Season Preview: Can Tottenham overcome Wembley woes in title pursuit?

Previous season 

Tottenham secured a club-record best 2nd placed Premier League finish last season having run Chelsea closest in the race for the title, only to end their hopes of domestic success with a 1-0 loss at West Ham at the beginning of May. Spurs also waved goodbye to White Hart Lane and did so in the best way possible as they dropped points on just two occasions at their old historic home. Mauricio Pochettino’s side now play at Wembley for a season before moving into their new stadium in 12 months’ time. 

Pochettino will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 loss his side suffered on their last visit to St James’ Park. A victory, then, should be considered mandatory in their bid to go one step further and land the Premier League title. 

Transfer summary 

As has been noted on numerous occasions, Spurs are the only Premier League team yet to make a signing this summer. Rather, the outgoings have taken centre stage, with Kyle Walker the big money departure after his move to Manchester City. Danny Rose has also spoken of his desire to return north this week and on the eve of the new campaign, the left-back’s words will not sit well with the club’s hierarchy, with a move to Manchester United now possible. Pochettino has confirmed he will invest before the close of the transfer window, but the clock is ticking… 

One to watch - Kieran Trippier 

Following Kyle Walker’s move to City, Kieran Trippier is now Spurs’ starting right-back. No defender registered more assists than the England international (5) in the Premier League last season, while only Cesc Fabregas (every 110.7 minutes) provided an assist more frequently than Trippier (every 113.2 minutes). The 26-year-old is set to miss the first game of the season with an ankle problem sustained in the 2-0 pre-season win over Juventus, but he has a key role to play for Spurs in the coming campaign upon his return. 

Predicted finish - 5th 

A lack of investment coupled with a spell at Wembley could hinder Spurs this season. Their woes at the national stadium are well documented and they need to overcome their hoodoo at Wembley in order to push on and make it as daunting a stadium to visit as White Hart Lane was last term.