Spurs 4 Twente 1: DVD? Nah, got us a vdV
Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 4:11PM Why bother supporting any other team when the one I've got rips the heart out of my chest and then mockingly juggles it around in my face? How could anyone possibly turn down the chance to feel completely alive by virtue of being dragged kicking and screaming to near death?
It's a never-ending this, a roller-coaster ride which dips into the pits of hell and loops its way upwards through purgatory and onwards at great speed into the fluffy lilywhite coloured clouds of a blinding heaven. Which by this point you are so mentally and physically ruined you can hardly muster up the energy to enjoy the moment because you're too busy trying to push your ravaged and just about beating heart back through your rib cage, breathing life back into your shattered body.
This is Tottenham '10/11. We don't just win. We entertain. In that 'oh crap we might yet still lose this' kinda way. And in the process they make sure you lose at least ten weeks off your life expectancy, for every ninety minutes of this torturous wonderment.
Whether you were at the game last night, getting drenched, lapping up the Champions League theme music and advertising boards and the slow renditions of 'Oh when the Spurs' or sat at home wondering at what point exactly a portal opened and sucked you into a parallel bizarro dimension where Spurs play their football on the tiny pitch at Highbury - it doesn’t matter. In the space of 94 minutes or so, the Champions League lost it's Spurs virginity at White Hart Lane. And she loved it. The slut.
Back to back defeats before the game. There was plenty of concern pre-match. The injuries to the back four make it swap shop every weekend. The tinkering of formations and player selections. The lack of any full forceful desire and guile, leaving us with no platform for the possibility of momentum.
We lined-up in a more traditional 442. King back in the team with Bassong alongside him. Hutton right, BAE left. Lennon benched, meaning a middle two of Hudd and Modric with Bale on the left and van der Vaart on the right but with the license to shift into more central positions. Crouch and Pav up top. First thought when seeing the team? Balanced and logical. We're at home. We need to be on the offensive. No need for the complexities we've witnessed recently of 451 where some of our players struggle with their assigned roles. That's if they have any to start of with.
Game kicks off, and it was all a bit frustrating during the opening exchanges. Twente didn't let us settle, there was no zing to the ball, no suggestion that we could perhaps turn the pace of the game to EPL standard. When they had the ball, they created pockets of half-chances and almosts. Our play was ever so slightly off-key, summed up with Bale's wasteful pass to no one when it was easier to find vdV.
There was a tinge of the ominous about the game. It was open, end to end. But still, you wondered if this was simply the way CL football is, or that once more we would flatter to deceive and fail to make an impact. But slowly and surely we found a way in.
You saw the game. So you can fully appreciate it's wonderful mixture of ups and downs and thank f**ks. So I won't run through an incident-by-incident analysis. Instead, I'll cover off the vitals:
rvd
Give him the captains armband. Yeah, okay, so it was obvious after 10 minutes he'd get red-carded at some point what with the way he was running around with his chest pumped out, exuberantly trying to be involved with everything, every touch of the ball, kung-fu or otherwise. It was like watching Gascoigne, just without the big fake tits and tears. We haven't had a player like this for a while. Someone who leads by example, be it last night was a mixture of the good, the bad and ugly. He's got a 'I'll grab you by your throat get up and go' styling about him that practically begs his team mates to match his intensity. The fact he is technically top drawer is additional man-crush material.
I absolutely love Rafa and his relentless desire to push forwards. Should have hit his penalty lower, towards the corner and not given that twat in goal for Twente the chance to cheat-save it. But what a start to the second half. Brilliantly taken goal (or quite an easy one if you let Alan Smith explain the dynamics to you). His second yellow, much deserved as his first. Unnecessary. Gutting. Luckily, Spurs are made of sterner stuff and survived. I heart you Rafa you decadent piece of Dutch delight.
