Tottenham win 2-2
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 12:10PM Champions League virginity lost. How was it for you? I've still got that warm and buzzy feeling.
Cracking game, plenty of positives and plenty of lessons learnt. First half was sensational. Superior in possession, first to second ball, hassled their players, generally bossed the game and carved out chances. Silenced the home crowd and transcended the Tottingham style of play across from domestic arenas to the premier European competition.
Then came the cheap goal. A struggle to adapt tactically after vdV was subbed and Schaaf's clever reorganisation which nullified us. They scored again. And could have scored more. But then we could have nicked it ourselves. We didn't buckle though, did we?
It was a baptism that showed us we can compete. But to compete and win, you have to retain 100% concentration and focus and know when to batten down the hatches or even sacrifice some of the fancy stuff to take the pace out of the game and frustrate the opposition.
I'd have taken a 2-2 before the game. Disappointed we didn't take the three points after it. But that in itself is a positive. I guess, if you look at this season as a whole thus far (and this season is still in its infancy), then I guess the main thing for me is for us to re-tune the killer instinct…and kill.
That and the defensive quirks that need ironed out. And one or two other bits.
The First Half
Superb. Authoritative in possession, biting at their ankles and chasing down their players when we didn't have the ball. Our confidence was such that the Germans actually struggled to retain composure. We threatened to over-run them. The movement, especially of vdV, was class. Bale was beastly and tormented Fritz. 1-0 was deserved. Be it an own goal. But Crouch would have had it for himself. Which he did for the second. A majestic volley from Jenas (yeah, you heard me right) to vdV who crossed beautifully for Crouch to head it in. For 43 minutes we bossed it.
Almeida Goal
Seems BAE is getting flack for this. I'd blame the general lack of command of the situation between all three of them as a collective (King, CC and BAE) more so than any one individual. You can't dither like that. It's suicidal. It was a cheap goal and the very definition of a life-line. 2-0 at half-time would have meant a completely different second half.
Marin Goal
A goal at the start of the second half. Equally as cheap. No denying the quality of Marin and his finish. But if you're going to be invited to shoot, then you're going to do just that. It's rude not to. Far too many players backing off and ball watching. Kaboul a bit norty with that. Tasty player that Marin. How much you reckon?
Rafael van der Vaart
Top drawer. Made us tick in the first forty five. His movement, touch and vision allows for that extra dimension to our play. The type we’ve became accustomed to when Modric is on form. Went off very early in the second half due to a calf strain. Precautionary.
Schaaf and Redknapp
Schaaf made the tactical change that saw Hunt replace Bargfrede and Marin hold the left flank which was the start of a far more fragmented approach from us what with the hosts working out that their narrow midfield was easy pickings. I'm not suggesting in reply we should have looked to put men behind the ball, but (as I mentioned at the start of this article) we should have attempted to regain control and not give them time to build attack after attack. Replacing the injured vdV with Keane rather than perhaps another midfield, meant our midfield was over-run for most of the second half. We lost that studs on the ball composure and work ethic that saw us control the tempo for practically the entirety of the first half.
Overall, re: Harry, good job with our initial impact. What with our missing players and the reshuffle and another attempt at 451 (4411). Time for the gaffer to decide on formation and positional roles/responsibilities and allow the team to re-gel and retain the standard set from last term. If it's one line up for home and one for away, with variations for Europe and the EPL, so be it.
Crouch
Excellent. Up front on his, forced the first goal, scored the second. And could have got on the end of another in the second half as well as almost, almost, but not quite finding the winner. Some are still critical of our lank, but he continues to prove - at the top level - he does the job. Will it work in the EPL? It sort of does and doesn't, as teams know how to contain Crouchie more so in England than abroad. And he's not prolific domestically, compared to a Defoe. Should be given a chance with JD out and see if it takes us anywhere.
