One of the most entertaining and competitive leagues in the world, the Premier League is about to start in a week. The pre-season has already started and transfers are in place for battling it out in the Premier League.
Here, we take a look at the season preview of Tottenham Hotspurs, one of the ‘Traditional Top 6’ in England.
After a disappointing ending towards the season end last time, Mourinho was sacked and he was replaced by yet another Portuguese in Nuno Espirito Santo. There will be a fresh start under the new manager but uncertainty over starman Harry Kane’s future has kept the fans worrying. After another trophyless season, pressure is on Nuno to change the fortunes at the club.
Tottenham has consistently been in the top 8 over the past few years but they have never lived up to their full potential. A new manager and some quality signings will have the fans hoping again.
How Tottenham fared in 2020-21?
The arrival of Jose Mourinho had the fans excited. Appointing a winner like the Portuguese was clear intent from the Spurs board for winning a trophy. The start was very impressive for the North London side. Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane formed a lethal duo which gave Spurs a boost in their early title challenge. On their way, they beat United 6-1, which only raised the expectations.
However, after December inconsistency struck again and Tottenham was on a downward spiral. Mourinho was sacked on the eve of the FA Cup final which succeeded the Europa League disappointment. Spurs struggled to finish in the Europa League spot and had to settle themselves for a spot in UEFA Conference League, UEFA’s new European competition.
Transfer Activity
The major news surrounding Tottenham in this transfer window has been the future of Harry Kane. Spurs’ main man had expressed his desire to leave the club having pointed at the gentleman’s agreement in his contract. However, till now nothing has been decided and uncertainty continued after Kane missed a training session.
Keeping aside the Kane drama, the Spurs have done quite well to boost their side for the upcoming season. After appointing a new manager in Nuno, Spurs were expected to make some new signings. Patriaci’s arrival has seen the North London side do some smart business which they needed a lot. Pierluigi Gollini, the young and impressive goalkeeper was signed from Atalanta to provide competition for Lloris. Spurs also bolstered their attack after signing Bryan Gil from Sevilla which saw Erik Lamela going the other way.
A deal is also in place to sign yet another Atalanta player, Cristian Romero. The defender who impressed everyone last season is heading to Spurs for a transfer fee of 55 million euros. If Kane does leave, Spurs will be hoping to make the most out of the huge transfer fee and get another striker.
What to expect in the upcoming season?
Teams generally take a while to settle under a new manager and adapting a new style. Nuno’s Premier League experience may help to accelerate the process. However, replacing Kane and his goals will be one of the main tasks for Nuno if the Englishmen does leave. United, City, Liverpool and Chelsea have bolstered their ranks as well and Spurs do look short on quality when compared to the other ‘Top 6’.
With Spurs playing in the UEFA Conference League, they will be targeting that trophy though it is not a competition of high level.
Winning the Conference League and a good run in the FA Cup should be considered a pretty good first season for Nuno’s men.
Breaking down low block defence was one of the main causes of concern for Spurs which saw them lose points against lower opposition. Nuno will be expected to address that. While at Wolves, Nuno’s teams did not sit back after a lead and the same attacking intent will be expected at Spurs.
Prediction for 2021-22
Tottenham at the moment is far away from being the title challengers. A Top 4 finish should be the target but it does look unattainable when compared to the other top sides. Spurs should be finishing the season in the Top 6 and secure the Europa League position.
Winning the UEFA Conference League is a real possibility along with a good cup run in either FA or Carabao Cup.
