Tottenham 2021-22 season review: Antonio Conte underlines his status as one of the world’s top coaches
A season that started in disarray ended with a return to the Champions League for Tottenham.
Antonio Conte oversaw a remarkable turnaround that saw Spurs clinch a top-four finish at Norwich on the final day ahead of their north London rivals Arsenal.
Here, Standard Sport assesses the 2021-22 season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
The season in one word: Conte
Star of the show: Heung-min Son
Harry Kane had his moments but Son was Spurs’ most consistent and most important player.
He scored five more goals than Mohamed Salah from open play - but had to share the Golden Boot.
Biggest let down: Nuno Espirito Santo
Expectations were low but the football under the Portuguese was particularly grim, even if their points tally was actually okay.
Most improved player: Take your pick!
Conte improved more or less every player but Matt Doherty’s transformation into a dynamic wing-back was especially striking before injury curtailed his season.
Game to remember: Tottenham 3-0 Arsenal (12/5/21)
The home win over Arsenal was the best atmosphere at the new stadium and a result shifted the momentum to Spurs in the top-four battle.
Game to forget: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham (26/9/21)
By contrast, the away defeat at Arsenal was perhaps the low point of the season as Nuno’s Spurs were blown away in the first half in a tactical disasterclass.
Rising star: Dejan Kulusevski
It’s remarkable to think that Kulusevski is just 22, a month older than Young Player of the Year Phil Foden.
The Swede has five goals and eight assists in 14 league starts since January and his arrival is one of the biggest factors in Spurs returning to the Champions League.
Manager verdict
Conte’s appointment had a transformative effect on the club and he has underlined his status as one of the world’s top coaches by leading the side to fourth in difficult circumstances.
Fans’ mood
Optimistic. Provided Conte agrees to stay on, there is a sense that Spurs are a club on the up again and growing excitement about what might be possible under the Italian.
Grade: A-
