Wanted: world class striker, abundance of swagger preferable
Monday, October 25, 2010 at 1:42PM Spurs 1 Everton 1
We can sit here and debate many things. Had this game been played on Sunday for example, would we have had that extra zing to perhaps force the ball over the line a second time? Still don't quite grasp the reasoning for the 12:45pm Saturday kick-off after Wednesday nights drama in the San Siro. And although it's easy to knee-jerk and point the finger of blame at Sky, we obviously agreed to it and I can't remember reading any Harry complaints via tabloid sound-bites in the build-up to the game. Probably got drowned out in all the Rooney hullabaloo. You might have missed it but Pompey nearly went into liquidation. Just thought I'd share. In case you didn't read about it.
As for the game being played a couple of days after Bale sealed his £20M-£50M (cross out where applicable) via his superb solo display move to Old Trafford all I can say is; oh these gentle delicate modern days where footballers need to be constantly wrapped in cotton wool. In fairness, travelling back from Milan and then preparing for the Prem is never going to be easy, but then bully us for finishing fourth. Re: Bale. He needs a bit of a rest. Make sure he's nice and fresh for his meeting with Fergie in Jan. Because you know, United are now suddenly minted after Alex and Wayne merked the Glazers.
Harry did, if I remember correctly, cite that the players looked fine in training. So no pre-match ready made excuse. All that remained was to see if it translated onto the pitch.
Guess it depends on your own personal expectancy here, what with the need to avoid a Champions League hangover. Which we've managed to do fairly well so far, give or take a result. The game itself wasn't quite hair of the dog, more of hair ball of the cat. We purred a couple of times, but the game got scratchy the deeper it crawled towards full time. And in the end we coughed up just the one point.
Two points dropped, right?
We lined up like so: Gomes, Hutton, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart, Crouch.
vdV and Modric fresh and the latter wearing the captaincy. No Huddlestone and Crouch retained his place top end. Kaboul in at the back. Wilson in the starting line-up thanks to his mum.
We can sit here and debate many things (someone once said). Sure, there was a lack of zing but arguably we had enough about us first half to suggest we could win it. But Everton defended resolutely, scored a peach of an unsaveable free-kick and were good for their point. We are dropping points (when we drop them) thanks to our lack of intensity and top drawer forward. It's not just about getting the ball to the front-man. But more about the front-man creating space and chances. It's sometimes way too much effort but little to show for it in and around the box.
The lack of intensity has been a common issue so far this season. By intensity I'm talking about the way we took City apart in the opening 45 in the first game of the season. We were on it. The fact we didn't score (be it unlucky/be it no thanks to Hart) isn't so much evidence for that lack of a top drawer forward because I think Defoe will be a blessing when he returns. But JD wasn't exactly on fire prior to his injury and since he's been out, we've had to rely on our midfield. But a top drawer forward would change the game.
Nice irony that in the past our midfield hasn't chipped in, and now we have goals coming from that area - our forward(s) are not leading the line with great vengeance and furious anger. Crouch remains much maligned. 4-5-1 also raising eyebrows, but then how else do you fit in the players we have with world-class van der Vaart? Who was fairly quiet on Saturday. But scored regardless, because that's just his thing to do at White Hart Lane. Waiting-for-him-to-turn-world-class Luka who still needs to rediscover his dinking and deep play-making touch. Palacios subbed for Sandro upsetting mum in the stands. And the ref doing his best to kill the game with a rather average (below below average) display.
We were not fluid enough in the end to break Everton down. And it's the king of understatement to state that if we had a forward who had the same irrepressible determination and class of Rafael, we'd be laughing. Laughter of Cuban cigar smoking smugness rather than the type accompanied by the tears of a clown.
Simply put (IMO - feel free to disagree):
- We still haven't got into a cohesive run of swagger
- We are however, picking up the points
- We could regret the points dropped post-Christmas if we fail to change gear soon
- With the return of Defoe (soon) and the possibility of a new (much needed) forward in Jan, this could elevate us to the next level
- Nobody, other than Chelsea (thanks to their home form), look like storming it and even they don't look Mourinhoesque, which means the rest of the chasing pack (United/Arsenal) might not break away from the second chasing pack (Us/City)
Conclusion?
