4 wins. 99 years.
Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8:37PM Spurs win at Anfield. Arsenal lose again. 10,000 travelling claret and blue fans watch West Ham United get relegated. Oh and what’s this? Jessica Alba naked in my bedroom, seductively requesting I join her for frivolous antics between the bed sheets. What a sensational weekend. Almost makes you want to daydream about the performance against City with an alternative ending. What if, what if. Such a fine line between loving/hating the gaffer these days. But at least we've got ourselves a pocket of pride after a painful run that's lacked it in abundance.
From a CL play-off to a Europa League variant at the home of the best tannoy system in the land (not working on Sunday, hence the lack of home support vocals). Post-match Harry has admitted scaring the team to victory, reminding them the passage into Europe via Fair Play would mean a very early start to pre-season. Shame a similar ploy wasn't used pro-actively during the past couple of months to inspire avoidance of the far from sexy Europa League. You live and learn.
Immaculate performances of beastly awesomeness from the likes of Sandro, Modric and Rose. And Ledley King. Seven months out and he basically owned the pitch. Such was the comfort of his display. Okay, perhaps he wasn’t 100% slick and styled but seven months people...seven months! He has not right, surely?
Of course he has the right. He's the King, he can do whatever he likes.
There’s no doubting the fact that if Ledley did not suffer from the degradation of his knee he would be one of the world’s best. He’s still one of the world’s best if you wish to take note of his performance by games played ratio.
He hardly plays. When he does, he oozes unparalleled ability. Little surprise then that he also brings the best out of Dawson (to the right of King in central defence). The man is a colossus. And a conundrum. We don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors and whether he’s finally been advised to consider retirement. King himself is looking forward with positivity, as ever. He never wants to give into his reoccuring plight. What his performance does illustrate is the importance of having some of his quality at the back throughout the season.
Stats tell us that we’ve conceded 66 goals in the 44 games that Ledley has not been present. That equates to an average of 1.5 goals conceded per game. Compared to the six conceded in the eight games he’s started, which is an average of 0.75 per game.
As much as we all bang on about needing a forward we equally need to do some hefty work to sign someone of similar ilk to King. Not an easy task. I’m thinking long term here (Gallas has another season with us at the very least and wont be ever present next term through-out all comps). Steven Caulker might be the answer. We’ll know more post-summer transfer window (that’s a hope rather than a prediction).
So, what of the game?
I was surprised Liverpool were so limp in terms of offensive pressure. Granted, they had chances. Wasted ones. Carroll doing his best to appease my disappointment we didn't sign anyone back in Jan. And any of the pre-match hullabaloo about not signing Suarez was washed away thanks to a rather inept performance by the player who spent most of the game reminding us of those other qualities. The ones Howard Webb preferred to ignore. I bet if that was Daws kicking Suarez, the Uruguayan would still be rolling around now with Daws reflecting on a red card. Suarez probably would have rolled all the way to Albert Docks. Regardless, Dawson had him comfortably set to ineffectual. All that was left for him and his mate Maxi was to periodically dive their way through the ninety minutes.
Webb’s inconsistency did however award us a rather soft penalty. Not sure, are we allowed to accept such generosity in the back garden of one of the original Sky Sports Top 4 clubs? Feels dirty. The penalty made it 2-0. The first goal was a wonderful effort (aided by deflection) by van der Vaart who kissed his badge in celebration. A sure sign he’s had a contract offer delivered via Old Trafford. Good solid performance from the Dutchman before going off injured.
Rose, again impressive in another left-back cover-role. Kid might have a future as BAE's understudy. Based on three games. No, no. I'm certain we're onto something here and we are not an over-excitable bunch of fans who will not turn on him when he eventually does make a mistake. Which he will. Human, after all.
We didn’t create too much else in clear cut chances (Crouch and Defoe up front). We didn’t over-power Liverpool. We simply contained them and played out the game in relative comfort. Clean sheet people, clean sheet.
Sandro (got a yellow when others in red shirts deserved them more but got away with it) proving our scouts can get it right. The perfect partner for Modric in the middle, who continues to make us tick (70 out of 74 passes completed, that’s 95% accuracy - destroy all carrier-pigeons leaving Manchester and heading towards N17).
For those taking notes, that’s also another hoodoo beaten by Redknapp (Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge the only two battle fields left to conquer). First win there for 18 years. First double over Liverpool since ’87. But then I’m sure you’ll counter it by reminding everyone that Liverpool are still in a state of flux (be it in a good state currently), requiring additional new blood to improve to even consider competing for a top four place. Our away form continues to impress. Our home form is where we’ve stuttered. I'd still be looking up at City and the rest rather than looking down at Liverpool and...nobody else.