The bad stuff
BAE lapse in concentration, King also partly responsible and Cudicini too. The first goal conceded was avoidable. Corluka and Lennon appear to be devoid of form at the minute. Not sure why Charlie is struggling so much. He's gone from looking lethargic but in control to now just being lethargic. Azza is a mixed bag. Has had his moments this season (Stoke away) but seems to be struggling, what with all the tasty service finding its way to the opposite wing. He does okay, but nothing more. Get Gio or Bentley on just to remind Lennon he has to step it up to keep his place.
Keane. Made some runs, but perhaps its because he hardly ever starts and he replaced the uber-solid vdV, he just seemed to do very little and at times looked a pale shadow of the Keane of 3/4 seasons ago. It's summed up perfectly when he failed/refused to play Bale in early and just held onto the ball. Doesn't look like he can jig past players either. He did apply effort, but he just seems to me to be on the outside looking in.
The good stuff
Everyone, including the ones guilty of the odd (costly) lapse, should be applauded. It was a decent, more then decent, debut for us. Well done.
vdV, Bale and Kaboul the stand-outs. The latter, a raw sometimes erratic player quite obviously equipped physically (ooh) to be more than decent but can sometimes scare me what with his naivety and day dreams. But to perform like that. Well done. To him and the faith/man management of Harry.
Jenas was also good. No, this article has not been hacked. He worked hard. Was far more effective in the first half when we had so much of the ball, not so effective off it in parts during the second 45. But it's easy to be critical of a player when you're always critical of him, by nit-picking even when he does well. And he did, but then, he always does now and again. Which is the problem with Jenas. It's only ever now and again.
Played some lovely stuff first half. Even though we were under pressure second half, survived a few scary moments, but we could have won it. It was a respectable away point.
Midfield structure/balance
The formation worked. For a time. As discussed, we didn't adapt accordingly when the opposition changed their approach. We have to be far more reactive in these games. Harry did well to drop Palacios and line-up the midfield in the way he did to work the flanks and pressure the Germans with Bale rampaging. But the moment we lost vdV and Bremen got a stranglehold of the centre, we should have changed it far quicker than we did.
Harry has to step it up tactically during the game (I'm repeating myself now) and retain players in their best positions. Bale does what he's asked to do, but I'd much rather see him remain in the left-wing position. I can't quite figure out Huddlestone's role. There are subtle changes to his positional and attacking/defensive duties from one game to the next depending on whether it's Modric, Palacios of (now) Jenas starting alongside him. He was solid. So no complaints. I guess the fact he can just do the job he's asked to do, is a good thing. But he can sometimes lose his grip on his positional sense which leaves us open to pressure.
Domestic hang-over avoidance
Will post this bit as a separate blog post, later on.
Conclusion
We were not thrashed or humiliated. In fact we can feel slight despondency with the fact we didn't win.
We can compete in this competition, no doubt. I fancy us to win our home games so it’s a case of more of the same when we next play away, but tighten it up at the back and defuse any tactical resurgence from the opposing side in midfield by standing up, soaking it up and throwing it back in the faces.
Cracking stuff Spurs. Hold your nerve next time out.
COYS.
Reader Comments (46)
Loved the whole evening. Great to see the Spurs faithful giving it some from the stands.
I thought Kaboul was very good and Lennon was very poor.
Time for Robbie to seek pastures new methinks.
Great read again Spooky.
Ta muchly.
Hugely impressed by Spurs last night. OK we didn't have it all our own way, but at this level you have to get used to suffering a little.
Marin was class but we don't need him. VdV will do for us what Bergkamp did for Arsenal: he's the next-level player to take us forward. When he's fully match fit and Modric is alongside him, we will be staggeringly good.
