Tottenham Hotspurs finished 2nd last year with a record of 26W-8D-4L. They have yet to bring any players in while they have lost Kyle Walker to Manchester City. There has been some talk that they don’t need to bring in many players because their first team is so good but they need to sure up their wings and provide more depth up front. Kieran Trippier is expected to replace Walker at right back while the rest of the starting eleven is expected to remain in tact.
Spurs will once again be a strong side in the Premier League and considering how well Pochettino managed the team last year there is no reason to believe they will have a significant drop off this year. I remain sceptical of their title fight chance because I don’t think they have the depth to mount a title challenge and they haven’t strengthened their side this year while City, United, anChelsea have all made their squads much better.
Key Players to Watch For
When I think of Spurs I think of two players, Harry Kane and Delle Alli. Kane is one of the best strikers in the Premier League 29 goals in 30 appearances last year and winning the Premier League golden boot. Kane is a deadly finisher and finds space in opposition boxes to score. Delle Alli is a rising English star playing as an attacking midfielder and out wide and is one of my favourite players to watch. He’s very technical and can unlock the defence while also having the ability to play as a second striker. When the ball was played outside Alli is able to make runs into the box and score goals with headers while being a threat from beyond the box. Spurs have a very good midfield with Dembele, Eriksen, and Wanyama and are tough to break through them. They have one of the best center -backs in the Premier League in Toby Alderweireld who controls the back line and they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Hugo Lloris.
Their Play Style
Spurs are very fun side to watch because they attack and press the ball high up the pitch. They have very technical players capable of maintaining possession and providing chances. Their defence is solid and they have a very balanced squad. Going forward they can attack opposing defences with crosses and wingers cutting inside and providing service for Kane and Alli. They’re known for their pressing ways and as soon as they lose the ball they are on the opposition to try and win it back.
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How to Attack Them
Spurs have one of the most balanced squads in the Premier League and it is complicated to attack them. For starters I expect to see a lot of teams going after Trippier, he will be going into his first season as the true first choice right back and personally, I don’t think he’s good at much except crossing and passing. He isn’t good in possession and I think he can be picked on when attacking. I expect to see Pep send different combinations of attacks at Trippier to see if he’s up to the challenge. I also expect Pep to stay out wide when attacking and go after Rose as well. I rate Rose but he can also be picked on because he is an undisciplined player, according to whoscored.com he committed 1.4 fouls per game and City can exploit that with their pacy wingers. I expect City to attack Spurs from out wide and have their strikers slip into the outside channels when the Spurs full-backs press the City wingers on the ball. Spurs can be picked apart with passing due to their high press. They are a disciplined team when pressing but if City is patient enough and able to pass the ball around they will find chances and holes to exploit.
Spurs are going to be a strong side again and they continue to be one of the more balanced sides in the league. They have a few weaknesses like every team does and it will be up to Pep and the players to exploit them. I expect City to play well against Spurs because City will be patient and drag Spurs out of position with their passing. Spurs need to add more depth to their team or they will see a drop off toward the end of the season but they should once again find themselves in the top 4 at years end.