The defence
Welcome back Gomes you nutter. Wayward kicking, couple of uneasy moments, but reminded us of his class with his 'one-to-one I'll sit down to save this with my hand' save. I'm far more confident with him in the side even if he is prone to loopy moments and girlie crying.
Hutton. Superb offensively be it to the detriment of the defence, so if you're a misery guts you'll argue he's a tad undisciplined what with his marauding down the flanks and thus a liability. But it does sort of work. If he can spot the dangers of when not to run forwards or as long as Harry instructs some quick-smart cover, then I actually quite like to see him retain his place for the moment. Mainly because we still have to wake up in the EPL. And at home, he can be an asset.
Bassong. Went on one mazy run. Was like watching a slow-mo version of Zokora with better control of the ball and moving in more than one direction. Nothing like Zokora actually. But much like Zoko, amounted to nothing. Defensively ok. Same with BAE. They both just got on with it. I don’t remember BAE getting forwards much, but not complaining too much there. They can both play with more assurity, that's for certain. Talking of which...
King
Not brilliant, but doesn't have to be. He's still better than most even when running at 80% with his knee super-glued on. Ledley; a prestige player. Indispensable. Levy, if you're reading this, screw the new stadium, spend the money on a cloning machine. In fact, if anyone knows the whereabouts of Nikola Tesla's teleportation machine, get in touch. Oh wait, hold up, it burnt down. Oh well, we're screwed.
Modric
Didn't notice him? That's because there was no fireworks, just the strong whiff of Croatian sweat. Bottle it up, sell it as a cologne. 'Luka', the scent of smart. He never wasted possession, constantly and tirelessly working for the side. Not the clever crafting Luka we know and love, but the game required a more disciplined effective player who made sure the midfield tick tocked without a pause. Multi-layered is Moddle.
Huddlestone
He's a bit all over the shop at the moment. Easily could have seen a red card for his backwards flying arm. Keep those eyes from turning green, Bruce. Good shift with regards to defensive duties, what with the blocking and tackling. Perhaps no time for studs on ball, look up, Hollywood passing but you need to adapt quickly to the pace of the game and he did so. Just about. I think he's struggling with the adjusting he's having to make.
Bale
Even when he's not quite firing on all cylinders, he's still a joy to watch. Powerful, beastly Gareth, with a barnet to die for. His goal (our 4th) summed it up for me, taking advantage of slack defending, pulsating forwards, slotting it home. Like I said, not quite firing on all cylinders (crossing was meh at times). But essential to the team because he always looks like creating something. Has to remain at LW. Forever and ever and ever.
Crouch and Pav
Peter got himself into positions but seemed to hedgehog himself when the ball flew towards him. Didn't have a comfortable time out there. Did win us a pen and did assist for vdV. So if I could reach, high-five Peter. Pav, non-existent first half and yet somehow better in the second when we had ten men. His penalty taking was superb. Clinical Roman, he can take his chances when gift-wrapped, but still has the Darren Bents about him in terms of effectiveness off the ball. Does hold the ball up well on occasions. But it's obvious, we lack the upper tier quality required to really lead from the front. Holding the ball up and whatever, come one now, it's bread and butter. We need more than this.
Redknapp and the formation/tactics
Ding-dong game wasn't it? Some generous refereeing decisions with the pens. But the team worked as a unit and certain individuals took responsibility and are deserving of good post-match hug. Back to the basics of 442. It worked. Okay, so it was not quite solid in places in terms of some of our defending and we did not look overly convincing at times (we'll have to play eight at the back against Inter). And the front two didn't have a sharp cutting edge type of night (do we ever?), but there was more than enough about us to see it through. A better team probably would have taken advantage and punished us where Twente perhaps wasted opportunities. But you could argue, with Defoe up front, we could done the same to them.
