A list of things you’ll probably agree with regarding the Spurs/Fulham game
Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 1:56PM We were hardly at our exciting swashbuckling best
Bit of a snoozefest to be honest (we are spoilt far too often these days)
Looked more than a tad tired, which is no great surprise considering the festive fixture fun and the detrimental effect the two successive red cards have had on the legs
But you can’t argue with a return of nine from nine available points
Proving that a quality side doesn’t have to be at full pelt to win
And two clean sheets on the trot, a Christmas cracker with no joke
Fulham probably deserved more out of the game but then you make your own luck
Talking of which, nice flick onwards from Bale from vdV’s free-kick – accidentally in the right place to flick it towards goal but hardly rehearsed
That’s eleven goals from Bale which isn’t too shabby
Blatant tapping up by Real Madrid
Back to Fulham, no cutting edge, but enough to have us biting nails with their pockets of patient pressure
Well done to Dawson and Gallas who take the afternoon’s plaudits
Also well done to Corluka, a player who lacks the pulsating rampant runs of Hutton but knows how to weight a pass and did so well – even though we missed the more direct methods of the Scotsman and his crosses you can't argue against the controlled partnership he has with Azza
We need a world class striker, right? But he can hardly do anything if Bale, Dawson and Lennon get into decent positions and scuff their shots
Not a lot to say on Palacios and Roman other than a sigh so long that it would have the ghosts of Norris McWhirter and Roy Castle dancing around me
Actually that’s unfair and overly harsh and I’m willing to ignore most of the lethargic performances based on the festive season taking its toll - soz for the cheap shot
‘Off-key’ seemed to be the trend but it says plenty about the determination of the players to still find something to half-grind out the result on aforementioned shattered legs
However, a general and obvious observation, Pav does not possess the movement, physicality or intelligence to lead the front-line and thus it served as further evidence for the need for a WC forward
If we do play one up top with vdV behind in the hole then said WC player is required - Pav (bless him) does work decently in a more traditional formation although so would a WC player who could easily adapt, but let’s not get side-tracked with tactical dynamics for now
Dawson continues to stabilise our back four and massive applause for his goal-line clearance
What’s that now, eight games unbeaten in the league?
Once more, guile and grit on display with that sprinkling of luck – all ingredients required to challenge rather than pretend
But feet still firmly on ground
This was hardly vintage, it was hardly Tottenhamesque, but how can anyone possibly be critical of three wins out of three?
Perfect Christmas
Dug deep running on empty
In addition:
Nice little gap opening up just below 5th spot – so the top five clubs are currently the expected top five. It’s tasty. Looks even better if we win our game in hand. The initiative has to be taken and the resulting pressure on the rest will be applied and someone will buckle and choke. Someone will end up as Pete Best whilst the Fab Four go on a magical mystery tour.
Beckham musings when I next get a spare five minutes.
Spooky recommends...All-conquering Englishman spurs his way across Europe
Capital Punishment by Kris Mole - Ebook available here
extract:
Having blagged his way into a Barcelona FC press conference...
"My fantasy interview was cut short by someone entering the room talking on a mobile phone. I turned to see who it was and couldn’t believe my eyes. Xavi, all 5’7” of him (he’s a littl’un) was standing beside me having a chat to someone, probably his girlfriend, telling her he would be home for dinner soon and could she make sure there were a few San Miguels in the fridge. He glanced at me with a look that said,
“Who the **** are you?” and I nodded a greeting his way. He then looked down at the cockerel on my chest and sighed the kind of sigh that I knew meant, “If only they would put in a bid for me. I would love to play for Spurs one day.”
He finished his conversation and left me alone once again."
Reader Comments (54)
Not more can be said really beautifully summed up spooky as always. 9 points from 9 being the crucial stat.
Spot on. Just this to add on Palacios. I think he is more nervy in front of the WHL crowd than when playing away. He played a blinder against Villa. The Chelsea game when the crowd got his back still on his mind.
I think it's nine games unbeaten in the Prem now which is our best for 12 years.
DVD?
Hey spooks you deserve a special mention.... another great post, and how many were there last year, I've lost count.... Yet again you are spot on.
