History in the making
Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 1:53AM Portsmouth. Arsenal. Chelsea. Manchester United. Don't know about you, but I'm salivating. Exciting times.
For the most part of the season we've had key players out injured. We've been written off but we've always pulled our way back into it, even with the depletions. There's definitely a new-founded spirit at WHL. A backbone. But there's some unfinished business that plays on my mind, a reminder that we're not quite there yet. The tonkings we received from three of the above mentioned teams at the start of the season. Three games in which we allowed the occasion to overwhelm us. Including a textbook cameo from Howard Webb to help compound things further. We displayed some of that olde lack of mental strength and composure and self-belief. Apologetic in reaction. But other than the Sunderland defeat last week and the non-events at Liverpool and Wolves (twice)- we've been fairly consistent all season long, since that early season hiccup(s). But we've suffered shock results where we dominated but failed to score, and lost.
Frustratingly, we let ourselves down when expectancy is high. But this is no longer the disease it once was. Beating Arsenal and Chelsea to win the Carling Cup. Beating Chelsea at home twice in recent years. We don't always fail to turn up. We have the capabilities to do so.
But redemption is still required because the players were/are better than the results we suffered against the three aforementioned 'big 3' sides (and the other defeats too). But before the epic week and a half ahead, we have the small matter of the FA Cup semi-final against Pompey. And placing aside the battle for fourth, beating them and reaching the final is just as important as the on-going fight in the Prem.
93, 95, 99 and 2001 need to be forever vanquished. That and the fact that once upon a time we were synonymous with this grand competition. And it's just been way way too long since we tasted some of that FA Cup final magic. I spoke about how back in 1991, as the underdogs, we upset the scum to go on and win the competition in a season where we on the brink of financial ruin. I dislike the parallels being made with Portsmouth mainly because it serves as a reminder that ANYTHING is possible on the day.
Cup games, we all know, inspires the unexpected. And considering this is quite possibly the last time Pompey will play at Wembley and the last time for a long time that the chance of silverware is within their grasp, I doubt they're going to choke. They have nothing to lose, having just lost their Premier League status, relegated on Saturday afternoon.
Pound for pound, it would take an exceptionally average performance from us to allow them to bully and beat us. And I'll be shocked and shattered if we fail to win. Okay, so I just explained that upsets happen - but that's not to say I'm without confidence. We need to be professional and match their effort and our quality will win through. If we choke, then facepalm and don't dare look up. But these games don't always match-up as you expect them to when discussing it on paper.
I guess part of me is attempting to mentally prepare myself for the potential consequence of defeat so that it's easier to live with if it happens. Part of the DNA I guess. Nobody want's to lose a semi-final.
80's swagger required
There were a couple of 'moments' in our last encounter with them at the Lane where they could have / should have scored. We outclassed them in the end, but I'm confident that Harry has pointed that complacency is unacceptable on the day and that control and patience will be key. Control the game, carve out chances, and be patient and the goals will flow. That's the ideal scenario.
So yes, I'm fairly confident. Just not taking it for granted. Considering the plight of Avram Grant's side, it would be so FA Cup if they managed to get to Wembley a second time.
They have injury and selection issues. So do we. King, Dawson, Huddlestone and Corluka all doubts. Lennon might be on the bench (and might even play - although Harry might think we can win without him and saved him for the NLD).
So going back to what I said earlier in this article, the reason it's so important is simply this:
People remember the games and the lifting of silverware because of the stage it's played on. Nobody will ever forget Villa weaving and twisting his way in the penalty area back in '81. Players, our players, have the opportunity to write history and become part of Tottenham folklore. You'll always talk about Cup finals and you'll talk about them even more if you see your side win one because it goes down into the history books forever. Finishing 4th won't.
That really should be inspiration enough.
COYS.
Reader Comments (190)
I'm pumped too and you are right. Anything can happen in the FA cup. I am desperately worried about our injuries as I feel that with Kaboul and Walker being cup tied, we're as thin as, particularly at the back. If Dawson, King, Huddlestone, Corluka are all out. It leaves Bassong and Devritte as the CD. With Corluka and Walker out, it forces BAE to play RB. We need Dawson or/and King to be able to give us the 90 minutes today. A back four of BAE, Devritte, Bassong, Bale is very worrysome. I have a sneaky feeling that King, Dawson, Huddlestone, Lennon all play a part though and a joyous day in Wembley will be had....and than we get back to the fortress and prepare to dick the scum. COYS!!
Should be comfortable but then that's the point you're making. Cant be resting our our laurels. You nailed it, Pompey haven nothing to lose but I honestly believe even if they give it everything they;ve got, we are still good enough to beat them.
