Sunday sees the final game of the 2011/12 season, and Spurs close proceedings at home to Martin Jols' Fulham. There is unfinished business all over the Premiership, the title isn't decided, 3rd, 4th and 5th isn't decided and the still issues to be sorted out regarding relegation. Off course when the clock hits three the only battle that we will care about is the one for 3rd and 4th. Arsenal play WBA away, a tricky game, and one that Roy Hodgson, in his final match in charge before taking over the England team will not want to lose. Safe to say, this weekend will define the season that Spurs have had.
All we can do is win, and even if we do we are not guaranteed 3rd. If Arsenal win there is no way we can over take them. There is no doubt that at the beginning of the season most fans would have accepted a 4th place finish, and would have been delighted with it. But having been so far ahead in 3rd is 4th really a good finish? The other side of the coin is, given how quickly we were falling, should we be delighted with a top four finish, as it could be far worse? If you asked me when we were twelve points ahead of Arsenal I would have been disappointed with a 4th place finish, but now I would be very pleased with it, and sensibly speaking it would represent a very successful season. Will WBA do us a favour? Possibly is the answer to that one, I wouldn't like to predict. WBA are a good side, with a good manager and it certainly will be an occasion, but Arsenal have a horrible habit of winning when they have to. All we can do is hope WBA and Roy do us a massive favour. Should we finish 4th, I have faith in Bayern Munich, but that's a different story.
Martin Jol is returning to White Hart Lane for the first time since he was dismissed at half time against Gatefe. He has stated in the press this week that he still has love for the fans and for the club, something that is great to hear; part of me still thinks he will return to his rightful place as Spurs boss one day. I'm sure the fans will show Martin how much we appreciated him, but the players must not get caught up in the occasion. It is important that they do the job, and do it well, otherwise we could be stuck in another "lasagne-gate" situation. Jol would not want us to finish outside the top four, although he will not want to lose, and will not set up to lose in any way, he would be gutted if we didn't finish in the top four. Forget listen to what the press say about him wanting revenge, the man is Spurs through and through. I wouldn't expect him to bring out a "I'm glad we lost to them" speech (presuming we win of course) like Houlier did when he lost to Liverpool last season as Jol has more class than that, but as Fulham are secured in having a decent position, I'm sure he will be there to enjoy being reunited with the Spurs faithful. As long as he doesn't enjoy it too much and we take the three points.
Whatever happens this Sunday Match of the Day will be one not to miss. Hopefully this time tomorrow I will be writing about Spurs getting into the Champions League, or at least nearly there and relying on Bayern Munich.
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