Rafa refuses to dance to Samba beat
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 1:03PM Rovers 1 Tottenham 2
I keep waiting for us to explode into rampant action with devastating consequences. The sort of performance that has our players swinging from the chandeliers holding bottles of champagne whilst the opposition sit in the corner, shaking, slowly moving backward and forwards foaming at mouth whispering to themselves...make it stop, make it stop, make it stop.
In my pre-match comments I eluded to the fact we are rather good. At least we should be rather good when up against a side like Blackburn that are struggling. We were good in patches and had enough quality to see the game through. Our luck will run out at some point if we don't resolve the centre-back injury crisis (by resolve, I guess all we can do is muddle through) and other key players don't re-discover their mojo. What is most definitely good is the fact that we continue to be capable of playing average football away from home and still come away with all the points. Luck or basic survival instincts, either way, we're 5th and our excellent run since the Manc spankings continues.
Due to the manner of the victory and the once more fragmented tempo to our game its tricky to delve too deep into whether we have learnt anything new from this performance. Have we? Go on then, you pushed me into it. Although I still don't think we've learnt anything new. Just echos of old. Taking observations made solely on Blackburn away I'd probably go with:
van der Vaart. Four opening goals in four games. Love him. The finish for the first goal was classy stuff and his second equally majestic and impossible to stop. You might sit there and debate what else he does on the pitch and how his wandering is detrimental to the side and whatever, shut your mouth and just look at the facts. He's a born winner and no matter the opposition he gets the job done. After years of complaining that we lacked true fighters, men who know how to win and have the desire to, now we finally have such a player we should just sit back light up a Cuban and enjoy. Top drawer. It's just dandy to have a player that can sometimes not play out of his skin and still score a brace and win us the three points.
Was it just me or did Friedel look a little unconvincing at times? Even so, if this was an off day for the big man, then I'm happy. Didn't cost us but could have. But didn't. Just seemed to notice a lot more in this game that he does love to stay on his line more often than not, which means the onus is on the centre-backs to attack the ball. Have a word Harry please. With the physios. Bassong struggled here (high balls) because that's a weakness to his game. Still, some very decent saves from Brad when called upon.
The problem with not having King available is that we don't have King in the side and can therefore spend large portions of the game looking like we've got the Queen playing at the heart of our defence with a corgi by her side. Was no surprise that Rovers pressured us with high balls and physicality. Samba was a handful. A brute (and given the freedom of the pen area) which led to their equaliser. We don't look convincing at the back but then what team would if they had three seasoned centre-backs 'watching' from the sidelines? Samba does love to make us dance around at the back.
Kaboul was vocal. I like that in a player. But much like Bassong he struggled with the aerial assaults Blackburn bombarded us with. You almost felt like Rovers could have scored more because we slacked way too much. The pressure we were sometimes placed under mostly down to the lack of a telling partnership with Bassong and Kaboul (who seemed to struggle when in possession).
If Sandro is not fully fit, then I look forward to when he is because (as cited pre-match) a midfield with Sandro and Parker in the middle would allow the South American to dominate and boss, cleaning up and chasing down whilst Parker can slot back into his more accustomed role of box to box football. Scott is hardly built like a Brazilian Bane and can be out-fought in the middle of the park. No amount of 1950s hair flicking is going to scare the opposition. It's difficult to lead on the pitch if you're being consumed by a couple of heavy duty responsibilities. He needed more help in the middle. He can handle himself, he can get stuck in but he needs a partner in the thick of it.
Don't be too harsh on Lennon. He needs game time and he needs more of it. Tracked back okay on occasions.
Love Walker. There was me thinking he'd be providing cover for Corluka this season. His effort and determination going forward is an inspiration. If he was a boxer he'd bring it to you, punching relentlessly, always looking for the haymaker. Brilliant run for the opener which deserved the goal.
Adebayor still looks like he's playing with that hamstring worry. Subdued. Did drop deep a lot, fairly frustrated I would imagine. Still, he was involved rather than disinterested. I hope.
