4 points, 2 games
Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 2:52PM Stoke 1 Spurs 2
Was it over the line? I guess it doesn't matter. Them the breaks Top 4 sides get, innit?
Nah, let's not sell-out just yet with that one.
I guess lady luck continues to hump our leg, be it frantically (is there a better way?) and I for one will just shrug and patronisingly point out how unfortunate Stoke were not to share the points today. But that's just me being diplomatic.
I'm all for clubs like Stoke, fighting tooth and nail, bullying and hassling opposition - especially opposition that in the past had a habit of crumbling and falling apart. Why should they pay respect to visitors? But we are made of sterner stuff these days, as witnessed by our sitting-back-and-taking-it-like-a-man performance in the second half. Much like last seasons visit, we did enough. And at this point in the season, before true form is found, I'll happily take three points at places like the Britannia. Shaky moments and everything.
I'm going to hazard a guess and say the 3-2 loss v Young Boy and the manner in which we went 3-0 down has hurt our mental strength some what. Panic, not quite of the catastrophic ilk, has crept back into our play. The sooner we get this play-off out of the way (and win it) the quicker Harry can settle with some consistency with his selection, and focus from the players on our immediate target: EPL points. So, I'm made up we left Stoke with all three points. King rested, Crouch the only available 'fit' forward, Kaboul in for Bassong, no Modric and the return of Jenas. 4-5-1. Crouch the lone man (Keane injured or dropped?). Depth. Even if we might be critical of the likes of JJ and Kaboul, I applaud their shift today. Can't really fault the team performance or Harry's selection.
The first half was decent enough. Azza slowly beginning to reclaim some of that lost end product. The opener, a clearance off the line, hitting Bale in the chest, and ending up in the net. 1-1, Gomes all dizzy in the box. But not too worry, 2-1, Bale again, and this time with a goal that you could watch endlessly. Giggesque, volley from the heavens. Lennon provider. Let's not be forgetting this won us the three points. Well, that and the officials reluctance to signal a Stoke equaliser in the second half.
First half though had us easily winning the possession percentages, passing the ball around with much confidence. And JJ could have made it three, unlucky not to.
So Bale sublime, all good, no complaints no massive concerns. Even though I couldn't help but think our defence was still susceptible to collapsing if pressure was applied. So I guess I did have concerns. I was wrong. But only just.
Second half, Stoke had a right go at us. I don't really want to bang on about the fact that we let them have a right go at us, because for me, defensive frailties and all, we still survived. We battled. Even Jenas got stuck in and worked hard off the ball. Tuncay asked a few questions. Gomes answered them by placing his hands over his ears and shouting 'lalalalalalalala'. Have to say though, that on closer inspection, our mad Brazilian was at times tripped and impeded (first goal anyone?). It wasn't an easy afternoon for him. But he seemed to experience a re-lapse with dealing with crosses. And if I take my blinkers off, I have to admit that Gomes was nowhere near being dominant in his area, and thus, sort of brought it on himself, falling over people and flapping.
Back to what I mentioned early, re: credit to clubs who might lack depth in quality by making it difficult for the likes of us to settle down and play. And although I have no intention of going all Wenger with the complaints, I did find Stoke tiresome, especially Shawcross, the dirty cheating bastard, kicking out petulantly at times. Gomes made a fine fine save from Tuncay, tipping over the bar. Stoke continued with their physicality, we continued to weather the storm. Harry makes a tactical switch (Walker on, Lennon off) and then its OMG time when a header is saved onto the underside of the crossbar, is then headed back in and appears to go over the line, hitting Crouch (chest? arm?) before being cleared off the line.
BLATTER?? WHERE IS THE GOAL LINE TECHNOLOGY?
It's not required. Well, not required until the same thing happens to us. Karma, that's what I'm going to go with here, what with Stoke's WWE tactics. We might have made hard work of it, but we stuck in there. We dug deep. I got it wrong pre-match, but I don't care. Swashbuckling can be left for Wednesday.
