A bit of a curate's egg of a performance from Tottenham last night. For those of you who haven't heard the term before, it can be basically explained as something that is both good and bad in parts, but as a result is entirely spoiled. No biased refereeing to blame it on this time, just the fact that United's weakened team was much stronger than our weakened team. We had our moments, defended strongly in the first half and hit the post in the second. If Lennon had picked out Van der Vaart instead of dallying on the ball we may have gone into the final half hour a goal up. We didn't and once United scored, they pulled away like an Aston Martin at the lights, as the Tottenham Ford Sierra jolted and stalled. Bottom of the table, 0 points 1 game, Redknapp out etc etc. To the ratings:
Friedel - 8
Bit of a surprise starter seeing as our Brazilian loon started at Tynecastle in mid-week. But Big Brad was probably our stand-out performer, making a string of top quality saves (the worldie from Cleverley's low drive being the highlight) and generally looking calm and assured. It's nice not to have your heart in your mouth every time a corner is whipped into the vicinity of the goalkeeper. The Sky microphones also picked up the constant stream of communication from Friedel to his defence. Promising start.
Walker - 6
A couple of bright forays forward in the first half before sickness cut his night short. I get the feeling that weaker teams in the Premiership will be tortured by this boy, but in a game where he has to do more defending than attacking, his weaknesses are a bit more apparent. Gave Young too much room and respect and was caught out of position more than once.
Dawson - 6
As usual, solid and no nonsense. We know he's a bit slow on the turn and although I rate Dawson as one of the best around, I can't help get that nagging feeling that he continues to struggle against the very best strikers in the league.
Kaboul - 7
Excellent in the first half, struggled a bit more (as they all did) in the second. I really like Kaboul as a player and think he's an automatic starter these days. He has all the physical attributes to be one of the best around and once he irons out the occasional lapses in concentration, he'll be a formidable obstacle. Could easily have been sent off for leaning his head into Nani. How stupid can you get? Got sent off against Newcastle for doing exactly the same thing to Tiote.
BAE - 7
I love Benny. So cool he could play the game with a fag in his mouth. Even against a flowing United attack he never looks ruffled and only goes route one as a last resort. Not his greatest display, but he hardly puts a foot wrong these days.
Lennon - 5
He's lost his mojo. Rather oddly, Evra really seems to struggle against Lennon but even with this in mind, he still seems reluctant to take on the full back on the outside and put balls in the box. His glorious chance to set up Rafa in the second half summed up his terrible decision making.
Kranjcar - 5
Plenty of nice touches and intelligent passing but he's not a central midfield and is certainly too much of a luxury to play there against United. Lacked the basic mobility and work rate to compete last night, leaving Livermore with far too much to do. I like Kranjcar and I hope he stays but his cameos in central midfield should be reserved for games against pub teams like Hearts.
Livermore - 6
Worked hard (he bloody had to), did the basics and you can't ask for much more from the lad on a debut at Old Trafford. Left exposed by Kranjcar and unsurprisingly struggled to pick up the movement of Anderson, Cleverley and Rooney. Heart says he has a big part to play this season, head is whispering that he may be a bit out of his depth. I hope I'm wrong.
Bale - 6
Made a couple of promising runs in the first half but faded into obscurity as the game went on. I know it's difficult to make a big impression on the game when United hold on possession so well but we need people like Bale to provide an outlet for a counter attack. Need to see more from him.
Van der Vaart - 7
Occasionally frustrating and perhaps a little too keen to take the 'shoot on sight' tactic literally, Rafa was still our most creative attacker last night. Linked well between the midfield and a lonely looking Defoe and worked De Gea more than anyone. Good to see him get 90 minutes and looking fitter than at any stage last season. Hopefully those niggling injuries are behind him.
Defoe - 6
Looked pretty sharp and like a man eager to impress. It was always going to be difficult playing alone up front against a team of United's quality. Caught in two minds a couple of times when in good positions and was very unlucky to hit the post late on. If that had gone on we'd be praising his predatory instincts.
Subs:
Corluka - 6
Did OK, solid and unspectacular as usual.
Huddlestone - 5
Clearly not fit. A passenger against the rampant United of the last 15 minutes. Certainly looked a mistake bringing him on.
Pav - 5
Was he on?
Deep down we all knew it was unlikely we would get anything from last night's game, especially without the likes of King, Sandro and Modric. 1-0 and I wouldn't have been too downhearted but 3-0 means our goal difference takes an early kicking and we sit bottom. The second leg at Hearts looks like good timing, hopefully serving as a nice morale booster against City. A win on Sunday and hopefully at least Diarra in (I doubt hugely that Adebayor will sign before Sunday, City won't let him make his debut against them), and things will start to look much healthier. It could be worse, we could be Arsenal!
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Sunday, 14 August 2011
The Striker Search: 17 days to go.
If it wasn't for the riots, we'd be one game into our season, and still no marquee striker signing.
Adebayor, Rossi, Llorente, Leandro Damiao, Negredo, Drogba, Gyan, Zamora (!), Ruiz, Falcao, Hulk have all been linked, with varying degrees of seriousness and so far, not a bean. Pav, Crouch, Defoe and even Robbie Keane remain.
