Tottenham will struggle playing their ‘home’ games at Wembley, says former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit
The Frenchman is speaking from experience... the Gunners won only two of six playing at Wembley in 1998/99
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TOTTENHAM will struggle to adapt to playing their Champions League games at Wembley.
That's the opinion of former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit, who has his own bad memories after the Gunners adopted the national stadium as "home" back in 1998/99.
Spurs are playing their European games at Wembley this season, starting by hosting Monaco on Wednesday night, as development gets underway at White Hart Lane.
And Petit believes Mauricio Pochettino's side could struggle to adapt at their temporary home - citing his own personal experience.
The Gunners won only two games out of six played at Wembley due to the restricted attendance at their then-home, Highbury.
Arsenal's Wembley woes in 1998/99
Sept 30, 1998: Panathinaikos - Won 2-1
Oct 21, 1998: Dynamo Kiev - Drew 1-1
Nov 25, 1998: Lens - Lost 0-1
Sept 22, 1999: AIK Solna - Won 3-1
Oct 19, 1999: Barcelona - Lost 2-4
Oct 27, 1999: Fiorentina - Lost 0-1
Speaking to , the 45-year-old said: "It was not great for us, in fact, it was a disaster.
"In two seasons, we did not qualify from the group. We had problems off the pitch as well as on it — we were nearly late for one game because of the traffic. It was not great preparation.
“They will get more fans. We did. But it is not your home ground.
"Monaco will not be intimidated. They do not get large crowds for their home games, but they face big crowds for many of their away matches so they are used to it – and they are also in good form.”
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Not only will the unfamiliar surroundings be a factor, but Petit believes Spurs will be facing a side full of confidence as they make the trip over the Channel.
"They beat PSG just before the international break, they are organised and are playing well," added the Frenchman.
"Spurs need to be careful of them.”
Twenty-four hours before Spurs kick off their Euro campaign against Monaco, Arsenal play PSG in the French capital.