Liverpool finishing below us might hinder them in the transfer window or it might not. Europa football not as appealing as that other competition. Guess it comes down to whether we are far more decisive in the transfer window than Comolli is who will no doubt spearhead the project at hand (the enticement of history on their side, see Joe Cole for example).
It's a fine line, regardless of what you might think of Harry and his mouth and the other issues of potential transfer targets (please no West Ham rejects please) – we’re still in good health. I’m right, am I not?
For all his contradictions and his relentless protection of his ego and the half-truths, his record still remains impressive. Just not as impressive as it could have been. And he knows it. And he's not doing a good job managing the fallout. Although it will no doubt be forgotten about with the summer almost upon us and Harry will want to prove the doubters wrong with yet another positive twist. Perhaps top four and a cup. Come on, it's hardly the moon on a stick.
Will be interesting to see if we start next season as the underdogs or he comes out and states clearly and without confusion: Top 4 is the target. Aim high Tottenham.
Talking of the summer, Harry according to Harry, has already started to scout (he was recently in France). I'm sure you'll all be inspired by this gem in reference to strikers: "It's very difficult finding better than what you've already got"
Oh crap, Jessica’s head is morphing into Harry’s ala Aphex Twin ‘Windowlicker’ video. I knew this was too good to be true.
One game left. 5th spot, in our hands to lose. Much like 4th spot was. Onwards. To dare is to get three points at home in the final game of the season and continue the 'run' into the 2012 season.
COYS.
Reader Comments (32)
Great read as usual spooks.
You realise that by claiming that it's Harry whose broken the hoodoo, you will be inviting the haters to rebuttle that it was anything from the North West breeze than Harry?
Ledley, quite simply the difference.
It is quite scary at what Ledley King has done considering how little he trains. It truly is a shame Spurs and England were robbed of such an immense talent.
If Harry was to harness his ego and concentrate on the team, forget the idiotic press quips and get back to actually managing and treat the fans with some respect, we could move on together with a single agenda and purpose. We are not idiots or scum, we are passionate supporters of an amazing club, we live and breathe Tottenham Hotspur, some of us for over 50 years, the last thing we want is disharmony between fans and manager. For 2 years and 4 months all went well it`s only since the end of Feb that we imploded, all the fans want is a great performance at WHL on Sunday and seriuos dealings in/out in the summer transfer window, re-energise and galvanise for an assault on the top 4 for next season and i can`t believe i`m writing this a shot at the Europa League. Harry drop the barrow-boy/wheeler dealer image and become more of a gentleman for the sake of the club.
I've pretty much been saying this about our defence and Ledley in the last few threads so I'm slightly smug that my point was proven yesterday. Because of the difference he makes I hope he can keep fit now and then stay for the last year of his contract.
If he gets injured again then I unfortunately think he'll have to go.
Cracking result yesterday, totally unexpected, eaten my words about us losing.
Still fed up of Harry's media shite though.
Ledley is the KING!!! Modders was as ever our MoM and Sandro was close behind. Daws was wound up to total commitment by the cheating petulance of Saurez, and Rose was not just good, he was MATURELY and THOUGHTFULLY good and as committed as Daws. Having said all that, Harry employed some magic I have yet to sort out in my head - some bizarre kind of zonal system that had markers crossing the field in pursuit of targets. There were no overlaps from the redmen, and little opportunity to unsettle us ........ as you suggest, a startlingly comfortable win even with the unnerving and uncustomary ref's gift.
I can see the quote now "wins at the Emirates, Anfield and the San Siro what more do these idiots want. They are only Tottenham you know, bunch of idiots"
The gaffer and the king what a predicament, how about bionic legs ala 6 mil $ man for Ledley and a leather mouthpiece ala Hanibal Lechter for 'Arry. While i'm at it i'll even take Jessica Alba sloppy seconds. COYS
I remember how excited everyone was at the Lane to get 5th - 'we're all going on a European tour' after all...
Europa is Europe (albeit a weak sickly runt of the litter), and I'd rather we played than sat watching other do it instead.
Don't forget that we beat Cheatski 0-1 this year too :)
Spooks. Didn't realise you were into mums with a bun in the oven? Jess Alba. I get it. Theres something about her. Not least her spandexed silver screen presence in the fantastic four. Not quite the original fab four with liverpool in, but even Arry would apreciate a dousing of iced gatorade. Hmmmm sidetracked a bit
Anyone following this West Ham debacle at their end of season party?