If we dont choke.
If our defence is lacking Dawson or King then it's squeaky bum time. But then who exactly to they have in their side? Won't be easy initially but if we score early I reckon we'll have them stuffed by half time.
We'll smash em
Chelsea in the final. I'm sure the FA would hand the game to Howard Webb. I've got us down to win 3-1.
Come on you SPURS!
This should be a routine win if we have all our players available, but since we have a crisis in defence then it is all up in the air. What is the situation with our injuries by the way? I read a report a few days ago where Dawson said he is re-leashing the thought of playing at Wembley. Hopefully he is has recovered enough to partner Bassong. Absence of Corluka should give BAE a chance at RB (worrisome) with Bale returning to LB. In midfield should Palacious be risked since he is still on one yellow card away from 3 game suspension (or he is in the clear already)? Without him we don't have an enforcer to keep Pompey at bay.
Snap, we are truly in trouble.
Been up since just before 5am...far too excited!
COYS!
In all seriousness, if we can't beat a team that's well on it's knees to get to the FA Cup final, then we have no right to be considered contenders for anything let alone for CL.
But we will, because we are Spurs.
jesus spooky mate, you will be knackered for the match!
I'm up and getting ready for the trip to Wembley, so excited. I could potentially shit myself.
Desperately want to see dawson and hudd in the starting 11, and pav to start up front with jd.
Its been a long, long time since some proper fa cup excitement like this has been at the club, so here's hoping it doesn't finish today.
On a separate note, how many empty seats did chelski have left at Wembley yesterday, what an atrocious club they are!
Wembley.......Wembley...... We're the famous tottenham hotspurs and we're going to Wembley......Wembley........Wembley.
Going to be watching this on the isle of Wight in a pub full of pompey fans. Anyone want me to pass on a message??
Yes. "What the fuck are you doing here?"
Irony thfc-lac?
Lennon is not even the squad. Daws will play and captain as will Thud and Corluka. COYS
Just hope that pitch doesn't cause any more injuries. It looked shite yesterday!
Dilly Crump, Daws, Thudd and Corluka are more important than Lennon for mine this game. You give Daws/Bassong/Corluka/Bale in the back 4 and Hudds/Palacios in the middle we'll be fine.
Anything can happen today, forget where Portsmouth are. This is a one off game at Wembley with two teams full of injuries but surely a 100% up for it. If we don't choke at Wembley and just focus on playing our football then we have every chance. I'm not sure it's going to be a big victory like some people are predicting. Over the years there have been so many cup upsets, lets hope we are not one of them today. I agree with this article that we are starting to develop 'mental strength' something that we have been lacking for years. Dawson has helped this cause and led by example, a settled partnership at the back with Bassong has worked wonders. Then of course along with Harry showing his mangerial qualities. We are not quite there yet but you have to remember this will only come with time and patience. I really hope Palacios if he plays doesn't get booked today, I think if he was out of Arsenal and Chelsea it would be so crucial. It's going to be nerve wracking enough today and throwing that into the pot doesn't help! Lets hope we beat Pompey today, if we do it's not many teams that can say they've been to Wembley twice in a season. COYS.
Loved the articles been reading them and comments for ages, but never posted anything. dRb mate I have been up since 3 this monring a mixed bag or fear, excitment, nerves and generally feeling a little mental. We can do this, sure a couple will pass fitness tests its all part of the mind games. Stand fiirm comrades spurs to win 4-2 COYS
Once we defeat or overcome our rivals, then the Champion's League should be ours, and well deserved as such. I'm looking at everything as a sign unfortunately. And as a result I'm convinced that we should be victorious, but still its best not to put all eggs in one basket. In relation the F.A cup today, I wouldn't want to jinx us so, I shan't be so sure of myself to say we'll have an easy win. Though I was at the Lane for the Pompey match 2 weeks ago, and I can't honestly see how they would even come close to winning....time will tell.
SPURS!!!!
Everton beat us 4-1 and nobody came close to predicting that.
current Spurs team is better than one beaten by Everton that day and portsmouth are worse team than Everton were if that makes sense so history wont repeat itself. My concern is I was at Stadium of shit last weekend and we were awful. Bassong needs a leader beside him, bit like Dawson of old, so gotta hope Dawson or King play.Think we will concede goals today but the boys up front will give there shit defence and afroman in goal the round around and score more and then beat Chelsea in the final
just on my way now, cant wait. I went wembley last year for the play off final and it was a great day out, just lacked spurs fans and some prem class. Its times like this that is the reason i dont mind payin extortionate prices for a season ticket. Bit worried about the defence situation but im sure its something we can overcome. And if its true that daws and charlie are playing then i hope to god they foot get injured due to the pitch. Id be interested to know what harrys plan is should that happen. Other than that id say a place in the final is ours for the taking. Bring on the chavs!
