To say last season was disappointing for Tottenham Hotspur would be a massive understatement. Under new management this term, they are going to want to get back on track but that is easier said than done.
How the team did last season
Spurs went into the season with aspirations of a top-four finish under Antonio Conte. The Italian tactician had been backed in the market and had players to suit his system.
They actually got off to a fine start under the former Inter boss, kicking off with a seven-match unbeaten run and picking up 17 points before it all imploded. Conte was sacked in March after an inconsistent period. Spurs lost eight games during an 18-match period. They also allowed a 3-1 lead to slip against Southampton in what turned out to be the 54-year-old’s last game in charge.
Cristian Stellini, Conte’s assistant, was appointed as interim manager but he lasted just four matches. He was dismissed following back-to-back losses to Bournemouth (3-2) and Newcastle (6-1). Ryan Mason then saw out the season in charge. He picked up seven points from his six games at the helm.
In the end, Tottenham could only manage an eighth-placed finish, amassing 60 points, 11 fewer than the season prior. Spurs had real issues defensively and conceded 63 goals, the most of any team in the top 10. In fact, only five teams conceded more and that included all three of the relegated clubs.
Things would’ve been much worse had it not been for the exploits of Harry Kane in the final third. The England captain found the back of the net on 30 occasions – the most since the 2017/18 campaign – and he claimed the highest average rating for a Spurs player on FotMob with 7.64.
Ivan Perišić, in his debut campaign for the club, finished as the player with the most assists (eight). However, Heung-Min Son was the player who created the most chances (61) while Kane created the most big chances (14).
What has happened during the summer?
Spurs finally appointed a full-time manager. The club settled on Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou after the 57-year-old caught the eye with his brand of football in Glasgow. If he’s able to put his stamp on things, the team will be playing attractive football in no time.
Tottenham have been fairly busy in the transfer market too. For starters, they turned Pedro Porro and Dejan Kuluevski’s loan deals into permanent ones. They also pipped Newcastle United to the signature of James Maddison and moved to bring Guglielmo Vicario in from Empoli for £20million. He’s expected to succeed Hugo Lloris as the club’s No.1 moving forward.
Manor Solomon arrived on a free transfer following a loan spell with Fulham in what was something of a surprise move. The explosive winger could be one of the shrewdest signings of the summer.
Lucas Moura departed on a free while Harry Winks was sold to Leicester City following a loan stint in Italy. And then there’s the big one – with the news breaking today that after a long negotiation period, a fee has been agreed for the sale of Harry Kane to German champions, Bayern Munich.
What they should be aiming for next season?
This depends entirely on how quickly Postecoglou can make his mark.
If it is seamless, a push for European football is on the cards for this talented group, perhaps even a top four charge. If it takes a little time, there’s still enough quality within the squad for a finish in the top seven, although that is contingent on them keeping Kane at the club, or rushing through a deal for a suitable replacement.
Prediction
7th.
(Images from IMAGO)
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