So what are we expecting? Personally, I have faith and feel that Levy will pull someone out of the bag. More than likely we will see someone arrive on deadline day, much to Jim White's squeaking delight on Sky Sports News. I will be in Barcelona on deadline day and will no doubt rack up a terrifying phone bill checking for updates every half an hour. I will also hold out a hope of spying Daniel Levy sneaking out of the Nou Camp, maybe with David Villa under his arm.
I think Keane will go, possibly to the MLS and his boyhood club, the LA Galaxy. Crouch could possibly be off to Stoke along with Sgt Wilson, where he will spend the season standing next to the goalkeeper as Rory Delap throws footballs at him. Pav will stay and infuriate and delight us in almost equal measure for another year at least. Out of all of our striking options the man I'd least like to see go is Defoe. I'm in the camp that believes last season was an anomaly for Defoe, where getting injured early on, playing catch up and having a dip in confidence all contributed to a poor season. I was pleased with Harry's comments recently that he expects a big season from Defoe. I think with an early season goal or two, Defoe could hit 15 to 20 goals this year, like we know he can.
There has been a lot of talk this pre-season about two of our youngsters, Harry Kane and Soulyemane Coulibaly and how they could be the answer. 8 goals from Kane this pre-season and positive reviews from a loan spell at Orient last year is very encouraging. It's more likely to see Kane off on loan again this season, preferably to a Championship team, which would be better for his development than the odd Europa League substitute appearance. Despite the famous 9 goals in 4 games at the u17 World Cup this summer and 2 in 2 in a Spurs shirt, we should remember that Coulibaly is 2 years behind Kane in his career, being only 16 years old. I wouldn't expect to see him in the first team picture anytime soon. Ideally Coulibaly will get his head down and score better than a goal a game in the academy team, which is historically what top class strikers have done. Either way, he's very exciting and one to watch.
So who's it going to be? A few sites have announced that a loan deal for Adebayor is virtually done. Personally I would be very happy with this. He certainly knows where the goal is, particularly at White Hart Lane. I don't see why his mercenary tendencies should be an issue; as we've learnt from Modric this summer, there's no loyalty left in football so why should we care if someone unashamedly wanted to play for someone else before signing for you? If he's working hard and scoring goals for Spurs that's all that matters. Plus he hates Arsenal which is always a Brucie bonus.
Knowing Spurs, the reporter camped outside Spurs Lodge on deadline day will announce someone completely different stepping out of a large car at half 11. Or Jonathan Walters being shown round the canteen. Either way, did you really expect all business to be done weeks in advance and full focus on the season ahead?
It's Spurs. Here we go again.
Adebayor, Rossi, Llorente, Leandro Damiao, Negredo, Drogba, Gyan, Zamora (!), Ruiz, Falcao, Hulk have all been linked, with varying degrees of seriousness and so far, not a bean. Pav, Crouch, Defoe and even Robbie Keane remain.
So what are we expecting? Personally, I have faith and feel that Levy will pull someone out of the bag. More than likely we will see someone arrive on deadline day, much to Jim White's squeaking delight on Sky Sports News. I will be in Barcelona on deadline day and will no doubt rack up a terrifying phone bill checking for updates every half an hour. I will also hold out a hope of spying Daniel Levy sneaking out of the Nou Camp, maybe with David Villa under his arm.
I think Keane will go, possibly to the MLS and his boyhood club, the LA Galaxy. Crouch could possibly be off to Stoke along with Sgt Wilson, where he will spend the season standing next to the goalkeeper as Rory Delap throws footballs at him. Pav will stay and infuriate and delight us in almost equal measure for another year at least. Out of all of our striking options the man I'd least like to see go is Defoe. I'm in the camp that believes last season was an anomaly for Defoe, where getting injured early on, playing catch up and having a dip in confidence all contributed to a poor season. I was pleased with Harry's comments recently that he expects a big season from Defoe. I think with an early season goal or two, Defoe could hit 15 to 20 goals this year, like we know he can.
There has been a lot of talk this pre-season about two of our youngsters, Harry Kane and Soulyemane Coulibaly and how they could be the answer. 8 goals from Kane this pre-season and positive reviews from a loan spell at Orient last year is very encouraging. It's more likely to see Kane off on loan again this season, preferably to a Championship team, which would be better for his development than the odd Europa League substitute appearance. Despite the famous 9 goals in 4 games at the u17 World Cup this summer and 2 in 2 in a Spurs shirt, we should remember that Coulibaly is 2 years behind Kane in his career, being only 16 years old. I wouldn't expect to see him in the first team picture anytime soon. Ideally Coulibaly will get his head down and score better than a goal a game in the academy team, which is historically what top class strikers have done. Either way, he's very exciting and one to watch.
So who's it going to be? A few sites have announced that a loan deal for Adebayor is virtually done. Personally I would be very happy with this. He certainly knows where the goal is, particularly at White Hart Lane. I don't see why his mercenary tendencies should be an issue; as we've learnt from Modric this summer, there's no loyalty left in football so why should we care if someone unashamedly wanted to play for someone else before signing for you? If he's working hard and scoring goals for Spurs that's all that matters. Plus he hates Arsenal which is always a Brucie bonus.
