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 now going to hang myself slowly cos it'll be more enjoyable that the 120 minutes of slow, agonising torture that I've just endured...
This is about the 30th time I've said this: there's always next season. We couldn't finish today. No ones fault, although I have no idea why Crouch's goal was disallowed and that earlier hand ball by Finnan was overlooked-- that could have changed everything. So I suppose there is some blame for the ref.
Pompey deserves their win in the end, I don't want to take a thing away from them but Wiley was a fucking joke, as was the pitch.
I feel sorry for you guys. I really do. With 4th place looking out of grasp again this season, a place in the FA Cup final would have been a nice consolation. You might have even given Chelsea a run fro their money. But I suppose it's going to have to be next year again. Or maybe the year after that. Or might be.. well, you get the drift.
Heart felt commiserations nonetheless. I suppose mediocrity and disappointment are an intimate part of a Spurs fans life.
If that isn't a fix I don't know what is? decisions against us all afternoon, then strangely disallowed goal that even david james thought was comical and a penalty for them when palacios clearly got the ball with yellow card yellow card?
You just can't write that script, or can you? big betting on these games, strange decisions indeed! and all at very important times in the game.
P.S. that pitch was truly disgusting and whoever is responsible for it should be taken out and shot.
PPS shoot that little prick Jamie O'hara while you're at it, he can go down with the sinking ship that is pompey....may your club go bust and disappear forever.
never mind lads...they had a 12th player today and although I'm not naming names *cough* fat cunt ref *cough* there's no excuse that we couldn't score before the final whistle so let portsmouth have their day. Oh and to all the naysayers, 4th isn't lost. Man City don't have the easiest fixtures either and I can see them dropping points. With our game in hand too 4 points doesn't seem that far away. All I'm asking from my team is to play their skins off for the rest of the season. Take out all the FA cup anger in the NLD. COYS!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!
HILARIOUS.
when you finally get a chance to play at Wembley, it just so happens to be a semi-final (Who made that rule up?!) When you get a chance to EARN a "real trip" to Wembley... you get tucked in 2-0 by...... wait for it..... Portsmouth. Ridiculous.
We are gonna destroy u at the lane on Wednesday......... without half of our team.
1999? yea. that was YEARS AGO
Gunner
I feel no ill will to Pompey. They gave their all and got the rewards. We bottled it. To be fair, I don't think any single person who watched that game would deny we had several terrible decisions go against us and pitch being a disgrace hurt us. But these are the things we need to overcome. They are the things that top 4 teams overcome. We needed a goal. We played 120 minutes and all we had to show for it was a disallowed goal and several ball to hand claims. It wasn't good enough. They had the better chances.
@Mr Arsenal At least we made it to wembley this season which is more than you can say CUNT!
I hope I never become sad enough to lurk around on Arsenal websites, writing things like "Hahahaha Arsenal lost!" whenever they lose. Get a life mate.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
"If that isn't a fix I don't know what is?"
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
"You just can't write that script, or can you? big betting on these games, strange decisions indeed"
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
"never mind lads...they had a 12th player today"
Thanks spurs fans, u really made my day.
Alan Wiley is a cheat of a referee, their free kick was not that led to the goal. There was nothing wrong with our equaiser and that was not a penalty he won the ball. wiley felt sorry for Pompey and Spurs were playing 12. He should be struck off
dumb yids FTW
mr arsenal, when we finally get the chance to play at wembley?! think you will find we have played in 2 finals and a semi final at the new wembley, that makes 3 trips there in the last 3 seasons.
arsenal have played there once and got beat in last years semi final by chelsea! muppet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUXKtf1rdaY
God Damn It.
you guys were downright cocky before game and i felt your downfall was coming and it indeed came in bang!
I know I should feed the trolls but you clearly don't understand what it is to be a yid.
FFS we almost always feel our downfall coming long before any of you silly twats do! Our entire existence is one of neurotic awareness of imminent downfalls. I attribute that to ignorance.
Cocky?
You twats invented cocky.
And we'll wait and see what happens at the Lane on Wed, mate.