Loved Phil Thompson's remark about how the foul on Gomes in the build up to the 'goal' was not relevant because the referee did not give it, and yet talked up about how Stoke should have been awarded the goal and taken a point from the game. But the ref didn't give that either. So using Phil-logic™, is it not equally irrelevant also for the same reason?
It all sort of fixed itself up, one mistake following another, cancelling each other out. Discussions that will no doubt continue into the new week. Let's hope that's that, and we don't have any controversy in the play-off.
Being tested like this is fairly invaluable at this early stage. A reminder that new-look Spurs of 2010 is sticking around for 2011. I'm hoping now, with three points up on the board, the players can relax and look forward to the game that will truly define the next few weeks and months.
Tottenham, not quite brilliant, definitely resilient.
Reader Comments (38)
Stoke City away - DONE!
Time to put the defibrillator kit away....
Walker on, not Bassong.
I too found it interesting - the Phil Thompson (tm) logic. Phil Thompson needs to sue Mark Lawrensen, because he used the same logic! No one actually stated the fact that if the referee is not 100% sure that the whole ball crossed the line, then he cannot give it. It is much better to risk disallowing goals than giving goals that didn't cross the line. Anyway - Stoke were poor. I was worried until they started playing (or not playing). I think we went there at the perfect time - before they get going. Huth's only function was to push Gomes at corners - I wouldn't mind it if he was a bit subtle about it, but 2 hands? Cattermole is earmarked as one for the future - but he needs to foul less!! It is a shame that they can't get Tuncay into the first team - perhaps he is too busy on the set of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies!
I don't fault Kaboul at all! I don't think he's put in less than a very efficient shift per game.
I think you need to check the Spurs sub. Kyle Walker 4 Lennon.
there is no way the ref could have given it as a goal. it was in no way clearly over the line, ive seen the replay about 10 times and im still not sure if it does or it doesnt, so how is the ref who was standing 5 yards away meant to be sure in real time? stoke can have no complaints, if there anti football works, then fair enough, but playing that way and losing - they deserve it. wwe tactics haha, too right. coys
Lennon was involved in the first and second of our goals, sure he hasn't been on the top of his game yet, but he will get there with matches, stick with Lennon, Walker is backup for Charlie right now and with an injury or suspension he will get the chance to show his worth and secure a place in the side.
You wrote this as if you had just put in a stint at something yourself.
I think they call this 'winning ugly'. Perhaps it's Stoke that have perfected the art of 'losing ugly',
but then they've had plenty of practice.
As long as we don't start 'playing ugly'.
Until we ascended to the Top Four Elite that goal would almost certaionly been given against us
and Bale's first disallowed for handball.
Don't you just love that 'Top Four Elite'
Corrected the sub.
Jimmy, my life is a stint at the minute.
Kaboul's problem is that there were 2 major incidents, and you don't seem to get that with Bassong (Young Boys aside!). Kaboul WAS at fault for the goal - he passed it to Fuller! His first priority is to clear the ball, then after that he should moan that he is being fouled. You are going to get fouled at the Brittanica! The second moment was very annoying when Gomes called for the ball, and Kaboul ignored the call and took possession. He then went forward - whilst never being in control of the ball! When he lost it, we were put unnecessarily under pressure. Iron those things out, and he could be ok. I have my doubts. Lennon on the other hand was great - yes he muffed up that chance running in on the last defender. Apart from that - he single-handedly created both goals. If Bale did that, we would all be raving.
Match of the Day punditry was once again heavily against us. To be honest I think they just do it to wind up lineker, but there's this still this smug atmosphere that 'little tottenham' are simply enjoying their day in the sun and it won't last. Love Hansen's comment though - "Whatever happened to the good old days when Spurs would always let you down?" Well Alan, the same thing that happened to the days of Liverpool being a good football team - they've gone.
