Here we are, one month into the season, after what was supposedly the most disastrous transfer window in Premier League history. A glorious harmony of ‘it’s a shambles’ echoed from the keyboards of Twitter members far and wide. No signings, no stadium, no hope. Written off (once again) by the pundits. Manchester City and Liverpool will only improve. A rejuvenated Paul Pogba will return after his World Cup glory ready to captain Manchester United to a successful season. Fresh faces in London will reverse the fortunes of recently faltering Arsenal and Chelsea. But Tottenham will once again have to face the fearsome challenge of a half-empty Wembley, with no new signings inspiring the fans to fill the dreaded stadium – and how they’ve proved the critics wrong!
Tottenham August Review
Hindsight is a Powerful Tool
Of course, it’s easy to label previous criticism as premature after a month that superseded expectation. However, on reflection, was there ever real cause for concern? Tottenham have not stumbled into three consecutive top three Premier League finishes by sheer luck. But by consistently performing to a level astronomically higher than many could have imagined. This is down to the manager and the players. An abundantly obvious statement – yes.
However, the point is that no one has left! The quality of performance had no reason to subside. In fact, the current Tottenham team have been renowned as a particularly young side, one that will only improve. Yes, news of the stadium delay was a disappointment. And yes, late returns from the World Cup were problematic. However, (yet again in hindsight) keeping hold of Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele outweighed any misfortune Tottenham experienced over the summer.
Three Important Wins
Tottenham kicked off their Premier League campaign in some style. Three wins out of three, including a 3-0 thumping at the expense of Jose Mourinho’s United team, who look more disjointed than united.
For a second successive year, Tottenham began their campaign by defeating Newcastle at St James’ Park. Although not overly elegant, an opening day win, especially with such surrounding criticism, was vital. This was backed this up with a more convincing 3-1 against Premier League new-boys Fulham. Notable points to take were the return of Toby Alderweireld to the starting line-up, game-changing substitute appearances from Erik Lamela and Dembele and finally a goal in August for Harry Kane.
Tottenham finished August with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford that has reverberated around the league. The game was juxtaposed by two contrasting halves. A sloppy first half display was subsequently transformed into a clinical finishing masterclass. It would be interesting to see the pundits’ predictions for the top four, of whom few had originally picked Tottenham.
Harry Kane Scores in August – Twice
Harry Kane’s bizarre August mishaps, which had seen a grand total of zero goals in a staggering 998 minutes and 46 shots, are finally over. Two goals in three matches have given the England forward a head start this season – watch out Mo Salah. Kane is arguably not yet back to full fitness after an almost non-existent pre-season. The striker will be delighted with his start to the season, however.
Tottenham Have a Potential Superstar in Lucas Moura
Other than the nine points on the board, perhaps the most exciting feature of Tottenham’s August was the performances of the almost forgotten Lucas Moura. The summer transfer window was rife with rumours of an incoming direct winger. Wilfried Zaha, Anthony Martial and Malcom are the primary examples. Little did Tottenham fans know, they already had their superstar waiting to make his mark.
Playing just off Harry Kane, Lucas adds a new dimension Tottenham have been screaming for. Genuine electric pace up front has arguably been missing since the departure of Gareth Bale. Moura’s speed and finishing ability will require a lot of attention from the opposition defence. Not only will he aim to take the goalscoring burden away from Kane. But his presence will leave increased space for the striker, who is generally marked at all times.
August Only the Start
Whilst August has indeed been successful, it is only the start. Tottenham must, and will, continue to put the work in to build on an impressive start. With so much surrounding criticism, Tottenham have made a statement in the opening month. Pochettino has shown the value of consistency and coaching, rather than a continuous conveyor belt of transfers.
