Roy Keane has revealed why he believes Tottenham Hotspur’s top-four hopes took a boost at the weekend. Spurs snatched a last-minute victory over struggling Aston Villa, courtesy of a brace from Son-Heung Min, but it was in the dugout where Keane noticed a difference in the north London side.
After Manchester City received a two-year ban from European competition, a fifth-place Premier League finish is set to ensure qualification for the Champions League, which puts Spurs in prime position to extend their stay in the tournament to five consecutive seasons.
What did he say?
“I think the season starts now for these teams chasing the top four,” Keane revealed. “They [Tottenham] look as if they have a spring in their steps again. It was a huge result over the weekend. And even looking at Mourinho’s body language, he looks like he has got his spark back,” added the former Manchester United captain.
He continued to say: “For some reason, you score late in the game, it’s a huge momentum turner and of course with Chelsea coming up, Spurs look back in the zone.”
Can Mourinho re-invigorate Tottenham’s European quest?
In his initial press conference as the new Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mourinho outlined how he was now “humble”. Although, some media outlets warned the public not to fall for that, and insisted the former Chelsea boss may have been merely turning on the charm early doors. It appeared he was reverting to the character last seen during the third season of his Manchester United reign, after a public dig at Tanguy Ndombele’s fitness, which was eerily reminiscent of his treatment of Luke Shaw.
However, against Aston Villa, Keane’s comments indicate he believes he has observed a re-energised Mourinho who is ready to take the fight to the top-four again. Tottenham are just one point behind Chelsea in fourth, which would guarantee a place in next seasons Champions League.
The sides meet one another after their midweek European exploits in an encounter which could have a significant impact on the race to qualify for Uefa’s premier competition. Chelsea got the better of their former boss in the reverse fixture, but with his spark back, Mourinho will aim to ensure that does not happen again.