It was a great game allbeit with a slightly dissapointing outcome (being 2-0 up and all) but in all fairness they could have buried a third one and we would not have a lot of complaints about it
Big up to mr Schaaf , he always makes his team attack and changes when necessary , it is not a fluke that he has been their coach for about 11 years. I knew the name Marin but i know the player now and i was very impressed , just shows that the Germans have changed the way they bring up young lads , they used to run , run and fight without anything remotely sexy about 'em ... But Muller, Ozil, Khedira, Marin have the flair alongside the physique
Corluka was really really off pace and well Jenas was good yesterday and i heard one of the regular posters on this blog complain about the hype surrounding dutch players ... VdV is not a hype , he is simply a great player , great skills, vista and above all a fighting spirit to match.
fairly spot on spooks, in the cold light of day it is a cracking result but i still can't shake the feeling that we missed out somehow. I think what we have showed is that when we are playing well we can be a struggle for anyone, anywhere (yes even the big teams in Europe) but and its a big but, we just need to become consistent, we're still a little soft and a lot naive......biggest ponderance from me as a result of last night is Bale and whether Harry still see's him as a left back.....I fear that we need to use him for all of his strengths right now, if he can evolve into a world class left back then that is fine but right now he is a world class left midfielder and if that means leaving a "name" out of the team then dare I say........so be it?
Agree with most of the above, even about Jenas playing well!
I just think Harry could have done better with his substitutions, would have much preferred Kranjcar to come on for VDV or even Gio - yes he wasn't great in his last couple of appearances but that was playing wide, last night he could have played in his best position behind the striker and would surely have offered more of a threat than Keane! Not even on the bench, surprising. I think Harry needs to be a bit more positive and when they scored the second, not just sit back but go for the win. It looked like we just didn't have the balls to attack in the second half - we need to be more confident, we have the ability just need that winning mentality.
On a positive note, great first half. Cant wait to see more of Van Der Vaart!!
another good piece, Spooks.
No doubt that we should have won. Conceding just before half time was just silly and as much as I like him, A&E was to blame with that ridiculous clearance that resulted in a throw in near the corner flag which ultimately led to the goal. I don't know what it is with him but he is definitely prone to daft errors. Remember the stupind penalty he gave away at Old Trafford? And the poncing about on the ball at Stoke last week when under pressure?
I have a feeling that our style of play will suit our away games better as I think even with Modders and Defoe back we'll have trouble breaking down stubborn defences at home. I mean if we can't score against the likes of Wigan how can we expect to do the same against the likes of Inter?
Yes I know that we fared well against the 'bigger' teams at home last season but that was when they came out and played and I don't think that any of our group opponents will play an open game unless they absolutely have to..
Yup, should have been Krankie for VdV
Oh yeah and what the hell happened to Corluka and Lennon??! Maybe letting Walker go out on loan was a bad idea....
Excellent accurate write up Spooky, we now expect no less mind you. Really good game to watch, First half was the Tottenham we now expect to see more often. VdV was magnificent, he was every where, pushing on, tackling back etc. First goal was down to BAE, clumsy clearance and giving Almeida way too much space on the cross. CC could've done better imo, at least have made Almeida think by coming out and having a go. BAE has a habit of trying to put his laces through the ball too often when he has more time to control what he wants to do with it. The loss of VdV early in the second half affected us, we weren't as composed any more and the second goal rocked us. Robbie coming on was a 4 4 2, something I thought Harry was trying to avoid!! All in all we at least warranted the draw and I think we were unlucky not to get all 3 points. Charlie had a dreadful game, way too slow and out of position too often. What's going on with Aaron?? Excellent start to our CL adventure, keep it up!! COYS
Good post
I would've liked to have seen Krancjar come on for Van Der Vaart instead of Keane. It was clear that Bremen would need to chase the game in the second half and so our oppurtunities would fall on the break. With that in mind having a player not afraid to shoot from outside the box could've been useful, especially when there wasn't a better ball on. Keane ran the ball out but in the opposition third neither passed to someone in space or took it on himself, he simply turned and passed it back. We need to produce either a shot or a cross every time we break away from home to work the keeper and make their defence more cautious.
I thought Corluka had a poor game but he didn't have enough support from midfield from Lennon or Jenas as they constantly pushed Frings and Silvestre to support Marin, contributing to his dominance. It is no surprise that we looked a lot better with Palacios on for Lennon on the right, a strange position for him but he put himself about and changed the dynamic of the flank; they could no longer overwhelm Corluka with both numbers and pace.
