Time For A Fresh Change?

So we've entered 2012 as London's top club. For the first time in a long time, a very long time, we are the side that Chelsea and Arsenal are looking to catch. We're the one's being chased. The top two Manchester Clubs are, at this moment, just out of arms reach; hopefully we can keep stretching. Will we catch them? It'll be an interesting season.

Even the most optimistic of you would've struggled to envisage us sitting 3 points clear in third and 6 points off of the Holy Grail of top spot in the Premier League with a game in hand after the first two games of the season. In fact, according to @OptaJoe, (Part of the OptaSports team) Spurs had more points this season after 17 league games than the league leaders (37) had at the same stage in 2010/2011.

On reflection, a point away at Swansea was what was deserved. We weren't as sharp as we'd been in recent weeks and, I know I estimate I'm probably the seven millionth person to say this, but Swansea have been incredibly solid at home and play some wonderful stuff. It was like watching Spurs v Spurs in a way. Either half the squad pigged out on Christmas day left overs prior to the trip to Wales or they were just running tired- much like myself after 10 minutes on a treadmill. After a busy Christmas period and West Brom to face tomorrow, freshening up the squad should be an option.

@WindyCoys made a god point of shifting Kaboul to RB, with Daws and King coming in at CB and possibly playing Rose at LB. I'd also stick Lennon back on the right, Sandro and Modric in CM and Niko out left. Defoe and Ade up front for me. Assuming that such players are all fit that is. This isn't underestimating West Brom. This is exploiting our squad size and saving the players from potential injury and fatigue. We have an incredibly hard run of fixtures from the end of January through to March that could shape our season and have a big impetus on where we finish.

I'll go Spurs 2-0 West Brom.

So January's upon us, what about Podolski?

I love and hate the January window. The excitement of bringing in the next best thing all month usually ends up resulting in someone not quite there. Ahem, Rasiak. I also paused to think back at how he ever ended up in a Spurs shirt. Bloody 'ell. I don't think we've ever seen a season go by when we haven't been on the hunt for a forward. Whether it was one to lead the line, or one for depth, we seem indefinitely on the search for a goal-scorer. I'm not complaining, just making the point, I think.

I often pay little attention to transfer rumours, unless if they appear to gather pace or originated from a credible source; yes the definition of credible remains a little hazy. ESPN today reported that Podolski had fallen out with current Cologne director Volke Finke. Cologne are now, reportedly, willing to consider selling Podolski for around £12.5m despite the form the forward is currently in having score 14 goals in 16 league appearances this season. The same report is also crediting Arsenal with an interest in the forward which seems to make logical sense with themselves being light in numbers up front.

The expected departure of Pav does leave me confident that we're well in the hunt for a forward, whether it be a short 6 month option or a more permanent deal. Podolski looks in promising form this season and, at 26, could possibly be hitting his peak. We're not strangers to late moves/attempted late moves/the feeling of disappointment after virtually no activity for 31 days. This is another window where I find myself hoping we don't drag out our transfers but get them wrapped up as early as possible. I know, we say that every season as well.

Regards.