Knowing Spurs, the reporter camped outside Spurs Lodge on deadline day will announce someone completely different stepping out of a large car at half 11. Or Jonathan Walters being shown round the canteen. Either way, did you really expect all business to be done weeks in advance and full focus on the season ahead?
It's Spurs. Here we go again.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Can you smell the fear?
It seems that AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has been taking night classes at the Alex Ferguson school of mind games by claiming that we are not one of the strongest in Europe and that we took advantage of 'mistakes' and the counter attack at the San Siro to win. Now it seems to me that Mr. Allegri would not be saying these things if he were not very very nervous about coming to White Hart Lane tomorrow night. By claiming we are not one of the strongest teams in the competition it would seem on the surface that all he is doing is setting up an even bigger fall for Milan. Surely he should be saying 'Ooh it'll be really difficult for us, Spurs could go on and win the whole thing'? In fact I think Allegri is trying to trigger the one weakness we have showed in the Champions League this year: stage fright. By claiming we still have a huge task ahead of us and are still European minnows, I can only think Allegri is hoping Spurs let the occasion get to them and choke like they did early on against Young Boys and Inter at the San Siro.
Allegri is asking for trouble. These comments of his show he is struggling to find positives. He is already making excuses about the number of midfielders Milan are missing. The size of the occasion will only focus Lilywhite hearts and minds. In the going on 20 years I've sat at White Hart Lane I've never experienced an atmosphere like our Champions League games. Spurs won't choke at the Lane. We won't let them.
Now to the 'mistakes' Milan made which gave us the win in Italy. What mistakes were those? Employing a one-paced backline that struggled against our pace all game? And that was without Gareth Bale. Playing an over-the-hill borderline psychopath in midfield? Not easily rectifiable really.
I have to agree that we took advantage of the counter attack at the San Siro. Well done for spotting that. But who wouldn't play the counter attack away from home in Europe? Bit like saying 'We knew they would use that tactic. They did use it and as a result they won.' Not exactly doing us a disservice. Plus, if Allegri really thinks that the counter attack will form a big part of our game tomorrow then he's in trouble. a) We should attack them from the word go, put the foot on the throat and don't take it off like we did to Inter. b) If we do hit them on the counter, can they stop us? They'll have to go for the win, push people forward and gamble on attacks. Gareth Bale has already showed he likes the big occasions and if Milan struggled against a Bale-less counter attack, then I cannot wait to see our Welsh marauder in full flight tomorrow.
It really doesn't matter what Allegri says about us. If we play our own game, stick it on Crouch's head, give it to VdV, Bale, Modric and Lennon as much as possible, don't play silly buggers at the back then I believe we will win. Against Inter we lost concentration just once, gave Eto'o a yard too much space and he scored out of nowhere. Ibra can do exactly the same. Let's put in another performance that makes Europe sit up and take notice. Let's put ourselves into the hat for the next round and ensure that every team in Europe fears drawing us. Let's show Allegri what one of the smallest teams in the competition can do.
Allegri is asking for trouble. These comments of his show he is struggling to find positives. He is already making excuses about the number of midfielders Milan are missing. The size of the occasion will only focus Lilywhite hearts and minds. In the going on 20 years I've sat at White Hart Lane I've never experienced an atmosphere like our Champions League games. Spurs won't choke at the Lane. We won't let them.
Now to the 'mistakes' Milan made which gave us the win in Italy. What mistakes were those? Employing a one-paced backline that struggled against our pace all game? And that was without Gareth Bale. Playing an over-the-hill borderline psychopath in midfield? Not easily rectifiable really.
I have to agree that we took advantage of the counter attack at the San Siro. Well done for spotting that. But who wouldn't play the counter attack away from home in Europe? Bit like saying 'We knew they would use that tactic. They did use it and as a result they won.' Not exactly doing us a disservice. Plus, if Allegri really thinks that the counter attack will form a big part of our game tomorrow then he's in trouble. a) We should attack them from the word go, put the foot on the throat and don't take it off like we did to Inter. b) If we do hit them on the counter, can they stop us? They'll have to go for the win, push people forward and gamble on attacks. Gareth Bale has already showed he likes the big occasions and if Milan struggled against a Bale-less counter attack, then I cannot wait to see our Welsh marauder in full flight tomorrow.
It really doesn't matter what Allegri says about us. If we play our own game, stick it on Crouch's head, give it to VdV, Bale, Modric and Lennon as much as possible, don't play silly buggers at the back then I believe we will win. Against Inter we lost concentration just once, gave Eto'o a yard too much space and he scored out of nowhere. Ibra can do exactly the same. Let's put in another performance that makes Europe sit up and take notice. Let's put ourselves into the hat for the next round and ensure that every team in Europe fears drawing us. Let's show Allegri what one of the smallest teams in the competition can do.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Ossie's Knees Returns. Wolves 3 Spurs 3
After a Jonathan Woodgate-esque absence, Ossie's Knees returns. Where better to return than a frustrating draw at Molineaux?
