Best. Spurs side. Ever. (well, since the 1980s)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 3:47PM Lilywhites 2 Aston Villa 0
I don't much care for the sound bites telling me that the visitors to the Lane lacked adventure and desire. Sure, it was an abject display if taken out of context. Any team that shapes up with four right-backs and seventeen centre-backs and then proceeds to park the bus will hardly be applauded for their (lack of) efforts. In context, Villa were not just playing away from home. They were playing against Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
I know you know that, but if there was ever a more perfect illustration that an away team knew that too it was Monday evening in N17. They pretty much lost the game before the whistle was blown to kick off. It's good thing that a mid-table side comes to the Lane and shapes up to defend for a draw (at best), damage limitation all that's on their mind. They don't consider how they could perhaps win the game, rather how can they stop us from winning it. Sure, it's gutless. QPR at least gave it a go when they visited. But its still of no true significance to me. They're the opposition. We need to win. Whether they decide to turn up and fight or pull their body back into the ropes, that's their concern. Their tactic might have been to counter. Soak in the pressure, turn the midfield into a battleground, stop start play. Frustrate. They got TKO'ed in minutes.
The fact is simply this: It didn't really matter what Villa wanted to do and attempted to do, they never stood a chance. It reminds me of how so many teams in the past would travel to 'them lot down the road' and not even bother to attack, almost accepting the inevitable. Very few teams get lucky at the Lane these days. Hardly anyone turns up thinking they will win. It's something we've built up over the past few seasons and it will continue to strength this sides belief.
This was as comprehensive a 2-0 win you'll ever see. It's a shame it wasn't 5-0 or 6-0 but nobody will scoff at the 70% or so possession and the stunning statistics concerning the likes of Parker and Modric who both recycled possession and out-manoeuvred their counter-parts to oblivion with mid-90 percentages in completed passes. With Harry Redknapp back in the dugout, practically from the opening few minutes we bossed the game. I've been banging on about the necessity to dominate football matches, more so when we take the lead and especially at home where expectancy is always high. We did just that.
Tempo was controlled by the brilliant Luka Modric who gave us a sublime game of how to play make from deep, complimented by Scott Parker who at times appeared to be in three/four places at once. He's like that mutant from X-Men that can duplicate himself, he's practically guarding every blade of grass on the pitch. The level of his focus is something to behold. Honestly, hand on heart, was he this good at Chelsea/Newcastle/West Ham United? I know I had blinkers on and gladly accept that, but he's astonishing. If he's human (no evidence to suggest that currently) then I'd like to see Sandro deputise more, just so that he doesn't run out of fuel once we're into the second half of the season.
What was wonderful about this performance was this: Well, two things. The first, the line-up. You only have to think back to the years in mid table mediocrity wilderness during the 90s and early 00s then open them, glance at the line up and dance David Brent style as your brain bubbles with delight. We're strong. We have powerful pacey players. Creative ones, some more subtle than others. Pulsating marauders and dynamic destroyers. All over the pitch, this team, it works. Physically and creatively, we can compete. If we continue to press and pass in the manner we did last night against any one that shows up at the Lane then it's going to be a solid season.
I underplayed it there.
It's going to be a frigging amazing season. Again, so what if Villa were diabolical in spirit. We still have to dispose of them.
All this glorious rhetoric isn't just based on this one result. Sure, we are capable of switching off on occasions (like any other team out there, aside perhaps from the two Mancs). But when you can still pull it out the bag half switched off, something is right. More so if you can play against the opposing side without ever requiring a shift in gear. Ask Villa about that.
Adebayor should have scored more than the three he could have got. A brace in the end and although you might start listening to the whispers about his composure/concentration I'm hardly going to worry if he needs four or so chances before scoring because we're likely to give him ample opportunity to make amends quickly. Against stronger opposition, he'll have to be as strong in mind as he is in body.
Loved Kaboul. He's had shaky moments in the past but he's developing into a beast of a player. I still remember when we signed him and how the plan was not to throw him into the deep end (which we did). Another player with potential we almost ruined, so I'm thankful we re-signed him. It's an all-time great comeback and as long as he's involved and playing he'll continue to grow and claim a role as a key player. Interesting to see he was all about the surging forward with the tackling whilst King played the father figure standing guard, watching his apprentice take it by the scruff of the neck.