We need to step it up and quickly because using the tired excuse that it's all okay because nobody is currently firing on all cylinders might find us with much regret when we stop using it with a ten point difference from the team just above us.
At some point, someone will start to fire. Let that be us.
Follow-up article scheduled for later on with more thoughts (re: player performances) from Saturday.
Reader Comments (36)
good article once more although it wasnt 2 points dropped. How many times have everton won at our place recently, too many and they should of had a draw here last season as well. They are more than decent and will give any team problems. We are beginning to learn how to deal with champions league games and the premiership together now, this whole season is to be one big learning curve for us and we shouldnt be putting too much expectation on them. Top 4, contary to what some idiots believe, is not the be all and end all for us this year. I can see no team hanging onto it for long now, us and Man City have realistically made it 6 clubs going for 4 places, so i can see 4th changing hands. I for one, would happily take being in the champions league once every three years, anyone who expects us to get in 3 out of 3 years is simply delluded.
This season we are growing nicely, a bit of pruning in the transfer window and we will be set fine. Just keep it real. COYS
It is two points dropped, not based on their last few visits but in general, we are better than them, aspire to be better than them and should really be winning more games at the Lane than we have done so far. Disappointing, but I guess on the basis of the game, no major complaint. Just frustration.
Crouch was really awful on Saturday and I'm convinced we would have won with a decent striker. A man like Drogba would probably have had a hat trick and a man like Chamakh would have known how to win a penalty or two.
Most of our ills this season can simply be put down to inability to field the same defense on a regular basis and the lack of a striker who can play effectively in a 451. The first is perhaps not our fault but the second is (probably - who knows what went on behind the scenes?). What interesting is that our assets (Keane, Gio, Pav and Crouch) are probably all losing value by either not playing or playing badly, which wont make Levy happy.
One other point to mention - Everton played a really horrible, cynical way - time wasting, sly fouls, dives etc - I think they are a pretty bad example of the get a result at all costs mentality. How the ref can not have seen a lot of this escapes me.
Not sure how Chamakh gets a mention in the comments section. He's hardly top draw quality. He actually gets more chances than the likes of Crouch who it is clear is in shocking form in front of goal. Not link up play as so many have suggested but when given the chance to lash one into the back of the net, he's woefully inadequate at the moment.
I'd like to say we were all crying out for a world class striker last summer but we weren't. There were those of us who were shot down across various message boards when we suggested Pav, Crouch and Keane weren't good enough for a team that wants to move on from last season. 9 games into the season and I think it's plain to see we missed the chance to really cement our position in the summer. Will we be able to get the quality we need in January? That remains to be seen but if we can watch this space. We'll be there or thereabouts and could be just ready to layeth the smacketh down.
COYS
Jim, although keeping it real is nice, I'm not sure it's what we need to do. Unfortunately, the players we love, ie. God, Modders and VDV won't be able to hang around too long if we don't consistently hit fourth. I think the next few years are make or break, unfortunately.
New strikers in January would be nice but only obtainable if we are still in the CL and around 4th place in the League.
On present form I can't see either happening.
Inter must be really worried if they watched a video of Saturady's game and with United looking rejuvenated at Stoke (they have strikers who can run, shoot and score) I shall be glad to be in Spain and able to close my ears and eyes to the next 2 games....of course I won't really but jeez we need a miracle.
thfc1882 - the point I was making was that Chamakh has won loads of penalties this season - I think about four or five - as well as scoring three league goals - he is only in his first season so thats not bad.
I also thought that almost every spurs blog I read all summer had people desparately clamouring for a new striker - I cant remember reading many comments that we had sufficient quality.
Harry was obviously aware of this need hence we were trying to get Fabiano. The failure was possibly in not having an alternative to Fabiano but we'll never really know what went on.
Exactly.
I was one of the guilty "no one's firing on all cylinders" mob, but it IS becoming worrying that we are far from our best form of last season, even with the individual excellence of Van der Vaart & Bale. Only the first halves of the City and Werder Bremen games have seen us really turning it on.
How much is down to Modrc failing to find his rhythm this term?
And I was surprised that Kranjcar didn't get a run out on Saturday, given that he scored two great goals for Croatia in the international break and Bale clearly left a lung on the San Siro pitch.
Still, in Harry we trust. COYS!
Once again Crouch is painted the villain. Be realistic he is a good option to bring on to change tactics but not really a starter. Defoe is instinctive but scores in batches and then has lean spells, Keane is not really with it anymore and while Pav is a good finisher he is somewhat laid back. Keane will go, probably in January but Spurs realy do need a new starting striker. Someone with speed and who can finish. Letting Bent go was not smart but that is water under the bridge. I liked Carroll , who went to Toon--yes he is really rough with lots to learn but under the right coach he will become a real handful. Maybe it is time to give a youngster a real run. I applaud Arsenal for bring on Wilkshire and Chesea for McCreachan --both great young talents--is there no one at Spurs who deserves a chance?
I think we are doing great really considering we are playing CL football whilst just 3 points off 2nd in the league.
Granted out next prem game is Manu so it could be a little more but it will swing back when the other top teams play each other.
I do wish that we would play 442 at home though and keep Pav on the pitch. What was wrong with VDV playing like he did against Twente on the right and roaming?
Or just have him upfront with Pav?
We have had loads of bad luck with injuries and Defoe was onfire at the start for both us and England. Come January with the recent exposure Im sure we could get a top striker so I positively see us finishing 4th this season.
COYS!
http://www.dearmrredknapp.com/dmr/2010/10/25/free-kranjcar-now-ffs.html
Just a few thoughts on the weekend's action/season so far........firstly, like you touch on spooky, most teams vying for the top of the table have started relatively slowly, which I think has a little to do with it being a world cup year. So personally I'm not panicking at the mo, since we are still in the mix and within touching distance of the rest. We just need to make sure we don't drop off the pace completely. None of our players seem to be in any sort of consistent form at present either, which isn't good, but also bodes well for later on the in the season when several may peek at once. I'd say even Bale hasn't been consistent this season, although I might be being a little harsh as it must be very difficult to maintain that sort of intensity in every game you play when he is clearly knackered (enjoy the holiday lad, you've earn't it!). Crouch was a bit lost a sea on saturday I agree but he is useful to have but I don't believe he should be our first choice, but saying that Pav does frustrate me to the bone sometimes so its clear we don't have many options at present. JD will be most welcome when he returns! But we really do need a WC striker, but as we no too well, getting one isn't exactly clear cut. (Here's hoping that vdV can bend the ear of one of his mates!) I think Kaboul showed what we can expect to see from him in the future and I was very impressed with him on saturday, if he keeps it up and works on his concentration like harry says he might even be able to fill some King shaped boots eventually........Finally its easy to forget that this is our maiden CL campaign and although I have no evidence to back this up I hear we are doing much better than most other english clubs did juggling both domestic and cup competitions in their first campaign. (It might be interesting if someone could look into a comparison of how english teams faired in prem matches after a CL game in each clubs first attempt as well as their points tally at the same stage (in both competitions) against how we are doing, just a thought......)
COYS!
Just go and sign Andy Carroll..forget Fabiano etc. let them see themselves as the dogs bollocks and only good enough for Ac Milan..in fact Ac milan is not as good a team as Spurs nowadays.
Lemon, Niko gets a mention in the next blog.
This might need to be it's title: free-kranjcar-now-ffs
Am I the only one that thinks that our inability to field a settled back four has cost us more dearly this season than the lack a scoring striker? I'm also a little concerned as to what's going to happen when Defoe is fit again. Can he play as the lone striker in a 4-5-1? History (and logic) would suggest not. But he is, imo, the only striker we possess with a genuine eye for goal, the most "natural striker" in our ranks. VdV is awesome, but I am puzzled as to how the rest of the team is now going to fit in around him.