Modric looks like he's worked out how to shoot at goal with menace. Decent game, bit more bounce in his play this week but not the best circumstances to dictate.
Bale. His form continues to bubble along at luke warm temperatures. He's a left-winger, pulsating at best when released down the flanks...but something, that edge that spark, it's not quite there. Harry has to take some responsibility here to get Bale back to his best. Man management is fine, but tactically out on the pitch Harry has to perhaps focus on how best we utilise him to get him back up to boiling point. A bit of freedom perhaps? Instructions to cut inside (ala Modric back in the days when he stood out on the left)? He's not exactly been woeful. The standards he has set himself is what magnifies his lack of impact. He'll get back to it, no doubt. I guess Harry has to ask himself, how best to galvanise Bale? At the moment its all very bog standard.
Overall, its time this 'luck', this scraping through a game and surviving to hold on is brushed off and we start to brush off our opponents with more pomp and splendour. Not just Bale that needs galvanising.
Reader Comments (42)
i was surprised that given the aerial assualt towards the end that Sandro was not brought on to add further height and strength to defend set pieces
Defoe for VDV with 3 minutes to go? WHY? We should have parked the bus, not brought on another striker.
delighted with the result. Disappointed than we do not seem able to control a game and our counter attacking seems less potent. i think we miss Huddlestone....I do!
We're riding our luck with our defence...For the final 15, 20 minutes my heart was beating wildly between my trachea and upper bit of mi throat. When I thought we would have subdued the opposition at this point, we were on the back foot. The same feeling had last week at Newcastle before we conceded. Hoping against everything that the same would not reoccur.
On a more positive note, the lads did manage to see it through to the end so they deserve some praise.
Lennon concerns me, he was my favourite player to watch a few seasons back, but now he looks as though he's run flat out of ideas...doesn't look even half as threatening as he used to.
I thought Kaboul was pretty immense in the air actually. His passing is not all that though, we gave it away too much
Sorry folks - sincerely believe Lennon has lost the plot - happy to be proved wrong but till then please rest him....
Good article. A fair assessment but given the injuries we have our form is actually quite incredible and a testament to the squad Harry has built here. I'm just praying that the FA bigwigs decide to choose someone less outspoken, someone who might toe the line cos I get the feeling Harry is his own man and wont be told what to do or say. But I know hes not perfect but we'll miss him once he's gone.
There's no doubt that Rafa is class. Reminds me of one Mr. Greaves, with his ability to pop up from (nowhere) and place the ball into the net. Sandro, fit and healthy will make a massive diference to the midfield and team play overall. For the reasons you stated Spooky and many others, he could end up player of the season if he gets a run. Kaboul needs King. And BAE was, well, was Benny, nothing to add there.
Overall, a subdued team performance, but QPR next week will be a bit tasty. No doubt you will mention that you can't go near Taraabt. (You'll get sent off)
I usually agree with you spooks for the most part but you missed the nail a few times with this match review. FIrst and foremost if anyone else put in the performance Bale did yesterday you'd be waxing lyrical. We don't play at the San Siro every week and 'Cut inside' Bales right foot is for standing on only (and smashing in the winner v Chelsea every now and then). Lennon has been below par for far too long. He has no apettite whatsoever and I think he is intmidated by Walker to make matters worse. He never wants to play him in when they comnie down the right instead electing o cut in and lose possesion. Parker is the holding, disciplined player Sandro = box 2 box and lastly we played badly and won. Sign of a good team last time I checked my anaologue of analogies. 3 points move on. Any win at Ewood park should be celebrated even if we had to do it a little ugly.
The snow ball is gathering momentum now soon to be a full on avalanche on the permier league.
COYS
Once again, I was mightly impressed with Samba yesterday. I would much rather sign him than Cahill in the next window (only 68 days away – Oh the joys of ITK). Is Samba still out of contract in the summer, or has he signed an extension?
If we could get him, Adam Johnson & maybe tie up Adebayor permanently, I would be a very happy boy. And try to get Leandro in for Pav. City have been sniffing round Lennon in the recent past, according to ITK's, so maybe a swap deal with Johnson could be a goer.
