Premier League Football At Wembley Off To A Flier
Tottenham played their first home game of the Premier League season Sunday, losing 2-1 to bitter rivals Chelsea.
It was also the first time a Premier League game has been played at Wembley and before the game, there was talk that Spurs would struggle at Wembley after their disastrous Champions League campaign at the national stadium last season.
I went to the game Sunday and around the ground, there was optimism in the air from the Spurs fans who were confident that they could get their season at Wembley off to a perfect start with a win.
Before kick-off, you’d be forgiven if you had forgotten this was a Premier League game, given the buzz around Wembley caused a carnival style atmosphere similar to the ones fans experience on cup final days at Wembley.
It was only when I sat down in my seat I was finally hit with the realization that this was a Premier League game, after seeing the branded Premier League advertising boards around the pitch.
The atmosphere was electric as the teams walked out of the tunnel. Given the mix of the game being at Wembley and the rivalry between the two, it added to the intense atmosphere.
Perhaps the atmosphere won’t be as lively as a London derby when clubs from outside the capital such as Newcastle or Brighton visit. But the fact clubs such as the ones mentioned haven’t played at Wembley for many years will certainly relish playing at Wembley, as a result, the atmosphere will surely be impressive. Ultimately both fans and the Premier League will benefit from this one off season.
Going back to the possibility of Spurs struggling at Wembley this year. Personally, I think it’s a case of mind over matter for Spurs who, actually played extremely well and were unlucky to lose it so late on. It’s a case of forgetting where you are when you step on the pitch and putting what they do on the training ground into practice.
Tottenham have the ability to turn Wembley into a fortress this season while White Hart Lane is redeveloped. If Wembley is rocking every home game this season then it may be key to helping them push on from last season.
Featured Image Source: Conor Martin