Corluka was rubbish, BAE needs a big kick up the backside and to stop chewing gum all the bloody time and Robbie Keane. What can you say? Appalling, used to be my favourite player but please, go in the next transfer window or realise that you are not the star of the team any more and the side no longer revolves around you.
It was great to get a point from the game, I think most Spurs fans would have loved a point before kick-off. It's a shame the defending was so poor for both goals but they must learn from this. Crouch was excellent yet again in a big match, Bale was lethal down the wing, VDV shows he has so much class on the ball, Kaboul looks very good to me. Most of the team did play well even JJ! We seem to be going flat in the 2nd half of games this season, not sure if it's down to fitness or belief. We need to stop giving the ball away so cheaply like we did yesterday at times. I have to agree with the blog though, Lennon and Corluka didn't have good games. I would like to see Hutton or Naughton given a chance in a game to see if they can cut it as at the moment Corluka looks lazy almost like has not competition for his spot. I know he’s slow but please! Can't understand why we don't have a reserve team in place as it would help keep all the first team players on their toes. Then we wouldn't have the problem of recalling players while on loan. Would have liked to see some of the young players breaking through in the cups, league....
Looking forward to the Twente match, we must win out home games. Twente looked good last night though, we can't allow them to settle at the Lane. Well done though Spurs, first game could of gone a lot worse. COYS. Come on Braga!!!!!
A good result - shame we did not kill it off at 2-0 but on the plus side when they drew level we did not capitulate and could have still knicked it . Good to see Jenas in and we did not persist with an out of form Palacios . We have a big enough squad to do this - thus Harry needs to be brave with the Corluka / Lennon issue we have others that can come in and do a job if they are not . We need 11 players to perform if we are to win games and we can not keep carrying people however good their reputation . Thought Cudicin did well Saturday but can not help wondering if Gomes would have come and claimed the ball for the first goal - but he is injured thus Carlo has to do the job . Shame about Keane I have always been a fan and hoped in Defoe's absence he may grab this as a chance to prove he can do a job - it does not look like it will happen . If this is the case 1 up front may be the option as I am not sure Pav can do it either - he goes on goalscoring spells like last year and then dries up . Plenty of decisions for Harry .
Kaboul to RB for the weekend and Bassong into the middle with Gallas... That's a beast of a back line if BAE can stop faddling around and believing that a nice hair-do maketh the player.
Very proud of the approach last night... Proper Spurs. I also thought HR was right to lay into the lazy t**t journalist who had his question made up before the game. Only a numpty would have asked that and I think Harry is right to demand some respect for our achievements and his players.
Sorry, Jenas didn't do anything other than what he is expected to do week in, week out.
I don't think anything Jenas does any more will appease the haters. Yes, he did what he was expected to do but considering we slate him for every micro-analysis we spot, can we not just agree he did a job for us in a pressured situation and handled it well.
What did the journo ask Harry then?
Kab deserves the credit, great game and now i think should be replacing Corluka who was simply terrible! BAE, Bale, VDV and Crouch were good and Jenus had one of those games...now it is time to see if he can do the same in the next game or if the pressure in the North London Gold fish bowel is too much and he turns back into the average waste of space for the Next ten games in a row! Loved it last night, well done boys COYS
Good performance. But we are making far too many mistakes. It's a shame because at 2-0 at HT I could have seen us winning it 3-1. There was no cracks in our mentality until their first goal. When the started the second half it was like I was tuned into a different match. We didn't however collapse. And we probably should have made it 3-2 towards the end. Can't really frown. It's amazing to be involved in the champs league. And reckon we we'll be top 2 in our group.
He's a professional footballer, is it too much to ask for performance everytime he plays?
A job well done to ALL the lads. This incudes those that did not contribute efficiently. Tip to be take heed from Crouch -" we lack killer instincts".In general we need to improve on 2nd half performances where we tend to slacken. If this is attributed to tiredness then emphasis must be placed to improve during training.
Two players. One striker. One central defender.
