Tottenham Hotspur’s electrifying start to the 2023/24 Premier League season has set the football world buzzing. After just eight games, they have surged to the top of the league, displacing their arch-rivals, Arsenal, who currently sit in second place. The secret to their early-season dominance? A goal-scoring spree that has outshone Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The driving force behind Spurs’ meteoric rise lies in the formidable partnership of midfield maestros Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, flanking the crafty James Maddison. Together, this trio has orchestrated Ange Postecoglou’s game plan, ensuring their team’s unrivaled performance.
Clouds on the Horizon: The Africa Cup of Nations Beckons
Yet, amidst this glorious start, a daunting challenge looms on the horizon in the form of the Africa Cup of Nations. Slated to commence on January 13, 2024, this tournament threatens to disrupt the Premier League landscape as players called up for international duty could be absent for as long as a month, with the final showdown set for February 11.
The expected participation of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma in this tournament implies their absence from Tottenham’s critical league fixture against Manchester United on January 13, regardless of their national team’s progression. Sarr’s Mali is set to lock horns with The Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea, while Bissouma’s Senegal faces off against Tunisia, South Africa, and Namibia.
Fixture Chaos: A Thorny Path for Tottenham
Tottenham’s fixture list in early 2024 could face a formidable upheaval due to the Africa Cup of Nations, impacting the team’s momentum. Apart from the clash with Manchester United, several crucial games may be missed. On January 30, they are scheduled to host Brentford, followed by a showdown at Goodison Park against Everton four days later. On February 10, they are set to lock horns with Brighton & Hove Albion on their home turf. The unpredictability extends to potential disruptions in the FA Cup if Tottenham advances to the fourth round.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s North London rivals, Arsenal, face their own challenges as holding midfielders Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey prepare to don the colors of Egypt and Ghana, respectively, during this period. This adds a layer of intrigue to the dynamics of the league.
Simultaneously, the Asian Cup, kicking off on January 12, 2024, and culminating on February 10, will place Spurs’ talismanic captain, Son Heung-min, on international duty, representing South Korea. The absence of key players in these vital fixtures promises to introduce intriguing twists and turns in the early 2024 Premier League race.
