How have other Premier League sides fared in new stadiums?

It’s the grand opening of the New White Hart Lane this evening as Tottenham Hotspur take centre stage in their 62,000, £1bn all-seater stadium against Watford. However, many sides find that they can’t get used to new territory as Spurs become the eighth current side since the inception of the Premier League to move home. But, how did the other sides get on in their opening months?

West Ham United – London Stadium

The Hammers started life pretty tough when they left their previous Boleyn Ground in 2016 as the Olympic Stadium became the new home to East London outlet. After beating Bournemouth 1-0 in their opening match, they suffered a shock home defeat to Romanian side, Astra Giurigiu in the play-off round of the Europa League. A poor performance away from home lead to their exit from Europe which was then followed by one win in the next four home matches.

Brighton & Hove Albion – AMEX Stadium

Originally opening in 2009, Brighton didn’t move into the small town of Falmer until 2011 where they faced Doncaster Rovers in the first game of the season. A brace from Will Buckley got life underway at the Falmer Stadium off to a good start and continued the form going into the new Championship season. Gus Poyet’s side managed to win three out of three at home and the season saw The Seagulls at their best throughout January 2012 where they went nine games unbeaten, leading to a 10th place finish in the Championship.

Cardiff City – The Cardiff City Stadium

Another side who were in the Championship at the time was Dave Jones’ Cardiff City side. After losing five at home all season, life started pretty well for The Bluebirds who managed to finish 4th that season and enjoyed a trip to Wembley Stadium for the play-off final. They were well beaten by Ian Holloway’s Blackpool but soon made up for the loss as they went up promoted the next year in 2010/11.

Arsenal – Emirates Stadium

Arsene Wenger’s side started pretty well at their new ground going unbeaten until April 2007 in the Premier League where they finished fourth in the Premier League. Over 43 goals were scored in the league at the Emirates that season, which included a healthy 6-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers and a 3-0 win over Spurs.

Manchester City – Etihad Stadium

Formerly known as the City of Manchester Stadium during the 2003/04 season, Manchester City had a fairly false start at their new home. After leaving the famous Maine Road, Kevin Keegan’s side fell out of the UEFA Cup after losing to Polish side, Groclin Dyskobolia after their 1-1 draw. They went on to lose on away goals following the second leg and also went on a poor run throughout November – March. However, a shock 4-1 victory over their city rivals made up for the new home as they finished 16th in the Premier League.

Leicester City – King Power Stadium

Life couldn’t have got better in their brand new home after opening it’s doors in 2002. The Foxes won promotion straight back to the Premier League that year and only lost twice all season in the hands of Burnley and Ipswich Town. A second place finished finalised a perfect season for Micky Adams’ men.

Southampton – St Mary’s Stadium

Saints fans had to wait until November 2001 for their first win since leaving The Dell as they went on a gruelling run without a win. With two managers in Stuart Gray and Gordon Strachan that season, Southampton still managed to grab an 11th place finish in the Premier League as they also enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at home.

Huddersfield Town – The John Smith’s Stadium

The earliest side to change their ground in the current Premier League table is Huddersfield Town who moved to the Alfred McAlpine Stadium in 1994. Neil Warnock’s side went on a great run in the Second Division, winning 11 out of their first 12 games at their new stadium. After only losing three times at home that season, success was finally rewarded as a trip to Wembley Stadium in a win over Bristol Rovers saw The Terriers reach Division One.

Featured image credit: Hzh [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons