Glory Glory night, N17, invite only, bring a (some) bottle
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 12:21PM Dear Mr Levy,
Here we are, looking forwards again rather than looking back. Let's talk football and leave the conspiracy laced debate for next time we return from Old Trafford where no doubt a United player will score a brace during the half-time interval and Clattenburg/Webb/appeasing FA ref-bot will allow both goals to stand on grounds of enthusiastic punctuality. Then book Ledley King for dissent. Even though King hasn't travelled up there due to injury. Then award a penalty whilst Richard Scudamore touches himself in those private of places whilst David Dein continues to orchestrate proceedings from the shadows.
Sorry, did I say 'let's talk football'? Lets.
Inter, at the Lane. Glory Glory night. On when the Spurs go marching in. Ticker-tape and plenty of oohs and aahs. We hope. It's what we've worked so hard for. Looking back at our home Champions League matches, even though we beat Young Boys and Twente it felt like we plucked and plucked with plucky effort to get ourselves through the games (actually the YB victory was far more comfortable than the roller-coaster that was the Twente game). We've not been assured. The away games have been testament to that. In fact, we've failed to be 100% at any stage this season regardless of the competition. We lack that bit of extra something with regards to testicular fortitude.
Let's not look too far forwards just yet in terms of January and the re-opening of the window.
In the present, yes we have injuries. Yes we have a conveyor belt of a defence. Yes we are still attempting to adapt to 451. Yes we don't truly have a certified full-on forward to best the formation. And on top of all this scratching of heads is that although we have players of majestic quality that can win games with individual pomp we don't quite have the cohesive flow through the team, top to bottom. The signs are there but we keep taking the route to a dead end.
It's all a bit Blu Tack instead of Super-Glue in terms of sustainable fixed focus. Have a word with Harry please. Can you perhaps replace all mentions of To Dare is to Do littered around the Lane with Two Points Eight Games?
So far this season we've had a good half here or there. Plenty of decent movement, but a distinct lack of goals - no cutting edge, no ideas outside of giving the ball to vdV and letting him galvanise offensive play or just giving the ball to Bale and moving that box of Kleenex a little closer as the beast runs rampant.
That's not to say it's completely emo-Spurs, sad eyes, reading out poetry about the bottomless pit of despair. This is hardly Ramos or Santini. Or even the worst of times under Jol. Crisis? There is no crisis. Just cryogenics as we find ourselves frozen in time. The world of tomorrow awaits.
We are what, 30%, 20% away from it clicking into place and working. The players we do possess for selection at the time of writing are more than capable of waking up and shaking themselves into the mentally powerful frame of mind - as seen last term in the push for fourth. We have it in us which is what's so frustrating. I don't buy all this 'Spurs over-extended themselves last season' nonsense. We fought for it. We need some of that fight back in abundance. And goals. Plenty of goals.
And it's up to the management and the players to prove that the thrill of the chase is not better than the catch. Last season is gone. We should be hungry for more. Have we not got more at stake this time round?
We are a team, a unit. I keep saying this every week and it's now about five games away from becoming an ominous cry for help and thus changing my tune, from a skipping whistle to a groan and moan. Wiping sweat from your beautiful bald head week in and week out as you look down from your directors box is something I wish not to witness. We have to reclaim the swagger. Not give a f*ck about the opposition in terms of respect. Turn the tempo up. Otherwise the stuttering will turn to stalling. And you'll have to wear a wig to hide your uncontrollable erupting sweat glands.
Easier said than done they tell me. Turning up the tempo. Not wearing a wig. I've not quite lost all my hair yet.
So what about the group game and our visitors?
I know this is Inter and some expect them to play ultra-defensive counter-attacking football and double up on Bale. But it's far more likely they will come out and attack attack attack after the comparative ease they walked through us in the San Siro. They'll have plenty of belief and confidence to do the same again. So how about just scoring one more than they do?
Don't be afraid. Don't hold back. Play emotive sweeping football and play too our strengths. Retain possession, do not concede early, hassle them in midfield and please for the love of all things Lilywhite - be clinical in and around the box. The home crowd will have to play their part in all this too.
Is that asking too much?
It's still not quite right in the league is it and it's a mix bag of heart-stopping football in Europe. Yes, it's a learning curve and we are learning plenty about how to shape up in the premier of competitions. But let's learn from the lessons dished out and play to an equal standard in both the CL and the bread and butter of the league.
Momentum from this game if we win it could prove to be priceless. And you must agree, January will be easier to do business if we are heading towards the knock-out stages and sitting in 5th/4th.
