Not for the faint hearted. It's the NLD...
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 3:01PM It's not lost on me. The irony. That we can have a season full of hope and genuine progression, not of the deluded kind, but the type where other fans concede (and thus confirm) that we have made some decent strides forward. And yet two successive defeats could result with the gold at the end of the rainbow lost for yet another season in a downpour of angst and pain. Eternally, it would seem, out of our reach.
Some have knee-jerked already. Harry out. Yes, we do have fickle fans who seem to sing with the rest of us and then riot the moment things don't go our way. And yes, it's frustrating to see the same tired excuses suddenly cameo to ruin what was a perfectly good Cup run. But these things do happen. And to suggest they always happen to us is the type of victimisation that a fan of any other club, even the ones that win things regularly, mumble about every now and again. The world and the Gods of fate always stand in the way, as its usually the only comfort we can take when, I don't know, people slip in the mud or a perfectly good goal gets disallowed. How else do you get your head around it? Oh right, of course. Blame the manager.
Depending on your perspective, the season will either end in tears or be one that we can look back proudly on - and that's even if we fail to finish 4th. But then that depends on whether you think/believe Harry saved us and has got us moving forwards or whether he took advantage and acted out his saviour role but will struggle (is struggling) to take us to the next level.
How bad were we under Ramos? Two points, eight games bad. Bad enough to go down? Probably not. All it needed was some back to basics that he (HR) provided. He got us on the up, when most thought he'd fail. So can we really truly be critical of him considering how the opposite of patience (what we usually dish out on and off the pitch) has hardly ever helped? Yes, he's an interim manager (IMO) who will pass us over to the next big thing when the time comes, but his work is far from over. Stability is the key. Otherwise there is nothing to be handed over, apart from another fine mess.
Perhaps with the money spent and the players we had - at the start of this season - challenging for 4th had to be a given. It's turned out to be a given through-out thanks to the hard work and graft by all concerned. It's quite obviously never been a banker. But then that was never going to be the case. We've made ourselves CL contenders, with the aid of the ever decreasing power of some of the Top 4 sides (Liverpool anyone?). Some fans will say that 4th this season was never the objective and that we have over-achieved and based on last seasons antics, we should be happy with our lot. I see that as nothing more as a ready made excuse to appease people who can't handle the pressure.
It's all part and parcel of supporting a team. You're going to have ups and downs, and in this era of the monopolised Sky Sports 4, you take what you can when you can and try to make the most of it. And in the midst of it all, you make sure that the club and team grows and matures and progress is had. We've dropped points that would have been useful at this juncture of the season. But we lost them because we're not quite good enough, in some quarters. Beating sides who defend deep and with numbers and breaking them down has proved to be a bugbear. We'll learn from it. There is tinkering to be had with the midfield and the attack and sustained long term plans for the central defence conundrum (i.e. King's future). We'll learn from it and push onwards because there is no other choice.
Okay, so it's gutting there is no additional Wembley day out. Move on. It's done and dusted.
Chelsea on Saturday. Utd the following weekend. Yes, we have injuries. Yes, arguably we might not have players mentally strong enough to pick themselves up from the Pompey loss, and if that's the case then all that's left to do is renew our season tickets and look forward to a summer where City will spend half a billion and we request donations to the Tottenham Foundation when the poorer side of Manchester come knocking. We'll be in the thick of it again, no doubt. Regardless of how much other clubs look to improve, we'll improve ourselves. Which makes the Premier League even more open and entertaining.
But before all that, there's the matter of the NLD to be resolved. Two sides, depleted, both not at the level they wish to be and both having their own personal and differing issues with defence and attack selections. It's open. Its massively open. More so than you think. Yes, it can turn into a one-sided affair, if either the whites or reds take the initiative and turn the tempo to a pulsating level early on. We've seen that happen plenty of times before. Or perhaps one team might dominate, and the other nick a point at the death. Or perhaps, tired legs will play a fatal part in the result. One thing is for certain, there is far more of a 'underdog' feeling about this based on the fact that we've not had that much time to rest and the fact we've been dumped out the Cup. But alas, excuses, excuses. I don't care for these minor details. The game is completely unpredictable. And I'd be damned if I was going to sulk pre-match about it.
It's the North London derby. A match solely based on matters of a footballing nature. No politics or religion. Just football. Two neighbours forever hurling abuse over the garden fence. Would not want it any other way. Well, apart from perhaps building an extension that casts a shadow over their back yard. Knock-down ginger doesn't quite cut it anymore.
Form guide? 23 games. Same amount that Gareth….sshh. Don't say it out loud.
