What are your expectations for the season 21/22: The race for any position between 1st and 20th

[Now it's Spursonal]

And before anyone tries to say the same is true of every other club:

Foden-Torres-Mahrez (Grealish and Sterling out)
Martial-Cavani-Greenwood (Ronaldo/Sancho)
Mount-Werner-Ziyech (Lukaku/Pulisic)
Jota-Firminho-Minamino (Salah/Mane)

That's what actually investing in depth and making the most of the good times looks like.

Just to hammer home the madness, in this scenario.

Man City would still have Jesus and Bernardo Silva to come off the bench.

Man Utd would still have Rashford and Lingard to come on.

Chelsea would have Hudson-Odoi and Liverpool have Origi.

Other than Origi, you could argue that all of these players would start for us ahead of Bergwijn/Lucas.
Hard to see us competing for top 4.

 

[hughy]

And i'm asking why you think adding an extra CB and taking off Lucas/Berg will help Dele score more goals?

In our prime under Poch some of the best football we played (and the best Dele played) was with 3 CB, 2 wing-backs bombing forward, and Dele behind Kane. Think about the 2-0 win over a Chelsea team that went on to walk the title in 2017. For the first time since selling Walker I think we have the personnel to play a similar style.

I get that Eriksen was key to the creativity, however Kane and Son's games have evolved considerably sine then, and given the fact that Nuno has enjoyed playing a back 3 with Wolves I think we could get a lot of joy.

 

[THOWIG]

In our prime under Poch some of the best football we played (and the best Dele played) was with 3 CB, 2 wing-backs bombing forward, and Dele behind Kane. Think about the 2-0 win over a Chelsea team that went on to walk the title in 2017. For the first time since selling Walker I think we have the personnel to play a similar style.

I get that Eriksen was key to the creativity, however Kane and Son's games have evolved considerably sine then, and given the fact that Nuno has enjoyed playing a back 3 with Wolves I think we could get a lot of joy.

Agree. Plus it’s Dele’s best position ultimately.

 

[Japhet]

I think we've done pretty well in the transfer window. No back up striker is a bit alarming but I think Nuno wants more goals from midfield and Dele is regaining some form. I think Dane Scarlett has impressed too. Gil will hopefully get his chance as well. LoCelso needs a run of games to get back up to speed so I hope that happens. Hojbjerg can now cause damage further up the pitch. No idea what happens with Ndombele but he could be a really important player for us if he could just stop being such a baby about everything.

At the back, Sanchez and Dier look totally different players to last season under Mourinho. People were desperate to get rid of them but look at them now with a different coach. Winks could quite possibly do the same and was showing much better in pre season than you'd have expected. Skipp gives us some more stability in front of the CBs which was a big problem before. With any luck we now have an attacking RB who actually has some end product, and Romero is top quality so should force his way into the team soon enough. We have a nice balance of attacking and defensive FBs now so we can set up a number of ways with them and the CBs we have.

We were a handful of points away at the end of last season after an atrocious campaign. The Chavs and City have strengthened and Liverpool should be better with VVD and Konate. Utd have got Greasy Ronaldo back so they'll be on a roll. It will be very tough to compete at the top but we're showing some composure and fight so I'm cautiously hopeful.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Only having Kane and Son as viable forwards is going to cause us problems IMO. If one gets injured the other is going to be run into the ground. For that reason alone I just don’t see top 4 viable. Personally I reckon 6 sounds realistic. And we only get that if we start scoring a whole lot more from open play.

 

[ardiles&villa]

To get top 4 we need gio, ndombele and alli all firing week in week out. We also need one of Gil or Berg to step up and get double figures. IF that happens we’re good to go. Unfortunately it’s highly unlikely but stranger things have happened.

 

[mpickard2087]

I'd never rule anything out, if we keep on (and, even push the standards higher still) to a man working our bollocks off each game and playing with intensity and aggression we'll be very competitive.

I do fear we're going to be an extremely functional side though. We're putting together a team, based on transfers and the first few games, that can be solid but basic and based on running ability/pace. Alright for games like Man City, an issue when teams sit back and defend like against Watford, and we might struggle in these games. I do think we either find a bit more balance in terms of creativity (but the options are meagre...) or we're going to see another Spurs side that largely has to play in a midblock, give up the ball, and then counter into space.

 

[YB123]

top 6 and I think a cup run is our only chance of a truly successful season now.

 

[Goobers]

I think this window has been a really good start as this team rebuilds and develops. But we are a side in transition with a number of new players that will need time to bed in - potentially even over a season for some.
This gives Nuno a chance to have a really good look at the squad and see what we require. I think we should be aiming to win the ECL and perhaps a domestic trophy. I think we have a shot at 5th or 6th too. Really looking forward to some of the academy players getting minutes too as I think some are on the cusp...

 

[southlondonyiddo]

If we finish above 6th that will be a great effort from Nuno & the squad

I would have said above 7th but West Ham are in the Europa so expect them to have a big dip, in the league

 

[TriXed]

I think we've shown promise in the first three games and I think we have a lot of players that have the ability to have great seasons - Top 4 I think is on the cards if we can continue as we are and not suffer a big dip in form.

 

[Japhet]

I think Nuno did a great job at Wolves integrating a whole load of Mendes players into his team quickly and effectively. Hoping he can do the same with our new recruits, and I think he'll have to if we're to have any chance of CL and possibly EL.

 

[easley91]

4th-6th following the window and first three games.

 

[greaves]

Seeing how this is now unfolded over the summer and our start, the only way we get top 4 is by Liverpool dropping out.
This looks like a work in progress for the rebuild, and there is a few options weaker than others.
I think we will be 5th, if we all stay fit, but its very worrying if we dont.

