Breaking the heart of O'Hara
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 11:25PM Now that's what I call Tottenham.
Still buzzing. The high octane swashbuckling football was nowhere to be seen first half, Fulham had our number, taken from under our pillow whilst we appeared to sleep. Head in palm of hands for most of it as they frustrated the fuck out of the players and the fans. BAE and Corluka seemed to both be obsessed with playing lackadaisical balls, and there was no authoritative swagger from the boys in Lilywhite.
Just efficient effort from Fulham and for the best part of the first 45 Harry was getting out-smarted tactically on the field. Ominous when they took the lead, Zamora of all people finding the net with a curling shot. They deserved it.
Football is always funny in about 1000 different ways. At half-tme you wondered what we would need to do in-order to get some kind of grip on the game. For starters, own the tempo. Said it in my match preview - make them worry about us rather than be concerned with trying to counter any spoiler-tactics directly. Hodgson is no fool. He did his homework, suffocated the midfield and had his players working their socks off on and off the ball. Made all the easier by a ghosting first half display.
Even though we pushed forward after going a goal down we still looked out of sorts. WHL wasn't exactly pumping positive pomp from the home support. Fulham had got to us. And we were concerned. It could have been far worse at half-time.
Then Harry Redknapp birthed a second half that was so majestic in difference, you'd have thought you had tuned into a different game. He must have had some words to say at half-time for a start. No doubt told them to forget about how Fulham were playing, slapped them about a bit and then made two quite simply superb substitutions. Yes - Harry Redknapp made impact-changing subs. Stick that up your bollox you non-believers!
On came Bentley and Huddlestone - both returning to the first team since taking time out injured. Off went Niko and BAE - both players well under par. All my hope was anchored on the first 10 minutes of the second half. You can tell what direction a game will go in from the tempo played straight after the break. Within minutes it's 1-1. Ace.
Bentley (first touch?) hit a stunning undefendable free-kick into the box that beat everyone (including a interfering-with-play-offside-Corkuka-if-he-touches-the-ball-which-he-doesn't) and it flys into the goal past a despairing Schwarzer. The Lane is rocking, and not for the first time this season, Bentley's foot is on fire.
The injury curse made a cameo, claiming Corluka as it's latest victim. And once more bold Redknapp played an absolute master-stroke (or perhaps out of desperation...sshh). Enter the Russian goal machine, Pavlyuchenko. Who just about made it on the bench and was never meant to play more than 20 minutes having survived a late fitness test. Seven minutes after coming on, he's off sliding in celebration. The big smiling show-off. 2-1 Spurs. Bentley again involved, crossing in, finding Pav who scores a sweet volley into the far corner. Schwarzer - no chance again.
What. A. Frigging. Turn-around.
For all of Fulham's guile and commitment to Hodgson's match strategy, it counts for nothing when we changed gear in this manner. Dictate the tempo, dominate the game. Inspirational stuff, proper full on FA Cup loveliness. This was more like it.
Obviously, being Spurs, you're not quite content until you get yourself 2 goals to the good. Six minutes after Roman's super-sub scorcher, we made it 3-1. And relax.
Playing it confidentially and with purpose, the ball finds Modric who (with deflection) threads the ball into the path of Gudjohnsen who takes the ball around Schwarzer (yep, despairing once more) with a touch and manages to get another to send the ball goal-bound. Happy days.
Fulham ended. Wembley again in our calender.
Kudos to Redknapp. Hodgson and Fulham were 1 up on him at half time. His man management skills coming into play, he mixes it up with some changes and the game completely changes course because of it. Great to see both Bentley and Hudd back - both involved and effective. And credit to the visitors for making it a painful first 45 minutes. It served a purpose. It showed we retain the backbone instilled since Harry's arrival at the club and the players believe in themselves and their ability.
Also - special mention to Gud. Class act, a player that oozes experience, patience and vision. He links the midfield with the forward line perfectly. Ice ice baby. He has mad skillz.