Great blog as always.
The juxtaposition of the Spurs streaker on the pitch and then Sandro doing some stage diving and crowd surfing was a phenomenal mix. It was full on Rock n Roll from Tottenham Hotspur.
Quite a few positives from the game. Danny Rose is looking like a natural at left-back. His tackling was immaculate, and he's got a tremendous leap on him too. A bright future for him, I hope.
We completely outclassed a Liverpool side at Anfield. They were a diving, cheating, petulant shower. It would be good to finish above them if possible as it's important for the club's stature.
That Redknapp Window Licker image will be giving me nightmares for months... COYS.
Forgot to mention that Sandro into the crowd moment. Apparently according to some commentary, he was hardly touched as he flew into the spectators. Sideways gravity then.
Sandro will become the best holding midfielder in the EPL next season. He is excellent. I'm so looking forward to him bossing every game from that position. Make no mistake, this guy is the best. Modric is going to love next season with his new minder.
Fergie is probably drowning in his own saliva at the minute.
Modric, Bale, vdV, Sandro...he's got his money transfer donation to the Tottenham Foundation at the ready.
It just goes to show that ref's can't win because from your comments it would seem that you thought that you were hard done to by Mr Webb while we feel exactly the same. But no gripes, moans or excuses we just didn't turn up for the first half hour or so and the best team won on the day. Congratulations.
Webb's a United fan, right, so the pen against Liverpool should be no surprise? He'll only dick us over when we play Fergie's lot. On to the Brum match, please, Tottenham, do show up. I will be quite upset if it's another 1-1 or 0-1 against a relegation candidate.
If we're talking about centerbacks of the future, I'm wondering if the all-powerful Sandro can slide back a slot as he matures, physically and mentally. Didn't Harry compare him to Dunga? Don't really know too much about his aerial game yet, but he's got height. We already know he's a human vaccuum with the pill on the deck. It has worked in my FM11 save anyway, so it must be true. Of course, Defoe and Bassong are useful in it still as well, so forget everything I said.
"Post-match Harry has admitted scaring the team to victory, reminding them the passage into Europe via Fair Play would mean a very early start to pre-season."
Please. I'll believe that when I see/hear it with my own eyes on you-tube.
I did warm and fuzzy about the pool match on the last post. And referenced breaking the hoodoo as well. However delightful that is, 2 wins in 14 is only slightly better than 1 in 13 and doesn't do a damn thing about our inability to take points off lower half teams.
Our results against the teams currently making up the bottom 5? One win in 9 matches. A whopping 8 points from 27. We're averaging less than a draw per match against the weakest teams in the league. Triffic. Top four, here we come, 'cause we finally managed to beat liverpool at home.
Harry out.
Crouch was dreadfull. The streaker did more on the pitch than him
Everyone else was top quality. Danny Rose is my MOM
@Barry
Thanks. Thought I was he only one who noticed how horrible Crouch was. Could he be the worst footballer currently playing in the Premiership?
Anyway, its funny how one win changes the entire mood. All we need is a bunch of good performances from the team to settle our knee-jerking hearts. Not being called idiots by Harry. It seems he is here to stay, so I just hope he realises that performance (and getting rid of Crouch), not soundbites (or acquiring f*cking Joe Cole), is what matters to the fans.
Ofcourse 'm still worried by Redknapp's refusal to get rid of his useless Crouch-y. When was the last time he provided a knock-down? (Knockdowns! Is that even football? what a joke!!!) Must be back in the year 2010. No matter how many chances his "uncle Harry" provides to Crouch-y, he will NEVER do well. We can't be playing a striker who can't shoot. Did anyone see his totally LAME attempt at a shot in the first half? Watch the body language of the players, even VDV, the guys are tired of playing with the useless immitation of a footballer. They can't even look at him....have a look at the last two games yourselves if you doubt me.
Much positives from the game though, number one being Rose (argument for giving youngsters a chance). Second Sandro. Liverpool were really shocked by the omni-presence of Sandro. We simply have the best players.
Hopefully we can learn from past mistakes and move forward. Past mistakes like keeping the likes of Jenas - who consequently hinder the emergence of good youngsters. Without Jenas, Bostock would have got opportunities to play this season....and who knows, he could be our midfield version of Danny Rose. Given that almost all games that Jenas plays are losses anyway, we have nothing to lose by giving Bostock (and other kids) a chance at the expense of the mediocre Jenas.
Did anyone see KPB's MJ dance at the San Siro? Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2-SWSy0IeQ
Amazing.
