Things I missed out on this past Sunday
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 10:27AM Cracking debut from Andros Townsend. Confident, quick, tricky, jet heeled, right foot, left foot, controlled passing, chips, a goal. Okay so it was against Charlton in the FA Cup and we've been here before with impressive first games from yoof players. Feet firmly on ground then, but dare to whisper it - we might have something here. Much like Kyle Walker, a loan to another Prem side might aid with development and let us know how he would shape up against better quality opposition, week in week out. Steven Caulker (who continues to impress out on loan) makes it a trio of tenacity in terms of hope for the future.
Not a lot from Palacios and Sandro other than Wilson struggling to assert himself onto the game because it just wasn't that type of game for a player of his ilk (tackle this tackle that) and the Brazilian is still bedding himself into life in England, strong and hard working, no glitz or glam.
Defoe being given the freedom of the park.
Modric, the Croatian Xavi, doing his usual effortless swashing around. Untouchable and sublime in movement and passing. Changed the game from a nothingness first half to a comfortable three to nil second. But then from the sounds of it, his inclusion was much required as you're unlikely to get anything in the way of creativity from a centre pairing consisting of two DM's.
So players rested and players that played sort of tested. Still no spark from disillusioned Niko? No surprise, what with him being disillusioned. Fulham away in the next round. Will probably need to play a stronger more balanced side there.
In other news. Beckham is signing. Might stay on permanently. Then Beckham isn't signing. Then he's just training with us for a month - official. Then the deal might be back on for the loan. Then not. It's to do with insurance. Then it's not because of insurance. Then it's back on. Or not? Make up your own headline. You probably won't be too far wrong. Could have done without the constant sound biting commentary from Harry. It's bad enough listening to all the nonsense from the ITK community let alone having our own gaffer give us information that he then contradicts be proclaiming he doesn't actually know what's happening. Down boy down.
If he does just train with us and nothing more, then I guess the advantage is there's no chance of impacting team selection in a negative way (not that he would if he was given permission to play) and we simply reap the benefits of having him on the training pitch, piggybacking Azza around.
Not too shabby for a weekend, where most of us probably sort of switched off and rested a little before we start to focus on Manchester United at the Lane.
Howard Webb anyone?
Reader Comments (22)
Cheeky bid for Babel ? His influence on the pitch would be minimal but the off the pitch antics might make him an instant hero , nice photoshopping skills there
If Utd paly in their away strip then Howard will be able to wear his ManU shirt.
Alternatively, that clown of a ref from Manchester that we had against Newcastle could wear his City shirt and play for us this time.
You could argue Townsend only looked good because it was against Charlton, but you would have though Niko was trying to light a fire with an ice cube the way he played. Townsend looks a good egg to me.
Andros looks lively that's for sure. Hope he comes through okay and doesn't go the way of Jackson and Marney who were never any good to start with.
Townsend looked good, much more potential than Rose who looks a little one dimensional. proper Tottenham player he is!
Yeah, have been cringing everytime Harry opens his mouth, he just can't seem to help himself when he sees a journo, would prefer us to act with a little more class.
Bring on Utd, lets hope we turn up against them this time!
Lads, according to all reports townsend was only bettered by Modric in the man of the match awards. Surely this is an opportunity for harry to keep a guy who is clearly in form and feeling confident and bring him into the squad for next week. This guy by the looks of it has more to his game than azza and just needs some experience. Azza was 18/19 when he started playing for us, granted we were not as strong back then but this guys really does look good imo. Please Harry make a statement and include this guy in the squad/team against the scum and do not loan him out. It will work against him should he loan him out and not include him. If i were young Townsend i'd be gutted not to be included after a showing like that.
Don't think Townsend should be loaned out even to another Prem club. Could be useful to blood him at the Lane in less difficult encounters. Does make you think with so many players out on loan whether they are good enough. Other 'kids' who make the grade at other clubs make impacts within the first year or so. Knock on effect of no reserve team I would think.
only seen highlights so can't comment really. As you know i am against the beckham farce from the start. And to see Harry playing a will he wont he game is even more embarrassing. I wish someone would put the thing to bed once and for all. Unnecessary distractions ahead of the manure game at the lane. We can beat this united side if we play to our strengths and arry realises who his best front pairing are. Pav tested the gk a few times and looked sharp. Crouch if he had of been playing would have tested the ref's patience with ridiculous fouling on defenders. Defoe alsi looks sharp which is a plus , lets hope he shows us some more of the same against man u. Modric yet again shows his class and worth to the side. Of equal value to bale and vdv. what a player.!!!
COYS
Think loan deals are good but agree with most people saying Townsend shouldn't be going out on loan, think he will be more of an impact than Niko/bentley/o'hara or Gio.
Firstly Spooky Townsend was the stand out player in the twin losses to Arsenal youth and he also starred in America the other lad Walker is also the real deal Caulker got injured the other day and Bristol got mullard without him. I still have faith that Bostock will make it but whether he gets a chance to show Harry what he can do with better players is another matter. The big problem with Bostock he starts like a train with wonderful goals at Brentford and Hull but both of theses clubs where in relegation trouble and Managers turn to old heads when there job is on the line Barmby took his place and he could not get back in the team he scored a great free kick but got sent of and Hull drew in all he has scored 2 for Hull and 2 for Brentford. all four goals where good strikes. The other possibles are Rose Kane Mason Obika Mpoku Button Parrett.. The big trouble now Harry wont bring any youngsters through because of the clubs high expectations he staggered me when the interviewer mentioned Townsend he praised him then joked he his going on loan yet Bond said he would be good to have around at Spurs . Once you fall out with Harry you will be forgotten Bentley suffered from the ice bucket prank Bostock with his Dad slagging him of Bents with Sandra comment Dosantos mam and dad Bale with his jinx Palacios his mam got him back but he looks ready for the chop she must be back home. So all our youngsters will only get in if swine flu spreads or like Bale get lucky because Rose scored the goal of the season and sent to Bristol so Townsend could be sent to Coventry or get Lucky.