BAE (with afro is teh win) and Walker made up the back four and both we're comfortable in defending and running into forward positions. Benny, brilliant as an outlet for turning defence into attack with a single progressive pass. Walker, a nuisance to the visitors, a tidy reminder of what they're missing. I mentioned pace before, we have it in abundance on the flanks, at the back, in the middle and up top.
Luka and Scott, excelled. The perfect centre-mid pairing. One conducts and dictates the game, the other bites into anything not wearing Lilywhite with relentless energy allowing possession to be reclaimed and protected. Meaning more touches from Luka leading to more movement from the Spurs. We're slick and fluid. All parts fit, everything works.
Lennon, gradually, is looking every bit the player we need him to be. He's knocking the ball past full-backs and beating them. 'Terrorising' - it's a word I've missed tagging him with. When someone like Aaron is at full pelt, he's...drum roll...unplayable. I don't mind talking up our midfield as being damn near perfect (when firing on all cylinders) and the little man is all about the big impact if he has defenders running scared, not a clue which way he's going to twist and turn. Bale on the opposite side is most definitely back to consistent form, assisting twice and looking every bit like Godzilla on roller-skates. Unstoppable at times. Unless he was stopped with the fouling. Those pesky cheaters cheating us out of seeing a Bale goal.
With so much pace, it hardly matters that Rafa doesn't have any. Class positioning, movement and always in amongst it. Parker compliments Modric who in turn compliments Rafa. The most sexy of triangles you're ever likely to see. Ade up top with his non-stop work ethic, working the channels, in and around the box waiting for that delivery/cross/disguised pass. As I stated earlier, shame it wasn't 5-0.
Perhaps those of more analytical tactical astuteness can shed light on why our passing faded when the Dutch maestro was substituted? Perhaps it's easily explained when remembering we play with one up front and that Rafa links the midfield with the attack (Ade). A dimension is always lost when he's not involved. Hindrance they called him, how we laughed. When you possess players of his quality you play to his strengths as long as the team remains functional and balanced. Which it did against Villa. I'd say, come January, we look to sign a player that can play the 'Rafa-role'. One up top works for me just fine.
Not a clue of Friedel played. I blinked early on in the second half so can't confirm if he had a save to make. Ade took his two goals well. Freedom of the park for the first, tap in for the second. Soon, we'll be mass producing another 9-1 dvd. Some one is going 'to get it' when visiting the Lane in the not so distant future.
I spoke about the challenge of competing for the Top Four in my match preview for the Villa game. Top three is hardly an impossibility. A title push isn't either, although that's far more improbable. The big test is how we react to losing a game and if not how we behave with the more points accumulated. We have to remain grounded. Nothing wrong in confidence and bravado. A winning mentality has to contain a few arrogant strands. Complacency is the enemy as ever. The fixture list ahead is hardly daunting, but I guarantee it will be defining. WBA away next. That usually doesn't go well to us. Looking forward to the test.
This is the best Spurs side I've seen since the 1980s. I'd be damned if I'm not going to strut down the street like Travolta. Can you imagine if Aston Villa were really really good and we still beat them 2-0? I'd be found stark naked running up and down outside the Emirates screaming 'you can't touch this'. Or something.
In conclusion. We smashed them two-nil. Rejoice. 3rd. Stunning form. Kudos to Harry. Believe.
COYS.
Love the shirt.
Reader Comments (49)
Perhaps those of more analytical tactical astuteness can shed light on why our passing faded when the Dutch maestro was substituted?
Er... Defoe?
Vinnie, dont be silly.
I didn't want to make it that obvious.
brilliantly written. Feels great to be a Spurs supporter at the moment doesnt it?!
Great again Spooks. I'm so in love with what we've got and I've been there since Mr. Greaves graced WHL. We can do wonders with this SQUAD, of that there's no doubt.
COYS
"He's like that mutant from X-Men that can duplicate himself" - Jamie Madrox.
Good game though, wasn't it?