Pompey next in the semi. So so close now.
Tottenham Hotspur. Exclusive copyright on putting their fans through the mire every time.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
COYS.
Additional: Villa drop two points, City lose.
What a night.
More post-match commentary tomoz.
One more time...
COYS.
Reader Comments (76)
"Yes - Harry Redknapp made impact-changing subs. Stick that up your bollox you non-believers!"
Was that obligin' comment directed to my address? I'm still a non-believer, but well done, Harry. Good work today.
Listened to the match live on radio at work (spurstv audio feed) and the atmosphere sounded epic. Now that the "embargo" is off, I can watch it the Fox Soccer site and savor every moment.
Portsmouth, then. Eyes squeezed shut, fingers in ears, chanting "there is no such thing as Karma, there is no such thing as Karma..." we hope!
Spooky is aiming that in jest mate. Probably to the knee-jerkers over at GG.
Great second half today, really thought we had lost it first half. What a reaction. Hope that Pompeys plight doesn't mean the Gods will shine a light on them and guide them to an emotional day trip final.
Destroy them this weekend, then do the same in the semi.
Pav's goal was a peach. We're going to Wemberley. Now for the soul destroying and ultimately fruitless process of trying to get tickets for the semi. Will end up watching from my living room no doubt - you're welcome to join me Jamie!
Pav - I LOVE HIM
Perhaps one of the best days to be a YID though would have been perfect had the scums from the other side of the street played today and lost.
Isn't this the third year in a row we are gracing the grounds of Wembley?
Not aimed at you Ziege. Just celebrating that he made high profile switches when it was necessary to do so. People seem to think just because he sits there with no expression, he isn't doing enough to influence games. I think he twitched it up perfectly tonight.
Switched it up.
Yes. Third year on the trot. Love it.
Arsenal fan is claiming to be happy because they get a weeks rest after their second leg Barca game, whilst we get 4 days recovery.
Bring it on.
Considering how weak Pompey is, we shon't have to spend too much energy dispatching them at Wembley. Also the fact that we are on winning streak will only breed confidence in the team to once and for all get that elusive win over them in a league match.
Cup upsets. They happen. I'm sure Harry will fire us up for it. That and the NLD.
We can now buy the Portsmouth team for £4.50 to guarantee progress to the final
Did not get to watch the game as could not find a live feed anywhere. And they had the bloody Chelsea game on over here. Dont worry I did not watch it was trying to find feed for the whole 90 mins. Does anyone know where I can watch highlights online. Nothing is up yet on Spurs TV I need my hit before bed.Please help me. COYS
£4.50 in LemonadeMoney. :)
Priceless.
Well done Mr Redknapp, Pav was a quality move. Good stuff. Chuffed to bits. COYS!
Bentley, a bonafide lillywhite now i reckon.
never thought i would say that
Wilson forgot the script?
guys stil high from all the screaming...no sleep tonight. what a season and its not over yet. COYS
Hope Sandro was at the game watching to get a look at his future teammates and to get a feel for our wonderful lilywhite army.
What a great start to my day.. Was so worth getting up at 0330hrs to watch... Have been guilty of doubting HR on the odd occassion but must bow to his judgement today... Better book my plane ticket WEMBLEY HERE WE COME !!!!!!!!!!!!
I too was a Bentley hater but as he turned around to us in delight after he whipped in the perfect ball for Pav, I looked at him full of love. He swung the game in our direction and loved seeing Big Tom back there too.
At half time I thought it was going to be one of them nights but it all came good in the end.
Well worth getting drenched on the walk home.
courtesy of itv...enjoy again
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/default.html?intcmp=778719_123_1
I looked at him full of love.
Mar 25, 2010 at 12:32 AM | Louis
Back off. He's mine.
Love it, what a night, What a result. Thanks to Sunderland and Everton. Come on the Spurs!! See you at Wembley!
