63.02%, triffic
Friday, August 27, 2010 at 1:04PM What with real life getting in the way, I've not quite done a match report on the Young Boys game and our safe passage through to the CL proper. So, here's some belated bits and pieces and some post-match commentary.
The performance (4-0)
Wasn't vintage Spurs by a long shot but there was no necessity for anything more than what was given. We did enough, and enough was more than enough. We all know that deep down we have a deficiency as fans to think of the worst case scenario. It's a defensive mechanism to aid in appeasing any potential disaster, but it's also something that has engulfed our match-day psyche. Plenty of people thought they might nick an away goal. I thought we might be in for a tough night. In the end, the true difference in class was more than evident. They were hardly the plastic fantastics of the first game.
We might not have been 100mph or swash-buckled our way through them in the pouring rain, but we were professional. Rode our luck (Defoe goal) and just got it done. There were pockets of tension thanks to the sheer importance of getting through, for the first time ever, which meant it was all a bit tense until the fourth goal went in.
Good solid performance. Happy days. Soz to all the trolls. You can now move onto your 'you're gonna get smashed in the group stages' one-liner.
Huddlestone
Anyone still got doubts on this one? He was superb. Is superb. We all know he can pass and now we are seeing him take control and dictate. For all his lack of mobility, his intelligent moving (off the ball) makes up for the lack of pace. And he's only a youngster. We have ourselves a giant, one that can sit in the middle of midfield and ping balls out to the wings without even having to look up, retaining possession when required (although he has to be careful with spending too much time caressing the ball). His technique is sublime and there is evidence that although his weakness with defensive duties has been a bugbear in the past, he's displaying far more composure and positional awareness. Which can only help the team when under pressure. European football will suit him just dandy.
Defoe
I love this guy. He's not perfect. The way he flirts with the offside trap does my head in, but he's a pure finisher. What he has to add to his game (which is going to be difficult considering how instinctive he is) can be illustrated by what should have been the 3rd goal. He missed the target when it was easier to lay the ball off to Crouch or Palacios. Against top drawer opposition, we might not get an abundance of chances. So cool head please Jermain.
Bale
I heart you Gareth. You, your barnet, your marauding runs down the wing. Your confidence and belief that you can beat a man. Your class technique and touch, the way you smash past the opposition. And the fact that you can have a fairly average quiet game in terms of lacking beastly front-line destruction, but still get four assists. Bale v Maicon? I'm positively drooling.
Crouch
Our current much maligned forward, because he's not prolific. Not sure why there's persistent stories linking him with moves to Stoke and Everton when Peter appears to be that awkward styled option that will cause one or two defensive problems for our CL opposition. He's going to score a few for us in Europe. Harry loves him. I can't see him leaving.
BAE
A&E. Not actually heard anyone call him this at Tottenham or anywhere else other than in the comments section of this blog and on one or two other blogs. He's meant to be reckless. A bit maverick with his positioning. And yet, all I see is continued improvement. He's got a bite about his play. We don't need to fret about this position.
Palacios
Hasn't regained his form, has games where he's on top of it and then several games where there is a distinct lack of concentration. Not sure what the answer is here. Sandro will gradually be introduced and there are whispers (as ever) of potentially signing another midfield for further depth for the games ahead. Wilson might end up being marginalised because of the competition, and his confidence continue to degrade. Harry needs to hug him harder. To me, he still looks like he's hurting, and to be honest, I don't blame him. But if he's detrimental to the side, then we've got to make the sacrifice and get him fixed up. On form, he's a revelation for us. At the moment, he's a risk.
Gomes
Nutter. I know he was probably genuinely injured the other night (pulled out of the Brazil squad), but f**king 'ell, how soft is he? I was actually pleasantly surprised he didn't start crying when Harry waved him to stay on the pitch. Looked like Harry was more annoyed than anything.
The Champions League Draw
Group A
Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente.
Happy? Can't say there's an easy group at this stage. I mean come on, this is the premier competition in world club football. And what's the point in wanting to avoid certain teams? Arguably, its not a sexy group we could have got. It's not quite as glamorous as facing the White Storm or Barca and you could also argue that as a spectacle, playing Inter might be a touch overly defensive (on their part) but, who cares. This is what it's all about. We've got a chance. Can't wait to see how we get on and how Harry intends to compete against Rafa and his inherited champions of Europe.