The game
Ridiculous. Heart out of chest, in mouth, gagging football. Thanks to the officials, someone ought to point out to them that Christmas is still a few months away. First penalty, for me was a pen. Second was very soft but we've seen them given. Third wasn't a penalty, but hey, anything that sticks it to Mihaylov is fine by me. Game was won with the possession of the ball in the second half after Twente got back into the game and Rafa got sent off. Our reaction to it was for me, excellent. Harry bringing on Jenas (at 3-1) was a very clever move which resulted in a spell of possession football which killed 10-15 minutes and practically ended Twente's belief they could claw their way back.
Defence worked hard. Midfield tried to make things happen. Front two, not so effective, but in the end it was more than enough.
Hopefully the team will have a touch more confidence and focus for the EPL now. Even though, the reality is, we were not by any great means wholly convincing. But the tenacity was there. It's time for us prioritise the league starting with Villa at home.
Conclusion
To dare is to do a bit of everything. van der Vaart, my man of the match.
Reader Comments (50)
well done Harry spot on team pick and formation.
Thought our reaction in the second half was exactly what the doctor ordered. I love Rafa too. Can we share him? We could have his wife on rotational too?
Great write up spooky. Glad to see Gomes back, but the poor bloke can't kick it past the half way line, so the groin's maybe not 100%. Bale's definitely gotta stay LW surely. And goals breed confidence, thats why Pav got better, and Harry should start him again against Villa.
Wasn't confident before the game but 'First thought when seeing the team?' was we'll win.
COYS!
YES !! ... that is all...
Insightful as usual Spooky!!
I cracked up when i read the short about King
"Not brilliant, but doesn't have to be. He's still better than most even when running at 80% with his knee super-glued on. Ledley; a prestige player. Indispensable. Levy, if you're reading this, screw the new stadium, spend the money on a cloning machine. In fact, if anyone knows the whereabouts of Nikola Tesla's teleportation machine, get in touch. Oh wait, hold up, it burnt down. Oh well, we're screwed"
Apt!
Keep up the good work Spooks!
West Stand Bagel,
Sex between a man and a woman can be absolutely wonderful - provided you get between the right man and the right woman.
Brilliant!! Awesome! Fantastic! I always said Harry was the best! What a team! What a match! What a result! What a night! What a game! What a magnificent Champions League introduction to White Hart Lane! Let's forget about West Ham eh? :-)
Bale looked uneasy early on but I think he got better as the game got on. Also think Pav was confident second half. Crouch not so. I'm undecided about Huddlestone.
Van Der Vaart showing naivety but then he's a hot head at the best of times. Won't matter we wont have him v Inter. We'll get spanked over there so best he misses it.
Good'un mate, but how come you reckon the second penalty was soft?? That was the bale one, wasn't it? thought it was the most obvious one of all.
Not sure the player truly got Bale in that second penalty, soft because Bale went down easily?
Great write up, Modric my MOTM.
Ok so we had to graft a bit but what a game. Bale awesome, VDV awesome for the time he was on the pitch. I thought BAE was very effective defending last night, Huddlestone was lucky but put in a performance. Pav is hit and miss, he just does not do enough for me as he always falls over. Crouch did what Crouch had to do. Bassong and King I thought were pretty solid at the back but all change again for Villa! Hutton still has a defensive game to learn but could he be our next re-emerging player? Modric did what he had to do, Jenas was just plain old Jenas when he came on and Robbie is finished at WHL I feel. Shame we might not be in the competition next year unless we up our game in the Premier League!
As much as it pains me to say it, Jenas has been rather un-Jenas like recently. Came on and used the ball intelligently. I thought Pav was fairly useless last night, aside from the two well taken penalties of course. His passing was erratic and his workrate isn't quite up there (though the official champs league stat said he'd run over 1km more than the average in our team!). Hurry back Defoe!
Who else was a quivering wreck when Bale colided with the advertising hordings in the first half. The 'i've done my cruciate' thumping of the turf was a sickening sight. But the little rascal was just playing with us :-)
Modric was happy to give Van the Man the spotlight for an hour and instead worked tirelessly for the team (as did Hudd). But after VdV's dismissal he showed (once again) that he is more than capable of assuming the mantle, Brilliant, selfless play, and a real footballer.