The players, they should be fired up regardless. As fired up as the fans. No one can argue that we've not had our moments in these games in the past, but having moments is not always enough to guarantee the three points and the all important bragging rights. One of the inherited legacy problems Harry has is the fact that unlike other sides (City, Everton etc) we never manage to get one over our rivals. We always turn it into a struggle. That's how we roll. Perhaps its because of the hype, self-perpetuated by stupid players and the media that we are somehow on par when we're not. Dig deep, play the role of underdog. Show no respect. Because on the day the belief can be that in the 90 minutes - we can better them, and surely that's all that's required? That's how we should roll. We did exactly that in the 5-1 semi but went to pieces earlier this season over in their patch.
But fuck me if you think I'm going to dig a grave six foot deep and dive into it with a copy of The Opus and a lock of hair from Daniel Levy (use your imagination).
Yes, it's going to be a bitch. Gotta love the fixture list computer giving us these three games towards the end of the season (insert David Dein conspiracy theory here). It happens. No reason to complain. Two London derbies and a trip to Old Trafford. I'll take that gladly thank you very much. In amongst it with the potential to rattle the odd cage or two.
So yes. We've got injuries. And yes, City are ahead in the race for 4th. And yes, most gooners I know have gone from saying they'd be happy with a point to now telling us they will win with ease. All because we lost to Portsmouth. Enough of the sound-bites.
It's a North London derby. Selection headaches, positions, aspirations. All irrelevant for the occasion at hand.
It should be nothing more or less than the most important 90 minutes of any season. Blood, thunder, drive and spirit. And tenfold passion. How else can you possibly match the noise in the ground? If that can't elevate you then nothing can. And yes, bite me, I'm a football romantic, but to me these games should be defined by guile and tenacity of the players out on the pitch. And not because XXX is out injured watching from the sidelines.
To dare is to f*cking do, so just f*cking get on with it and do it.
COYS.
Reader Comments (90)
YIDARRRRRRMY!!!
Rousing stuff Spooky. Yes! lets fucking have it! Our time is due and we're gonna put one over on 'em.
Not sure if me old ticker can stand it though...
nice piece Spooky. I woke up this morning with a glint in my eye and a spring in my step. We're going to win tonight boys. Lets hope our victory isn't spoilt by any silly business in the stands with regards to that lump of shit at the back. Hurl abuse but nothing else. Feel free to set fire to passing gooners on the way in but don't do anything to give the press an excuse to not discuss our brilliant performance and result in the morning.
Stand up and sing loud. Never Red.
Come on you Spurs
And you, good yeoman, Whose limbs were made in Tottenham, show us here The mettle of your pasture; let us swear That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not; For there is none of you so mean and base, That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start.... The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, N17, and St Bill!'
No Wilson, Corluka, Lennon, Niko. Kaboul in midfield. But yes, I get what you're saying Spooky. Its about heart and desire.
One thing is for sure, nothing can be taken for granted. Reckon this will be a very open game this.
come on you spurs
On my way now.
FUCKING LETS HAVE IT.
Pint anyone?
Spurs 3 Marsh Dwellers 1. No, make that 0. C.O.Y.Spurs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON YA FURKING SPURS!!!!!
I don't want him to play Kaboul in midfield. Don't rate him at all. Will happily eat my words if we beat the scum tonight
Who are ya Who are ya ???? SCUM hahahahah
IM BUZZING COYS xxx
Ledley for DM. 3-1.
This is the game, isn't it.........!
Bale vs Walcott..... TASTY!!!!
If we stick Bale at LM and BAE in at LB we should see Walcott having to do more defensive work than offensive.
That said, I'm being pessimistic and saying a 3-1 defeat......
That way I can't lose. Either "I told you so" or "hell yes we beat the scum".
I think I'd actually go 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 tonight - but that's me and not Harry.
Gomes
Dawson King Bassong
Walker Modric Eidur Kaboul Bale
Defoe Pav
or
Gomes
Corluka Dawson King Bassong BAE
Eidur Modric Bale
Defoe Pav
YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDD ARRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually I think I'd rather see Livermore in midfield ahead of Kaboul
In all the excitement please do not forget to either hum / la-la to the Sol song so as to avoid the Ol Bill at your front door tomorrow morning.Off to get the train. COYS.
Badger?
I don't think I've been so buzzed before a NLD since the 5-1 drubbing. We have a great chance, but my worry is the tired legs, Arsenal have scored a ridiculous amount of goals late in games in recent times, and we will be tired, hopefully it'll be 6 nil at that point.
COYFS!!!!!
Oh and if Ledley plays I'd love to bust out the old
You can stick sol campbell up your ass! Cuz we got ledley at the back
I fear the worst, hope Defoe gets the bench at best. Need first goal to get a result, fingers crossed!
COYS
Proper article man! Everyone involved with this club should read this. Particularly the players and Redknap, only they should read it as law. Very good ending as well. C'mon You Spurs!!!!
Really not confident. Kaboul in midfield ?