Okay, this one's real:
http://eurorivals.net/top-scorers.html
That striker at No. 5 looks useful
I think you are all being a bit negative.... if you had been offered two points off of 3rd place in the prem after 9 games and second in the CL group after 3 games I'm sure you would have taken it.
Yes we are not firing on all cylinders at the moment, but considering we are in a healthy position in both the PL &CL it aint all doom & gloom, far from it.... We will most definitely improve and hopefully will sign the striker we need in Jan.
So will everyone please look at the positives. COYS
With the expeption of Defoe, Spurs do not have an outright front player for this new found 451 system. I have seen fellow spurs fans crucify Pav and hail Crouch when he took us past Young boys.
Crouch fits into a particular spurs type of game. That game requires Hudd and VDV + Lennon and Bale to take aim and deliver. He will provide the knowck down. At the San Siro it was stupid to think that crouch was gonna provide any sort of pressure.
Yesterday, I saw the value Hudd brings to the team.
Don't we have the third best defence in the Prem or something not too dissimilar? Don't think we are doing too badly but like Spooks says, we could be doing so much better.
United up next.
Oh and I'm patting myself on the back after going top of the Dr Mr Leaguey premier league fantasy football this week! Whoop Whoop!
Thats right, I rule! ;-) I just hope I haven't peaked to soon!
One way to increase intensity into our play is press the opposition defence when they have the ball. Defending starts from the front. We started last season with an intense pressing game, even at places like Hull.
This was initiated partly from lessons learned against Barca in pre-season.
To do this you need forwards who are mobile, quick and aggressive. It forces teams to rush their play and make mistakes which our midfield can then pounce on and create opportunities from. Unfortunately, Peter Crouch is not equipped for this role or tactic. He is too easy to pass around, which then causes problems for our midfield.
I say we need to give Pav a few games, get him chasing the ball down and give our midfield a striker who they can pass to into space. COYS.
I think we are kidding ourselves if we place hopes in the January transfer window.
World class forward = £20M
We'd have to sell a player or two to get the funds. I'd be more concerned with United trying their luck with Bale.
Yes we are 2 points off 2nd but we really have had a relatively easy run of games, we are still to play all of the old top four and have had home games against Everton and Man city. Failing to beat teams like WBA, Everton, City, West Ham and Wigan is not good enough, nor is 2 wins in 5 league games!
Saying out inconsistency is fine because everyone else is is the reason we haven't won anything of relevence in years, do you think Fergie is happy with how they are playing because everyone else has dropped points? The answer is no, he is probably fuming at missing the oppotunity to pull clear of Us, Arse and City!!!!
Sorry, 2 wins in 5 HOME league games
I'm with Bobby, we're doing ok really. It's not been amazing, but if we get through the group and still hang around in the top six (which I think will happen) then that's got to be seen as good.
I do agree that we need a top class center forward, but don't really see where we would get one from for a decent sum of cash. Squad needs trimming a bit.
When Niko didn't play on Saturday escapes me. I remeber when Harry said a few weeks back (maybe after the game in Germany) that he'd make more changes after a CL game. Thought he could have switched it around a bit more. Bought in Pav from the start and dare I say it Bentley.
Think we were just a bit unlucky saturday with the free kick that wasn't and crouch getting sandwiched by the hand holding scousers.
Great post as ever spooks. Look forward to the match review.
Man U 1 Spurs 3. I can see it. COYS.
Chelsea have had an easy run, arguably, but the difference being - they've practically won all their games.
Ossie's spot-on. 2 out of 5 winnable home games doesn't cut it.
Yes. A striker. Even someone who doesn;t know the difference between football and a fried egg can see we need a player who can score 20+ goals a season.
Defoe's one. Pav's talented but wlll never be more than a bit-part player. Crouch. No, sorry. Just doesn't do it for me. Never has. Never wlll. And whatever Keane once had - and let's face it, he was triffic alongside Berby - has now vanished.