No doubt in my mind we should have won this game. Almost goes without saying these days that we concede the first goal away from home. Wolves started well yes but regardless of what the shockingly biased Chris Coleman would have you believe (did Spurs do something to him?), Spurs never looked on the ropes and there was no surprise when we turned it around and went in front not once but twice. The biggest surprise was that once we went in front we failed to see it out in the last few minutes, something we've actually been pretty good at this season. Once again we were our own worst enemy not putting away our chances to kill the game off before getting hit with a sucker-punch. We failed to convert any of our 15,000 chances against Blackpool until it was too late and then after three terrific goals out of nowhere yesterday, first Gareth Bale and then a resurrected Defoe failed to put the game beyond Wolves. I can't help but worry that the 5 points we have missed out on against Blackpool and Wolves will come back to haunt us. Our Top 4 destiny is still in our own hands with trips to Chelsea and Macnhester City, but now there's really no room for error. At least 4 points needed from those two games I fear, as well as maximum points from all our remaining home games. We are making it difficult for ourselves, but would we do it any other way?
Let's get the negatives out of the way first. Step forward Mr. Hutton. So Harry chews him out for giving away a stupid penalty at Fulham, is forced into bringing him back in due to Charlie's injury and what does he do? Gives away a stupid penalty and is very lucky not to get sent off. Hutton struggled all day against the dangerous Matt Jarvis, constantly backing off him and allowing him to deliver crosses into the box, which resulted in the Fletcher equaliser. Charlie's injury is looking more and more significant now and I for one am looking forward to next season when we can see Corluka and Walker battle it our for the right back spot.
Now what of our fruit loop Brazilian goalkeeper? Personally I believe he was fouled and the Stearman goal was correctly disallowed. He may have been a bit tentative and should have attacked the ball but Stearman was looking and Gomes and jumped into him. A clear foul in my humble opinion. Plus Gomes also showed us his best side, pulling off a worldie to deny Milijas. Our first half was overall too sluggish and it took us too long to cope with the runs into the box of the Wolves midfielders, particularly Milijas.
So what of the positives? Praise be, our strikers scored! JD's first was textbook Defoe. Given space outside the box, low backlift, sweetly struck deliciousness. His second showed what confidence can do for you. Placement over power this time, JD knew exactly where he wanted to put it and gave the keeper no chance. Will we see the goals flow now? I bloody well hope so. He will probably lose his place against AC to the most prolific beanpole in Europe, but would you bet against him coming off the bench to bang in his 100th goal in Lilywhite? Pav was his usual frustrating self. Anonymous for the majority of the game but pops up with a well taken goal. Say what you like about our Russian friend but he knows where the goal is.
A special mention should also go to Sandro. It's taken him a while to get to grips with the English game but yesterday was another performance of quiet authority and maturity. I've noticed he has a great eye for the intelligent forward run but doesn't neglect his defensive duties. With Palacios going through phases of being unable to string basic passes together and his tendency to give away clumsy fouls in dangerous areas I would have Sandro in the team ahead of him each week now and I hope he keeps his place against Milan on Wednesday. He has the potential to be our midfield enforcer for years to come.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of yesterday's game was the return of one Gareth Bale. The lad could sit have spent the last six weeks sitting on the sofa eating custard creams and watching Cash in the Attic, but he was instantly the most dangerous and athletic player on the pitch, tormenting the rugby player Wolves had playing at full back. It's easy to forget how good players are when they're out injured and I think most of us could be forgiven for forgetting just how good our Welshman is. It adds another layer of excitement to our game with AC that we will see Bale and Van der Vaart together again for the first time in two months.
All in all, a frustrating case of what might have been, but let's follow it up with another glory glory night at the Lane.
No doubt in my mind we should have won this game. Almost goes without saying these days that we concede the first goal away from home. Wolves started well yes but regardless of what the shockingly biased Chris Coleman would have you believe (did Spurs do something to him?), Spurs never looked on the ropes and there was no surprise when we turned it around and went in front not once but twice. The biggest surprise was that once we went in front we failed to see it out in the last few minutes, something we've actually been pretty good at this season. Once again we were our own worst enemy not putting away our chances to kill the game off before getting hit with a sucker-punch. We failed to convert any of our 15,000 chances against Blackpool until it was too late and then after three terrific goals out of nowhere yesterday, first Gareth Bale and then a resurrected Defoe failed to put the game beyond Wolves. I can't help but worry that the 5 points we have missed out on against Blackpool and Wolves will come back to haunt us. Our Top 4 destiny is still in our own hands with trips to Chelsea and Macnhester City, but now there's really no room for error. At least 4 points needed from those two games I fear, as well as maximum points from all our remaining home games. We are making it difficult for ourselves, but would we do it any other way?
Let's get the negatives out of the way first. Step forward Mr. Hutton. So Harry chews him out for giving away a stupid penalty at Fulham, is forced into bringing him back in due to Charlie's injury and what does he do? Gives away a stupid penalty and is very lucky not to get sent off. Hutton struggled all day against the dangerous Matt Jarvis, constantly backing off him and allowing him to deliver crosses into the box, which resulted in the Fletcher equaliser. Charlie's injury is looking more and more significant now and I for one am looking forward to next season when we can see Corluka and Walker battle it our for the right back spot.