Cunt
TonyTott -spot on with your comments re Huth blocking, tripping, pushing and obstructing Gomes at every opportunity. Shame neither the match officials or the so called experts on Match of the Day could see what was happening. It was clearly pre-planned and should have been obvious.
We should have had a pen at the end of the first half when Jenas was brought down by their keeper. If given, the keeper would have had to be sent off, so the Stoke bleaters should give it a rest.
Thought we would have one eye on Wednesdays CL game and so expected to lose yesterday especailly with so many players out.
Excellent result.
I like this blog, but "OMG time"?? Never again please!!! COYS
Good result with Lennon and Bale providing our main attacking threat as usual, we need them to be on fire on Wednesday (and Daws not to get skinned everytime someone runs at him) otherwise we might get our fingers bern!
Sorry Dan, I should have added a 'Z' after OMG. My bad.
looking at the replay.......Redknapp was right..... on gomes being fouled .....so the ref missed this as well prior to the ball going what looks like over the line yet refs angle was wrong to be absolute.......100%
so if video technology was available would they have disallowed the goal because of gomes foul....
or ignored the foul?
Wigans chosen few next!
The no goal decision couldn't have happened to a more deserving bunch of cunts
It's great to be wrong sometimes. With our injury list after only two games, I was expecting us to be slaughtered.
Regarding the Stoke goal that "was", the replay I saw clearly showed Kaboul being pulled back as he tried to clear.
Regarding the goal that "wasn't" or might have been a handball, my suspicion is that it may have been over, but I was not convinced. My understanding of the rules is that the ball must be completely over the line taking a perpendicular line from the goal side of the white line. When you think about it, it means that the ball has to be at least six inches ove the line. The ref was in a good position to decide on this and failed to give the goal. Regarding the penalty alternative, the ref was perfectly positioned to see this, and it is noteworthy that the Stoke complaint is not "either/Or" but that it was a goal.
Jenas has a Jekyll and Hyde game, where I couldnt stop cursing him in the first half, but he redeemed himsel in the second half, with the first decent performance I have seen him make since 2008/9. As I said, sometimes it's great to be wrong, but I just wish he would prove me wrong every week.
Decent write up Spooks, pretty much covers it for me. Much like Jimmys article.
Can't believe ppl still watch the analysis on MOTD. It's a joke. Give me Dean Sturridge's visceral brummie rumblings. That's all the analysis I need.
Stoke's fouling is a joke too. A really unfunny one. They so blatantly use it as a tactic, and they are not only allowed to get away with it, they are praised for it! I'm all for hard, competative play, but just cynically fouling and cheating as a tactic, it's fucking gay. As some have said, it's Karma. I hope the ball did go over the line, and Crouch handballed it, and fingered Tony Pulis' daughter. Serves you right for being such a cheating bellend.
Of course the defending needs to improve, but we have Gallas now. If we defend like that against half decent footballing teams (ie Young Boys) then we will struggle. But regardless, we were depleted and we won. Lovely stuff
Don't get wound-up by what a bunch of has-beens and never-weres have to say. I mean who really gives a flying fuck what crap's spouted on MOTD. Another tick in the 'win' column and a decent perfomance underlies squad strength and will do me nicely. Be mellow, fellows.
Is anyone else worried about Palacios' lack of form. He was poor on Saturday. His passing was rubbish but then again it always has been so no surprises there. However he used to run about a bit, get stuck in and make a general nuisance of himself in the middle of the park and break things ups. Against Stoke he really wasn't up for it. He didn't really close anyone down and the number of times a runner went passed him and he was just jogging about in space instead of tracking back was shocking. He made JJ look pretty good in comparison.
I told you so
Great post once again, always a joy to read, even if i dont always agree. Can anyone remind me the last time Wilson had a good game for us, i love the guy but he does'nt seem to be as effective as when he first came to the club?