Looking at the games we have between now & Christmas, each game on it’s own is very winable. Now I’m not expecting us to win every game, but if we can continue this run of good results until then, we would be in a great position to challenge for second or third.
I'm going to say it... but maybe we should try a 4-3-3:
Brad
Walker - KaBull - BassBong - BAE
Modders - 1950's - SandraRo
VDV - Ade - Baleeeeeee
Would allow us to play Modric, Parker and Sandro which would allow freedom for VDV and Bale...
3 points move on. Any win at Ewood park should be celebrated even if we had to do it a little ugly - can't disagree with this.
As for Bale, I'm a supporter and a fan and have always leaped to his defence. I wasn't digging at him and yes, he runs and does all the hard grafting and effort and perhaps his form is down to the fact that we're not quite igniting in other areas. But sure, a win is a win and we're hard bastards these days and don't tend to lose often.
I probably should have splashed more emotive soundbites into the article to clarify that I am happy.
Highgatespur. I'm hoping you're wrong. I don't quite want to admit to that yet (the bit about Lennon losing it).
Yes Samba would be a good addition in January and I suspect one or two others will be needed. After the demolition of Man Utd yesterday, when it became apparent they really only have a couple of top class players the others being substandard or over the hill, expect them to be at Spurs' door for Modric, Bale, VDV and Walker. Maybe if we are lucky we can get Evans in return!
By the way, the Bale cutting in remark was more of just shaking the lad into finding his groove - running, rampaging and causing havoc. Okay, so running down the wing and crossing is what he does best, but running down wing and then cutting back/in to lay the ball off or just give their defenders something different to think about.
I said I don't think he's paying badly, just that expectation wise, people expect I guess to see him be more influential and making the most of his talents.
Did say its tricky to read too much into these type of games because of the nature of them. Bread and butter ugly away wins are just that.
If Bassong and Samba had swapped sides it would have been 5-0 - Harry should really think about bringing Samba in at the earliest opportunity. Bassong just simply doesn't like heading the ball - needs to toughen and take a leaf out of Walker's book.
Good to have Lennon back - I think his defensive work doesn't get the credit it deserves at times and certainly gives us better shape.
VDV - two great goals, classy
With the injuries we've got at the moment we are doing very well
I hope I am wrong Spooky but have a look next time: how many steps forwards and then immediately backwards... he has been doing that for over three years - flattering to deceive!!! Take the run vs Man U went on a great run to the by line and then what ? blotched it with vdv free. Within a few minutes manu scored 1-0 the rest is history... Sunday Walker runs at high speed for over 50 yards, byline, has presence to cut back to vdv - scores our first goal the rest is history .... I have had enough really when quality is waiting on the wings - literally!!! Anyway great to see the mighty Spurs up where they belong - after the fiasco of the panic of the Mancs early on.... COYMS!!!
Good article as usual.
I agree that Friedel did not look quite as confident as he usually does, and felt that the performance of Gomes against Rubin should have got him a seat on the subs bench.
Lennon was definitely lacklustre, but for, the worst performance was by Rose. Only a few days ago, he was saying that he deserved to be in the team ,but IMHO, not on that performance.
Lennon at full pelt is something special, makes things happen even if all he's doing is running at pace. If he's lost that desire or a yard then he's lost his special powers.
If its attitude, then shame on him.
Rose should not play on the wing.
"Good to have Lennon back - I think his defensive work doesn't get the credit it deserves at times and certainly gives us better shape"
Yep, which is why (again) its difficult to read too much into this one. Lennon has always tracked back well. Better at doing so than certain other high profile players.
stressy game , good three points and VDV showing what it means to be a proven top class player. He needs to play and we need to accomodate him in the team , its simples. If you have a player of that kind of quality (both technically and mentally) he needs to be in there.
Funny that Walker is praised for his attacking runs while Hutton was masacred for them , i know Walker is a better player (certainly now and probably career wise 2 but remains to be seen) but i for one am sure that the stick Hutton got last year wasnt always warranted.
