Eric looking to last season's run-in to inspire Champions League spot charge
Mon 13 March 2023, 19:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
As the 2022/23 Premier League season reaches the business end, Eric Dier believes we have to use the experience of last season to our advantage as we bid to secure a Champions League spot.
Our 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday got us back to winning ways after a run of three straight defeats in all competitions - a Harry Kane double was backed up by a second-half Heung-Min Son strike to strengthen our place in the top four.
And, with 11 games remaining, there is a sense of déjà vu if we think of this stage of last season where we found ourselves in a very similar predicament. What followed in 2021/22 was an inspired run of performances to amass 26 out of 33 points available (8W 2D 1L), ending with a six-game unbeaten run to clinch fourth spot and a return to the Champions League.
Speaking after the Forest win, Eric said: “We have to try to get on a roll. There are 11 games to go, and we’ve been here before – last season.
We have to try and give everything for these 11 games as a squad, as a club.
Despite FA Cup and Champions League exits earlier this month, we still occupy fourth spot in the league and our number 15 believes we can use those cup disappointment as extra incentive to secure a consecutive top-four finish.
With sole focus on the league, we have an opportunity to follow up our win over Forest and go on a similar run to last season with away trips to Southampton and Everton either side of an international break before home fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth.
“You know what the Premier League is like, there will be bumps along the way, but we have to try and give everything for these 11 games as a squad, as a Club," Eric added.
“Look, our Champions League exit was a huge disappointment, but at the same time, it’s motivation for us to push for that top four because those are the nights you want to be involved in.”