Agreed, Hutton should get a run in the team - although I'm not part of the anti-Corluka brigade: teams are all about balance and his defensive positioning allied to Lennon's speed makes for a very good combination on its day (most of which seem to have transpired last season).
I wouldn't disagree with peoples' reservations about Pav, but if Bale etc. could find him more regularly - and quickly - in that position he favours, 25 yards out and central to goal, he would offer much more of a goal threat. It was his rasper from that area of the pitch which led to the first pen.
And if the third penalty hadn't have been given - as it shouldn't have - Spurs would still have run out 3-1 winners. COYS!
"Who else was a quivering wreck when Bale colided with the advertising hordings in the first half. The 'i've done my cruciate' thumping of the turf was a sickening sight. But the little rascal was just playing with us :-)"
He probably had a vision in his head of Harry going get up and get on with it! At least he is not playing with his barnet anymore.....LOL!
Conclusion: To dare is to do a bit of everything?
Fair assessment Spooky. I also believe we won the game with the possession football played after we went 3-1 up. But unlike you, I do not put it down to the introduction of Jenas but to the exit of the 3MP.
Its not really his fault that everyone seeks to take the shortcut of hoofing rather than go ahead with the demanding passing game when he is there but he is the reason for it eitherway. Did anyone hear/notice the opposition fans complaining when they realised it was 3MP that was heading out...they wanted Pav to go instead. LOL! How they wish!
VDV...instant hero. He's actually made me realise the difference between a good player and a great one. Talent has very little to do with it. Its all in the application. Its what is currently separating Man U's Giggs and our beloved Lennon. What a player! At 27 he's either going to be one of the greatest Spurs player, or -nightmarishly- will be hated by many for ditching us for Man U in Berba Ver.II style. Hope its the former.
No easy games in the CL so no surprise with our start. Nervous? Just a bit, but we shook it off well and we got better and better. If VDV hadn't been sent off my money would still have been on us scoring four or more. Think its going to be difficult away to FC Twente. A point there will be a good hard earnt point.
Beat ze Germans at home and snatch a draw v Inter at the Lane and that will be us set.
What I want to know is what happens if Ledley's Good knee collides with Mike England's Knee Cap?
Man crush? I'm full on obsessed with our new dutchman. Roy of the rovers stuff last night. His reaction to Bale's missed placed cross trying to play a killer ball to Crouch on the back stick when rolling the ball 5 yards to rafa would have put him in says is all. He looked a bit ridiculous pulling his shorts up but the message was clear. He has the experience and intelligence to make sure ala Roy Keane the welsh wonderkid will square it the next time.
Super win if not all that convincing.
Also had VDV to score first B E A utiful!
Not a boring moment in that game. This is Tottenham indeedy.
Pav is a very good player, yes he disappears for some time during the game, it's only because it's his first time with crouch. Give time for this partnership and u will see pav more often. And when pav gets the ball, he always comes up with magic! Did u see those penalties, it was pure class! Pav is pure class! Super Pav!!!
"Hopefully the team will have a touch more confidence and focus for the EPL now. Even though, the reality is, we were not by any great means wholly convincing. But the tenacity was there. It's time for us prioritise the league starting with Villa at home."
^This. I don't want to see another 1 step forward 2 steps back/+no aggression performance like West Ham. Yesterday's 2nd half was all I saw, and was just what my heart needed after all the nervousness I had going into an interview (I'm in the states).
Another fine read spook. Keep up the great work.
And can someone tell me what's up with COYS? I'm a member but it seems so plastic and *fill in word I can think of because my vocabulary is shit." And they love their ITKs...hehehehe
Is COYS the forum which is locked to the public?
Excellently articulated as always. You seem to be able to say in one sentence what it takes me 100 babbling, disjointed words to spit out. Bring on villa.