IMO Hutton got away with little criticism - remember the runs he made but never came back to defend - how many assists did he have ? All I can say that, remember the Fulham cup game ? Walker is no where near dirty as Hutton - Basically Hutton is no Walker NO comparison !!!!
It looks like we're going into an easy run of games in pretty good form. Dare we be confident of keeping this up?
4-3-3??
Good article, good posts but not so sure your suggestions of sandro playing in the middle are entirely accurate. Modric is our main man and has to play in the middle or maybe on the left. I think that was our best team playing yesterday bar the centre back pairing. For me its Parker or Sandro in the middle and we need Samba at our club. In all truth 2 of the best players on the pitch were playing for them in Samba and Hoilett. Both would be very welcome additions for us and in my opinion both would start for us and really improve us.
Did anyone else notice Hoilett?
4-3-3?
/\ stop impersonating me buddy or the hounds get released /\
Belgian spur- Did you see hutton's tackle on Long disgraceful. Before his knee injury he was a very good player but he now seems to be a half second off pace.
on Rose love the potential but he really isn't fulfilling it right now.
Lennon and bale- seem to be underutilized on the wing they just aren't getting the ball enough to make a difference.
kaboul and bassong- did a job but they need help i.e in january sell someone preferably gallas (expiring contract) or bassong and go get Samba his hiegiht and commanding presence could greatly help u s and allow a kaboul to utilise all his talents.
team sheet now ( in my dreams)
friedel
walker kaboul dawson BAE
l sandro parker
modric vdv bale
ade
@great falls spur.
Gallas has little or no transfer value to talk about. His contract expires at the end of the season and he is 34 yrs old as well being currently injured. Bassong is the most likely one to be sold, but when you consider the horrible bad luck we have had with CB's, we would probably sell him, and then need him back the next week.
One of the golden rules of football, and this one is worth more than a bucket of spit unlike most of those I hear trotted out on talksport etc, is that a result is worth a hundred opinions.
So it really don't matter if Hudd/Modric looked such an unlikely combo in the middle of a 442 because when we tried it just worked. Same goes for Rafa really. He delivered so he starts the next game. Oddly though I didn't think he did deliver in Toon Town but c'est la vie.
There is an interesting discussion though about whether his captain marvel Beckham like popping up all over the pitch is solely a plus and whether Ade smiles more with Defoe by his side. But lets wait til Rafa has a stinker to drag that up :)
Lennon can be a match winner if used right but is he going to be with Walker itching to run past him? Not sure. But he was unfit too so maybe lacked a little confidence.
As for the overall performance... well I still have the bunting in the unopened boxes but we should kind of be celebrating really. Title winning form is not to be sniffed at.
The way I see it we are saving up for a big party we hope to have in May. Of course when you are saving early on you end up with some drab weekends early on. More important to just put the savings away and make do with a take away instead of a splurge. But then when xmas arrives and easter time comes and you have all that in the bank it makes it all the sweeter.
We are lucky to have VDV...the way he takes his chances wins us games....top stuff COYS!
I'm ok with this Lennon love-in but could someone please remind me when was the last time he had two good games on the trot - spent force unless recovers soon....
Not sure how the UGG Clearance relates, but I am sure it is a valid point we should all pay attention to.
Lennon wise, I think he looked better with Corluka as Corluka is a CB playing right back so gets a nose bleed past the half way line which meant he was always looking to release Lennon. Walker on the other hand wants to over lap, so his passes are designed for a 1-2. Also with Thud in the side Lennon was released from distance, but with the current midfield its all short sharp passes to feet. Basically, Lennon (although injured) does not really fit where the club is heading. I think he is great, and would not want to paly against him, but he maybe better in games where we are under the cosh and need to exploit the space behind the opposition.
As for Sandro/Parker. I think we need to play them both against the top sides, and one or the other against the weaker ones. There is not one solution for all games, and Harry should be looking at a better rotation policy that you for cups and you for league.