Now what of our fruit loop Brazilian goalkeeper? Personally I believe he was fouled and the Stearman goal was correctly disallowed. He may have been a bit tentative and should have attacked the ball but Stearman was looking and Gomes and jumped into him. A clear foul in my humble opinion. Plus Gomes also showed us his best side, pulling off a worldie to deny Milijas. Our first half was overall too sluggish and it took us too long to cope with the runs into the box of the Wolves midfielders, particularly Milijas.
So what of the positives? Praise be, our strikers scored! JD's first was textbook Defoe. Given space outside the box, low backlift, sweetly struck deliciousness. His second showed what confidence can do for you. Placement over power this time, JD knew exactly where he wanted to put it and gave the keeper no chance. Will we see the goals flow now? I bloody well hope so. He will probably lose his place against AC to the most prolific beanpole in Europe, but would you bet against him coming off the bench to bang in his 100th goal in Lilywhite? Pav was his usual frustrating self. Anonymous for the majority of the game but pops up with a well taken goal. Say what you like about our Russian friend but he knows where the goal is.
A special mention should also go to Sandro. It's taken him a while to get to grips with the English game but yesterday was another performance of quiet authority and maturity. I've noticed he has a great eye for the intelligent forward run but doesn't neglect his defensive duties. With Palacios going through phases of being unable to string basic passes together and his tendency to give away clumsy fouls in dangerous areas I would have Sandro in the team ahead of him each week now and I hope he keeps his place against Milan on Wednesday. He has the potential to be our midfield enforcer for years to come.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of yesterday's game was the return of one Gareth Bale. The lad could sit have spent the last six weeks sitting on the sofa eating custard creams and watching Cash in the Attic, but he was instantly the most dangerous and athletic player on the pitch, tormenting the rugby player Wolves had playing at full back. It's easy to forget how good players are when they're out injured and I think most of us could be forgiven for forgetting just how good our Welshman is. It adds another layer of excitement to our game with AC that we will see Bale and Van der Vaart together again for the first time in two months.
All in all, a frustrating case of what might have been, but let's follow it up with another glory glory night at the Lane.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Inter at the San Siro - OMG
First of all, apologies for the lack of posting recently, a combination of being away, an excruciatingly dull international break and a spot of writers block has conspired to slow this blog down. Fingers crossed, we are back up and running.
Inter. San Siro. Champions League. These are the games that I dreamt of as a young boy in the mid to late-90s watching men like Paolo Tramezzani and Jason Dozzell pretending to be footballers. We've come a long way since then and we deserve this stage. There is no better time or opportunity to announce to the giants of Europe that Tottenham Hotspur has arrived.
If we aren't up for this game then my idea of professional football is badly skewed. Am I naive to think that footballers these days dream of playing in games like this? Or is it all Rolexes, Bentleys and prostitutes? If standing in front of 80,000 people at the San Siro as the Champions League music rings out doesn't raise the hairs on the back of every single player in Lilywhite's necks, then that is a very sad thing indeed. I play in a weekly Powerleague team and was amazed when during a routine bit of handbags on the pitch next to us prompted one of the players involved to rush to his bag behind the goal and produce a knife with a 6 inch blade. What sort of mentality is this? 'Off to play football tonight, have I got everything? Boots, shinpads, knife. Yep, good to go.' I want to be reassured tomorrow night that for our young team, a game like this still means everything and should be the pinnacle of a number of careers so far. 'Arry shouldn't have to say a word to pump them up. Setting and opposition should be all they need.
So what can we expect from the game tomorrow night? I think there isn't a sane Spurs fan out there that wouldn't take a point now if offered it. But can we take all 3 points? Why not? An advantage Spurs have in this year's Champions League is the mystery factor. Teams aren't sure what to expect from us. The Werder Bremen director dismissed our threat out of hand and we played Bremen off the park for 45 minutes in Bremen and should have won the game. We will threaten Inter and we will create chances. It's how we cope at the back that will define tomorrow's game. Make the mistakes we made against Bremen and quality like Sneijder and Eto'o will massacre us. If Bassong does his rabbit in the headlights impression that he did against Young Boys then Inter will show no mercy. Defend solidly and we will have a chance. Inter are not as scary as they were last season. Rafa Benitez was comically bad with last season with his hilarious 'guarantee' of 4th place. If Mourinho were still in charge then I would be much more worried. Admittedly, playing a team containing the European goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker of the year doesn't bode well. But I hear rumours from Italy that midfield hardman Esteban Cambiasso and European striker of the year Diego Milito are out of the game. Of course there is strength in depth and of course the likes of Maicon, Sneijder and Eto'o are all available, but I guess I'm just trying to stress that this isn't a foregone conclusion. Inter will be nervous of us too.
So what from Spurs? Big performances from each and every one if you please. I think what I'll do is go through my ideal XI and have a think about their roles:
Gomes: More experience at this level than most in our team. Will certainly have work to do tomorrow. More word-class saves and less rolling about crying when a stiff breeze goes by. Gomes needs a Snickers-wielding Mr.T to roll onto the pitch in a tank to tell him to stop acting like a crazy fool.