Problem we have is that Spurs are too successful on the pitch these days to blood young players. When we were mid table losing a few points here and there was not a problem. Now it can mean CL or not CL which is massive. So the loan system looks the best option or players not yet ready.
Papers are full of Beckham. Seems like every time I read a story there is a different angle on it. So either he is playing or just a loan or maybe playing or a problem with insurance or no problem with insurance or Galaxy are messing us about or something. Hope we get to see him on the pitch because he could do a similar role to Gudjohnson but from the back. Actually if we could get the ice man back for another loan too I would be all up for that. Top class player with experience that we lack at times.
if becks only training with us why is he having a medical ?
Insurance purposes, if he comes back from us with an injury that was already there when he started we don't want to be held liable for it.
Very nice goal by Walker in the Villa game as well. Scored on a mazy run from the halfway line on his debut. Wasn't much of a shot at the end but it went past the keeper and in the net.
Its widely publicised that we have a strong squad, but how many of those "squad" players are happy to stay as such? Bentley, O'Hara, Dos Santos and Kranjcar have all been vocal in the media as to how they want first team football. If you take those 4 out of the equation, then our midfield options look limited. The difference to where we are at the moment compared to the likes of Man United, is that you would never hear a Man United squad player moaning how he doesn't get his opportunity in the first team. Therefore we should be happy with the likes of Jenas and Palacios who seem to be content that they are used as squad players, and then hope that Townsend, Bostock, Rose etc. can fill the back-up places.
I was watching the highlights last night in a pub and couldn't hear the commentary, and said to myself, How the hell is Lewis Hamilton playing for Spurs???
"is that you would never hear a Man United squad player moaning how he doesn't get his opportunity in the first team"
They should moan. Otherwise they're just like Solksjaer - happy to let others do all the work and get paid for it
Anon -- thats a ridiculous comment and hopefully I just missed the sarcasm
Went on Sunday. Townsend definitely looks the part. On niko's showing he's certainly a brighter option. We lacked options on the left in the first half as he likes to follow the ball a bit too much. He was better with mod in the second half. Loved the comments about Townsend doing extra training. He's hungry which is more than can be said for some of our squad!
Surprised noone's mentioned sandro much. Thought he looked good. He's got a good brain-saw the space that niko left and covered. He keeps it simple. Box to box player. He's still young and got a way to develop. He feels like he still needs to grow into his body-bit like tom did. Defo likes a hard challenge though - he's got to learn the level you can get away with in the prem.
Super modric. By far and beyond our most important player. He's just great!
Ps-as a founder member of the benny fan club have to say it was good to see him getting forward so much and using the space left since he didn't have bale in front of him. :-)
RE: Townsend
Crouch Wilson and dare I say it Luka need to look at that goal over and over again and learn how to shoot like that. Perfectly excuted imo. The way he got it out from under himself was classy and knew exactly where he wanted to put it. Someone said this is his weaker foot! An excellent debut.
RE: Beckham
Whatever!
RE: Niko
I reckon his time is up.
RE: Defoe/Strikers
Start every game with JD up front with Pav
RE: Luka/Bale/Thud
If either of them get a long term injury I'm gonna start worrying, especially as Thud is 5 weeks off fitness/return. It was clear on sunday we need Luka, if he's injured then ok Thud can fill in with Wilson/Sandro playing holding role. Preferred pairing would be Luka/Thud.
What would we do if Bale got injured? Where is our wide left man then? On the Everton/Charlton showing Niko is not going to be much use. Ok a run of games might help...but the longer he is out of the team the more disillusioned he'll become. Dont fancy much relying on the right side and Lennon for the basis of our attacks. It'll be pretty much one dimensional. I reckon in this case Harry will employ Crouch on a regular basis with Hutton RB who can deliver a pretty good cross if not much solidity in the defensive department.
Rest of season predictions
Prem.......4th
FA Cup....Semi Final
Champs League....Semi Final
Regardless of the what if's from earlier in the season (wigan west ham etc) This would mark a bloody good season imo even if it means no silverware..obviously I hope I'm wrong and that we make history in the Champs League by being the only debut team to win it and also the only team to win it and beat both Milan clubs along the way. But the priority this season I reckon is/was to secure at least 4th again.
Lets bounce back in style against manure and take their unbeaten record. It would be the perfect way to bounce back from the Everton match.
Will we sign a striker that cam come in and score 10 in the league in the remainder of this season? Answers on a postcard! Edinson Cavani....I'd take that but cant see us spending 24m this window on one player.
Tom, if Bale or Modric gets hurt we are in deep shite no doubt. If Bale went down, VdV plays on left.. tucking in behind the front two as and when.. Lennon would be the wing outlet and Defoe would partner up front with Crouch and we go to a conventional 4-4-2.. If Modders got hurt before Hudd got back, I don't know what to do. You'd probably try Palacios and Jenas...
Tim
yeah I'd considered vdv on the left but reckon that would leave benny very very exposed....Maybe put lennon over LW (wouldnt expose benny half as much) and AT or JJ RW.
At this point I reckon i'd keep JJ to cover CMR/CML RW RB but start with him and Sandro before Thud got back.
Hope none of this is ever needed though ....obviously!