Arsene Wenger comments on Tottenham’s dismal start to the 2019-20 campaign

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsene Wenger has told BeIN Sports that three factors have contributed towards Tottenham Hotspur’s poor start to the 2019-20 campaign, including the club’s new stadium and the Champions League final defeat to Liverpool.

Spurs produced their best away result in European football on Wednesday night with a 4-0 win over Red Star Belgrade, but it was just their fifth win in 16 league and cup fixtures this season. They have also suffered five defeats in those matches.

Despite being expected to go on and challenge Liverpool and Manchester City, while many were confident that they would finish third, Spurs currently sit in the ottom half of the table with almost a third of the 2019-20 league season underway.

Former Arsenal manager Wenger was asked to pinpoint what is going wrong at Spurs, and he believes three reasons have contributed to their struggles. Contract disputes, the stadium and the Champions League final defeat are factors.

“It is a difficult time for Tottenham in the Premier League,” Wenger said. “They have a team that has done extremely well in recent years. They have slowly lost confidence – now, the fear is there. Sometimes a different competition can bring that back.

“Getting the pain out of losing a Champions League final is hard. You talk about people wanting to leave and having to stay – like Eriksen, who is a very important player. The stadium as well, with the hype, it is hard to handle.”

TBR’s view – Was Wednesday night’s win a turning point for Spurs?

If it is to be the start of a change in fortunes, the north Londoners need to build on the 4-0 win by securing back-to-back victories for the first time this season – with a home game against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Blades have been in excellent form since being promoted to the Premier League, and come into the match after a week’s rest off the back of a 3-0 win over Burnley at Bramall Lane. But a Spurs win would give the squad a huge boost.