How did it come to this ?
Stick Livermore in there instead and play 5 in midfield.
If we play 4-4-2 and have Kaboul and Hudd in the middle they will pass the ball around them for fun.
My mate in his infinite wisdom. Has arranged to watch it in a pub with both goon and spurs fans, near fratton park. Somethings gotta give!
line up for spurs today found it on the offical website STARTING XI - Gomes; Kaboul, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Rose, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Defoe, Pavlyuchenko. SUBS - Alnwick, Bassong, K Walker, Bentley, Livermore, Crouch, Gudjohnsen.
just seen the team;
Gomes
BAE Dawson Ledley Kaboul!
Modders Thud Rose Bale
Pav Defoe
... Kaboul at right back. WTHF!
COYS!
Tottenham: Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, King, Bale, Kaboul, Huddlestone, Modric, Rose, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe.
Subs: Alnwick, Bentley, Crouch, Gudjohnsen, Bassong, Kyle Walker, Livermore.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Campbell, Vermaelen, Clichy, Eboue, Diaby, Denilson, Rosicky, Bendtner, Nasri.
Subs: Fabianski, Eduardo, van Persie, Walcott, Silvestre, Merida, Eastmond.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
my heart just sunk when I read "kaboul"
"rose?"
FFS
at least pav's in
Bae & Kaboul in the same defence.
Hope I am wrong but really do not fancy this.
Kabel = weakness. This is not good. he is slow on the turn, cant pass and loses coordiantion with the rest of the team. This is bad news
1-0. wonder goal from Rose.
But we are getting over run in midfield.
roooooooooooooooose!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi nycid
Is it me or are we short of numbers in midfield ?
Gonna be a long evening
Kaboul = big weakness. He needs to be changed before its tool late
He will cost us bigtime!!!
Dealing with Arsenal but we need to notch a second goal to ease the pressure. We wont last the full 90 playing like this. Had chances for second.
Make them count Spurs.
Danny Rose is my new idol i want him now !
SPOT ON JEP. WE WILL RUN OUT OF STEAM IF THIS CARRIES ON.
A danny rose dvd on the shelves?
just a consistent stream of slo mo replays xD
i am shedding man tears of joy :-) eat that you scum !
Funny that none of the Arsenal lot are online tonight, I was looking forward to a good debate.
paging brook, mr gooner, absolute thunderbolt, 4th or 3rd lol, Gunner4Life, my boy Alex and all you gutless manifestations of the same sad wanking 15-year-old twat for some whinging and excuse-making.
step right up you useless mugs.
SPURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David, it was a long night but a sweet one!!!!!!!!!111
Audere Est Facere, Brothers... it was a long time coming for this one!! Kudos to the lads.. they all wanted it more than the deluded scum
Now lets just do the same against Chelsea and United. Should be a walk in the park...
NYCYID.
SPOT ON MATE. I CAN STOP TREMBLING NOW!
JUST WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP ON THEM, THEY PRODUCE A PERFORMANCE LIKE THAT.
STILL IN THE HUNT FOR FOURTH AND ARSENALS LAST CHANCE OF SNEAKING THE LEAGUE GONE.
HAPPY DAYS !!!
FUCKIN' AVE THAT GOONERS! AVE THAT BROOK! AVE THAT WENGER AND SCUMBALL AND EVERY TWO BIT FUCKWIT FRENCH LARSEHOLE THAT I HAVE THE MISFORTUNE TO ENCOUNTER ON THIS PLANET (apart from me Mum of course...but you only support the filth to piss off me and Dad anyway..actually.yeah, fuck it! Ave that MOTHER! Your cooking is shit! Dad said you were crap in bed too!)
YOU FUCKING BEAUTY!
COYS!
GET THE BUNTING OUT GOONS, ST. WON FUCK ALL AGAIN DAY HAS COME ROUND AGAIN!
YIDARMY!
See, I was right to be pessimistic - just left me with a HUGE grin on my face.
What a defensive performance that was.
Superb strike from Rose, great pass from Defoe for the 2nd.
Bentley was (again) pissing me off by consistently giving the ball away, but now the final whistle has gone, he can be forgiven.
Stunning saves from Gomes too.... what a turnaround in a player we've seen.
Hated the comments Andy Gray was making about Arsenal missing 6 players (and no doubt that's what the scum fans will claim), yet no mention of the lads we had absent.
4th is there for the taking - looking at City's fixtures, it's evenly matched with 5 to play.
I'm thinking a trek to both City & Burnley could be in the offing!
Tony Adams, Freddie Ljungberg, Michael Thomas, Ray Parlour, Herbert Chapman, David Dein, Queen Elizabeth, can you hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating!
C O Y S
LOVE IT.
Waiting for the Arsenal fans to browse back in and discuss the footie.