Make that two two top--class strikers then.
No pace up front is the key issue for me. With passing service supplied by VDV, Modric and Hudd, we should be capable of splitting defences and putting someone through on goal, or at least in a position to shoot. But neither Crouch, Pav or Keane have that burst of pace over 5 yards. Only Defoe does, whose return can't come quick enough.
It makes us one dimensional and as Everton proved, it's easy to defend against Crouch: you just push him in the back, barge into the front of him, trip him up and generally foul him every time the ball comes near. The ref will never blow for a foul (not on Saturdays evidence anyway). Simples. If it's not working we may as well push Lennon in the middle and onto the last defender and tell him to wait for the inevitable through-balls.
On the whole though I think we are doing well, considering we are forced to play a different back four every week and we have out top striker out. I doubt that any of the other teams would be faring much better under the same circumstances. JD will be back in a few weeks, followed by Dawson, so we're going to improve as we move into the new year.
Points dropped IMO.
We are already evidencing our clear suitability to playing in the champions league*.
It would be a massive shame to finish out of the running for that tournamount, when we have a better squad now. Its all about a master goalscorer for me in the 4 5 1
*dismissing the decade plus mythology held over us for pub arguments sake by followers of the teams in red and chavski.
Most people state that a draw was a fair result......i didn't see it that way. I cannot remember a meaningful shot on target from EFC. No clear cut chances at all.
We created some chances and certainly worked their keeper a few times. With a bit more luck a couple deflected blocks could have fallen for us, instead of agonisingly close.
EFC came and defended very well. Cahill won nothing in the air and was almost annonymous. Thats a credit to our defence which must feel gutted that after a strong performanvestill managed to concede an unstoppable goal.
I agree with your optimistic assessment. We are not at our best. We are missing some important players. Our form is patchy and some players ahve not hit real form (Modric/Lennon) BUT we are still in contact with the top 4 and when we do hit some form and get players back, maybe we will easily win games like that! That does depend on us hitting form but with the quality we have I am certain we can play much much better.
AND finally a mention for the referee who was absolutely pathetic...we seem to get them at WHL
Someone in this discussion mentioned Bale going to Man Utd for 20 million to raise cash for a striker. Lets nip that in the bud right now. Preferably not sell him at all and certainly nor to Man Utd after the Berbatov affair. If he must be sold then let it be for at least 35 million. After all if Man U was silly enough to pay 18 miilion for Carrick then we should use that as our basic asking benchmark and Bale is at least twice as good.
We could raise funds by selling the fringe players such as Keane, Bentley, O'hara, etc. but please not Krancjar.
..."than the likes of Crouch who it is clear is in shocking form in front of goal"
My view is the opposite, Crouch isn't in shocking form in front of goal-he's playing at his level. 10 goals in his last 84 Premier League games will confirm that
Re-sign Darren Dent.
Well it worked with Kaboul
Crouch is my nightmare. Worst striker ever. I really hate this guy. Can't even celebrate his freak goals whenever they come by (once in a blue moon). He torments me everytime I see him because I know what he is all about. No goals just silly knock downs into any space (which any tall farmer from Scotland...or wherever farms are found in the UK can do). This guy will make it so easy for United to defeat us...again.
Its so easy to play against him. ffs!!!!
Darren Bent? Never!!!!
No more over-rated English strikers. I'd love a great English striker. But the poor overrated ones have an extra cost...Just like Crouch, they cannot be dropped. Even when they are pathetic.
its kind of funny coz bales 3 goals he looked more like a striker than crouch/keane/pav...bale would look good upfront alongside jd...well theiry henry was a winger who become a striker.....so maybe it would be totaly unorthodox to put bale upfront but get van or modders playing lovely balls through to him...? who knows? but as it is crouch/pav/keane aint doin it ,havent done it recently and dont look like doin it in the future...and by doin it i mean setting the premier league and europe alight by banging in goals...last time i checked u get 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw...and its about time we beat man u..beat man u and do minter and more top players will start thinki about joining us..TO DARE IS TO DO