I know you haven't mentioned Becks but I feel I have to, some people are actually saying they don't want him... I have to disagree, this guy could do so much for us in the few months that he will be here. His experiance could be vital, his knowledge of Our next CL opposition will be crucial, he has spent loan spells with them for the last two years.... he could be so influential on azza.... lessons in the final ball anyone ???
I would love it if he came COYS !!
The Beckham Brand is what makes people reject the idea. Take that away, let's say if he was ugly and wasn't married to Posh and living in LA - but was still former England captain and more than decent on his day. On experience alone, you'd be okay with it. He's a good trainer and his experience can't be ignored. He'll be a super sub nothing more nothing less but his off the pitch presence will probably be enough to warrant him at the club as someone who can hug a few players much like Harry does.
We still need a DM and we still need a Forward.
Spot on Spooks. Didn't think Wilson was that bad just not to the standard he displayed at Villa Park. Pav isn't good enough but there's hardly anything linking him to a move away. Which worries me.
I'm still worried about the wastefullness of Lennon. When you have the ball at your feet and you are looking all around you for support, having just ran 50 yards with a great break and you have a player to your left, unmarked, screaming for the ball. Don't smash it into the crowd, pass it.
He seems to think it's only a game and mistakes are okay. What he forgets is that he is a professional, getting massive money and it would have tied things up nicely at 2-0.
When is Joe Jordan going to squeeze his testees whilst explaining this to him.
Hi All,
Winning ugly is a great knack to have. I can't remember a Spurs side with so much spirit they remind me of Man U in the early nineties.
Diarra please... Oh yea and Diego Forlan
Cookie - agreed, very frustrating that. Beckham will have a word.
After Villa, Newcastle and Fulham , this game at the Bridge is looking like that last 'wafer thin mint' .....I'm stuffed.....but go on then!!!!
Come on Villa
Anyone else gutted we didn't beat Chelsea?
'wafer thin mint'
hahaha like it
Please Harry, bring in Parker and a striker who scores goals.
Chelsea will probably score a second but is anyone watching the game? They look average at best and Lampard looks spent. Quite enjoyable.
Has anyone noticed that over the Christmas period we only shipped one goal. Thank you Michael.
LOL at Chelsea
4th place in the EPL.
villa villa villa
and the spurs go marching on
When's the dvd out?
Chelsea are awful at the back just awful. I can't see them winning the title. United will stroll it.
My dog's gone into hiding! YES!!!!!!! 4TH
1man Utd 19 23 41
2Man City 21 17 41
3Arsenal 20 20 39
4Tottenham 20 7 36
5Chelsea 20 18 35
the future is LILLYWHITE
Oh yeeeeeessssss. Tough one at Goddison on Tuesday. I just hope we can put on a show up there then we have a great chance of taking all 3. It is a while since I have taken all 3? HHXX
After a sustained period of games demonstrating bionic flair and pace, Spurts are now grinding out results with a bit of luck. If we start intimidating referees, cheating, having tantrums and playing with hatred and spite we are in severe danger of becoming MAN Utd II.
Euphoric is the word.
Great result from the Villans!
The Everton game has banana skin written all over it.
Happy to make a post in the first blog of the new decade :).
No doubt 9 out of 9 (3 wins out of 3) is a fantastic result but it all means nothing when the 3 other teams above us have kept up with our result. The game against Everton now takes on a far more significant meaning as we can't afford to drop any points against them if we are going to challenge for the title / retain 4th position. The fact our 1st team has played virtually every single match over the Christmas period is a lil bit concerning as fatigue will be a big factor.
As for strikers, Pav, like you mentioned, is not what we need to act as a lone ranger up there. We need someone like Diego Forlan to partner up with VdV. I will also encourage 'Arry to start sending out signals that in the summer Carroll should be prepared to move down to N17. Time to get rid of the likes of Keane and Pav.
We need to show this form (from the first half of the season) into and across the second half of it. If we do that, then the games against the other 'top four or five' will probably be telling in terms of where we finish.
I like this (posted by Diego over at GG):
Table after 10 games this season...
1 Chelsea 10 8 1 1 +24 25
2 Arsenal 10 6 2 2 +12 20
3 Man U 10 5 5 0 +10 20
4 Man C 10 5 2 3 +3 17
5 Spurs 10 4 3 3 +1 15
-----------
Today:
1st. Manchester United P19 - 41
2nd. Manchester City P21 - 41
3rd. Arsenal P20 - 39
4th. Tottenham P20 - 36
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5th. Chelsea P20 - 35
-------
Things can change in the blink of an eye.
