Tottenham finally moved into their new ground on Wednesday night, with their London rivals Crystal Palace the first visitors to the arena.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side kicked off life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-0 win over the Eagles, a victory which saw them reclaim third place from their bitter rivals Arsenal.
The Tottenham hierarchy are hoping their new home will help usher in a new stadium and transform them into one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But former Gunner Merson doesn’t foresee that happening.
“Tottenham’s new stadium looks lovely, but does it make them a big team? No. Not even close,” he told the Daily Star.
“Spurs need to buy players this summer or they will finish where they do this year. That’s the problem for Mauricio Pochettino.
“I think it’s a big gamble to move in now the way they have as well.
“Footballers like routine. They are creatures of habit. They don’t like change.
“But suddenly everything has changed for Tottenham’s players. It’s all different. From the way they get to the game, to where they go in the ground, where their families sit, which facilities they use.
“I don’t think the new ground is an advantage for them at all. It’s going to take them a lot of getting used to.
“Also, they could play without any nerves or tension at Wembley because there were no expectations and they could play there every week.
“But Crystal Palace was a pressure game and they will have a few more of them now because we don’t have long to go until the end of the season.
“They had a great result against Palace because I thought that would be tricky for them in the first game with all the emotion, but they didn’t look comfortable. They need to settle in quick.”
Tottenham’s next game at their new stadium will see them face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions quarter-final tie, which takes place on Tuesday night.
