Trevor Steven: Timing of Spurs stadium move seems a gamble
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has born the brunt of the criticism for a loss at Liverpool on Sunday that leaves them fighting to stay in the Premier Leagues top four, but I believe their problems lie elsewhere.
Two stats tell the tale of Spurs season. First, they are in double figures for defeats, which is remarkable and shows they have not dragged a point out of games that they could have drawn.
Second, they have not scored enough goals from midfield. Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have just five each, Harry Winks has one and Moussa Sissoko none.
Had they drawn even half of the games that they have lost, Tottenham would be comfortably in third – instead of fourth and only one point above sixth-placed Chelsea.
Setbacks have drained momentum and created pressure, while a desperation from failing to finish teams off has crept into their play.
Spurs have always been shrewd in the transfer market but last summer they were shrewd beyond shrewd, not signing a single player. Now when they need to go again, the squad is stretched a bit thin and it is a big ask.
Pressure
Tottenham fans will be hoping that the move back to N17 and into their impressive new stadium heralds a new beginning, that results will immediately improve – starting with Wednesday's visit from Crystal Palace. That might not be the case, however.
I will be surprised if moving in proves to be a seamless exercise. Opposition teams will be excited to play at the state-of-the-art 62,000 arena too. It will lift them and they will know that they can pile further pressure on Spurs.
The race for Champions League qualification has turned into a mini-league between Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea. With one point from their last five league games, it is looking like it will take a very big effort for Spurs to finish in the top four.
After fixtures with Palace and Huddersfield, they meet City in three consecutive games in the Champions League and Premier League. WhateRead More – Source
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