This will complete us.
"Have you learnt any lessons Harry?"
Great article Spooky. Nice to see emphasis on the positives and I do think there were many.
Have always been scared by/concerned with Charlie and BAE so when either of them do well I am pleased. BAE had a clear slip up but did actually contribute a great deal at moments. Charlie is unreliable in my mind. I agree with you about Azza and would love to see Gio and Bentley get a chance from time to time.
Harry should try swapping Bale & Lennon occasionally, when things go a bit stale like they did in the second half.
Kaboul was excellent.
Corluka and BAE are our biggest liabilities.
Never rated Corluka - maybe put Palacios at right-back, and persist with Jenas as a holding midfielder for a while.
BAE just needs a kick up the backside - he's better than this.
Lennon is clearly off-form - maybe needs his place threatened again, like when Bentley arrived at the club. Gio springs to mind.
I agree it was oddly disappointing yet encouraging.
Not to pile on but I just don't understand the purpose of PSB anymore. His first touch is gone and his passing is shockingly bad (when it isn't backwards). There are other players available who at least have a chance take a run at the defense and beat a man. I'm afraid PSB, expelled from the aromatic ass of a constipated elephant, body-buttered and tweaking on methamphetamine, couldn't get past Charlie (whose lack of pace at WB, incidentally, the US announcers assured us was certainly due to an injury).
Defensively, this team looks pre-Harry. Way too much room conceded outside the box and too many dodgy passes. Looking forward to more VdV, though.
Lessons from last night:
(1) Bale should only ever play LM not LB
(2) Get someone more consistent to replace BAE
(3) VDV is class. Great signing.
(4) Time for Keano to go.
(5) The only player who could make Corluka look fast is Corluka.
(6) We need Bentley back as an option to Azza on the right.
(7) Crouch cannot finish with his feet.
(8) Jenas cannot take free kicks.
(9) Kaboul should get more 1st team action.
(10) Palacios is still out of form - give Sandro a run out
(11) Spurs in the CL look sexy.
"Time for the gaffer to decide on formation and positional roles/responsibilities"
Bollocks. You lot are pretty simple minded. As if they MUST play the same formation against every opponent, regardless of the attributes of that specific opponent. Ridiculous commentary really.
Re: Jenas. Uh, yeah he only puts in a decent performance now and again, but how often has the lad gotten to play in the last two years? Not often. Hard to get on form and consistent without a good run in the first team.
Re: Kabul/Chuckles. Chuckles Corluka is an fucking embarassment and has been for two years now. He moves like old people fuck...slow and ugly. And don't forget, boys, without Kabul's contributions last year we simply would not be playing Champions league footie. Short memory or what?
I just can't stop, how much absurb commentary is in these comments. Here's anothe gem from "paul"
"Never rated Corluka - maybe put Palacios at right-back"
I suppose that's intended as comedy? Yes, let's put a 5'8" midfielder in the defense, I'm sure that'll work tits. I mean, Wilson IS an aerial threat to be reckoned with...lmfao.
Yes. Because playing Bale at left-back to accommodate whatever is defo the way to go. I'm stating that Harry has to do what he did last season: Play his best players in their best positions. And if we're going to stick with 451 (or a variant ) then it's not so difficult is it? Sure, tactical switches to say nullify certain opposition tactics or players - well, that's just a given for certain games, but I don't believe every opposition requires special treatment.
Get the same players playing to build up momentum and consistency.
k?
I wish everyone would stop banging on about get him out, and get a replacement for him and him and oh yeah get him out - have we not been there and tried 11 new players every year!! get a grip. this team are growing together, in an ideal world our top striker would not be injured and our player of the year & captain would not have twisted his ankle and our goal keeper would be playing!! We have a F*****ng great team and squad.
Great first night in europe, away from home, in Germany to a quality team. A point was fantastic, it was also fantastic to see us run them ragged in the first half.
My main concern still remains with the level of fitness of the team. Apart from Bale the team looks sluggish in the later stages which is a real concern....and will keep costing us.
