Get the double-sided 92 Club & National League map poster

How Have Premier League Clubs Performed When Moving Into A New Stadium?

How Have Premier League Clubs Performed When Moving Into A New Stadium?

Moving into a new stadium is often seen as something that clubs believe will translate into success on the field. However, that doesn't always play out as many hopes, and it leaves clubs on the backfoot when it comes to the transfer market.

Of course, there have been some examples in the past that shows that moving into a new stadium has resulted in a profound impact on results. But how have some of the biggest clubs performed when moving into a new stadium?

Arsenal

When Arsenal left Highbury at the end of the 2005-06 season, many believed that the success that the Gunners had in their old home would directly translate with more silverware. However, it hasn't exactly played out that way, as the Gunners have been unable to replicate their success at the Emirates.

Arsenal won three Premier League titles in six years while they were at Highbury, but they haven't been able to add a domestic trophy since then. The financial strain that the club have been under since moving to their modern home has meant that they haven't been able to keep up with the pace being set by the leading sides in the division.

Manchester City

Manchester City finally moved into their new stadium after the 2002-03 season. Maine Road was beloved by fans of the Citizens, but when given the chance to move into the stadium that played host for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, they jumped at it. The first couple of years at their new home saw City maintain their Premier League safety, before the takeover in 2008 has seen City enter one of their most prolific periods of their history.

Sheikh Mansour's investment has seen the club go from relegation battles to domestic title challengers, and the infrastructure that has now been put in place has meant that City are now one of the leaders in world football when it comes to facilities. Since 2008, the club have won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups. There haven't been many better examples of teams achieving success in their new home than Manchester City.

West Ham United

There haven't been more contentious moves in recent history than West Ham's decision to move into the Olympic Stadium. Upton Park was a stadium that was the heart and soul of this famous club, which means some have believed that the decision to move to the new stadium has taken the heart out of the club.

Fans have let their frustration be known to the owners, with protests at how the club has been run. The most outlandish protest came in the 2017-18 season as fans ran onto their pitch during their 3-0 home defeat to Burnley. David Gold and David Sullivan were also rushed out of the stadium as there were fans in the stands that were trying to get to the owners. The move hasn't worked out as many would have hoped on the field, as West Ham have struggled for consistent home form.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are the most recent Premier League club to have moved into a new home, as they moved into the Tottenham Hotspur stadium towards the end of the 2018-19 season. The new stadium is the biggest club stadium in London and has already seen famous nights in the Champions League, with their win over Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the 2018-19 season being a standout game.

However, since moving into the stadium, performances on the pitch have deteriorated. Mauricio Pochettino lost his job, with Jose Mourinho now being the man tasked with bringing a first success to the club since 2008.

The move hasn't seen bookmakers cut the price on Tottenham to win a major competition, as they are still outsiders with TonyBet Sport to win a trophy next season. The stadium will also host NFL fixtures and boxing events, and judging by the money Tottenham spent in the summer of 2019, the decision to move into the new stadium hasn't impacted the finances available to bring in new players.




More articles from Football Ground Map...

My Son's First Football Match

Taking my son to his first football match was one of the best experiences I've had as a father so far. I've written this article for Alex to read when he gets older.

My Daughter's First Football Match

My daughter's first ever football match - Orlando City v Atlanta United, August 2019. Written for Izzy to read when she gets old enough. Vamos Orlando


The World's Barmiest Football Fan?

Tony Incenzo has been to over 2,000 football grounds - is he the world's barmiest football fan? Read about his love for Non-League football and groundhopping obsession, including watching a match in prison!

Surviving football boredom - a football fans' guide

23 interesting things to do to pass the time until the football season restarts



Buy our exclusive European football stadium poster