Hutton/Corluka: Tricky one this. Hutton's attacking instincts could be useful but is defensively a bit suspect and is slow on the turn. Corluka badly out of form and was poor at Bremen but could be a safer option at the San Siro. I'd be tempted to be bold and go for Hutton.
Bassong: Needs to take a deep breath, focus and listen to Gallas next to him. No playing silly buggers at the back. If in doubt, hoof it out. If Heskey can outfox you, so can Samuel Eto'o.
Gallas: Needs all his experience at this level. Take charge of our defence and keep talking to Bassong. A key night for him.
BAE: Such an underrated cog in our machine IMO. Quick, calm, solid at the back and can support Bale in attack. Will need to be at his best against the marauding Maicon.
Lennon: Signs against Fulham that he may be coming back into form? With VdV out, Azza needs to step up and be a key attacking outlet again.
Huddlestone: Same old same old from Thudd. Needs to get his foot on the ball and use it. Needs to be a calming influence if Inter start to get on top.
Jenas: I'm not a fan of Jenas. He annoys the hell out of me on a Saturday. But in VdV's absence he could be useful at the San Siro. Needs to impose himself and use his athleticism to get up and down the pitch and ensure we don't get overrun in the midfield.
Bale: What can you say? Surely the man Inter fears most. If Bale has a good game, Spurs have a good game. His threat may also force Maicon to abandon his surges forward which could be crucial.
Modric: By his own admittance not at this best at the moment but with VdV out, I expect him to be sitting in the hole behind the striker. We know how good he is. He is a genius. The return of Moddle tonight please.
Crouch: Maybe slightly unfair on Pav as he is a better goalscorer. But there is something about Europe that, like England duty, tends to bring the best out in Crouchie. Maybe continental defences don't know what to do with him. Will need to have this thinking cap on because he won't get much change out of Lucio and Samuel otherwise.
We should be full of confidence. We have players that can hurt any side in the world. I'm not saying we will win, but I'm saying that Inter will have to be at their best to beat us. They will underestimate us at their peril. Maybe, just maybe, an upset could be on the cards.
To the Spurs fans who will be there. We want to hear you drowning out the Inter fans. A lovely, long 'Oh When the Spurs' ringing out at the San Siro. This is what we wanted. Let's make some history.
COYS.
Inter. San Siro. Champions League. These are the games that I dreamt of as a young boy in the mid to late-90s watching men like Paolo Tramezzani and Jason Dozzell pretending to be footballers. We've come a long way since then and we deserve this stage. There is no better time or opportunity to announce to the giants of Europe that Tottenham Hotspur has arrived.
If we aren't up for this game then my idea of professional football is badly skewed. Am I naive to think that footballers these days dream of playing in games like this? Or is it all Rolexes, Bentleys and prostitutes? If standing in front of 80,000 people at the San Siro as the Champions League music rings out doesn't raise the hairs on the back of every single player in Lilywhite's necks, then that is a very sad thing indeed. I play in a weekly Powerleague team and was amazed when during a routine bit of handbags on the pitch next to us prompted one of the players involved to rush to his bag behind the goal and produce a knife with a 6 inch blade. What sort of mentality is this? 'Off to play football tonight, have I got everything? Boots, shinpads, knife. Yep, good to go.' I want to be reassured tomorrow night that for our young team, a game like this still means everything and should be the pinnacle of a number of careers so far. 'Arry shouldn't have to say a word to pump them up. Setting and opposition should be all they need.
So what can we expect from the game tomorrow night? I think there isn't a sane Spurs fan out there that wouldn't take a point now if offered it. But can we take all 3 points? Why not? An advantage Spurs have in this year's Champions League is the mystery factor. Teams aren't sure what to expect from us. The Werder Bremen director dismissed our threat out of hand and we played Bremen off the park for 45 minutes in Bremen and should have won the game. We will threaten Inter and we will create chances. It's how we cope at the back that will define tomorrow's game. Make the mistakes we made against Bremen and quality like Sneijder and Eto'o will massacre us. If Bassong does his rabbit in the headlights impression that he did against Young Boys then Inter will show no mercy. Defend solidly and we will have a chance. Inter are not as scary as they were last season. Rafa Benitez was comically bad with last season with his hilarious 'guarantee' of 4th place. If Mourinho were still in charge then I would be much more worried. Admittedly, playing a team containing the European goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker of the year doesn't bode well. But I hear rumours from Italy that midfield hardman Esteban Cambiasso and European striker of the year Diego Milito are out of the game. Of course there is strength in depth and of course the likes of Maicon, Sneijder and Eto'o are all available, but I guess I'm just trying to stress that this isn't a foregone conclusion. Inter will be nervous of us too.
So what from Spurs? Big performances from each and every one if you please. I think what I'll do is go through my ideal XI and have a think about their roles:
Gomes: More experience at this level than most in our team. Will certainly have work to do tomorrow. More word-class saves and less rolling about crying when a stiff breeze goes by. Gomes needs a Snickers-wielding Mr.T to roll onto the pitch in a tank to tell him to stop acting like a crazy fool.