I guess Gallas (not match fit) will play on saturday with Kaboul, so we can have King fresh for the scumbags in the cup - Gallas I doubt will not be 'fit' for that game.
Mr Wonka , if you think that height is a requirement for fullbacks then what about roberto carlos for one ? BAE isnt all that tall either ...
Believe me, Jenas is first choice in that position beside Huddlestone in a 4-2-3-1. he can also play in the hole, good but to lesser effect.
He does not fit well in a 4-4-2, which in modern football, no longer accomodates a box to box midfielder like him (which is why he sucks in a 442 and is usually left out). A good 442 nowdays works with 2 great wingers, and in the middle - a distributor/playmaker paired with a destroyer. Think of the best 442s you know: Gazza + Ince, Scholes + Keane, for us last year Huddlestone + Palacios played great roles in our great start in the league (at least until Sgt. Wilson forgot how to keep possession of the round thing)..
Anyway, my point is that this 4-2-3-1 formation is the one for Jenas and I hope we start using it in the prem so he can show his skills.
Only mistakes Harry made yesterday were 1)bringing Keano on for VDV, instead of Kranjcar, and 2)not even thinking of trying Gio in place of Lennon. I guess Gio is just that unimpressive in training,
Jenas has played 2 games, away to stoke and away to bremen. Two very good perfomances from him, so where's the love? :) You have to remember that Chelsea lost at this ground not so long ago, so however you put it, its a good draw!
Missed the match (its on at 3am here) but by all accounts it was a fantastic first half.
Have to say though, looking at the goals conceded that my opinion of CC remains. He is a liability and either he improves or we play Pletikosa more.
So long as he plays, we will always concede a goal or two. So far his only clean sheet this season is the second half against YB at WHL. Since then he has let in 4 goals in three games. More worringly,
a) the one against WBA was avoidable;
b) he was beaten at his near post for the second goal for Bremen;
c) dont get me started on the Wigan goal; and
d) if I understand correctly, he somehow contrived to fumble for Bremen's first goal, kinda like Bolton's second last season at the Reebok and Hull's goal away. No command of the area.
Add to that, last season's blunder for Rooney's goal at WHL.
HR - I know this is a lone voice in the wilderness, but please, for pity's sake, do something about the GK. We have NO GOOD COVER once Gomes is crocked! This will cost us games.
This is not the first time I read how domestic EPL clubs figured out and neutralized Crouchy, but have yet to read the reason of this opinion. I’ll tell you what I think of it. The reason is the officiating. For some ridiculous reasons EPL mediocre teams are allowed to rough up better teams, in that often allowed to get away with a murder. They wrestle, pull, foul Crouch all the time but the refs would not give him any protection. The man got broken ribs in a fooking game a week or so ago, where the official didn’t even call it a foul. How many broken legs were in EPL compared to any other country? And, what is telling you the fact that those legs were broken (i.e. Eduardo, Modric, Valencia) while playing against the same mediocre teams?
On the other hand, refs in the rest of EU don’t give a fooking fly about this stupid approach aimed to “equalize” teams playing football and teams of cocks and lumberjacks. On such stages Crouch always excelled (while w/ Pool and now w/Spurs). I’ll tell you, if Barca would be competing in EPL with all the Stokes, Birmingams, and Wolves type clubs they would be fooking decimated and relegated. This philosophy of English football as a “men’s game” is totally wrong, but I don’t foresee it being changed as long as this approach is (unfortunately) supported by big part of fans in England.
Shame Sandro is not registered to play in these CL matches.
Afraid Keane has had it.
GDS is not a right winger but would have been ideal to replace VDV last night.
BAE made 1 mistake last night but it cost us.
Cudicini should have come for the cross for their first goal. The ball landed on the 6 yard box and he was rooted to his goal line.
Azza has lost form following his WC trip with England. Same thing happened after the Euro champs in 2008. Semms Playing for England screws his confidence. Hisform will return.
If Corluka is not up to it we have Hutton, Naughton and Walker, as well as Kaboul to play RB.