What did everyone think of the new lower camera angle? Was this done purely so the tv audiance could get a better view of the advertising boards? Will this position be used for our EPL games? Must say at first I didn't like it but after a while it grew on me, felt more like being there.
Lovely stuff Spooky, nearly as good as the match.
Glad to see that your clients appreciate Modric.
No need to downgrade him just because Van does the same but more vigorously.
Contrary to some of your posters I thought that Huddlestone was immense in every sense of the word in the second half when everybody had to step up.
Is that two full games and two sub appearances when Jermain Jenas has been more than adequate?
Credit harry too, he used his resources with imagination and a certain amount of ruthlessness.
But boy did the fellas step up.
spooky you where doing well till you said Hudds struggled i suggest you watch the game again slowly because Hudds was magic in the second half Forget the backhand if the shite had grabbed my shirt for that long i would have butted him he needs to toughen up they where grabbing shirts all-night. The last bit of skill made my night the way he coolly brought the ball out of defence showed when he wants to he has skill . Some of his passing was first class in pissing down rain the worse player was Modric and Ekotto Mods was not bad but quite. Hudds was also helping out in defence and got his big head in the way a few times there best players where Douglas and the number Ten... I was so pissed off with Smithy i fucked off out before i blew a gasket the commentator ex liverpool love in and the Arsole savage Spurs for the penalty s Hudds elbow and Van Bronk arsole Venables and Jock Collins pissed on our win and said we should have had no penalty s well we still won 2-1l with my maths.. One Foot note Hudds will make a terrific centre Half and he has never bean on the losing side playing there even thoug he has not played with King Or Dawson amazing stats. Coys
High tempo indeed. This is a comma --> , . Modric I thought was excellent, fulfilled the role he was given and worked hard, not sure what Assou-Ekotto did to annoy you either, thought he had a good game in a more withdrawn role to compensate for Hutton going forward. He responded to the new role with discipline too, which I wouldn't have put money on personally!
Fine work Spooky, I think your comparison of Rafa van der Valk with Gascoigne is spot on, we've long needed an agressive attacking midfielder that drives forward and complements his technical ability with a workrate and desire, he also suprised me with his tracking back, and battled like he'd grown up on the Shelf. I thought his short tugging anger as Bale failed to play him in early on was straight out of Gazza's locker. Love him already, he's a breath of fresh air and can't wait to see him "click" with Modders, Bale, Lennon and the equally hungry Defoe.
I found it strange to watch on TV due to the camera angle and they were obviously using the lower camera gantry on the East Stand. I wonder who's made the call to broadcast from that position, Spurs, UEFA or Sky? It will be interesting to know if that will be a permanent change as it did look a little Library-esque.
Anyway, 3 points, 4 from 2 games, happy days.....bring on the Villa and lets get our Premier League season started properly!
Yeah COYS is the one completely locked to the public; gotta tell 'em the story of how you became Spurs and all that. I actually only follow because of my Sri Lankan cousin (lived in NL during the early 80s), "if you follow one club it MUST be Tottenham." 12 years later (2 months ago) I bring it up and he says he follows Tottenham and Chelsea. I damn near threw up in my mouth.
Pav is not much else but a finisher, in the same vein as Bent. But he's the better one. Harry + Levy did right to keep him and let Bent go. Only thing is, we have other strikers who have more to their game, so he has to come in from the bench most times (Sunderland don't have much else and so they always start Bent). But he always gives us something when he does come on, a la Stoke and countless other games last year - SUPAPAV!!!!!
Er, I love you Hudd but you need to clear that ball out of our half if we're going to be contenders for silverware!!!!!
No fancy stuff in your penalty box!!!! COYS!!
Nice write up, but I thought the Hudd was immense in the 2nd half. Very composed, and stayed deep helping defense as twente went in serach of some goals. Luka looked very strong and held onto the ball. Man of the match Gomes...............no other reason than great to have him back.
