Tottenham's New Year's Eve clash against West Ham could be moved over safety concerns

West Ham beat Tottenham in the League Cup at Wembley earlier this season
West Ham United via Getty Images
Jonathan Hunn24 November 2017

Tottenham’s match against West Ham on New Year’s Eve could yet be rearranged, with both clubs and the Premier League frustrated at delays in confirming the fixture.

The game at Wembley, scheduled for a 2.15pm kick-off, has been picked for live broadcast by Sky Sports, but it is yet to be signed off by the safety advisory group — made-up of representatives of Spurs, Brent Council and the police, ambulance and fire services — amid transport concerns.

Transport for London traditionally offers free travel up to 4.30am on New Year’s Day and there is concern that up to 85,000 supporters travelling to Wembley for a high-risk London derby will put too much strain on TFL staff and the British Transport Police.

With five weeks to go and no breakthrough in sight, it remains possible that the fixture could be moved to a broadcast slot on a different day.

No tickets have yet been put on sale and last night Spurs and the Premier League released a joint statement, apologising to supporters.

“Given the complicated circumstances we are asking for a little more time to work through solutions acceptable to those with the ultimate responsibility for ensuring this match is played and enjoyed safely,” it said.

Meanwhile, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has warned that it will be harder than ever for his squad to perform over the busy festive period, because of Wembley’s large pitch.

Spurs usually thrive at this time of year — in the past two seasons they have lost just three of 26 matches across December and January. But Wembley is 545 square metres bigger than White Hart Lane, and Pochettino has urged caution after analysing his players.

“This season, we are beating our physical stats because when you play at Wembley, you spend more energy,” he said ahead of tomorrow’s visit of West Brom — the first of 11 games in 39 days. The team’s physical stats have improved and now we need to see the effect over the Christmas period.

In Pictures | Tottenham vs West Ham | 19/11/2016

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“It’s new for us, but in the same way it’s a very good test, because were going to play in the stadium we’re building, which will be similar to Wembley in the size of the pitch.

“The [time spent by the] ball in play changes a lot. The square metres changes a lot. We are one of the best teams today, in terms of effort. We are on the top. But that always has an impact on your physical condition.

“At White Hart Lane it was completely under control. But today we are finding different stats, and we need to be careful how we assess and make our decisions in the next few months.”

He added: “If you came from Mars today you would say, ‘Oh Tottenham, in the last two seasons fight for the title. Why not fight to win the league again?’

“But sometimes people become crazy to expect us to be like Real Madrid or Barcelona. The dream team! Sometimes the reality is not related to the expectation.”

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