How has Tottenham Hotspur’s season gone so far?
Start to the season – 7/10
Leicester aside, those around them last season have all improved, so to still be in touch with the top four (a point outside) with 20 games still to play is pleasing for Spurs. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are actually four points better off than they were at this stage last season – although their Champions League elimination is a blot on the copybook.
Performance of the manager 6/10
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Of the Argentine’s (the club’s?) summer signings, only Victor Wanyama can emerge from the first half of the campaign with any credit, while his team selections in Europe have been questionable. That said, Poch’s side have remained hard to beat and most of a Tottenham persuasion (not least his own players) appear to remain staunchly behind him.
Team performance of the season so far – Manchester City (H)
Poch’s performance would have been a 10 had his side played like they did against City in the rest of their fixtures. Spurs, in the absence of talisman Harry Kane, beat Pep Guardiola at his own game to emerge with a 2-0 win over a visiting side which had won all six of its prior league matches under the revered Spaniard. The Londoners looked like possible title winners after that – the problem is they didn’t win any of their next seven games in all competitions.
Star player – Danny Rose
Three of last season’s stars Kane, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela, have been sidelined, while Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Eric Dier have at times struggled to recapture last season’s form. And though things may be looking up for each of them, Rose has remained consistent throughout – defending well and weighing in with important goals and assists.
Where to strengthen in January – Wing, attack, full-backs
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane
Lamela’s absence has been felt, while Georges-Kevin N’Koudou has not had the impact expected and Moussa Sissoko is not a natural wide player. Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha continues to be linked and a new winger is likely to feature on Poch’s agenda, whether it’s the Ivorian or not. Kane and Son Heung-min have done their bit up front, but another striker would not go amiss unless Vincent Janssen can find the goal trail soon. They could perhaps do with stronger cover for full-backs Kyle Walker and Rose.
Likelihood of strengthening in January – 3/10
Pochettino has admitted he is not expecting to do any business, although he is unlikely to resist should a player who can improve upon those he already has become available.
Challenges ahead – Quality of competition
A Champions League finish is the target, however, with Manchester United having seemingly re-entered the running, Spurs have to be better than at least two of the five teams around them in the table. Europa League football could be an unwanted distraction come the spring.
Predicted end of season position – Fourth
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