Tottenham striker Harry Kane returned last weekend. Spurs have lost both games.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League form without Harry Kane was excellent, winning every match.
Spurs even managed to beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the Champions League without him.
‘Imagine how good they will be when he returns’, was the general observation being thrown around.
Kane’s return has not really gone to plan, with Spurs suffering two straight losses with him in the team.
They have come in tough away games against Burnley and Chelsea, with Kane scoring once.
Kane has not reached his high levels of performance, but he is not the only player in the team to struggle.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson says this is because Tottenham’s players have subconsciously eased off with Kane back in the team.
He told BBC Sport: “Tottenham have lost their past two games and, like I said before their defeat at Burnley last weekend, Harry Kane’s return from injury might have affected the mindset of one or two of their players.
“When a big player like that comes back, there is a tendency for everyone else to think: ‘We are going to be fine now.’
“It is a strange dynamic, and it can affect performances and results.”
Lawrenson added: “I never thought Spurs were in the title race anyway, and they are certainly not in it now.”
He is predicting a draw against rivals Arsenal this weekend, and says he is still confident Tottenham will finish in the top four.
Tottenham currently have a four point gap on the Gunners, with Manchester United and Chelsea narrowly behind, keeping the pressure on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
