Tottenham Should Embrace Surprising Status as Premier League Villains

Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea handed Leicester City their unlikely Premier League title, but much of the post-match commentary has concerned the nature of the London derby. 

Spurs collected a Premier League record nine yellow cards for their part in the eventful fixture and have subsequently been labelled the chief villains. 

Fans and media alike have coalesced around the idea that Mauricio Pochettino’s team are the Premier League’s new bullies. 

With Dele Alli already suspended for his pugilistic antics against West Brom, Pochettino’s team fought with a commitment rarely exceeded by their predecessors in lilywhite. 

Tottenham have been the victims of a scarcely believable series of misfortunes over the last decade. 

Martin Jol’s side infamously missed out on the final day in 2006 when food poisoning did them in. 

Harry Redknapp’s side, after deservedly claiming a Champions League debut in 2010 were squeezed out by Manchester City’s undeterred benefactors. 

The Abu Dhabi Group ploughed £143 million into the playing squad after missing fourth to Spurs. 

Two years later, Chelsea’s implausible triumph in Munich blocked Tottenham’s progress.  

Andre Villas-Boas took Redknapp’s place and, collected a club record 72 points in his debut campaign.  

In seven of the last 10 Premier League seasons, AVB’s haul Champions League football. 2013 was one of the exceptions. 

This season, Spurs have the most prolific attack and meanest defence. Only once since the advent of the Premier League had a side that tops both lists failed to win the …

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