I just hope you'll be man enough to show up in this comment section when you get the drubbing you deserve you sorry little cunt.
Poor ref decisions aside - we were just not good enough - we need to take those chances in 1st half.
We must have had a bout 20 corners !
We must not play Crouch anymore, so tempting for them to play long ball to him - should have been JD & Pav to start.
What the hell are we gonna do with our new injured players ???
I was so pumped for NLD, but now shitting it !
Somebody inspire me, this is so crap, AGAIN !
Yeah the prospect of new injuries are the worst possible outcome of today's fiasco.
Who exactly do you reckon is on that list?
Steve D: "I think you will find we have played in 2 finals and a semi final at the new wembley, that makes 3 trips there in the last 3 seasons."
Mr Arsenal: "okay....... SHOW ME YOUR MEDALS"
Steve D: "err... i got to..., erm, err.... go toilet"
(*Runners up medals not valid)
Wow! You guys must really not have a life if you waited for us to slip up just to laugh about it! At the end of the day It's better than you guys done so why not just crawl back into whatever shithole you live in and start worrying about your team instead of ours. That 2nd place is slipping away from you. Fabregas will probably join Barcelona and you won't win anything AGAIN this year. Have a nice evening.
Mr Arsenal.
I think you will find we got winners medals for beating Chelsea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06GBPZlmvjM&feature=PlayList&p=0E957B24C383D73F&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=59
Jesus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QexlsW3unUY
This is cocky you stupid woolwich wandering French national team supporting, cambridge morons piss off back to Dial square
David - (** Carling Cup Also Excluded)
Come on lads.... i really didnt think i would have to mention the above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj4l4yV4b_Q
DD, it's always better when you win mate.
its real bad when you cant find footage on the net of Tottenham beating Arsenal so you have try and show me the 4-4 draw.
(***Carling Cup Excluded)
fuck off back south of the river
Ffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccckkkkkkkk
Mr Arsenal
As much as it pains me to say, and I speak solely for myself, you are a better team than us. Statistics do not lie. You are better.
Congratulations.
You should know that and realize that. Arsenal play beautiful, free flowing football.
Why can't you and the other sorry individuals who come here on a Spurs blog to boast about your great team just be happy with that?
Hmm?
I suspect it is because deep down you realize that, as good as you are, something about you really sucks. You have to go out of your way to come and gloat because it makes your miserable lives a little better.
Perhaps you might even question just how good you are??
Perhaps you might realize deep down that as good as you are you seem to be lacking something.
I think you might be able to redirect the time you waste on this blog into more meaningful reflection on what it means to be an Arsenal supporter.
The "Honest Quote Of The Week" goes to....................
Raibs: "I was so pumped for NLD, but now shitting it !"
Mr Arsenal.
Think you will find most players would prefer a winners medal regardless of the competition to a losers medal or no medal whatsoever.
Why not ask your current squad ?
I'd lke to say I can't believe it, but sadly, from about 15 mins in it was completely believable.
I sat with a knot in my stomach, watching us not take chances and knew that they would take the one decent one they had.
Bad slip by Dawson, but the pitch largely to blame there.
We now have 72 hours to get it out of our system, recover and then beat the hell out of Arsenal.
Dissapointed with the Wilson yellow card as he looked like he was trying to avoid it for 117 mins.
Ah well, much like the Gooners keep saying about the PL and CL - there's always next season.
I honestly feel sorry for Gooners.
If I were an Arsenal fan I would kill myself. Or at least hate myself very deeply.
As fantastic as your team is, there is something that profoundly sucks about supporting Arsenal.
And I think you know it, son.
Good luck with that.
Nycid, all jokes aside - i respect what "you're" saying.
Im on only here cos Tottenham fanz been giving us stick on the Arsenal blogz recently so 2 b honest.... itz just a bit of payback on a boring Sunday.
The "Honest Quote Of The Week" goes to....................
Raibs: "I was so pumped for NLD, but now shitting it !"
that did make me laugh though
@walkerboy. Exactly which game are you on about? Not the one that I saw.