Kind of agree. In a colder light of day, my head says 6th. But when it's warmer, and with a glass of wine, my heart says 4.5th.

 

[THE SPURSBOY]

6-10th depending if we're lucky with injuries

 

[JimmyG2]

Said 7th at the start.
But Harry staying
and Nuno getting a grip straight away
a decent window
and Skipp covering for Hojbjerg
who can release his inner Eriksen
and a great start
I'm moving on up to 6th.

 

[TheTanguy]

Said 7th at the start.
But Harry staying
and Nuno getting a grip straight away
a decent window
and Skipp covering for Hojbjerg
who can release his inner Eriksen
and a great start
I'm moving on up to 6th.

Rated funny for the Hojbjerg who can release his inner Eriksen part.

 

[JimmyG2]

Rated funny for the Hojbjerg who can release his inner Eriksen part.

You will be laughing
on the other side
of your face
when he does.

Must put that in the Old time lingo thread

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Its a long season, and many twists and turns along the way. But, if I take an honest look at where the teams are right now I'd say:

1. Chelsea - this is a team built to win this year, strong defensively, strong and versatile in attack - at least a half-step ahead of the field

2. Man City - no #9, but enough attacking options to score at will. They could be distracted by CL chase next spring, but if Chelsea falter, they will be close enough to strike,

3. Liverpool - defense is stronger than last year, and primary attacking options are as good as anyone. Lacking depth though, and Firmino already injured. I don't think they can compete for the title, but should be a solid top-4 team.

4. Man United - lots of pressure on OGS - not sure he can handle it. I expect a lot of dominant performances, but also a few head-scratchers. Have the talent for top-4, but not sure it will be managed properly.

5. West Ham - Somewhat quietly, West Ham have put together a very solid team in both attack and defense. It remains to be seen if they can manage the Thursday-Sunday schedule, and if they have the depth to last the season. This may be a tad optimistic.

6. Leicester City - Similar to West Ham, but I think they will trend slightly down this season. Solid team, but will need teams above them to struggle.

7. Spurs - Nuno should have them in the mix for 5-7, and if things break just right, outside shot at 4th. Stronger defensively than last year, attacking will depend on how long it takes Gil to become a starter. But, they should have a chance at points in every game. Top-4 in sight, but low margin for error.

8. Everton - they always seem like they are better than they are. They have decent options in attack and defense, but they always seem to come up short. I don't think a new manager will change that.

9. Aston Villa - Settled into a mid-table role. Once they get over the loss of Grealish and learn to play without him, they should be a decent side.

10. Wolves - they will struggle to score goals, but they did well to hold Leicester, Spurs, and Man United to a goal a piece. Schedule gets easier, and I still expect a top-half finish.

11. Brighton - Mr. xG moves up from the bottom of the table to a solid mid-table squad. If they can stay relatively injury-free, this will be a tough match for any team.

12. Arsenal - I struggled with where to slot them in. This is a pretty bad team right now, and I struggle to think of any standout players who can lead them. I might have them too high here. A new manager should be able to drag them towards mid-table, but still bottom-half.

13. Leeds United - seems like everyone's darling from last season. I think they fall back this year, mostly on the toll it takes to maintain their high energy press. I don't think they will be able to sustain it two-years in a row.

14. Southampton - the perpetual selling team. JWP gives them a chance in most games. I think Armstrong will be a decent replacement for Ings. Not sure about replacing Vestergaard. I think they are safe, but with less margin for error.

15. Crystal Palace - Palace have some exciting young players, and if they can get healthy (Eze and Olise), I think they will be fun to watch, and if Vieira can find some consistency with his team, they could be closer to mid-table.

16. Burnley - maybe the least exciting team to watch, but Dyche seems to get them playing just well enough to avoid the drop.

17. Brentford - I think they have just enough about them to consolidate their position in PL, for at least a season. They seem well-coached, and that's at least half the battle in being able to survive that first season.

18. Watford - they might not get relegated, but I think they will be in the mix. Throwing Sissoko straight in is not a sign of confidence.

19. Newcastle - Ashely desperately wants to sell before he owns a Championship side again. He is going to have to work quick...

20. Norwich - up for a cuppa. But, will be right back down. I think it would be a minor miracle for them to stay up - just not enough PL talent.

 

[Deleted member 29446]

In our prime under Poch some of the best football we played (and the best Dele played) was with 3 CB, 2 wing-backs bombing forward, and Dele behind Kane. Think about the 2-0 win over a Chelsea team that went on to walk the title in 2017. For the first time since selling Walker I think we have the personnel to play a similar style.

I get that Eriksen was key to the creativity, however Kane and Son's games have evolved considerably sine then, and given the fact that Nuno has enjoyed playing a back 3 with Wolves I think we could get a lot of joy.

Personally thought we were best in the 4231 with Dembele and Wanyama in the middle and prime Rose/Walker at FBs. And it was where Dele was best IMO. But only because we had those 4. Dembele + Wanyama who bossed that midfield in style taking anyone on in the league, the qucik strong FB's and obviously Eriksen playing the advanced playmaker on the AMR spot. If you watch Dele's first 50 Spurs goals on Youtube you will basically just see how much Eriksen carried us and why Dele was so effective. It's no surprise Dele has been shit for 2 years and we as a team has as well.

He needs that type of player next to him to function. He's a shadow striker who is awful on the ball, but they only work if your team plays on the front foot, pressing as a team and trying to control games.

I don't see why a 3ATB and adding an extra CB will suit Dele more. Even if he plays behind Son/Kane we're still lacking massively in creativity and it aint coming from our CM's or our FB, maybe Emerson will add a little.