No Gomes. Cudicini concentrate please. vdV might be back. Huddlestone also. Modric is on the verge of exploding into form. Bale has been contained in recent games so hopefully he'll adapt quickly with having to cope with fourteen men marking him. But if they do double up on him (or worse) then someone elsewhere on the pitch has an advantage if another someone else is quick enough to play that first someone in. Lennon continues to improve which is important.
Concern about Kaboul in central defence who has that annoyance of switching off for a costly second far too often. Gallas still has to prove his worth to the side. Crouch will probably start, but call me crazy, I keep having visions of Pav doing very little other than being in the right place at the right time to plant the ball expertly into the net - something he can do. Does little else. But he has a habit of notching the goals. Regardless, no lumping the ball up to Crouch. And no calamity, no margin for errors. If we're going to go down, let's go down in a blaze of glory and not with clowns shoes on our feet.
That reminds me. You reckon the policy of buying young English players with sell-on value still rings true with Jenas?
No? Okay.
You'll be in agreement that the key for this game comes in the shape of Tommy Huddlestone's feet and the pumped out relentless chest thumping of Rafa van der Vaart (please be fit). Desire and clinicality the essential ingredients.
I've not forgotten about Luka. Much like Tottenham this season, we await his arrival.
Harry has to use his smarts in the same way he has used them in some of the key battles (i.e. Arsenal at the Lane, Spurs at Eastlands) and instil that never-say-die attitude we have not lost since that famous 4-4 at the Emirates.
Back to basics for our simple creatures proudly soaking in the Champions League theme music with cockerels on chest.
But let's not underestimate Inter. Champions of Europe. The game is not going to be influenced just because we approach it a certain way. We've got to react to their tactics. They've got enough about them in terms of quality to strangle the life out of the game and take the emphasis away from us and dictate. Which is why we have to have balls the size of melons.
I know that the Bremen home game and Twente away return is where our qualification will be won or lost. And some of the faithful have quietly whispered that losing to the Italians will not be a disaster. I disagree. A point will be decent. A win, fantastical. But it's far more than that isn't it Mr Chairman? Let's remember what this club is all about in terms of it's traditions. We might not have a massive haul of silverware but if you take any random Bill Nicholson quote you'll have your answer in terms of what it means to be a Spurs fan.
Glory. Even if said glory is 90 minutes in length.
I want a performance. I want a statement of intent and end product. I want the emotion. I want the swashbuckle. I want a DVD. Damn it, it's almost Christmas and I want frigging Box Set! It's more than just Champions League this. It's more than the three points on offer. It transcends all of this. You know it. I know it. We all know it.
Wakey wakey. Rise and shine. Cock-a-doodle-dare is to do do do.
My spine is tingling. My head buzzing. Rediscover yourself Tottenham. Want it. Shout out that you want it. Then prove that you want it. Then don't let anyone stop you from taking it. You'll get more than a cuddly toy for your endeavours.
Otherwise, what's the point?
Heart on sleeves. Heart on sleeves.
So good luck. Wish the lads all the best. And let's hope the night does not end with me handcuffing myself to the West Stand gates again, naked (obviously) wearing an original Chirpy mask (the face he had prior to his self-indulgent plastic surgery) in protest of whatever excuse I can think of at the final whistle. If Jenas plays, I'll use that.
Yours Sincerely,
Spooky
Reader Comments (88)
Best night of my spurs supporting life coming up when we win this game tonight.
COYS
One of the biggest Spurs game for a generation. Who would have believed it possible just two years ago when we were the laughing stock of the EPL.
I know we will attack and go for the win tonight because that is our way and Harry's way and we don't have the players to sit back and be solid anyhow.
But I would bite your hand off for even a point tonight. A draw tonight and I fancy us to get through the group. COYS.
If we're going to go down, let's go down in a blaze of glory and not with clowns shoes on our feet.
Exactly! As I sit here at the airport waiting to fly down to London to be part of this Glory Glory night, I feel the excitement already through your blog. If I see a naked guy cuffed to the gates, I'll say Hi.
Let's hope all of our calamity moments are behind us for some time and the Spurs we long for explodes into life tonight.
Time for big melon balls and Chewie!
C O Y S
Come on you fucking Spurs.
Don’t know if everyone else knows this, and I think it’s pretty interesting (pay attention to point 1)-
Officially:
Teams level on points are separated by:
1) The results of games between the teams in the tie (if tied, by goal difference and then by away goals counting double).
2) Goal difference in all group games.
3) Highest number of goals scored in all games.