So, can we now play the kids in the Carling Cup?
Transfer 'targets' and Redknappology
I don't think Harry is about to come out and say who we might be after or how close we are. It's all a bit messy what with him telling us we need 3 players to challenge (a few weeks back) to now saying we don't need to improve the squad. It's all part of the game, but its one of many contradictions. But what does it matter, as the stories that get printed never seem to refer back to any original statements any ways, so with every day, it's something new when in fact its something old and re-churned.
Of course we want to improve the squad. Consolidation is now imperative. Just no need for any massive massive changes. Two new arrivals is more than likely. I've got my fingers crossed for a major signing 'upfront' which will also involve the departure of Robbie Keane. Quite an obvious prediction there, but its one that sits well with me at the moment.
Harry Redknapp
The 4-0 win was Harry's 50th with Spurs, 96 matches into his THFC tenure.
P96 W50 - D21 - L25 - F163 - A103
Winning Percentage: 52% Overall Record: 63.02%
Triffic.
Reader Comments (27)
Not happy with the are we there yet piece , spooky ? Or was it on top of the world ? :-)
"Arguably, its not the sexist group we could have got.". I think the missing 'e' needs fixing !!
good assesment, though Deofes hold up play needs to be better. against inter and werder, once we lose it it will be a long time before we get it back. Defoes over-eagerness to take the direct route to goal all the time means he either loses it, or creates a good chance. He needs to be more savvy and pick his moments. There were 3/4 occasions in the game where he got the ball, with 2 defenders in between him and the goal, and 2/3 easy options to pass to away from the goal. Sadly, deofes first choice is to take the touch towards goal, thus most of the time losing the ball. When he wants to play clever, slow it up and pass it back to the midfield, he can actually do it really well.
Comparing him to Teves - it's not tevez superior strenght that means he holds it up better, its his superior play selection. Making the right choice in terms of keeping the ball.
Deofe needs to realise that even in terms of his own goal tally, he will prob score more if he lays it off and lets attacks build more slowly, instead of always going for the killer pass/angle. discretion is the best part of valour
If he's not knackered, Sandro could be an immense signing. Final piece in midfield jigsaw. Gallas an excellent no-risk loan. But we still don't have - and really need - someone upfront who scores for fun.Sorry and all that, but for me any combo of Defoe, Pav, Keane, Crouch just doesn't cut it at the levels we've now reached.
All good stuff Spooks, but regarding Gomes, I think players are professional enough to know when they're crocked and when they're not. It's an unnecessary risk to the team by not resolving it as soon as. My only thought was that they were making sure that Carlo was also put at risk if he hadn't warmed up properly. Coming into a CL qualification decider with a slim away goals advantage, not warming up properly after almost a year away, could've resulted in 2 crocked goalkeepers. I see it from both sides, but I don;t think you should criticise Gomes too much...just because it doesn't look painful, doesn't mean it isn't.
Chrisman - surely it's Tevez's tenacity and pitbull-like aggressiveness which also marks him a little above and beyond Defoe?
I think we have a tough draw in the group stages, but it is not impossible for us to make the last 16.
Based on last season, and what we have carried into this season, I now think we have the midfield to become a great team. Luka/Bale/Lennon/THUD, average age 23. Palacios/Krancjar/Bentley as back up for these places. and Sandero yet to join us. If we can only keep these first four in place, and build the team around them, the Glory Glory Days will be back.
Third place and automatic qualification from Pot2 is my prediction for this season
Gomes is a soft lad for sure, seems to get hurt way too often.
Deadline day is not too far off now. Expected meltdown on COYS and FTL.
Holding onto the ball, possession, is key. Hudd has to do it to help control tempo if we plan to attack EPL style in Europe, at home. Defoe holding the ball up is imperative. But he worries me. He's matured, but he still does what he's always done. Way too eager. Then again, his eagerness gets goals.
Good article but lets makes some more noise about the Crouch hat-trick, that was just class. First one since 1961 I believe in the European cup. He has CL experience too, so glad we've got him. He has the most skill out of the four strikers we've got. Bale was just class again, no questions asked this boy is a winger not a left-back.
All of the team played very well.
I loved the way I got loads of comments from Arsenal fans last week but yesterday it all went rather quiet.
:) Well done Harry and the boys, amazing stuff. The draw yesterday was so exciting.