YIDO
Hope Hudd does not pick up a ban for that elbow.
He and Modric in CM worked well last night as it did at the end of last season versus Man C, L'Arse, and Chelsea.
Could Hutton be this years version of Bale ? Real bonus for us if he keeps improving.
Not convinced by any of our strikers. If we had one top class striker with VDV playing in the gap between him and our midfield and got Lennon back on form we could give anyone a game.
Some of you are comparing VDV with Gazza. Have to say he reminds me of Bergkamp. Please don't ban me from the site for saying that!
David - I hear what you are saying about VDV, for me the comparison with Gazza comes more from his drive and desire, and the want to leave everything on the pitch, the type of player who stokes the fans passion and thrives in that role, we saw the best and worst of it last night. I also agree that an in form Lennon would make a massive difference to the sides attacking threat. As for strikers, we're stuck with what we've got until January and there seems to be little faith in Robbie Keane as a starting player, so we have to hope that Defoe can make it back for the home game against Inter in November if we're to have any kind of dynamic threat up top.
Planning meeting tonight for the new stadium. If anyone is interested here is a link.
http://www.haringey.ukcouncil.net/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=46052&t=&m=wm&l=en_GB#the_data_area
only the glory boys do that to you what a game and as for vdv immense even if he only played for 60mins!
When Spurs lose you get hundreds of comments. When Spurs win... not so much.
Bit of a negative fan base you got here. Or maybe lots of gooners and spammers who only want to slag the club.
Agree with you there Spooky about making Van Der Valk captain, That's just what I was thinking last night. If he can lead by example to get everyone to show the same amount of passion, particularly in the league, we will be on to something good. There was a worrying 10 minutes or so last night when we got the now customary Spurs complacency creeping in, but otherwise there was the sort of passion and commitment and belief you see from Man U for example. OK Van Der Valk's over-exuberance got him sent off, but that is a risk worth taking. Audere est facere. Cue Bill Nicholson quote etc.
What could possibly be better than being a Tottingham supporter?
I love it all
Planning permission agreed. Over to Boris Johnson for the rubber stamp.
I love this Europe s**t.
Where are the nu-klee-ar wessels?
About Hudd , i watched his statistiscs and they are quite remarkable , Xavi like passing stats ...
Fantastic title for this post (why didn't I think of that!). Now i'll read the article.
'one-to-one I'll sit down to save this with my hand' save - class! It's great to have Gomes back.
Too right Deadly, the presence of Gomes now seems to instill an extra confidence in the defenders in front of him. Him staying fit is arguably as essential to our progress as any other player this season.
If you to want experience extreme agony, then I suggest you support Spurs AND USA. The two combined will easily stroke you out or give you a massive coronary......or both.
Brilliant title!!!
:)
Didn’t see the game. Game time caught me in St Petersburg, FL on business. 3 hour difference from my town’s time made all the fucking difference; instead game being played of lunch time it was now at 2:45pm, so I missed the thriller. Anyway, great result.
On another note, I’m glad that Levy put in the bid for Olympic Stadium. Those Council A-holes were dragging their feet for fucking 3 years, and all of the sudden “unanimously” approved new ground development just a day before they heard Levy’s planning a move. Getting Olympic Stadium would be my preference, because it is new, has slightly bigger capacity and absolutely better developed transportation and parking than new WHL would ever have. And also, we could nail that SOB Sullivan and his Hammers where it hurts the most.
Enthralling read.
re: Hudd.
When I said he's struggling, I should have made it far more clear (having read it back, it isn't). I'm talking about thus far this season in the since that he's been unable to settle in one particular role, which perhaps is quite harsh, because arguably, he is:
a) Following managerial instructions
b) Fulfilling the duty/role he is given (which is part of a)
c) Doing his best in that role
I guess he can't settle into a fully-fledged offensive player because of the shift he has to put in.
He was decent in the second half, no argument from me.