So if we beat Inter tonight by any other scores than 5-4 or 6-5 then we will finish above them if we both finish the group level on points (i.e. a 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 or any other win is fine)
So firstly beat them tonight and we will def be top of the group. Then just match their results against Twente and Ze Germans and we’ll win the group.
ANY type of win is vital tonight. It makes you realise just how important the Bale goals were even though we lost.
Thought might be worth knowing.
Can we just win?
Nervous as fuck but going to enjoy this. Finishing work early for some drinks.
Anyone else going to struggle to get him thanks the the strike?
By the way Spooky, sublime blogging.
At some point this team will click. We may have to wait for Defoe to return for it to happen but at some point someone's going to get a spanking.
It could be tonight. I highly doubt it and I fear we'll all be left a little deflated come bedtime but there's always that possibility that with the players we've got we could score one more than them.
Oh dear God, even the thought of it is making me twitch. Calm down little Tom, you're at work. Save it for later.
COYS
Top class post again as usual Spooky. Agree totally that it more than just 3 points.
God I hope vdV is fit and up for this. And that Crouchie starts on the bench. Pav with vdV behind him could be special..(well...come on it really could be....I was in a bar in Glasgow during the WC and it was 100% behind Uruguay group stages were still under way and there was a banner saying "Uruguay ... well why not?". Why not indeed)
Let defenders defend and attackers attack......best for of defence tonight is attack. A toe to toe battle....like fraudley and haye in a week or 2.
If Thud plays we need him to do the simple things well he doesn't need to try and make everything look classy or effortless. Get stuck in mate...a top class performance here and 3 points could enhance his rep further.
It will be tough and I feel, like Spooky, Inter will come and try and play us off the park. Bale v Maicon Part II....I'm getting goosebumps...feel sorry for Bale really, the expectation level went through the roof after the 3 against Inter....I'm sure he can cope with the pressure though.
Aaron.....run Forrest run....give and go...knock it past and catch it up...if Davide Santon plays take him inside the first 3/4 times you get it....he'll show you the outside because he thinks you are predictable...we know better than that dont we Aaron.
Hutton......solid please.....
BAE ...any dirty prostitute shaggers on the Inter team you want to wind up Benny?
CD's whoever plays needs to be on the same telepathic wavelength
Crouchie........just let it bounce off you into vdV's path.....he'll make you look world class.
The fans....its a given we'll deafen everything within a 3 mile radius of the stadium tonight but if you are there have faith keep the volume level high dont let Inter silence you. Done be like the yanited fans on sat. Bugger me Old Trafford is an impressive stadium but the atmosphere there was shit. Our lot did us proud I thought from my vantage point in the corner of the North Stand and the Stretford End
(why was I there...long story but I was with my dad...how I didnt expose myself when vdV hit the post in the 1st half I'll never know!...by expose I mean give myself away).
Come on lads .... to dare is to fucking do.
Heart is beating can't concentrate. First 10 minutes will be telling. I could see from the opening exchanges we would find Twente difficult . We have to play out of our skin to compete with Inter.
I'll vote for Crouch in this one. Can see him wiping the smile off RB's face.
Cudicini
Hutton, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric, Kranjcar
Van der Vaart
Bale
THFC - is that you I see on News Now?
;)
Sack Harry. Make Mike manager.
Would be a huge tonic to beat this lot tonight and forget all that crap over the weekend. Time to prove our pedigree.
I understand the sentiments Spooky but its Inter, let's not forget. Won't be easy, draw will make us proud, make me proud at the very least.
A win would probably break the internet.
2-2
Also lets not forget if we do loose tonight we still have a decent chnance of going through, it will be in our hands and I am pretty damn good with it in my hands, if you know what I mean boys HHX
Come on you Spurs! We need to be in their faces tonight from the word go. Attack them down those flanks we can see that don't like to defend pace. They will probably put two on Bale but this should mean Lennon might have more freedom. A clean sheet would be nice for once but then again this is the best team out there...
If we don't lose I will be over the moon!
Should Vaart be risked? Don't want to lose him for any length of time esepcially as he is the only one who really scores!
Hope we see Kranjcar play some part...
The wheels are about to come off.
Good rousing stuff!
We need craft and guile not just graft and toil. I don't see Modric, Lennon or Crouch as swashbucklers - sleeves rolled up and looking mean. They need to use their silky skills to craft chances (obviously I don't mean crouch when I talk about skill)
So long as we play football and avoid hoofing the ball in the general direction of 3MP we have a chance. If we keep giving Inter the ball just inside their half we will get a pasting.