The icing on the Christmas cake.
Spooky, I am going to copy and paste that table to another forum. Quite interesting that the same 5 have being jostling for position all season long.
The Beckham Stadium, Stratford, London... I love it when a plan comes together mwahahahaha!
That Mr Levy is a fucking genius... can't wait to see what the next move will be on his quest to take over the world with his golden cockeral!
Just wanted to add my voice to the "what a difference having Daws back has made" chorus. Was chanting super, super Daws during Fulham match, really was one of the few bright parts of an otherwise meh spurs performance. But hey, 3 points, not complaining. It could come down to goal difference this year, and it's going to be tough to overhaul the big gap between us the other four, but at least with Dawson back we can start narrowing it down.
Also, as a founding member of the BAE fan club, would like to indulge in an "I told you so" gloat as he continues to demonstrate why unflappable professionalism is preferable to kiss-the-badge, pander to fans bullshit.
ziege, I am still eating the cold nasty humble pies Bale has being serving since last year, and I am happy eating it.
Why are people complaining about media circus if Beckham turns up? Will the train queues suddenly be filled with journos? Or the queue for tea at half time rammed with writers from glossy magazines? I don't think so. It's what happens on the training ground and the pitch that matters.
The main risk is that there is a Beckham-Arry love in and he starts playing him when he shouldn't - when Lennon should be out there. But we have half a season left, Lennon will need a break at some point anyway.
"Dawson continues to stabilise our back four"....errrr, no he doesn't. Horrible decision-making in the first half, diving-in and leaving us open and more positional cock-ups in the second half. As for the goal-kline clearance, he just happened to be in the way and had no clue where the ball was, or indeed the guy he should have been marking.
Daws is a great 100% trier but Bassong is a footballer with a better brain.
The only thing I would say for Daws yesterday is that he was playing out of position at LCB, where his positional sense and decision making are always suspect. He is better at RCB, but then he isn't as good as Gallas. However, as Galls looked to be injured again yesterday hopefully Bassong will get his place back.
Other than that Spooky, agree with most of the other stuff.
laG, I'm seriously choking on how well 'arry continues to do for us. Or not do, given absence of clip boards, injury driven reinstatement of out favor players who turn out to be quite useful and his stated non-involvement in our key signing of the season. Really did not think he could keep up the momentum and it's looking like I might have to make good on my pledge to BelgiumSpur to declare 'arry a footballing genius, should we finish top four and make the quarters of the champions league.
But if it happens, I'll do it with a smile on my face.
Ziege , i ll hold you to that ! But i am evenly chuffed about the way we keep getting the results , have never ever seen Spurs do that since the beginning of my period as a fan
We've been better with Daws in the team. Stats say so.
On BAE - also glad he wasn't on your list alongside Wilson. It's seems he plays better when not wearing the pineapple on his head.
Unfortuntely, the only thing I can do about Pav is list him for transfer
.......in FM 2011.
spooky, are you gonna do a palacios conundrum?
Thinking the issue of Beckham through, could this be a rouse on 'Arry's part to deflect attention away from the real players he wants to sign? With the press all over the Beckham story, they won't pay enough attention to the lesser known talents out there that could sign for us and the deals could be done under the radar and at a cheaper rate.
I love the Beckham thing. He'll be a great playing/coach for the young and up and comers. He'll definately provide useful CL experience and nous. He'll be paid a motsa but I can't help but consider the collateral benefit of raised global profile and revenues from shirt sales, especially in Asia. It's the reality of the business of football that a playing coach can be possibly the highest paid player.
Cookie re: Lennon
Lennon run and shot was blocked by the defender. The ref should have given a corner. The second time he broke away and passed to Crouch guess what happened?
Imho signing Beckham would be an uneccessary distraction and from a footballing perspective not needed. As for helping Lennon , what like during the WC? The more distance Aaron puts btwn himself and that world cup nightmare the better he has become. Aaron is not a Beckham wannabe saddo like Bentley. He's his own animal and will develop in his own unique way. Anyway Pienaar is supposed to coming to sort out that right side after 65 minutes, isn't he?
