Premier League season preview: Tottenham

Can Tottenham rebound from last season’s spectacular collapse to claim their first Premier League title?

INS: Vincent Hanssen (£18.6 million, AZ Alkmaar), Victor Wanyama (£11 million, Southampton)

OUTS: Filip Lesniak (loan, Slovan Liberec), Christopher Paul (free, QPR), Emmanuel Sonupe (released)

THE STORY: Early on last season, Tottenham looked like the team best placed to capitalize on the borderline absurd results flooding the Premier League, and to finally capture their first top-flight title since 1961. After stumbling out of the gate with a 1-0 loss away at Manchester United, Tottenham went unbeaten through the middle of December, clawing their way into the top four with some of the most exciting soccer seen in recent club history, the highlight a 4-1 drubbing of Manchester City at White Hart Lane. Harry Kane, in particular, was impressive, scoring seven goals in four matches early on in a season in which he would eventually capture England’s Golden Boot. Following a 1-0 victory over Watford in February, Spurs claimed second spot in the league, and were firmly poised to seize upon what felt like the inevitable regression of leaders Leicester. Except, as we know, that regression never arrived, and Tottenham came apart at the seams, drawing two and losing two over the final month of the season. A 5-1 loss to relegated Newcastle on the final day saw Spurs drop behind Arsenal into third place — a resoundingly disappointing end to what was otherwise a promising season.

Yet, hope springs eternal in North London. All of the key players from last year return, including Kane, Christian Eriksen, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and keeper Hugo Lloris. Not a single starter is over the age of 30. In fact, the only player in the entire squad who is over 30 is backup goalie Michel Vorm. The addition of reigning Cruyff Trophy winner and Dutch national Vincent Janssen should ease some of Kane’s scoring burden, and Victor Wanyama brings an even-keeled patience in the midfield as well as Champions League experience, which should come in handy early and often.

Following an impressive run to the Euro 2016 final with France, Lloris looks as consistent as ever, and he should be prepared to build upon last season’s league-leading goal difference. Tottenham’s ability to respond to pressure will largely determine how their season goes. Of the six losses it suffered last season, two came after holding a lead, one came as a result of an own goal and two more came after conceding goals in the first and last ten minutes of the games. In only one of their losses, the aforementioned disaster at Newcastle, was the game completely out of reach by the final whistle. Perhaps Spurs can build on the experiences of their last campaign. Going from fifth to third, while not ideal, was a marked improvement, and Champions League play will add excitement where there was previously only the dull distraction of the Europa League.

KEY PLAYER: Though Harry Kane was the Golden Boot winner in 2015-16, Dele Alli’s continued development may very well dictate how Tottenham does this season and beyond. The 20-year-old midfielder netted 10 goals in his first season at White Hart Lane, good enough to earn him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images /

His preternatural knack for impressive, timely strikes in and around the box will keep opposition defenders on their toes, which will allow for more opportunities for his teammates. Everyone around the English national team and his club speaks of Alli’s swagger, a confidence which does not cross over to arrogance. If he can rein in some occasional ill-discipline, he seems equipped to deal with the pressure of being England’s next great star.

MANAGER: Signed to a five-year extension just days before the final week loss to Newcastle in May, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have earned the trust of Tottenham’s management, insofar as earning trust in the Premier League is ever possible. Improvement in each of his first two seasons at the helm has given the Argentine a level of freedom that is not commonplace among managers of the elite clubs. At the very least, Pochettino seems to be well liked by his players, in whom he generally places great amounts of trust. As evidenced by the development of Kane, Alli and Eric Dier since his arrival, Pochettino values youth and is willing to give second, and even third, chances, which can work to both his benefit and detriment.

BEST CASE: The young core clicks, Kane and Alli dazzle again and Spurs finally claim the Premier League title their fans so desperately crave.

WORST CASE: Youth and inexperience get the better of the side, memories of cracking under pressure cause history to repeat itself, and Tottenham tumble to a mid-table finish.

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