Hutton/Corluka: Tricky one this. Hutton's attacking instincts could be useful but is defensively a bit suspect and is slow on the turn. Corluka badly out of form and was poor at Bremen but could be a safer option at the San Siro. I'd be tempted to be bold and go for Hutton.
Bassong: Needs to take a deep breath, focus and listen to Gallas next to him. No playing silly buggers at the back. If in doubt, hoof it out. If Heskey can outfox you, so can Samuel Eto'o.
Gallas: Needs all his experience at this level. Take charge of our defence and keep talking to Bassong. A key night for him.
BAE: Such an underrated cog in our machine IMO. Quick, calm, solid at the back and can support Bale in attack. Will need to be at his best against the marauding Maicon.
Lennon: Signs against Fulham that he may be coming back into form? With VdV out, Azza needs to step up and be a key attacking outlet again.
Huddlestone: Same old same old from Thudd. Needs to get his foot on the ball and use it. Needs to be a calming influence if Inter start to get on top.
Jenas: I'm not a fan of Jenas. He annoys the hell out of me on a Saturday. But in VdV's absence he could be useful at the San Siro. Needs to impose himself and use his athleticism to get up and down the pitch and ensure we don't get overrun in the midfield.
Bale: What can you say? Surely the man Inter fears most. If Bale has a good game, Spurs have a good game. His threat may also force Maicon to abandon his surges forward which could be crucial.
Modric: By his own admittance not at this best at the moment but with VdV out, I expect him to be sitting in the hole behind the striker. We know how good he is. He is a genius. The return of Moddle tonight please.
Crouch: Maybe slightly unfair on Pav as he is a better goalscorer. But there is something about Europe that, like England duty, tends to bring the best out in Crouchie. Maybe continental defences don't know what to do with him. Will need to have this thinking cap on because he won't get much change out of Lucio and Samuel otherwise.
We should be full of confidence. We have players that can hurt any side in the world. I'm not saying we will win, but I'm saying that Inter will have to be at their best to beat us. They will underestimate us at their peril. Maybe, just maybe, an upset could be on the cards.
To the Spurs fans who will be there. We want to hear you drowning out the Inter fans. A lovely, long 'Oh When the Spurs' ringing out at the San Siro. This is what we wanted. Let's make some history.
COYS.
Friday, 1 October 2010
New Stadium or Olympic Stadium: What's going on?
There seems to be a lot of confusion this morning as to where we are planning to spend our long-term future. Are we building our new stadium after Haringey council unanimously approved our plans, or are we doing the unthinkable and moving to East London and the Olympic Stadium after 2012, possibly changing our name to Stratford Hotspur in the meantime?
I for one think this is very sound and sensible planning from Daniel Levy. Obviously, priority number one is a brand spanking new stadium on our current White Hart Lane site. I don't for a minute think Levy would ever consider moving us to East London. There would be uproar and revolt. But there are still plenty of hoops for us to jump through before we can start building our new home. There are plenty of things to trip us up. Furthermore, the new stadium will cost a hell of a lot of money. We don't want to cripple ourselves financially for the future trying to pay for it. Levy says we were told that if we did not put in a bid for the Olympic Stadium now, we wouldn't get another chance. It would be stupid not to, right?
I don't think anyone can deny that Daniel Levy is a) an excellent businessman and b) a Spurs man. The Financial Times was the first to announce that our bid for the Olympic Stadium will be a joint bid with the entertainment and facilities management company AEG and that it is with a view to leasing out the stadium. I believe our involvement with the Olympic Stadium may be a money-making scheme to either help pay for our new stadium construction or as an additional income should we be forced to stay at White Hart Lane if our new stadium plans fall through. I don't think actually moving to the Olympic Stadium ourselves is a serious consideration to Levy. It couldn't be, could it? Please, no. Just. No.
Screwing over the Hammers is an additional perk in this process. I for one think it would be fun to buy West Ham's 'spiritual home' as David Gold has called it and then lease it back to them. We could charge them extortionate amounts or evict them midway through the season or other fun things like that. Seriously though, I think this move is a sound business move from Mr. Levy. It would be silly to put all our eggs in our new stadium basket when there is still much work to be done. Putting in an application to the Olympic Stadium when there is no commitment to go through with it makes a lot of sense. It could make us money in the long-run and it has pissed off the Hammers. Win-win.
In Levy we trust. Many say he is a business man first and just wants to make money. But you don't buy a football club to make money. He has Spurs at heart and wants what is best for the club. Believe in him.
I for one think this is very sound and sensible planning from Daniel Levy. Obviously, priority number one is a brand spanking new stadium on our current White Hart Lane site. I don't for a minute think Levy would ever consider moving us to East London. There would be uproar and revolt. But there are still plenty of hoops for us to jump through before we can start building our new home. There are plenty of things to trip us up. Furthermore, the new stadium will cost a hell of a lot of money. We don't want to cripple ourselves financially for the future trying to pay for it. Levy says we were told that if we did not put in a bid for the Olympic Stadium now, we wouldn't get another chance. It would be stupid not to, right?
