What they said in 2016/17: Spurs
Tottenham ran Chelsea all the way in the title race as they finished in their highest-ever Premier League position of second.
As we look back at the last 12 months for Spurs, we’ve picked out some of our favourite quotes from the key moments throughout the campaign.
After falling short in 2015/16 season, Mauricio Pochettino was keen to bolster his midfield and dipped into his old club Southampton to sign Victor Wanyama, believing he would be the perfect partner for Moussa Dembele
Wanyama said: “I am indeed elated at passing my medicals at Tottenham. It is a new dawn in my career and I believe I will give my best for my new team.”
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Tottenham’s season started brightly and their early form was backed up with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City, who had won every game until they rocked up at White Hart Lane.
A delighted Pochettino said: “If you play like we did today with passion and aggression then you will always have a chance. It is always about mentality. That is what helps us run and play as we want to.
“The collective performance was strong. It is too early to take this into the table yet. We are still creating our philosophy.”
Spurs remained unbeaten until mid-November in the league where they came undone at Stamford Bridge, and the boss demanded a response.
“If we analyse the game we were better. We competed very well and we were a bit unlucky to concede…never 1-1 at half-time. The second half we conceded a goal very early.”
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But the north Londoners would have their revenge over Chelsea, ending their 14-match winning streak with a clinical 2-0 triumph at home in early January, thrusting them back into the title race.
“It is a massive victory, a very important three points to reduce the gap at the top of the table.” Pochettino said. “It was a very tough game, we were playing one of the best teams in Europe, so the value of the victory is massive.”
Spurs were on the title charge and victory over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal meant they would finish above Arsene Wenger’s side for the first time since 1995.
“To be above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years is fantastic for our fans. It is fantastic for us too.” Pochettino said.
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Defeat at West Ham ended Tottenham’s slim hopes of a title but they would end the season on a high as they bid farewell to their famous old ground with a 2-1 win over Manchester United.
An emotional Pochettino said: “The fans have been fantastic all season. They have helped us a lot during the whole season. It was fantastic, the team played to win.
“Of course we will miss it a lot because White Hart Lane is special but at the same time we welcome the new stadium.”
