Last season was a harrowing experience for Tottenham supporters, with the club flirting dangerously with relegation throughout a turbulent campaign.
Spurs began that difficult term under Thomas Frank before Roberto De Zerbi took charge in March, inheriting a side that was in serious trouble near the bottom of the table.
A last-day victory against Everton ultimately confirmed Tottenham’s Premier League survival, ending a season that had tested the patience of even the most loyal supporters.
De Zerbi has since overseen significant activity in the transfer market, with the club’s summer business drawing widespread praise from across the punditry world ahead of the new campaign.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been among the most vocal in his admiration, telling Sky Sports he expects Spurs to push for a top-five finish this season.
Redknapp said: “I would be surprised if they weren’t in the top five. I think with that squad and that manager, they are very, very capable [of finishing fifth]. I have no doubt about that.”
The former boss was particularly complimentary about the free transfer signing of Andy Robertson from Liverpool, describing him as “a great signing” and “a bit understated” in terms of the recognition the deal has received.
Ashley Cole was even bolder in his assessment, backing Tottenham to finish inside the top four ahead of both Liverpool and Manchester United, citing the absence of European football as a key advantage.
Cole told Paddy Power: “The business that Spurs have done has been brilliant and they also don’t have European football to worry about. Roberto De Zerbi is top drawer too and although it pains me to say it, I can see them finishing in the top four now there’s a feel-good factor back at the club.”
Paul Merson also threw his weight behind Tottenham, describing them as his dark horses for the season and tipping them to outperform Manchester United in the final standings.
Merson wrote for Sky Sports: “There’s not too much between Spurs and Manchester Utd at the moment – but I might just go Spurs fifth. Spurs are my dark horses. Well, they’re definitely going to finish above 17th! They’ve bought well and again, they’re playing once a week.”
Owen Hargreaves added his praise for the club’s direction, singling out De Zerbi as one of the finest tactical minds in the game and highlighting Tottenham’s heavy summer spending as a statement of intent.
Paul Robinson and Leon Osman were also among the pundits backing Spurs for a top-five or top-six finish, with De Zerbi’s coaching quality and the recruitment of players such as Sandro Tonali regularly cited as reasons for optimism.
A top-five finish would likely be enough to secure Champions League football for Tottenham under UEFA’s expanded coefficient rules, making the stakes this season particularly high for the north London club.
With the curtain-raiser against Brentford approaching, expectations around Spurs have risen sharply, and De Zerbi will be tasked with turning that optimism into results from the very first whistle.
