STADIUM A REAL SPUR FOR POCHETTINO’S MEN

TOTTENHAM’S new stadium was built for occasions like Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.

The excitement inside White Hart Lane will be palpable but the worst thing for Spurs would be to get completely sucked in by the atmosphere and try to show City who is boss.

This could be a much closer tie than most neutrals expect but Spurs can’t afford to go too gung-ho.

It’s a balancing act for manager Mauricio Pochettino. They will be aware of the current feel-good factor in north London and try to use it to their advantage. But it’s just as important they show the required patience. Then they will have a chance.

If Tottenham’s defensive line is too high, City will exploit it with their pace. If the distance between the Spurs back-line and midfield is too great, City will find the holes with their passing ability.

City went out at the same stage of the Champions League against Liverpool last season. I don’t think it will prey on Pep Guardiola’s mind but it does show you nothing can be taken for granted.

So I can see Tottenham making it a really competitive affair. There is no pressure on them because nobody expects them to win and they can use the momentum from their new home in the right way.

I’m not saying City will be intimidated by having 60,000 Spurs fans on top of them but for the Tottenham players, that backing with the fans so close to the action will give them an extra boost, that extra yard.