If Son Heung-min were to lift the Europa League trophy for Tottenham, it would only ignite the debate about their status, not settle it.
Securing their first trophy since 2008 might lead some to declare Spurs` return to the Big Six elite, while others might argue English football`s perennial underachievers never truly left.
Meanwhile, a strong case could be made that they shouldn`t have been considered part of that group in the first place.
Tottenham`s success in overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals was commendable, especially considering their dismal domestic form this season.
Their uninspired performance and loss to Nottingham Forest on Monday night followed just four days after an impressive win in Germany.
Their European campaign has been promising recently, and there`s hope they can go on to win the trophy next month.
Winning would finally end their painful 17-year wait for silverware – a period so long it`s comparable to the walk from their stadium to Seven Sisters tube station.
Their League Cup victory against Chelsea in 2008 is a rapidly diminishing and weak basis for claiming historical significance.
This success occurred almost a decade after they had last won the same competition. Tottenham, often referred to as North London`s original major club, have historically not been consistent trophy winners.
Tottenham often aim for an attractive playing style and have featured skilled players like David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, and Paul Gascoigne. However, their reputation often seems to precede their actual achievements; they are, in essence, famous for being famous, akin to a personality like Gemma Collins.
This raises the question: what exactly is it that leads so many in the football world to include them in the `Big Six`?
Furthermore, in an era where significant foreign investment can rapidly transform a club`s fortunes, perhaps the entire concept of a fixed elite group should be re-evaluated.
There is no single universal standard for determining the `size` or status of a football club.
Given football`s increasing reliance on data and analysis, it`s somewhat surprising that no elaborate algorithm exists to definitively calculate club status with scientific precision.
Potential metrics could include stadium capacity multiplied by trophies won, divided by the time elapsed between trophy successes.
Or perhaps a formula involving financial reserves, the number of international players, the number of losses squared, all weighted against league position?
Modern football is vastly different from the 1980s, when assessing a club`s standing was simpler because financial power didn`t distort the picture as much. Things were less complicated then.
In that era, Tottenham, alongside clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Everton, were clearly among the top tier. This distinction is far less clear today.
Behind the Competition
While they possess a large, impressive stadium (making Stamford Bridge seem small in comparison), Chelsea has surpassed them to become London`s most successful club by a significant margin.
Newcastle now have significant financial backing, and winning the Carabao Cup this season means they have achieved the same trophy count as Tottenham since 2008. Aston Villa, meanwhile, appear to be reviving after many dormant years.
Villa provided entertaining performances in the Champions League this season and are strongly contending for a return spot.
For decades, Manchester City were overshadowed by their wealthier neighbours, Manchester United, with comedian Eddie Large being noted as their most famous supporter.
Despite their history, City`s season, even with a potential FA Cup win and 14th consecutive Champions League qualification, might be seen as a disappointment by their standards.
Backed by significant investment, they have won four consecutive Premier League titles. Their Etihad stadium, however, is not among the largest.
Resentment
Since 2010, Tottenham have only finished outside the top six on two occasions. Yet, currently sitting 16th, matches at their impressive new stadium are reportedly marred by fan resentment towards the club`s owners.
In the current season, they are set to lose more league matches than they win.
Even if Son lifts the Europa League trophy, securing just three cups in 26 years is not a substantial return. By contrast, Leicester, who faced relegation, have won more significant trophies – a Premier League title and an FA Cup – within the last ten years.
Determining which club is truly the biggest and best is a complex and confusing task.
Perhaps a simpler approach is to reverse the process: instead of trying to definitively identify who is in the `Big Six`, determine who *isn`t*. This makes the question regarding Tottenham much more straightforward.
MARESCA CAN`T WIN
Enzo Maresca faced criticism from some Chelsea fans for not participating in the post-match celebrations after their win at Fulham.
This was despite having just received a booking for excessively celebrating Pedro Neto`s winning goal shortly beforehand.
There seems to be a clear disconnect between the Chelsea fanbase and the somewhat reserved Italian manager.
His name is rarely chanted by supporters, and there`s a sense that he struggles to fully connect with them, regardless of his actions.
When Chelsea were losing at half-time on Sunday, Maresca had to walk past the away supporters at Craven Cottage and was subjected to strong verbal abuse from a vocal minority.
It`s understandable that he might not feel inclined to join post-match celebrations and acknowledge those who were heavily criticising him just 45 minutes prior. It highlights a situation where, even after securing a win, he faces opposition.
In contrast, at almost-relegated Ipswich, manager Kieran McKenna`s name received enthusiastic cheers when announced before their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal. This suggests a situation where, despite significant losses, he retains popular support.
ROCKET`S LAUNCHED
One of the most predictable outcomes of the week was Ronnie O’Sullivan`s dominant victory over his frequent opponent, Ali Carter, at the World Snooker Championship.
O`Sullivan, nicknamed `The Rocket`, arrived at the Crucible theatre seemingly out of form and adopting his usual underdog persona, even suggesting he`d be fortunate to pot a single red ball.
Following a decisive 10-4 win, including five consecutive frames, O`Sullivan is now in a strong position, or `in the balls` as the snooker saying goes, and has advanced to the last 16.
He is known for his unpredictable nature, often changing his mind about playing from day to day, yet he boasts an impressive seven world titles, the first dating back to 2001.
O’Sullivan will turn 50 in December, and there is strong speculation that he is on track to win his eighth world championship, which would surpass the record held by Stephen Hendry, another legendary figure on the snooker table.
ENI`S WRIGHT JIBE IS JUST WRONG
Effective broadcasters typically use their words with care.
Eni Aluko, however, arguably failed to do so with her unexpected criticism of Ian Wright, accusing him of `dominating` commentary and analysis in women`s football.
Aluko, a former Chelsea player, commented: “If there was equal opportunity for broadcasters and coaches in the women’s game, which isn`t currently the situation. I cannot dominate the men`s game.”
Yet, consider that the UK`s main football highlights programme, covering the world`s premier men`s league and watched by a huge audience, will be hosted by two women and one man from next season.
Is there something I am misunderstanding in this situation?