Genuinely very thrilled at the current run.
Some things I have noticed:-
1) Gomes still good with shot stopping, but flaps at corners. We got lucky the last few games. What to do with him?
2) Hutton bombs forward well but is not very good at defending. Perhaps a Defensive Right Winger?
3) BAE is awesome. Cool as you like at times, disastrously horrible at times.
4) Modric, Bale, VdV are all unbelievable. Nuff said.
5) Wilson is improving but I would like to see Sandro given more chances.
6) Lennon is also improving. I'd say he was a tad unlucky against Fulham but he needs to learn to deliver a killer cross.
7) We need to get rid of Jenas, Bentley. I am not so sure for Keane, Roman and Niko. I believe we will need them as cover when the time comes.
8) We have seen nowt of the youngsters. Livermore, Rose, Mason, Bostock, Pekhart, Caulker, others? I mean, if we need to:-
a) fulfil the home grown / association grown quota;
b) justify the existence of the academy; and
c) replace the injured; then
why not use our talented youth instead of buying - give the young strikers, or centre backs a chance to display their talent.
Speaking of youth, what about Gio?
9) Referees are still crap. Missing penalties, missing corners, failing to book for fouls, wrongly sending players off. I mean one day, mark my words, it will cost us.
10) We need to practice penalty taking. We have missed too many. Again, one day it will cost us.
@ Singapore
You made some interesting comments, thought I would respond. YIDO.
1) Gomes - had a nightmare once this year I believe, was close to being our player of the year last year. Has started to punch clearances away as opposed to catching as he is not the best catcher. The guy is doing fine. Relax.
2) Hutton - Charlie is a better prospect and works better with Lennon, but Kaboul is perfect for RB and would mean we would have him, dawson and Gallas on the field at once (Aerial support). No need to panic.
3) BAE - our most improved player I reckon and to be honest the guy has some of the most unbelievable tekkers at the club. I love him, but will agree with you he does a few odd things at times, but a fantastic skillful player.
4) Modric, Bale, VdV are all unbelievable - agree.
5) Wilson is improving but I would like to see Sandro given more chances - in the FA cup, Jenas needs to play more here he is playing well this year.
6) Lennon is also improving. I'd say he was a tad unlucky against Fulham but he needs to learn to deliver a killer cross - I agree, I just reckon Lennon runs too fast to be able to cross properly!! Great attacking player and takes the game to the opposition like no other (other than the Welsh beast)
7) We need to get rid of Jenas, Bentley - Bentley yes out on loan - Jenas - NO WAY. He is playing well this year and is perfect to chop and change between Wilson and himself whilst Thudd is out.
9) Referees are still crap - YEP they seem worse than ever.
10) We need to practice penalty taking. Agreed.
Having an awesome year, if we can somehow manage to get 4 points from the next 2 games we are well on our way what with the scum and citeh playing each other and the villa result yesterday.
COYS.
@CEJ
Thanks for response.
Somehow I just don't rate Jenas. He does nothing meaningful with the ball when he gets it. He goes on a mazy run but you just know it will lead to nowhere.
Cant shoot properly, loses the ball easily (just count the number of times he falls down when tackled). I prefer Kranjcar but Niko's rusty.
Hutton - you misunderstand. I rate Corluka and Kaboul highly at RB. Corluka has only recently got back into the team and poor Kaboul was fooled. I know our RB position is safe with those two.
I just feel Hutton exposes us. Look at Albrighton's goal and Drogba's goal. Both coming in from the left wing. Both tracked by others (Wilson and Dawson I think) so where was Hutton? With such shortcomings, WGR might be a better bet for him (to come in for Lennon) or to push up and bring Corluka in - although I would need to see those two work together first.
My thoughts on the youth stem from my puzzlement on the perennial desire to plunge deep into the transfer market when we should consider all options available. If the youth are not really good enough, then why nurture them from school or sign them up (Bostock)? I say give one or two of the better / canny ones a chance to prove themselves.
I feel we will have an awesome year. But with so many targets to hit, we must not lose focus and aim for realistic targets. I would be happy with a top four finish (again), last four of the Champions League and FA Cup winners (subject to favourable draws in the earlier rounds).