Mauricio Pochettino and sustainability
I wrote plenty about the manner of Spurs' victory in 16 Conclusions, but it is important to note that this was a game won in the planning and detail, rather than by fluke or generated by the emotional melee of an intense derby atmosphere. Whilst Arsenal looked tired during the second half (having played 33 matches this season), Spurs seemed fresh. This was their 40th game of the campaign.
It is a hallmark of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure at White Hart Lane. Spurs have won 12 points in the last five minutes of matches, twice as many as any other side. 28% of their points gained in 6% of the match - it's an eye-opening statistic.
"We had a great pre-season," Harry Kane said when asked of the reason for such a record. "As the season has gone on we've got fitter and fitter. We've got better and I think that showed again. We looked stronger and I think we can keep that going for as long as possible. I feel fitter. I feel the fittest I've ever felt."
In late July, Christian Eriksen also remarked on the commitment demanded from Pochettino. "It's been a hard pre-season," he said. "We've been getting closer to where we want to be when the season starts. It is pretty hard. The first few weeks there were times when we went to bed pretty early. There have been double sessions two times a week when we were training at 10 o' clock and then again at 4, so it's a long day. Mentally as well it's pretty hard but it's fun to play football, so it's alright." The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and nothing tastes sweeter than derby victory.
There is also a sustainability to this improvement under Pochettino. Tim Sherwood must be credited with the development of Nabil Bentaleb, but the relative youth of this Spurs squad allows the glass ceiling to be smashed. Eight of the starting XI against Arsenal were aged 24 or under. This team had the youngest average age of any Premier League team this season, and it gave one of the most complete performances.
"This is our philosophy," Pochettino said of his trusting in youth. "It was our philosophy at Espanyol, Southampton and now here. Why not? If you have players with potential for first team, why not? This is our identity. We have to give these players opportunities to show their value. Maybe we are brave." Stirring stuff.
This is Tottenham, so there will be always those wary of one step forward and two more back. Many supporters are focused only on a top-four place, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture. Football isn't just about the Champions League, it's about fans feeling that a plan is in place, that proaction is being preferred to reaction. It's about knowing foundations are being laid, rather than fancy houses built on sand.
Whatever happens this season, it feels like Spurs supporters are finally falling back in love with their club again. Pochettino deserves immense credit for effecting that transformation in such a brief time period.