Hm, I'm not so sure. We've been around the 4th-6th places in the league for some years now and no one expected this season to be any different. As I said, I would have taken 2nd at the start of the season and I'll be more than happy with it now. Arsenal on the other hand are always talked up as title contenders and this would have been the one season they could/should have walked it. Instead they've snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The transfer window and next season will be just as interesting though, I'm fully expecting the 'big' clubs to spend silly money getting back to where they were and trying to get normal service resumed. I'm not so sure Leicester can have another season like this one, although I think they'd be top 6 or so. Us on the other hand, the usual hope of top 4 might be more of a 'we should' rather than a 'we hope to' if we keep the squad and the managerial genius that is Pochettino.
Was talking to my brother this morning (Spurs fan for last 52 years) - not sure how we ended up supporting two such 'opposed' teams tbh (CFC for me) but I digress...
His view is similar to mine in as much as that by mid-season it was pretty obvious that two of the latter day Big 4 were in trouble (CFC spectacularly so and MUFC kind of limping along). MCFC joined the 'dipped form' party post Xmas and my brother then thought Spurs would have a real chance of the title with (I 100% agree with you) a first class manager and a decent first 11 (squad is not so strong though) who are probably the fittest team in the PL this year.
He's pretty miserable at the mo' about it and whilst second is good, first is way better. He too sees this season as a golden opportunity that has been missed.
Obviously no one has a crystal ball for next season so it's all speculation but:
CFC/MCFC/MUFC will surely splash the cash with CFC needing major surgery, MCFC needing to deal with an aging squad (apart from a few obvious younger players) that is pretty much near its sell by date and MUFC trying to correct some poor returns on their hefty recent investments in the transfer market. New managers for two will probably provide some new impetus and maybe LVG will be replaced by JM - who knows. That would put the cat amongst the pigeons - not sure how JM would fare at MUFC as they have an attacking football philosophy whereas JM will churn out (usually) 1-nils ad-infinitum. Interesting!
Not sure what to make of Leicester tbh. They've done very well notwithstanding that the above three teams have been off the pace. A lot will depend on how many Thai Bhat get thrown into the transfer market and equally, how well they will cope with the pressure of being Champions and the involvement in the CL which obviously puts a lot of strain on a club - even those with decent squads, which Leicester don't currently have - although that too could change if enough money is spent.
I hoping for another interesting season as despite the woes of the team I support it has been good fun watching this season unfold - and a big hats off to Leicester despite us having to give them the guard of honour on the last day of the season!