COME ON YOU SPURS
Well said Spooky. Personally i can't wait for tonight, couldn't get tickets but i'm sure the lads will hear my cheering and chanting, like all the fellow Yids watching at home. I'm 29, and i've been supporting and waiting 25 years for a night like this. I've heard all the stories off the 60's through my old man, who's one of us too. Come on lads do this for us and don't let this become a once in a lifetime oppotunity.
We love you Tottenham, oh yes we do.
Good post.
I have been going to games for 20 years, had had a season ticket for the last 6 but cant remember a time where I have been so excited for a game. Dont care if we win, lose or draw... i just want to see us play like Spurs can.
and might even buy a scarf!
"Let's remember what this club is all about in terms of it's traditions. We might not have a massive haul of silverware but if you take any random Bill Nicholson quote you'll have your answer in terms of what it means to be a Spurs fan.
Glory. Even if said glory is 90 minutes in length.
I want a performance. I want a statement of intent and end product. I want the emotion. I want the swashbuckle. I want a DVD. Damn it, it's almost Christmas and I want frigging Box Set! It's more than just Champions League this. It's more than the three points on offer. It transcends all of this. You know it. I know it. We all know it.?"
You said it best! So nervous right now, I think I'll be grinding my teeth for the next few hours...
Even if the worst happens and we lose tonight, as Horny Helen said earlier, we still qualify if we win at home to Bremen and away to Twente.
I think we are capable of doing both provided we turn up.
Still all to play for regardless of what happens tonight but Inter are a top European side so will be tough against them.
This opening ten minutes thing rings so true. You can tell by our tempo if we're up for it. The question will be whether we will actually be good enough to penetrate their defence. Think they will defend and be bastards about it.
Nervy, swashbuckling lilywhites in the north london rain, Bale marauding like a leopard, van der vaart playing with heart and guile, Modric jinking like a wooden puppet. All for the cockerel on their chest.
The Russian enters the arena, like the white ghost of electricity, the game locked at 2-2. One chance. One goal. The winning goal.
3-2 Spurs, a glory, glory night.
If Jenas plays I will have a "Falling Down" episode.....
is that burger on news now making everyone else hungry?!
Brook in 3 2 1
Don't hate me but I can see them out classing us tonight. They'll have two shots and score both. We'll have ten and score one.
So what you're saying there Alt is that if we had Eto'o up front we'd thrash 'em.
Wilson to start. We need someone to bit their ankles. I'm worried we might lack steel in midfield. Need to stop them from playing and we need to be on them constantly when we're out of possession.
I'd start JJ.
Sack Mike. Make N17 Kebab King manager.
Kebab King either you are slightly mad or you've managed to construct the worse sentence ever.
Steel and Jenas?
Tough crowd. I meant Wilson in for the steel and Jenas in for the biting.
My chest is thumping, my brain won't focus, my work lies in a pile awaiting my attention.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS!
COYFS!
Great post Spooky! We always look forward to these random letters to Mr. Levy.
Tonight will be a special one, no doubt. Win, loss or draw, let's give them a North London battering and not get intimidated. Show them we're just as capable of moving forward in this competition as they are... no fear!!!
I'll be the guy wearing the Chewbacca outfit in the stands... please come by and say hello!
COYMFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kebab, let me guess, Robbie Keane up front?
Cudicini
Hutton, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale
Van der Vaart
Chewbacca
COYS
Everyone knows Chewie can't play up front on his own. He needs a wing man
Dont you mean Jenas for giving the ball away..??Horny Helen to relax the chaps pre match....COYS
I'll be the guy wearing the Clattenburg outfit in the stands... please come by and shake me by the nuts!
Good luck. Would love to Spurs in the knock out stages. You could be a dark horse. Now don't go breaking a leg.
Just looked at our fixtures from mid November to mid December. SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope we can get Defoe, Dawson and King back for them.
If Defoe and VDV click, we could have the strike force we need.
Going to do a few blogs about the games coming up, probs after the Inter match report.
jenas is the new vinny sideways.
Gripping stuff Spooky.
For anyone not going to the game hoping you're not stuck with that Highbury style camera angle.
Applause.
If we had better striker options I would fancy our chances tonight. But with Pav the vanishing Russian as the main challenger to Crouch the Assister that is not the case.
Wish Peter luck tonight as he will need it. Also wish THFC some brains so that our striker choices post Jan are not so p poor.
Jenas and Keane? it's sooooo 2005.
Hey Get This.
The FA has confirmed there will no formal action taken against Redknapp, but he has been warned about his future conduct. (Yeah Right)
His comments about not talking to the media were not taken into consideration (You Bet)