With the 2015/16 English Premier League season a matter of weeks away, Richard Jolly provides his thoughts on each of the 20 teams and predicts their final league finish. Here he looks at Tottenham Hotspur.
Mauricio Pochettino’s first season in charge of Tottenham saw them finish higher but with fewer points. They recorded memorable home wins over Chelsea and Arsenal but lost too often at White Hart Lane.
They reached a cup final but were soundly beaten.
It made it hard to reach definitive conclusions: did Spurs really progress? They will be expected to display evidence of improvement in a second season.
They can take comfort from the team spirit and fitness that produced a raft of late winners but, as ever, the Europa League will drain energy.
The squad is more recognisably Pochettino’s after he cleared out some of his predecessors’ players. But others, often ageing, overpaid or unwanted, remain.
Pochettino has overhauled the back four and kept the excellent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but is yet to make a summer signing in midfield or attack.
While Dele Alli, bought from MK Dons in January, and Alex Pritchard, who excelled on loan at Brentford last season, are gifted prospects, it leaves Spurs still looking very reliant on Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen and wondering if the enigma Erik Lamela can be trusted and if either Roberto Soldado or Emmanuel Adebayor can play a part in Pochettino’s plans.
Without greater firepower, it is harder to see them breaking into the top four.
Key Man: Harry Kane — Became the first Tottenham player since Gary Lineker to score 30 goals in a season. The failure of their other strikers means it is still more important that he repeats those extraordinary achievements.
Pivotal Signing: Toby Alderweireld — One of the best defenders in the division when on loan at Southampton last season. Centre-back was a problem position for Spurs last season. Now, in his Belgium teammate, Jan Vertonghen should have a regular partner.
Crucial Factor: The defence. Despite goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' excellence, Spurs conceded more goals than relegated Hull last season. Bringing in Alderweireld, fellow centre-back Kevin Wimmer and right-back Kieran Trippier is a sign Pochettino realised they must tighten up.
Prediction: 7th
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