Premier League 2019-20: 3 reasons why Tottenham Hotspur will finish in the top 4 this season

#2 Resolution to the Christian Eriksen problem

Christian Eriksen

While this might be a bit easier said than done, one can rest assured that Pochettino will find a way to address the Christian Eriksen-shaped elephant in the room. The Danish international has had a rather eventful summer, and seems to have carried some of that momentum into the new season.

It wasn't too long ago that Eriksen had momentously announced to the media that he was "ready for a new challenge". However, his new challenge never materialized after Real Madrid failed to deliver on their initial interest, Bayern Munich decided to get Phil Coutinho in on loan, and Manchester United couldn't figure out whether they needed him by the time the transfer window slammed shut.

While Eriksen's on-pitch performances have left a lot to be desired so far this season, it is his effect in the dressing room that is the big question here. Keeping a player who clearly doesn't want to be around is not the best thing in the world. It has a roll-on effect on the rest of the squad too.

One way or the other the Eriksen situation will need resolving, which you suspect will happen sooner rather than later.

He either leaves by January, or knuckles down and puts in settled performances knowing full well that he will have a chance to leave for free next summer. For that, Pochettino would need to sit him down and talk him into performing.

But if that fails, the Argentine could turn his attention to the freshly signed Giovani Lo Celso, who could take up the Eriksen-sized hole soon enough.

Either way, you feel that once there is some clarity with regard to Eriksen's place within the team, the focus on the field would be boosted and the performances would reflect a sense of settlement.