Spot on as ever. Regarding Parker - I was thinking the same last night - has he always been this good? The man is immense. Parker & Kaboul were the key players for me yesterday, the team bubbles with excitement, unity and creativity. Just incredible. YIDS
Fantastic, we just demolished them. Only two weeks ago, we were talking about bossing a game and not holding on for dear life like at Fulham. Well there it was guys! After you.
The Jan. transfer window... do we need anybody? I fear that we will make an "others-are buying-so-we-should-too" purchase that might mess up our rhythmn.
Picture the scene...
Date was 18 August 2011
I was getting a little frustrated with our moves (or lack there of) in the transfer market.
However, one of my mates, a hardcore scouser from harrow (that famous mersyside suburb) was busy wallowing in the fact thay his team had spunked the best part of 100 million on carroll, suarez, henderson, adam, downing and enrique.
I merely suggested that these players were over rated and would struggle to make an impact at spurs. I have copied and pasted his response below...
"P.S Charlie Adam would start at spurs, he is better than all your current midfielders (i count modric as an AM). Carrol would start at spurs, suarez would have a statue outside white hart lane. And Enrique would also start ahead of that assou-ekotto buffoon at left back…. Downing would probably get in as Bale is always injured…but do carry on from your very clear position of strength.
Just because they have English names and aren’t called adaminio, or carrolli etc doesn’t mean there whack, I’d rather have English players that cared than the likes of Luka Modric who clearly will be worse than Jordan Henderson next year if he doesn’t get his way"
... needless to say, i forwarded him his email this morning. I LOVE BEING A YIDDO AT THE MOMENT! COYS!!!!!!
@Nochman
Need a center back with Dawson out the rest of season. Another forward or VDV like number 10 player would be good for depth too.
Every time you see our first 11 team pop up in their 3D models on Sky Sports you cannot help thinking wow what a team! The icing on the cake is seeing King invloved these good times.
The hardest thing is trying not to get carried away. 3rd place would be a great statement and an easy summer for the boys. I really hope the 9-1 comes against Chelsea (that would be worthy of a blu ray).
Playing tonight only 5 a side but I will wear the shirt with a bigger smile than normal
Goodspurs - yes. Parker has been this good for years, but a) He had had to rebuild his reputation from scratch since the Chelsea move, b) he is the type of player that gets under appreciated (not by Spurs fans, who have been crying out for someone like him for decades), c) he was last seen vegetating at West Ham...single handedly making them a barely credible outfit - through sheer quality.
koume2 - exactly. Our line up last night cost 54m - and 16m of that was Modric. People must remember, that when you splash the cash, there is a stigma attached to the player. You are forced to play him no matter what - unless you are Citeh and do not care about embarrassing losses being made public. If Torres cost 8m, he would have gone the same way as Ngog and Voronin at Liverpool. Now Liverpool have Carroll and Henderson - both hardly worth their fees. Look how much Sunderland have spent? And Stoke? 10m for 31 year old Crouch!
I was just thinking this morning how someone like sandro cannot get into this team, yet he would have walked into the majority of teams we had in the last 20 years. On that note, I hope he does hang around. Know he has signed a new contract but too many rumours linking him to others.
I think BAE has tapped into something really special with that hair.
I'm on the train reading this article and my eyes are welling up with sheer excitement. Last night was superb. atmosphere excellent as usual. Long way to go of course but Champs League here we come.
Coys...
Park Lane.
Two words: exciting times!
With you all the way. Best Spurs side I've seen since 1987.
the article (brilliant by the way) and all these responses......that will be west brom 2 - spurs nil then............NO - not this year and thats the difference!!
Wonder if 'arry's spotted opportunities to rest this first team at some point
I really want to see what friedel is like on the ball, all our 10 outfield players are all comfortable on the ball, total football.
"I'd say, come January, we look to sign a player that can play the 'Rafa-role'. One up top works for me just fine."
If we could keep him, I'd take Kranjcar for this role. He looked good in a few pre-season games...and does like to hit the occasional screamer! Though he is more the attacking mid than the second striker.