I don't think anyone can deny that Daniel Levy is a) an excellent businessman and b) a Spurs man. The Financial Times was the first to announce that our bid for the Olympic Stadium will be a joint bid with the entertainment and facilities management company AEG and that it is with a view to leasing out the stadium. I believe our involvement with the Olympic Stadium may be a money-making scheme to either help pay for our new stadium construction or as an additional income should we be forced to stay at White Hart Lane if our new stadium plans fall through. I don't think actually moving to the Olympic Stadium ourselves is a serious consideration to Levy. It couldn't be, could it? Please, no. Just. No.
Screwing over the Hammers is an additional perk in this process. I for one think it would be fun to buy West Ham's 'spiritual home' as David Gold has called it and then lease it back to them. We could charge them extortionate amounts or evict them midway through the season or other fun things like that. Seriously though, I think this move is a sound business move from Mr. Levy. It would be silly to put all our eggs in our new stadium basket when there is still much work to be done. Putting in an application to the Olympic Stadium when there is no commitment to go through with it makes a lot of sense. It could make us money in the long-run and it has pissed off the Hammers. Win-win.
In Levy we trust. Many say he is a business man first and just wants to make money. But you don't buy a football club to make money. He has Spurs at heart and wants what is best for the club. Believe in him.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Glory Glory Nights R Us: FC Twente Preview
After the appetizer of Young Boys (behave), the arrival of Schteve McClaren's former charges FC Twente signals the arrival of the Champions League proper to the Lane. The Champions League music and the flag waving against Young Boys set my heart fluttering. We've made it to the promised land. We may not be here again next year but for now who cares, we're here, let's have fun. Champions League footie under the floodlights. The atmosphere is going to be electric. I can't bloody wait.
So what can we expect from Twente? Well despite the fact that the 'Wally with the Brolly' has moved on they are Dutch Champions so they can't be shit. A warning as to the dangers of Twente can be found in their draw with Inter in the first game, not just in the result, but in the manner of the goals. The first a cracking free kick from Theo Janssen and the second an own goal from a Theo Janssen corner. Twente are a threat from set pieces and last time I checked we aren't too hot at defending them. The left boot of Theo Janssen will be a huge threat all night and we need to keep corners and silly free kicks around the box (Mr. Bassong take note), to a minimum. That being said, as long as we keep Twente on the back foot as much as possible I think we will be ok.
Now to the boys in European all-Lilywhite. It is possible we will have no-one who missed the West Ham back (although fingers crossed on Gomes and Assou-Ekotto). However, I'm confident that we will still be too strong for Twente. We have seen in the past that visiting teams in the Champions League tend to be cautious and defend deep. Hopefully this should mean that our patchwork defence does not come under too much sustained pressure. Nevertheless, we need all our attacking players firing on all cylinders, including our cigar-chomping winger. Whether 'Arry gives him the arm round the shoulder or the kick up the backside, we need Aaron back on form and soon. I want to see Huddlestone in the quarterback role, exuding authority and stroking balls left, right and centre. Modric and VdV buzzing around like blue-arsed flies creating space, openings, chances. Even if he starts at LB in the absence of BAE, Bale needs to be the unplayable simian marauder we know he can be. Crouch may not be able to hit a barn door in the Premiership but stick a Champions League badge on his arm and he becomes a goal machine. Another couple tonight please Crouchie.
Our club is built upon these floodlit European nights. Glory glory Tottenham Hotspur and all that. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
COYS.
So what can we expect from Twente? Well despite the fact that the 'Wally with the Brolly' has moved on they are Dutch Champions so they can't be shit. A warning as to the dangers of Twente can be found in their draw with Inter in the first game, not just in the result, but in the manner of the goals. The first a cracking free kick from Theo Janssen and the second an own goal from a Theo Janssen corner. Twente are a threat from set pieces and last time I checked we aren't too hot at defending them. The left boot of Theo Janssen will be a huge threat all night and we need to keep corners and silly free kicks around the box (Mr. Bassong take note), to a minimum. That being said, as long as we keep Twente on the back foot as much as possible I think we will be ok.
Now to the boys in European all-Lilywhite. It is possible we will have no-one who missed the West Ham back (although fingers crossed on Gomes and Assou-Ekotto). However, I'm confident that we will still be too strong for Twente. We have seen in the past that visiting teams in the Champions League tend to be cautious and defend deep. Hopefully this should mean that our patchwork defence does not come under too much sustained pressure. Nevertheless, we need all our attacking players firing on all cylinders, including our cigar-chomping winger. Whether 'Arry gives him the arm round the shoulder or the kick up the backside, we need Aaron back on form and soon. I want to see Huddlestone in the quarterback role, exuding authority and stroking balls left, right and centre. Modric and VdV buzzing around like blue-arsed flies creating space, openings, chances. Even if he starts at LB in the absence of BAE, Bale needs to be the unplayable simian marauder we know he can be. Crouch may not be able to hit a barn door in the Premiership but stick a Champions League badge on his arm and he becomes a goal machine. Another couple tonight please Crouchie.
Our club is built upon these floodlit European nights. Glory glory Tottenham Hotspur and all that. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
COYS.
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