Harry spanks Donny
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 8:52AM Ooh.
14 goals scored, 11 different scorers.
Roll-call...
BAE, Bassong, Defoe Palacios, Keane, Lennon Huddlestone, O'Hara, Crouch, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko.
Tasty stuff.
Nice to see us free-scoring from all positions. Nice to see our second-eleven (of sorts) brush aside Doncaster (5-1) with clinical finishing and a professional attitude. Yes, Donny may well have gone 2-0 up if it wasn't for CC's smart goalkeeping. In fact, I thought they were pretty useful. Easy on the eye and managing to hit the woodwork a few times. If they had got themselves a slice of luck, we might have had to work harder for the win. Their only goal came by way of consolation when KPB handballed having only just come on as a sub (attention-seeker). But this wasn't our first team and there was still an air of casualness about the peformance, almost like we knew we would win and score plenty so it didn't matter if they tested us with a few plucky shots.
Hudd, Jamie, Crouch, Bentley and Pav all amongst the goals. Gio looking lively (ssh, don't be saying he's found his level, have faith) and as for David Bentley?
He swerves to the left, he swerves to the riiiighhhhht,
David Bentley, your driving is shite.
At least he's re-discovered some direction on the pitch, claiming a little bit of form too, if be it against a lower league team (ssh, don't be saying he's found his level). Got to kick-start his season from somewhere. Two assists, cracking goal and some worthy composure and intent on the ball. That phrase 'professional' comes to mind once more.
With Gio, it's evident this kid can play and needs a second chance to prove he can do just that in the Prem. We can discuss the various reasons why he has failed to make an impression thus far (turns up late for training, has an on-going injury problem, just isn't very good) or we can take yesterdays performance as a signal that he has that spark that may well prove to be useful as an alternative to Modric (be it, if Moddle is injured or moved to a central position). Has to drastically improve his influence during the course of a game if he's going to make Harry smile. He's technically good, he moves with samba style. Just needs to be a little more dangerous on the ball. Lack of the killer ball.
Hutton put in a good shift, Tommy also bossing the midfield with relative easy. Same can be said for O'Hara who was decent with both defensive and offensive duties. Pleased also that Crouchie and Pav got on the score-sheet. Harry dismissing the 'Pav to leave' stories. Glad to hear to this. After last season he has plenty to prove. If anything, if it doesn't work out there's always January. Fact is, four strikers is a good number to have because all it takes is one injury and it's time to shuffle. As for Crouch, he's still bedding in. Needs a start in the Prem at home IMO. Naughton looked better going forward than defending. Need to be careful with this lad, so best to make sure he keeps up appearances in the cup games.
In conclusion, good run out, nothing more, nothing less. The squad is obviously strong enough for us to give the Carling Cup another decent showing and possibly a 3rd successive Wembley visit.
Safe to say we have depth.
Reader Comments (26)
Could we be seeing Bentley's redemption beginning at Doncaster?
From the highlights and reports I've read he was apparently our best player. Set up 2 and scored a peach. I liked his reluctance to celebrate his goal, it smacked of professionalism and that he knows that he needs to start scoring and creating at PL level before he can start celebrating.
I've always maintained a liking for Bentley. I see him as an honest lad who's lost his way in the last year or so. I really hope he can pick up some form and start showing us why we paid £15m for his services.
Very impressed with Crouch's goal. Great stoop and desire to get on the end of Bentley's delivery. KPB's through ball for Pav's goal was great too.
All in all, great to see the 'fringe' and subs getting a worthwhile runout and a great result that most imporantly continues our momentum as a club. Next up, Birmingham, we need to win this one with Man Utd (who I think we can beat) and Chelsea on the horizon......
COYS
Good show.
Another star show from Kakky Pants Boateng. Ah well.
Tricky we gotta lose the stalkers.
Peace and love
No clean sheets yet this season - The Quibbler
safe to say that we have more dept then i have witnessed in spurs for a very long time ... but the recent run of results and the yahoo vibe in the club will ve helped out , a team on a high just wins and scores a lot easier then a struggling team. We all know this (8 games 2 points anyone?)
I think Bentley deserves more of a mention for last night's cracking perfomance; he scored a peach of a left footer himself and had a hand in providing three of the other goals too. To be so involved in four of the five goals makes him, in my book, determined to out his recent troubles behind him and make a go of it this season with us. Its all about taking chances, and with a performance like that, I'd say he certainly took his.
Has anyone previsouly made three succesive Carling cup final appearences?!
Good point about the lack of clean sheets. although I expect us to lock up shop over the weekend against the brummies. Agree that Crouch hasn't settled into the side yet. Scored with his head but lost everything else in the air. Which I hope Harry sees as evidence to play the ball to Crouchies feet and not persist in long balls.
Bentley should get a run more often, if he stays put, offers something different from A wrong lemon, but the young turbo citrus has been zesty in recent juicy games.
Like you said Spooky, "14 goal, 11 different scorers". The boys are showing great form and a positive attitude on the pitch. Everyone seems hungry and I'm loving it!
COYS!!
You are right. I was a little harsh on Bentley. I've amended the original article.
I went last night, and whilst I desperatley want Bentley to succeed, he again continues to infuriate with unnecessary Hollywood flicks - trust me, he was by no means the best player on the pitch..........erm, that was Martin Woods according to the stadiums PA at the end of the game.
Gio looked dangerous going forward, but offers less than Ginola in a tracking back/defensive capacity, leaving Hutton exposed on numerous occasions - I can't make my mind up about Mr Dos Santos.
