With City making the trip to White Hart Lane to play Spurs this weekend, we caught up with Edward Payne of Read Tottenham to get the lowdown on Pochettino and his team.
What have you made of Spurs’ start to the season?
It’s been solid if unspectacular. It’s a positive we have only lost once in the league and the fact we are now unbeaten in five in the league. It just feels like there is something missing at the moment which is holding us back.
Were you pleased with the transfer business conducted in the summer?
I was happy with the transfer business we did in the summer. Son has been very good so far whilst our defensive additions have made us more resolute and solid at the back. Hopefully we see more of N’Jie over the season as he has looked decent in his cameo appearances so far.
Harry Kane has struggled to build on a wonderful 2014/15 campaign, why do you think that is?
I think at the beginning of the season Kane had too much pressure on him to replicate last season’s form and until the end of August he was our only striking option. It also hasn’t helped that Eriksen has been out injured for a month or so, which means he has had very little service. Hopefully with Eriksen back he starts banging in the goals.
Is Pochettino the right man to take Spurs forward in your view?
I think Pochettino is the right man to take us forward, he’s managed to clear out nearly all the dead wood in our squad and has brought in some very good players along whilst integrating a few of the Academy players into the first team squad. He’s also made a noticeable difference to the fitness of our players as well, which means that hopefully our performance won’t drop off in the second half of the season.
How would you expect Spurs to respond to the midweek defeat to Arsenal?
I hope we respond positively, especially considering it was our first defeat in all competitions since the opening day defeat to Manchester United. However, coming up against City it means we will have to play incredibly well or hope that City’s recent poor form continues.
Who is the key man for Spurs who could cause City some problems?
The man who is most likely to cause City problems is Eriksen. We missed him badly when he was injured as he is our main creative outlet, but when he is on form he can cause problems for any team. If he has one of his better games, he could potentially cause you problems.
Finally can we get a score prediction from you?
I’m ever the optimist, so I’m hoping Harry Kane ends his goal drought in a Spurs shirt and bags a double. 2-1 Spurs.