You could be in their i reckon lads..he dont half fancy himself. If Dave the rave Bently put down his cigar
and monacle and did more than prance around after two very good moments. (We'd be genuine in our
sky top 4 claim). I wont be that knb to split hairs..cos Id love him to be a consistant and majestic Yido.
So Ill leave it their , where it belongs as a victory....CCCOOOOYYYSSSS
That game has left me drained. Happy but drained.
Harry take a bow! Class. He is working his magic at Tottenham.
Palacios played tonight with a tear in his groin! How did he do that.
We have waited years for a season like this at Spurs, what a fine job Harry has done for us and is doing since he took over. It's so impressive. COYS.
A great night and glory, glory football the way it should be played. It's fair to say that we ripped them a new one in the second half and that was with a patched up and stitched together side. F**k off the haters... We are Tottenham, super Tottenham.
Hitting form at the right time, Iceman looking like the most inspired signing of the transfer window and confidence oozing... But more importantly, playing like a side that believes in each other and as a unit. There is no first team or second team, just Tottenham. Awesome.
I love Spurs.
p.s. Jim Beglin can kiss my hairy arse from now until hell freezes over. COYS.
5 out of 5 Stars for Harry "Hudini Hotspur" Redknapp; Superb subs and must have had a great speech ready at HT too.
NOTE: Just one correction for (or from) the pedantic Yido's...
Pav's goal was actually near post! (I say this only because I watched the goals back just now after I got home, was sitting West Stand and I thought it was far post too before.
Oh and I didn't realise Guddy rounded the keeper until I watched it back either, but then that is perspective for you.
Brazil, Fox Soccer TV has the matched archived on their website and you can get a one day pass for less than $3. Just finished watching it myself. Second half was delicious, so very very Spurs!
Oh, and Spooky, I was jesting as well. No offense taken and none intended!
I can't contain myself, spurs had me in some form of euphoric comatose. I want us to continue to succeed! I didn't even realise Huddles and Bentley were match fit, or pav for that matter! Next I want Lennon to make a surprise return and destroy all of our opposition! SPURS!!!
zamora = complete cunt
would usually say "nuff said" about now but....what a glorious night to be a spurs supporter, lovin every second
WEMBERLYYYYY WEMBERLLLYY
COYSSSSSSSS
TTID
Found a link to see highlights:
http://todayfoot.com/Football/Video-england-fa-cup-tottenham-h-3-1-fulham-19h45-24032010/
Extended highlights with commentaries:
http://premtube.com/tot%20vs%20ful%20rp%20fa.html
Ha! Predicted the score...only guessed the wrong scorers!
Great, great! We´re back to Wembley and here we go! Let´s bring pompey down and then maybe those soulless Chelskis!
Or Villa trying to salvage the failure-prone season, with Martin O´Neill trying to save his own skin.
Whatever. We´ve come this far, and now we want more!
Let´s gather trophies the Tottenham Way!
COYS!
Best regards from Brazil...
PS: Pav about to become a cult hero huh...what a lucky bastard! hehehe
Great performance and great move from Harry. Main impact on the different picture in the second half had the substitution of BAE and Corluca which are our remaining dangerous weak points.
awesome post spooky.
alas... i love DB also so cant we share him?
spurs are making me a very happy man at the moment. injury list is getting smaller and smaller, players returning in style, suddenly and unexpectedly winning away matches against physical opposition, another day at wembley, all up there for a CL spot...
doesn´t it make you quiver a little?
Brilliant shift in tactics and use of the bench! Something I'm always complaining about when it comes to Harry. But it isn't something new, he has really been working it in the 2010 half of the season. I guess it helps when the players wake up and start believing in themselves too!
WEMBLEY BITCHES!!!!!!!! COYS!
An immense night for a few players, and two things I thought I'd never hear myself say:
- thank fcuk bentley's on now.
and
- Hasn't Crouch been excellent in holding up the ball and retaining posession.
both in the second half, s well done harry, whatever you said, whatever gamble you took it paid off.