I'd like us to bring in a striker in January (and put Pav out of his misery). Someone new to the league (preferably Damiao from what I have seen of him) who therefore won't mind being indroduced gradually. Ade won't play every game this season, and if Defoe and VDV start, Pav will come on at some point, and given his current state of mind, probably won't be at his best...and I wouldn't rely on him at anything less than his best.
Aside from that I feel we have a superb squad. We've got the key ingedient we've missed in the past few seasons. Balance. And who would have thought it would come from a player who essentially does what JJ did, but effectively.
COYS!
January = simples = cover for Adebayor = sole priority imo.
We got cover everywhere except him ie except the lone striker/hold up player role.
Nobody else we got can even pretend to do that job and it is vital x 1 million for our shape.
Bit off topic, but just seen Man City lose in Italy to Napoli, just got me thinking how great we done last season to get so far in this competion. I personally remember all them Mancs slating us at the start of the competion , during it & even at the end. Now their at the end (almost) so soon ! Lets see what happens to their season now ?
A little blip from them, loads more arguments in the squad, i've always felt they'd self destruct.
COYS COYS COYS
I'm an 80s man. Hoddle, Ossie, Waddle, Clive...these guys were the idols of the teenage Paul F. But I have to say Spooky, this side is light years ahead of those sides. Different world. Back then we had some truly great players, but for every Hoddle there was a Miller, for every Ossie a Fenwick.
Lets be clear - this side our best in 50 years and certainly one of the best teams in Europe. Its the second best team in England - only the financial cheats from Manchester have the edge. Honestly I would say that right now we are one of the best 7 or 8 teams in Europe, and therfore the world. Laugh at me if you like, but name 10 better teams. We were never that good in the 80s. This team would have walked the league back then. Hell, we are walking it now, again if only it werent for those pesky cheating Mancs.
I said last season we would challenge for the title. It was a year too soon, there were a few too many games and way too many injuries. This season we'll be top 3 for sure. I keep seeing us being bracketed with the likes of Liverpool...please, there is no comparison. We are Elvis to their Des O'Connor
I love this team. Cant get enough of it. VdV is silk, Bale an animal, Lennon the rapier, even Modric the traitor has sarted to grow on me again. The passing is the crispest I have seen from any Spurs team, reminiscent of the great Utd team of the late 90s. Our boys blast the ball to each other at shooting pace, knowing the guy recieving will take it in his stride without looking. It is beautiful stuff, hard to believe your eyes if you sit close to pitchside as I do.
If Ledder could find some knees from somewhere, we would be European champions in 18 months time.
Top man Paul F and I agree.
There is only one Spurs team who would have a chance against this team.
big sky that hair was out of control!!!! a new paradigm!
Brilliant stuff on Monday but just to party-poop a little let's not forget we lost our way last season around February. Here's hoping we keep the momentum going. I would also love to see how we'd shape up now against either of the Manc sides just to chart how far we've come and how far to go. I fancy us big time against Chelsea, and I no longer fear the NLD. Long may it continue.
Great stuff as always Spooky.
Deluded scouser alert, above!! Hilarious. I love how under-rated Benoit is by other fans. They just don't get it.
Thats was just spectacular , i recorded it and watched it again. It's not Barcelona because well nobody other than themselves can play that way but it still is a thing of beauty.
I doubted Harry but if this is the way he likes to play football , well than he must be a hero and sod all the soundbites.
This is what makes football and spurs so special to me , the variation , the skill , the pace and the teameffort combined.
I am sure this Parker lad is not the same one i saw play earlier , it cant be him because this one is simply world class.
i was amongst the haters this summer and lay my head down in shame. I have never once believed i'd see the day that we would be up there competing while not losing our own style , no sjeiks or Russion for us. Just a little bald man that has made it clear he knows how to handle a football club.
In Levy we trust , how far have we come and how have we changed from feeder club to sky top 4 nuisance. Saying no to Chelsea and keeping Modric , credit to Levy , the staff and credit to the lad for the performances he's been putting in.
We are doing this while making money people , do you realize how unearthly that is in the world of modern football ? We are only a few points behind a team that has loses more money a year than our entire budget.
A one man team ? You're having a laugh
hear! hear!