*dont get injured!
Damn predictive text!
Less than an hour away and no lineup news on NewsNow.
Tottenham: Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, Bassong, Bale; Bentley, Huddlestone, Palacios, Modric; Crouch, Defoe.
Subs: Alnwick, Assou-Ekotto, Livermore, Kranjcar, Rose, Gudjohnsen, Pavlyuchenko.
Pompey: James; Finnan, Mokoena, Rocha, Mullins; Brown, Wilson, Yebda; Dindane, Boateng; Piquionne
Subs: Ashdown, Hughes, Basinas, Diop, Utaka, Smith, Kanu
What's up with the striker selection? Is Pav's still carrying an injury? Gudjohnsen? Strange to revert to the less than productive partnership of little large.
hi spuds!
i'm hoping to see you loose on penalty...get some red card and few knocks too! that would make my day even better!
still 0-0
hi spuds its me again!
happy to tell you that its still Pompy 0- Pompy clone 0
Man city 3- Birmingham 1 half time
What are you? 10 years old?
Ominous at the minute we're not getting hold of the ball and playing it to feet with much cutting edge. Need EG or Pav on the pitch up front.
yes
Win or lose, how can this pitch be suitable for any football, let alone cup fiinals and international matches ?
As it was yesterday its a joke, an embarassment and its dangerous.
hi spuds! part of my wish is fulfilled-u going to extra time!
Please don't feed the troll......
there u go spuds!
Real pompy 1- fake one 0
There are only two words to sum this up really: typical Tottenham.
Fuck Wiley
I just read that as fuck willy. But yeah, fuck wiley as well.
sorry spuds!
thats my wish fulfilled in its entirety!!!!!!!
pompy scored the second! game over for you spuds!
and ....and .....palacios miss the next two games!
thats all over for champions league dream of yours!!
happy day!!!
Do they allow you access to the internet in the loony bin Brook?
It makes you wonder why and how we can laugh at L'arse for losing at Barcelona when we lose at Sunderland and fucking Portsmouth.
The weird thing is... is anyone suprised we've lost today??
Wilson is out of NLD too.
Take absolutely nothing away from the performance of the Pompey players but I do think WIley had a fucking horrible game today. We didn't deserve it in the end, their tactics were spot on and we were unsteady on the break all day but I can't help but be fucking furious that with 4 minutes to play we get a fucking horrible penalty given and lose palacios for 2 of the biggest games of the season for us. We've gone and totally fucked it. Typical fucking Spurs. They owe us a win against the scum, there isn't one thing left to play for this year. Man City are through for 4th, Liverpool (who are really fucked now, as 7th doesn't even get Europa) isn't going to get 65pts. I don't care if King never plays for us again if it means beating the scum this week.
oh dear
Brook, kill yourself. We've still got a better chance of 4th than you do of any silverware.
What just happened! I feel like my eyes have been raped!
Can I just say I hate Jamie O'hara now.
Losing was bad enough.
Palacios getting the yellow card absolutely fucking destroys me.
That is rubbing salt in the wound.
Today was the worst of all possible outcomes.
What an utter waste of time.
Pompey weren't very good today but despite the painful loss I can't help but feel that the universe repaid them on a spiritual debt today.
Us. I don't know. I have always believed that we didn't have what it took to really be top four. I have never stopped hoping. Now all I care about is the NLD.
It will be hard to win after a demoralizing loss like this and having to play without Palacios.
Totally gutted.
Why does Harry always start with the wrong players. Wiley needs to be hunted down along with webb. If that was a penalty then football is turning into a really shit game.
Oh and Jamie can go fuck himself.
We have to contest the yellow, its been done before, and successfully (I believe Beckham did it once)
sorry spuds! i know the ref denied u a clean goal! and shouldn't have booked palacios! but then what is being Spud if there is no heart break in games like this?
you guys were downright cocky before game and i felt your downfall was coming and it indeed came in bang!
Take nothing away from Pompey, they dug in and took their chances, but Wiley has cost us big time today.
They scored from a nothing free kick and a penalty that never was and Palacious got booked for winning the ball and is now banned for 2 or 3 games.
On top of that, Wiley chalked off a perfectly good goal for us. When your lucks out!
Good luck to Pompey in the final; I suspect they will need it.