Tottenham’s struggles without Harry Kane continued after a 1-0 loss against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Vincent Janssen has failed to make any impression and the club continued to be linked with several strikers lined up as his replacement. According to the reports from Metro, Spurs are now heavily linked with a move for FC Porto striker Moussa Marega, who is on loan at Vitoria Guimaraes. He has been a revelation in the Portuguese league after having scored 10 goals in just eight matches this season. His form has not gone unnoticed, as several clubs from the Premier League have been linked with a move for his signature.
Spurs and Liverpool are thought to be heading the list, and it would take around £15 million for his signature. After having signed Marega only back in January, even FC Porto would not have imagined the progress made by the striker. The Mali international has been a journeyman throughout his career and his move to FC Porto has finally put him on the big stage.
After having made a costly £ 17 million a mistake with Janssen, who may still become good, Spurs are unlikely to make their next move with urgency. It would not be surprising if the club scout Marega at least until the end of the season before making a decision.
Interest from clubs like Sunderland and Liverpool might change the situation though. The former is especially in a desperate need to bring in new forwards.
Meanwhile, Spurs struggle without Harry Kane in the team. The loss against Leverkusen has put Spurs third in the group behind Monaco and the German team. They are now looking unlikely to make it to the group stages unless their form makes a drastic improvement. Spurs looked devoid of ideas while also struggling to contain the opposition.
It was yet another miserable night for the English club at the new Wembley stadium. Spurs have not won at the new Wembley since the 2008 League Cup final against Chelsea. It has also been noted that Spurs struggle whenever they play on a massive pitch, as Pochettino’s tactics are largely tuned towards performing well on a small pitch. White Hart Lane is almost 500 m² less in terms of playing surface over the Wembley stadium and this seems to make a marked difference along with the crowd.
Even though Spurs once again registered an attendance record of more than 80,000, there was a marked drop in the atmosphere compared to a White Hart Lane fixture. Even though the latter can only hold 35,000 odd fans, it is regarded as one of the intimidating grounds for visiting clubs.
Spurs cannot wait for an inspiration to reinvigorate their season.