With Gallas and Bassong we have good centre defence cover.
Get Defoe, Modders and Gomes back and we can fly.
Great display, most os us expected a draw, but as the match headed to a 2-0 advantage we hungered for more...Cudicini can´t be blamed for the 2nd goal, but Gomes´ tentacles would´ve reached that ball, do you agree?
Crouch a great hitman even though of his incredible goal-missing ratio. vdV the sort of player we needed for this CL to show some respect (and relieves us from Modric-dependancy).
Happy for this display, hungering for more, hoping to do well next match, at home.
COYS.
Don't see why everyone is so upset w/BAE. He did mishit one ball in the entire match, and that mishit (ball could have wrongly bounced off of the pitch) didn't give Bremen any significant advantage. It was a fucking throw in. And it wasn't against Stoke either to be an advantage. Blaming BAE for inability of King to jump and clear a simple header, and total brainfart by CC for not getting his fist on a 6 yard ball (delivered from approx 40 yards out) is totally unfair. The same BAE delivered that perfectly weighted pass to Bale for the first goal, for which no one gave him any credit for. Strange and unfair.
A point away to Bremen is just what we need to start our CL campaign. Thankfully, Inter and FC Twente couldn't do any better so this group is wide open. VDV: what a classy footballer? Jenas: what a surprise? Marin: Luka Modric wannabe!
COYS!
To be fair to BAE. That pass to Bale for the first goal was sublime.
Sorry Beetleblues, looks like you already pointed that BAE pass out.
It's OK mate. It doesn’t hurt for good things or good deeds to be noted more than once.
I was just trying to point out a sad double-standard approach by many armchair quarterbacks. It beats me to figure out how causing a simple throw in from a side could be adjudged as a terrible and crucial fuckup, because defenders do it all the time intentionally or otherwise.
Thanks to ESPN and the early morning I only saw the second half, pretty much from when VdV was subbed. So I was surprised to read Spooky's review and the various comments praising Jenas. He must have accumulated most of his positive points in the first half as I saw so little in the second. But then I'm so anti the guy I'd find it hard to be positive about him if he scored a cup-winning hatrick the day after rooting George Graham's missus and posting the money shot on YouTube, Tweeting about filling Tony Adams' whiskey bottles with his finest Asparagus laden man-blend and convincing Fabregas to go on strike until he's sold to Barca.
When I see Jenas I see a Bambi who only ever passes backwards, flinches at the slightest hint of contact (I'm sure when he should have been competing for a header that I saw him crouched over in a standing foetal position) and just generally looks fucking scared out of his mind. He reminds me of what brave, brave Sir Robin from Search for the Holy Grail would have looked and acted like had he been played by Wil Smith circa 1992.
PSB, wow, same acronym holds true for our Irishman as a girl from my primaty school: Poo-stink body. Poor girl.
Not going to echo everyone else on who should have done what when because it's all been said. Bring on the EPL this weekend. Surely we're somewhere close to stumbling on a 5 or 6 goal hammering of someone. Aren't we?
WillieWonka
Bollocks. You lot are pretty simple minded. As if they MUST play the same formation against every opponent, regardless of the attributes of that specific opponent. Ridiculous commentary really.
Re: Jenas. Uh, yeah he only puts in a decent performance now and again, but how often has the lad gotten to play in the last two years? Not often. Hard to get on form and consistent without a good run in the first team.
You've kinda fucked yer first point with yer second one. You must to help the players develop an understanding with eachother...especially the defence. Only when we are comfortable with that should we look to adapting/tweaking our formations/personell to suit a particular type of opponent. We aint there yet.
Football is simple really. If we have better players than the opposition we should be able to beat them. Get the ball dont let the opponent have it play through/around them. Its not through lack of "ability" we havent picked up more points in the PL. Concentration and fitness is a lot to do with it too. Unfortunately CC has cost us through his lack of concentration/decision making....that is due to him being kept out of the team by Gomes (probably crashing his bike didnt help either)