Winning the Europa League trophy with Son Heung-min wouldn`t settle the debate about Tottenham`s status; it would only fuel it. While lifting their first major trophy since 2008 might lead some to argue Spurs belong in the “Big Six” again, others might contend that the club, often seen as English football`s perennial underachievers, never truly left that conversation, but perhaps shouldn`t have been considered elite in the first place.
Tottenham`s victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals was a notable achievement, especially considering their poor domestic form this season. Their lackluster performance and loss to Nottingham Forest on Monday night starkly contrasted with their impressive European win just days earlier.
Their recent European campaign has been impressive, and there`s hope they can win the trophy next month. If they succeed, it would end a painful 17-year trophy drought.
Their last trophy, the 2008 League Cup win against Chelsea, feels increasingly distant and isn`t a strong basis for historical greatness, especially as it followed a similar win a decade prior. Tottenham, despite being North London`s oldest club, has never consistently won major honours.
Tottenham often aims for attractive football and has featured talented players like David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, and Paul Gascoigne. However, their reputation often outweighs their achievements; they are perhaps best described as “famous for being famous,” much like the reality TV personality Gemma Collins.
This raises the question: What criteria exactly places them among the so-called “Big Six”?
In today`s football landscape, where foreign investment can rapidly transform clubs, the very idea of a fixed elite group might be outdated.
There`s no single, universally accepted way to measure a football club`s status. It`s surprising that in an increasingly data-driven sport, no complex algorithm exists to precisely quantify this.
Potential metrics could include stadium capacity combined with trophies won, perhaps adjusted for the time between successes, or financial power, the number of international players, performance metrics, and league position.
Modern football is vastly different from the 1980s, when defining top clubs was simpler before significant financial disparities emerged. In that era, Tottenham, alongside clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Everton, were undoubtedly top-tier. Today, the landscape is much less distinct.
Questioning the Elite Status
While they boast a large, impressive stadium (making Stamford Bridge seem small), Chelsea is currently London`s most successful club.
Newcastle, backed by Saudi wealth, have already won the Carabao Cup this season, matching Tottenham`s trophy haul since 2008.
Aston Villa are re-emerging as a force after years in the doldrums. They competed well in the Champions League this season and are pushing to return.
Manchester City historically lagged behind Manchester United for many years. Yet now, despite potentially winning the FA Cup and qualifying for their 14th consecutive Champions League campaign, this season might feel underwhelming relative to their recent dominance. Backed by immense wealth from their owners, they have won four consecutive Premier League titles, even if their stadium isn`t the largest.
Fan Discontent and Trophy Drought
Although they`ve only finished outside the top six twice since 2010, this season finds them 16th, with every home match at their impressive new stadium clouded by fan dissatisfaction with the ownership.
They are on track to lose more league matches than they win this season.
Even if they win the Europa League, securing just three trophies in 26 years is not a record of significant success. Even recently relegated Leicester City have achieved more significant triumphs, winning the Premier League title and FA Cup within the last decade.
Determining which clubs are truly the “biggest and best” is incredibly complex. Perhaps a simpler approach is to identify who *doesn`t* belong in the elite group, making Tottenham`s position clearer given their recent performance and history.
