It was inevitable that a defeat to Manchester City would propel voices of discontent over our lack of signings this summer to new heights. Forgetting it was just a pre season friendly and treated as such by Pochettino and the players who are focused on fitness only right now – it was held up by many as an example as to why we will be “awful” this season and considering we are at Wembley many fans on Twitter and various other social media outlets voiced concerns.
What seems to be lost on everyone from last season is our first team were the second best team in the league and if you take the last two seasons we have spent less and won more points than any other team as per opta:
The other teams around us have needed to keep spending to catch up to us. We are the best coached, most together group in the league. Does this mean however we can afford to stay still? No, that is not what I am saying. I am simply pointing out that it is not all doom and gloom.
Danny Rose, Erik Lamela, Son and Wanyama were missing in our friendly with Man City as squad options for the team or the bench. I can tell you now Rose is going to love going up against Walker in the league, Wanyama will also shut stuff down in the middle not giving playmakers any time. Son and Lamela both offer different things in the attacking third.
We must also always remember that big player recruitment does not always mean a successful season. Think back to the summer Bale left and we signed the ‘magnificent seven’. It was exciting. Player after player arriving. Money being spent. We were awful. The team didnt work. The squad actually felt like it had less depth than before not more. We can all agree no new signings is better than another Sissoko?
Now I still believe we are going to recruit two maybe even three players before the window closes to add to our strength of the squad however if we do not I am still confident in this manager and the players that they can more than hold their own this season.
The manager has earned my respect and trust. This team has earned my belief. COYS!
-SJ
