11 Premier League matches in, how Tottenham’s record compares to last season
By Gary Pearson
![LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid shake hands following the game at the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium on November 1, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid shake hands following the game at the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium on November 1, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/508627fe9c978382a3d9ceec96cbd0be005b76ec9aeda4c335afb010567da400.jpg)
Spurs sit in third place, eight points behind Manchester City after 11 matches, so how does their record compare to this time last season?
Tottenham have won seven, drawn two and lost two matches in the current campaign, amassing 23 points from a possible 33, two points ahead of their 2016-17 pace.
Spurs hadn’t tasted defeat after 11 matches in 2016-17, but were plagued by an excess of draws, forced to share the spoils on six occasions. They found themselves in fifth spot in the table after 11 matches, compiling 21 of 33 possible points.
Tottenham are also finding more joy in front of goal in the current campaign, scoring 20 goals so far, five more than at the same time last season.
The stats from last season to the current one are similar in terms of goals conceded, as Spurs have allowed seven so far, one more than last season.
In terms of competition level, Spurs, in both the current season and the 2016-17 campaign, faced three of the top five teams. Last season Tottenham drew Liverpool and Arsenal and beat Manchester City at White Hart Lane, obtaining five of a possible nine points against teams of a similar pedigree.
The Lilywhites haven’t performed as well against top sides to far, taking three points from a possible nine, losing at home to Chelsea and away to Manchester United while having their way in a lopsided 4-1 home win vs. Liverpool.
What about their home and away form?
Adjusting to their temporary new home has taken some time, as Spurs have won three, drawn two and lost one at Wembley. Overall, they’ve taken 11 from 18 points, scoring eight and conceding four.
Surprisingly, this season’s mediocre home form almost mirrors exactly their record after 11 matches in 2016-17. Tottenham won three and drew two in five matches, taking nine from 15 points at White Hart Lane. In those five home matches, Tottenham scored six and allowed two.
The biggest contrast is highlighted by Spurs’ away performances. Before the agonizing United loss, Spurs were perfect on the road. With the recent blemish, Tottenham have won four of five away contests, bagging twelve while conceding only three.
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In the 2016-17 season, the Lilywhites won two and drew four, taking only 10 points from a possible 18. In those six matches, Tottenham scored nine and allowed four.
Tottenham are noticeably improved away from home, showing increased poise, a stronger collective mindset and a killer instinct, all of which were lacking at this time last season, signs that Mauricio Pochettino’s young side are on the right track to fulfilling their near-boundless potential.
That’s without taking into consideration the team’s European exploits and their current Champions League dominance.