Last time Wilson played well for us was the arsenal match at WHL.....when he was suspended!!.
Parker would have been better than that yesterday. I can see why harry was after him. He knows wilson is just not good enough, at the moment anyway, and shows that Wilson was the only player of that type that was realistically available at the time. Pity Defoe got injured at that time cause we then felt the need to bring PSB back.
If only...........!
A win is a win... I'll take it!
"I hope the ball did go over the line, and Crouch handballed it, and fingered Tony Pulis' daughter."
Brilliant stuff there. Masterfully touches and addresses greater mileage of news' clippings than what relates to this game. Absolutely priceless!
I will happily take the points and frankly don't care at all if it went over the line or not.
This is football.
Hehe Chrisman , having a go like that seems a bit out of character for you , but it made me lol on a monday morning so thanks for that
I was pleased to see Jenas putting in the defensive work and also trying (at times) to redeem himself as an attacking midfielder. I keep on hoping that he will suddenly live up to the expectations (well if there are still expectations left in our minds) ...
Well nobody gave a toss at OT when we were all debating whether or not the Mendes shot had crossed the line so fuck 'em. They deserve everything they get (or dont) with the way they "play". Its one thing to be hard and in your face but they are just blatant cheats, and as for being one of the Top 4 "chosen few" if we were we would have had a hell of a lot more protection from Huth & Shawcrosses blatant fouling. A great 3 points from the lads but this game does show imo why we need Gallas or someone like him. We did see the panic creeping in at the end.
Why is everybody certain the ball actually went over the line? The reply did not show the ball over the line, the referee thought it wan't, whats the problem? It's hardly Mendes all over again.
nice write up. Never seen you at an away game though.
When the ref in rugby league or The umpire they ask his the player onside did he ground the ball or like a try disallowed the other day a player blocked a defender and a good try was chalked of correctly. Cricket first look whether its a no ball and if it is then whatever happens after its not out .Football would ignore the fouls and give the goal this just shows Football would sooner have controversy than honesty the reason for this Back hander Blatter his in charge . Lennon i hope doesent need to have an operation like Drogba. Keane his angry and so he should be Defoe who i like has bean carrying his injured groin since the world cup So you can understand Keane he has bean in good form since the close season and Defoe has not scored for spurs in Nine games or so.
'Keane has been in good form since the close season'. Yeah I heard he did a great job painting the spare bedroom. Shame he's crap at football though
Away games? It's been 2 seasons mate since I ventured out of London, prior to that - I went to all away games for a good few seasons. Sadly a 'relationship' put a stop to all that.
Women. Evil evil creatures.
Chrisman to coin a saying by Kevin Keegan i would love it love it if he rammed them words down your through t and scored the goals to beat the energised Boys.. I bet you have never had a ball at your feet or even used your bollocks , leave Keane alone its his pass that gave the Russian his chance to redeem himself He is not has bad has Rooney form or Defoe Keane would not have bean given 9 games to score like Defoe has and Palacios cost 1 million we handed over twelve million . He went backwards when he linked himself to Real Madrid
SSN are filling their rompers going on about goal line technology. Spewlis putting his useless twopenneth in with 'two wrongs don't make a right' over the Huth push.
Two issues for me, one is I haven't seen anyone prove it crossed the line and two, f*** 'em anyway, it's about time the rub of the green went our way. Just the sort of psychological boost our lads needed with Wednesday looming!
DavSpurs - Robbie Keane is as likely to ram those words down my throat as Kevin Keegan is to win a mindgame against Alex Ferguson. I do use my bollocks regularly, although apparently in a different manner to you. Look at Keane's stats last season, they are easily as bad as those of Defoe or Rooney's current bad runs. The problem with Keane, however, is he has been consistently bad for about 2 years now, so to compare him to Defoe or Rooney, both who scored 25-plus goals last season, is evidence that you are indeed 'talking' bollocks, rather than putting them to better use.