Mr Arsenal says: blogz recently so 2 b honest
Text talk? Really? You need to got back to wherever you came from. There's no way anyone can take you seriously when you write like a 12 year old.
i'm dying to read one of Spooky's classic post match whinging !! please spooky...deliver it when there is high expectation...!
All spuds wondering why a self respecting gunner would come down to be with a collection of delusional spuds, two reasons
1-Gunners have no game today
2- to laugh on you
one of the best sundays i had without gunners kicking a ball!
I don't understand why people are still giving O'Hara a tough time. Can anyone explain please?
Some of our visitors are missing the point. Doesn't matter about today. About yesterday. Last week. Last month. Last year. Three years ago. Ten years ago. Or tomorrow.
You Arsenal fans are cunts no matter the day.
Brook, trolling Spurs blogs so that we all know he exists. Its quaint.
Looks like our chances of fourth place and Champions league are diminishing with Man City winning again.
Might not be a bad thing, as last week I saw a Champions league match between the champions of Spain and the champions of nowhere and to be honest, it was a bit cruel as the Spanish champions just kept the ball and would not let the champions of nowhere join in.
Delusional? Brook, your lot haven't won anything for five seasons. You're in denial and spending time on here more or less proves you crave our attention. Silly silly goon.
Oh, with regards to the original article...
History... FA Cup romance...
When it's your year, it's your year. You know when it's your year.
The thing about our '91 year is that I remember more about the semi than the actual final, and look what happened in that! Yes, it was our year. And this year, now, we're left feeling as dilapidated as the Forest fans felt that day. But what, actually, will the Portsmouth fans remember about this semi? The goals? A slip that allowed a simple tap in? A penalty decision? I really can't see anyone remembering much of anything to do with the match itself, only the numerous sub-plots which just enhanced the overall result.
Congratulations to Pompey. I hope O'Hara scores the winner!
The Machine: You need to "got" back to wherever you came from. There's no way anyone can take you seriously when you write like a 12 year old.
Hilarious - U dare to question my intelligence?
Talk about tripping yourself up.
It's 3:17 am over here in Singapore and I'm still wide awake, unable to shake off this soul-sapping feeling of utter disappointment. I wasn't confident before the match (how could any true Spurs fan be) but there was always hope. Part of just keeps saying that I ought not to be surprised, as this kind of choke is part and parcel of the THFC heritage, but I really wanted to believe. Absolutely gutted.
Mr Arsenal, not sure how old you are but gloating usually ends up with a bit of karma. It's ironic that you're behaving like those very Spurs fans you were referring to. And I do find it odd when Arsenal fans find the need to gloat in this manner; your team is streets ahead of ours so is it something else that gives you these urges to come over here and thump your chest?
Mr Arsenal and Brook
It just keeps getting sadder ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj4l4yV4b_Q
This will brighen the mood a bit
Well the dust is settling on a week of first first time the champion Jocky has won the national first hammering for Birmingham 5-1 by Rampant City they cant stop scoring since there manager was facing the sack. West ham also beat the team that should have beaten us 5-1. Burnleys first win away 4-1 Ross County winning 2-0 against Cetic Rochdale getting hammered 5-0 and the the heartbreaking loss to Pompy pumped up 2-0 they say its a funny old game well not from my eye t i cant warn you any more it hurts and i stopped watching t after thirty mins because i new the ending was sad . Hard Luck boys this was a game we where not going to win while two idiots where on the field Grinning JAMES when he got away with our goal and Whiley remember him last min against Leeds he was pompys life line if all else failed and he delivered with the free kick the pitch the dept and something i wont mention for fear of abuse was all over the pitch in the team on death row Mr Brown was red i told you the connection to the Bunnies one dressed in pink and one red faced Finnan and James
well said on all accounts docomospur!
I share your frustration. Am gutted with the loss but we will carry on like we always do.
On a brighter note, how good is Bale ???
Is there a better left back anywhere ???
My wife rarely watches football but she watched todays game and towards the end described young Gareth as a trojan.
When asked to explain, she replied " he's dominating, powerful and just never stops".
And you know what SHES F...ING RIGHT. He is a TROJAN.
Now where can I find myself a trojan outfit for tonight ?