Neither Pav or Crouch will not have worried Defoe about his starting bearth, though may give Harry a little poser come Saturday - pretty sure Keane will be back in the starting XI for that one.
For me, Hutton, Huddlestone and Corluka were the standout players - could Tommy finally be turning into the player we all want him to be?
good man spooky, stand your ground, it's your blog right ?. damn i gotta get to a match this season (sad i know).
Huddlestone looks like solving that 'conundrum' if he continues to work this hard. Might finally evolve into the player we want him to be.
I wanted an excuse to add in the Bentley ditty.
I take it you weren't referring to DB5's golf handicap? He's a good player undoubtedly. But the way we're playing in the league is working. The speed of attack of our two frontmen and 'wingers' is incredible even if their combined height is a misnomer. Having said that I can see him getting a run at some point in this season providing he sorts out his mentality.
Well summarised. Our start to the season so far has been almost ideal. Still wouldn't rule out some additions to go with the Chimbo and A N Others heading out.
Bentley will play a bit-part unless Lennon gets injured. I can see him moving on in Jan.
more like the first 18 than the 2nd eleven......
...pace movement ........and styllish spurs!...as the season kiks in
.......they all want to be at the party and
the options are making everyone think twice on what to do about it.....
and de santos adds the spice!
woodgate ,dawson,jenas still to do......
football is back at the lane.........!!!
I was there last night and agree with yiddioyiddio, Bentley wasn't the best player on the pitch and his little flicks and tricks served very little purpose. Credit where credit's due, however, and he did take his goal well and get in a couple of decent shots. He certainly has talent in his right boot, and should be kept to offer an alternative to Lennon.
Gio was outstanding, and I'd be happy to see him on the bench every week, coming on tp change things with a bit of a mazy dribble or some neat interplay. He looked confident and eager to impress, and I was pleased with the way he set up Bentley's goal by playing on when clearly fouled. Very funny when the tannoy announcer said "the man of the match is...number 17...Martin Woods!" and the ironic chanting of "there's only one Martin Woods" rang out from the superb Spurs faithful who must have assumed he was one of ours, as we were 5-1 up at the time.
Pav will be on the bench at the weekend, he was sloppy, clumsy, wasteful and even quite lucky to score from a tame finish the keeper should have saved.
Naughton looked nervous and hurried.
All in all, not a very good performance really, but as you say, there was an air of confidence and half-arsedness about our second XI and 14 goals in 4 games sure puts 2 points in 8 games into perspective. COYS
good point about gio playing on and not falling down when fouled , he seems to have learned (from Keane?) that he needs to stay on his feet and let the ref decide if he was fouled ... there's a lot of talk about players that are intelligent because they provoke fouls and receive free kicks while simulating ... i m not down with that , i love to see a player battling on and keeping possesion in stead of falling down like a wounded ballet danser. And Gio did show speed , force and technique but needs a bit more composure when passing
Still don't believe 'arry rates him ...
Pav of this season sounds like the Pav of last season.
Lack of clean sheets should come as no surprise when we haven't played the same back 5 yet. No real issue there. Another CB wouldn't be the worst acquisition before Tuesday. Strongest squad we've had for sure. Beating Brum is very important. I'd settle for at least not losing both the ManUre and Chelski games - they'll finish 1&2 so I don't consider them 6 pointers.
Have to look to make it 4 from 4 in the Prem. Birmingham won't be easy but its at home and we have to avoid any hiccups. Max points going into the Utd/Chelsea games would be fantastic and testament to what Harry has achieved since getting us out of the mess we found ourselves in under Ramos.
14 goals is great, not happy about no clean sheets, although 2 of the 4 goals have been penalties, 1 has been a freak of a free kick at hull, 4 was a stunning shot from nowhere. SO more than happy so far.
Squad looks great, happy with how things are going. Harry seems happy with his squad, glad chimbonda has gone now, but good luck to him.
We have to win on saturday to take good momentum into the manure game, fingers crossed it will be a clean sheet too.
Was glad to see Button getting a go last night,
Things are looking good for us
COYS
Gordon Ramsey's recipe for moderate success:
Take 22 outfield players in squad (ensuring cosistency and quality throughout)
Spatchcock 1st choice keeper (can substitute with 'best second choice keepr in the EPL if 1st option not available)
Simmer Manager down to 7 soundbites per minute of interview
Take one seasonsed WAG and roast
£15 million share issue to pay for professional fees for new stadium
4 games
4 wins
14 goals (no clean sheets is allowable as long as games is equal to wins)
And continue to boil. Moderate success , DONE!
nb, For the 'Genuine success' recipe it will take about 9-10 months of continual stirring and rotating the squad used in 'modereate success, but with effort and timing it can be acheived. Additional ingredients can be added or any squad failing to add the right quality and consistency just after christmas
nb2, please note can also go off the boil at any time if care not taken.
SWTL, I agree. nuff said.
Although I doubt that Harry will change things round for Saturday, last nights performance should keep one or two of the regulars on their toes and provide an incentive to keep their momentum going.
KPB's penalty was a bit harsh. he fell over and the ball hit his supporting arm. What's he supposed to do? Nice pass for Pav's goal so he wasn't a complete disaster last night.
The Corluka/ Bassong CB partnership is rotten. A better team would have filled their boots against those two. Praise be to Carlo! Kept us in it at times.
I hope that Hudd's midweek appearance doesn't mean that JJ's back in contention for this weekend. That would be sick. And not in a rudeboi stylee.
That would be sick. And not in a rudeboi stylee.
hehe nice one next