We've focused a lot on the lack of a striker, but yes, our defence has been more porous than I'd like. Gallas himself admitted we conceded too many early goals and spent time chasing games. Quite big of him to admit that when it's his job to stop it from happening. The point about a long term replacement is a good one - Gallas has 2 years in the tank, King and Woodgate on the wane, that leaves us with Kaboul and Bassong. I guess we can't really buy in yet another CH until the futures of King and Woodgate are resolved one way or the other otherwise we'll have 7 centre halves on the books.
Regarding centre backs of the future, is it true we've never lost when Huddlestone plays there? Gets him and Sandro on the pitch at the same time, and gives the opposition a problem, supplying balls from deep. Surely King could teach him the fine arts.
Harry out, Lemonade Money in
Tom as CH? likey! nice one lemonademoney....
Nice artical mate :)
4th was ours to lose. Let's blame our strikers for their lack of goals. If they maybe scored 15 goals each we would be 4th place or maybe above Arsenal, Chelsea and I dare just behind Man Utd with so many draws - the teams above us apart from Utd and maybe Arsenal have lost more games than us this year - we been drawing non-stop - 1 defeat at WHL all season to crappy Wigan! how lovley...not. Champions League football isnt far away again, but we just love making it difficult for ourselfs - the Tottenham way. And all the Harry haters stop being deluded - Harry is the man for Tottenham - who you going to replace him with? exactly, sit down and shut up. Harry is a genius FACT.
@spooky
Didnt read the comments yet so apologies if this has been mentioned already...
Sandro...hardly a great piece of scouting when all they had to do was pick from about 20 Internacional players. I'm sure it was part of the feeder club arrangement.
But yeah...still a great bit of business.
Our away form is impressive due to the nature of the home team's attacking mentality/obligations etc. And yes we have struggled at home due to the defensive nature of most teams that have figured out how to stop us playing.
The encouraging thing about the Brum match is that they cant afford to sit back and hope to hit us on the break. They need a result...they cant wait for one, especially if results are going against them elsewhere.
We are better (by a long long way) when teams play against us.
The summer is critical. The window needs to be used effectively and early. Figure out how and who to add to the squad that can improve key areas while still maintaining a proper balance with the preferred 11 fit. Rotating a couple of players during the season will be key. And of course getting rid of the players that are clearly not good enough for a Top4 push (we know who they are but does Harry?)
Learn how to accommodate vdv in a starting 11 when he's fully fit. Dispense with the 60 yarder from Daws to Bale..(actually play bale as a LWB) or the "lump it up to peter" tactic. Its not working, never did. Yes he got lucky with a few attempts at goal falling to vdv. But that's about it for Pete. When we played Shitteh up there last season we played to Pete's feet the whole game and it turned out to be his best performance in a Spurs shirt till then (maybe 2nd best now after the AC game away)
4/5 players needed and about 6 to be sold. And what to do with Woody and King (I'd keep him)
The squad quota rule is going to have a massive effect on us this summer. I reckon we will get some business done early.
Is Harry the right man to do it though? Different arguement for a different day I suppose but it appears to me that he's gonna be here come the start of the season. Hope to **** he gets it right for his successor beacuse we cant afford to go backwards with any more 'transition years)
Tom, that's actually a valid point.
We're doomed.
@spooky
Maybe so...he's sending scouts out 'all over the place" plus he's flying around looking at players himself.
They need to be in Dublin tonight (jesus I wish I didnt turn down that ticket!) to watch Otamendi & Hulk for Porto and Silvio for Braga (cd but can cover RB & LB - 2 footed natural)
What I'm sayin is
why send scouts out all over the place..what?...trying to unearth an unknown gem? rarely happens.
Its easy really
1. Devise a system (or 2) of play that complements the current squad and train them in on that system. Arm around shoulder and "run around a bit" only gets you so far.
2. Identify targets that fit into that system (if necessary tell the chairman too - you wouldnt want another bargain that you have no idea what to do with) - they should know them already...an unknown is not what we need to push on. Names should roll of the tongue of the coaches and manager. Let the scouts scout fair enough but the whole scouting thing is to unearth unknown potential talent. Not to identify established players that are known that are good enough to make us better.
3. Get Levy to do a deal. If he cant..see point 4.
3. Have backup plans in case preferred option does not work out (and by backup I dont mean making 40mil bids for every FW in Spain with 6 hours to go till the window shuts)
I must be missing sometheing because all the above seems too easy?
yeah I know......
King is Ledley. Ledley is King. What a difference! we were winning a lot of games like that last season!
Defoe can play up top with VDV, we just need time to let it work.