Nothing can go wrong now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AKCOn4jG9Y
Good post - agree with pretty much all of it
Do think at 2-0 and 10 mins to go Parker could have been given a rest. Defoe maybe given a bit more time to boost confidence.
All heroes at the moment just hope they all stay fit
welcome out of the mad house, belgian spur. Was TWNN (whatever he's called) still there when you left, ranting about how Arry is ruining the club?
The best Spurs side since the latter half of the 1986/1987 season.
I agree with everything said, but would like to mention L. King for his role in the currently displayed Spurs’ ticker with one adjective: IMMENSE. I am convinced that in the few last games played our bright colors would look tamed and our wings would feel being clipped if Bassong and/or Daws were played instead of Kind. Under his leadership and exemplary efforts the whole defense plays with much more confidence, which attitude spills over to the entire team. Long may it continue.
The froth is on. Having yet to see the match. The posts are incredible.
Given the parlous state of economies, there are bargains, if we're bold.
Below, is a dream come the 4th of January 2012.
Damiao - ENIC + (Boris Johnson Hush Fund)
Eden Hazard - Mr. Levy Indulgence
Cahill / Toure (K) / Anelka / Rodallega / Llorente / Ibrahimovic / Adebayor - 4 for €35m Harry?
VA - Academy Squad Players
Aggy , do you really think we need a lot of players. I reckon that in the summer we would have to reinforce the effective if we play CL but bringing in new players with start status could disrupt the flow and team ethic we have right now.
I can honestly not see anyone in our current line up i'd like to see replaced. A new young striker and an experienced CB is all we need IMO.
does anyone have the current win % with ledley and without Ledley for the whole of Harrys time at the club?
Long-term replacement CB? Mats Hummels.... whisper it!!
good call Tony but the big guns are already hunting for him 2 ...
Win percentage with and without Ledley : http://bleacherreport.com/articles/868903-ledley-king-a-true-spurs-legend-who-wants-to-end-his-career-at-tottenham
This IS the best Spurs side I have seen since I’ve been going to the Lane, (early 90s) very exciting times. But among a lot of Spooky’s great points, his biggest one of all was "We have to remain grounded” There is nothing like setting ourselves up for a big fall. Don’t underestimate the teams around us, or just below. There will be nothing worse for us or sweeter for them if come May we are 5th and they’re ramming it down our throats. Lets enjoy it by keeping focused and go about our business quietly and when/if the time comes and we actually WIN something then we can shout from the roofs tops about how F*UCKING GOOD WE ARE!
Great read Spooky. Didn't see this article until 'just now'. I have to say it is great to read all the comments. Sounds like we are all enjoying it. I am because there's nothing flukey about, it's pure football. Parker is just amazing and he is the man who makes this team click so well together.
I like how we have started playing the 'Carlos Alberto ball' to Walker, how Friedel watches the ball, how Luka feints and dummies, Azza's Jazz Hands and Ade's smile. And that is just for starters.
Belgian Spur, lets take that the risk. If it pays off we have a squad that is equal, not a match. I'm in complete agreement about stability of selection. The machine is running beautifully.
The risk?
We have 3 players that will need replacing. 2 we could replace. We don't need to name names. 2 on loan that aren't coming back. 1 that might not. Again no names needed. Lets add a few more top top players.
Damiao, Toure, Ross Barkley, Adabayor, Cahill/Shawcross/Samba, Rodallega/Hoillet, Maldini
Sorry lists are terrible. And childish
.
There are six places in the squad up for grabs if we're clever.
We could be partying like its 1983.
Right. I have a copy of the spurs v villa. Lets see..
Just watched the first 3.30 mins. Adabayor back pressing? Really?
The first touch and work rate was incredible.
Anelka?! wtf?! it isn't 1999 mate. fking Anelka. Rodellega? Why the fk would we sign him? Some people are really struggling to come to terms with the fact that we are good now. These players are trash compared to what we have. do you really think Wigan fans would take Rodellega over VdV or Defoe?
Hard fought 3-1 win tomorrow. Odemwingie terrorising us as normal, bale and Lennon ripping them to shreds. Points in the pocket, get back down to London, job done. No alarms, no surprises please