Must focus on Wigan now, big performance needed again.
You missed Ledley off your summary Spooks. As usual he was awesome, making Daws look the class player he isn't when Ledders isn't there. Be interesting to see if Fallas (sic) picks up the baton from Ledley and fills in the gaps when required.
Hudd's touch on the ball is second-to-none. Fergie to inquire this week.
King is immense. I wish he was blessed with two knees.
Incisive as ever, and well-written too. Best Spurs blog on the web.
Hudd/Bale are now so far out of ManUs price range its not funny. The start point for any bids is 'Berba was 30mil, these are 5 years younger, british, and better. Start the bidding at 50mil'
Teves 'tenacity and pitbull aggression' - all for show. The real reason hes so good is touch, vision, and intelligent movement. Otherwise Alan Smith, Kevin Davies etc would be world beaters
Utd need to invest soon otherwise they're going to find themselves slipping down towards normality. Remember, once upon a time they were very much like Spurs. Entertaining football side, no silverware, or lack of, 25 years wasn't it (I know it's double for us) since they won the title and they've never looked back since. Not quite sure they will completely fall from grace, but City have the money to hurt them and the rest of us. I can't see why we cant hold onto players if we continue to finish top 4.
Chris, I always thought Kevin Davies would've done better than his career suggest, had he played for a big team. However on saying that, I don't disagree with your assessment of Tevez's touch, vision and movement. Can I just agree that overall he is miles better than JD?
Forgive my ignorance, but what does the "Overall Record: 63.02%" pertain to?
Davies is a decent player, I've always been a fan, mostly because of the severe beatings he takes ever week without ever really complaining. He just doesn't have the pace or touch. Defoe does have it. I believe there is nothing physical stopping him from becoming a more complete forward. The talent is all there
I agree. Defoe is not perfect. But I liked what he had to say about our destiny.
Harvey, the 63..02% pertains to the overall available points he scored. If he won every match he will be at 100% likewise 0% if he lost every single match, and at the same time if he never drew but lost and won the same number of matches, he will be at 50%.
Wait, Spooky, the match didn't work out for me based on what I thought it should be. I came up with 59.38%.
Found it. Spooky, you can't give 'Arry 1.5 points for a draw. It should be 1.
Not my calculations, but yeah, my thought was wins/points %.
I'll have a word with the statto.
Defoe and Crouch aint leavin....funny feeling pav will be off along with keane........but who is comin in though....Redknappology states "that the chairman's been quoted 20-25 mil....crazy money for Fabiano"
KJH would be my guess (not very inciteful I know!)
Lets just do it soon and get it over with .............
Cant see anyone other than Keane & Pav leavin though and gio steppin up to 4th choice striker.......if anyone wanted JJ/Hutton etc they'd be in by now.
I asked THFC6061 over at GG.co.uk (also his site is linked on my page, check it out if you want to overdose on stats) about the %'s.
His response:
The first thing you have to do is forget about points.
When the Football League was founded in 1888, the orginal idea was to have just one point for a win.
This was later amended to two points for a win and one for a draw and this remained the norm for around a century.
Then in the early 1980s we had three points for a win and one for a draw, which is still in force today.
Who knows how many points for a win will be awarded in the future?
And as no points are awarded for most Cup matches, clearly a different system has to be used when comparing a team's overall performance for all matches they might play.
So if we look at a win as being 100% a draw as 50% and a loss as 0% we can easilly work-out a team's overall record for any given period and for any given competition.
Let's look at a hypothetical situation of Town's record against Rovers.
Town have played Rovers 12 times, winning 6, drawing 3 and losing 3.
So what's their record?
6 x 2 + 3 = 15 divided by 0.24 = 62.5%
And Rovers record is
3 x 2 + 3 = 9 divided by 0.24 = 37.5%
Wins are counted as double the value of draws.
Now let's look at Harry's record with Spurs...
P96 W50 - D21 - L25 - F163 - A103
To find out the win percentage is simply a matter of 100 divided by 96 times 50
where 100 is the total percent, 96 is the number of games played and 50 is the number of games won.
This gives Harry a win percentage of 52.08%.
Now for the overall record (which includes drawn matches)
50 x 2 (100) + 21 = 121 divided by 1.92 (96 matches x 2 divided by 100 to give a percentage) equals 63.02%.
Hope this clears it up for you!