I loved Pav's little 'heart' to the crowd as well. I almost shed a tear.
Great win, even in the cold light of day. Well done Harry and the boys.
Just need to teach Dawson and Bassong to stop ball-watching, and Modric to run a bit and we could well win it, but that's a minor gripe given the result and the first 20 minutes of the second half.
I love Harry but when he brought on Pav for Corluka I had to question his sanity....obviously I should now question my own!
COYS!!
Gutted for Jamie O'Hara that he won't be able to play in the semi, it does make me smile that all Spurs fans view this match as a foregone conclusion however....maybe, just maybe we'll give Jamie his chance at Wembley by getting through to the final.
I guess wilson playing with a muscle tear, it make's sense (as much as him playing which the man himself declared he was ready to do) for him to drop to RB so he didn't have to do so much running.
Also special Kudos to Gudjonssen. I liked him more and more, in fact when the fulham support booed him, it made me think that he had truely become one of us!
What a night! F-ing fantastic! I'm so proud to be a spurs supporter right now. I have the biggest smile on my face, nothing can upset me today! The race for 4th is now in our own hands again, lets hope we don't slip up again against teams we should beat between now and the end of the season. I think we even have a solid chance in the two home games against le arse and chelski. I'd expect a least a point from those games, its not like either are invincible recently. Now the NLD has been moved to 14th April I've had to book time off work and I'll have to get the train down. What I'm more worried about is getting a ticket to Wembley, at least one of the games anyway (he says expecting we go through.......dangerous!)
Question for those who might know......if you have a season ticket do you get priority on Wembley tickets and then other minions fight over the remaining ones using the loyalty points system. Oh god I hope so! This is my first year with a season ticket and I currently have 36 loyalty points. I'm seriously worried I'm not going to get a ticket here! Please someone put me out of my misery!
Also I have just noticed we play Man City away second from last game of the season, how massive will that game be!!!! Luckily City aren't unbeatable at home as the blue half of the Mersey proved last night (cheers lads!).
What a beautiful day COYS!
Relax at 3-1!?!?! Are you crazy?
What a night , had to follow it by live text and well that sucks more then George Micheal in a random park toilet , goddammit
I was cheering and shouting at my screen both in despair (first half) as in utter delight (second half) ,always liked the iceman (being born in Belgium helps) for his skill but nice to see that his goal scoring ability is also in there.
Portsmouth next , cant help but feel the wrath of the footballing gods.
Please footballing gods i want to come to wembley , hear my prayer. Oh yeah and please send me a free ticket while you are at it.
What a player Eidur is though... Pure class!!! Thought he talked very intelligently after the game too, that boy has the makings of a WHL legend! We must sign him!!!!!
Relax at 3-1!?!?! Are you crazy?
Mar 25, 2010 at 10:45 AM | Mr Spang
I was fibbing, I was still bricking it even at 3-1.
My local switched off the commentary right after the final whistle. Anyone got a link for the interview?
Bentley can be our Tiger Woods and we can all be his whores.
"show me the skip trip again Dave..."
Spook, you work with my missus. Now she told me about her cousins wedding about a year ago which of course I agree to go to. She brings it up on the weekend during a family gathering. It's in May she says. When in May I said. 15th of May she said. Have a nice time I said.
Now don't get me wrong I'm touching wood with both hands now, typing with my tongue, but if we do beat Pompey, how can I sit in a church and watch a wedding of someone I've only met once while we are in our first FA cup final since '91?
Please back me up on this Spook. Have a word.
ps. I did text her at half time telling her to dry clean the suit but at full time she got the "we're the famous Tottenham Hotspur and we're going to Wembley" text. I know she loves my football related texts. "Nikos only banged one in" she got on Saturday. Hmmm, come to think of it maybe it's some sort of good luck charm that I will now have to keep up forever?