5 reasons why Tottenham Hotspur are out of the title race
Over the past two seasons, Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the best teams in the English Premier League and finished within the top 3 on both occasions. Mauricio Pochettino had put together a team of superbly talented and meticulously drilled footballers, who had the ability to blow teams away week after week.
In spite of the fact that they finished third and then second twice in a row, it was thought that eventually, the team would cross the barrier and properly challenge for the title in the 2017-18 season.
However, that has not come to pass and following their 4-1 away defeat to champions-elect Manchester City last Saturday, any hope of a title challenge is over. They now lie at 7th and 21 points behind the leaders. Even a top 4 berth is now in danger. So, what caused this collapse?
#5 Wembley woes
Over the past two season, Spurs had turned White Hart Lane into a fortress. In the 2015-16 season, they lost thrice in 19 games and scored 35 goals, as they finished 3rd in the league. However, last season, they were on a different plane altogether as they went unbeaten at home and won 17 out of the 19 games while scoring as many as 47 goals in total.
Needless to say, it was their peerless home form that propelled them to 2nd place last season. However, White Hart Lane is being rebuilt and the club has made Wembley Stadium their home this season.
The narrow White Hart Lane pitch suited their high pressing style but it seems that the huge Wembley pitch has proven to be a bit of a problem and the results have pointed in that direction. They lost their very first home game to Chelsea, a team they had beaten home and away last season.
So far Spurs have played 10 games at home, won 5 and drawn as many as 3 games. The drab draw came against Burnley, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion. The goals have not been forthcoming either and a record of only 16 goals in 10 games for such a free-scoring side is a poor return.
Also read: Tottenham Hotspur will need to switch things up to improve