The main reason that Spurs finished sixth last season - and a persistent problem that has hindered them for several years - is an inability to beat the teams vying with them for a top four position. A startling statistic shows that, since the start of 2012, Spurs have played 25 games against the "Big Four" (the teams who finished in the top four last season), and lost 16 of those games. Moreover, in the 25 fixtures that make up that statistic, Spurs have conceded 69 goals - around a goal every half an hour - and they haven't kept a clean sheet against a "Big Four" team since a goalless draw against Chelsea in March 2012. Manchester City famously beat Spurs 11-1 on aggregate over two matches last season and this kind of form has to change if Spurs are to improve. Unfortunately, this season, they've played three of those sides, only achieved one point from the three games, scored just two goals and conceded eight - so it looks as though it's a trend that is going to continue and that doesn't bode well for their chances of finishing in the top four this season.
