cause for optimism for the club and its fans.

A top-four finish was always the major objective and is within a whisker of being achieved, while this young playing squad has evolved and improved markedly in 2015-16.

With the talented playing squad seemingly committed to the cause and the manager confirming likewise, a new stadium in the offing and ambition galore, it is a good time to be a Spurs fans.

The next objective? Putting an end to St Totteringham’s Day…

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