However - 13 points from 15 is amazing, we are 5th after playing City, United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle (no jokes, they are un-defeated) Plus undefeated in the Europa. Perhaps we should just consider Harry may actually have an idea what he is doing? Either that or trying to seal his england role after the dross of last season.
Lennon is a third of a season unfit, a third of a season poo, and a third of a season quite good with a sprinkling of excellence.
Too unreliable for me, needs upgrading.
Finally someone in agreement!!!
COYMS!!!!
"However - 13 points from 15 is amazing, we are 5th after playing City, United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle (no jokes, they are un-defeated) Plus undefeated in the Europa. Perhaps we should just consider Harry may actually have an idea what he is doing? Either that or trying to seal his england role after the dross of last season."
No, Spurs est 1882!!
Harry is a fool! He doesn't know what he is doing! He has a turkey neck! He is not a tactical genius like Capello or any other manager!!!
And most importantly, he does not have what it takes to get us to "the next level"!!!!!!
...
@nocham
He already has taken us to the next level. We finished in the top 4 under him and have a better team now than we did then. Challenging for the title would be the next next level and I honestly don't think it's possible with our budget. After the new stadium is built and the financial fair play rules come in, maybe, but it's a moot point because England or no England, I don't see Harry staying that long. I'd like it if he did, though.
What do you all think? Is it possible for a team that balances the books and has a 36000 seater stadium to win the league. I'd say, no.
Its is 16 points from the last 18 available.
To be ridiculous for a moment if we keep that form up that is 96 points we will have in May !
Perhaps we should ease up a little to give the other clubs a chance :)
On Lennon I think he is going to have to fight for his place and fight to get the passes he needs (see any game he played with Corluka for examples). I think Azza can still be a match winner like he used to be if used right but some will think his time has gone and as said above without Hudd or Corluka there to release him where are his passes going to come from? Doubt Walker sees that as his main role any more than Glenn Johnson did. I think he may have to start biting people to get his role back :)
Regarding Harry well he will have us relegated he will. Never get us into the CL and if he fluked it we would be humiliated in the competition due to his lack of tactics. Bring back Ramos !!
What's that thing about winning when you're not playing well?
Not the way we'd like it but I'm afraid it's going
to have to do for now.
I think I can just about stand it.
Back on 2pts per game again.
As Mick Jagger once sang
'You can't always get what you want
but if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need'
When is Pienaar expected back (he is out isn't he)? I wonder how he would look on the right, maybe helping to link up while allowing Walker to overlap.
@ coys
Hahaha! All the Harry boo-boys are gone. they got too scared of the bright lights, sweet goals and way too many three-point-packages coming in.
@ A Different Animal - I second that that thought about Pienaar, I believe it would work perfectly and he could also provide good cover for Walker. But he's always hurt, the new David Bentley?
You'd have to be some type of idiot to be having a go at Harry right now wouldn't you??
Main problem with Harry for me was always the split personality - we can win the league, no wait 4th is out of our reach. Lap it up people I'm the best manager this club has ever seen. This is also the best squad I have seen in 30odd years.
His agenda is not Tottenham Hotspur FC it's Harry Redknapp.
As long as he does his job which is manage Tottenham to the best of his abilities then I have no problem with him, as I'm sure the rest of the "boo-boys" would also say.
Samba may be worth a bid for the short term. Strong battling player in either box. We need to be thinking striker cover for Ade but if nobody will buy Pav then are we stuck? Well Samba gives us more than we have in that department and Bassong may fancy a move creating a space.
Great Falls Spur, spot on.
Gotta be 4-2-3-1 with the players you list.
Lennon? Great, great pity but his time is up.
Not only doesn't fit into the 4-2-3-1, also won't work out with Walker, they will just get in each other's way.
One thing with 4-2-3-1- we need to work out who supports the full backs so the first Newcastle goal doesnt keeping happening. Because it's new to us it might take a bit, but I'm convined that Sandro + Parker with Luka as the deepest, most central of the 3, is the way to go.