OPINION
The 2016-17 campaign saw Tottenham finish as the Premier League’s top goalscorers for the first time and concede the fewest amount of goals for the second consecutive season, but still end the season without the league crown.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men finished in second place behind London rivals Chelsea who took the Premier League title for the second time in three seasons.
Spurs finished seven points behind the league champions despite enjoying their best season in the Premier League era.
Here, This is Futbol takes a look at three areas where Tottenham can improve and potentially secure their first league title since 1961 in the 2017/18 campaign.
Improve October results
Tottenham started the 2016-17 Premier League campaign in fine form as they remained unbeaten for the opening 12 matches of the season.
Despite this run, Spurs came unstuck in the month of October as they only picked up a single victory in four Premier League matches, drawing away to the likes of West Brom and Bournemouth.
This is not the first time the North London side have struggled to register points on the board in October as they drew two of their three Premier League matches in the same month during the 2015-16 season where they missed out on the title to Leicester City.
These stalemates have now twice come to hurt Tottenham at the end of the season so it is essential that Pochettino focuses on improving his side’s performances as the Premier League kicks on.
Away form
Tottenham’s league form on the road certainly played a part in the North London side failing to clinch the league title.
Spurs picked up 33 points away from home this season – teams below them such as Liverpool and both Manchester clubs accumulated more points on the road than them.
Tottenham also struggled to perform at the away grounds of the big boys as they only picked up three points from the six games played against the Premier League’s top seven.
The past two Premier League champions have enjoyed the best away league record and this is what Tottenham need to address next season if they are going to challenge for the title.
Stronger bench
This summer’s transfer window could potentially be the most important in Tottenham’s history.
Not only do Spurs need to keep hold of their best players, they also need to attract players willing to contribute from the substitutes’ bench.
Tottenham have one of the strongest starting lineups in the league but they seriously lack in quality in reserve. This was made clear in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea where Antonio Conte brought on Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, and Pochettino decided to bring on youngster Kevin Nkoudou.
Pochettino should be credited for buying into youth at the club but Spurs need to invest in experienced players who can make the difference when given minutes of the football pitch.
Tottenham will be hoping that Vincent Janssen will able to enjoy a better second season at the club as this would enable them to provide much more of a threat from the bench – hugely important if they want to compete in the Champions League as well.