With a new season of the Premier League underway, expectations are high at Tottenham. The London club defied odds as they finished third last season and made it to the Champions League. At one stage of the competition, Tottenham were favourites to even pick up the title but they faltered and ultimately finished behind Arsenal.
The Gunners might not have won the league but they did ensure that Spurs would not have a reason to celebrate last season. Tottenham are a young team with a young manager and the experience of Arsene Wenger did pull through in the end for Arsenal.
Mauricio Pochettino has a tough task on his hands this season to repeat his heroics from the last campaign. Although, he can take some solace and pick up a few tips from Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.
Tottenham have a lot to live up to but they can learn these three things from their rivals, Arsenal.
Create a squad for the future
While Tottenham did purchase the likes of Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama but they are still short in a few regions. The team did not bring in cover for the centre-backs and don’t really have a large squad.
Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League and they would have to deal with more injuries and fatigue. That has already been taken care of by Arsene Wenger. The French manager has ensured that Arsenal have at least two quality players for each position.
The Lilywhites should have done something similar but they haven’t spent wisely in the window. Maybe Pochettino wants to see how his side does this season. But the extra games will take a big toll on the side and that is a certainty.
Build character
Tottenham at one stage of last season were just two points behind Leicester City, but eventually, they ended the season 11 points behind the Foxes, which just shows how much they trailed off from the top.
Mauricio Pochettino did not have a lot of experience in dealing with the pressure of a title race but Arsenal have been dealing with such issues for a long time. The Gunners have always made it to the Champions League group stage, irrespective of what happens around them.
Every season it is predicted that Arsenal might lose their way but they somehow make it to Europe. This is the character and the ability to deal with pressure needs to be pursued by the Lilly-Whites. Wenger might not have won a lot of trophies in the last decade but playing in the Champions League is a big achievement.
Tottenham will have to ensure they do not capitulate similarly this season and keeping the players mentally strong to deal will be Pochettino’s toughest act.
Pay attention to the Champions League
This is the first time Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League since 2010-11. No one really expects them to win the trophy but qualifying from their group should be the first target. Time and again we have seen teams getting distracted by the Champions League but Spurs need to ensure they do not take the competition lightly.
Arsenal have always ensured they do well in the groups as well. Even last season, the Gunners did well to make it to the next round even if they needed heroics at the end. Tottenham have been paired with CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, which is not an easy group.
The club will have to be careful of their performances in the Premier League as well during this period. Tottenham have to balance the league and Europe, if they are to make it into the top 4 next season.
