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Monday
Sep192011

Midfield majesty from magical Modric

Spurs 4 Liverpool 0

What a fantastic performance. I'm of course referring to club chairman Daniel Levy retaining wantaway Luka Modric (who should perhaps take note of Fernando Torres and his diminishing stature) who held firm with his summer transfer stance. If you wanted evidence that the Croatian deep-lying Worzel Gummidge had finally stuck his head on the right way, then our spanking of Kenny's ordinary boys is the perfect illustration of how important it was to say 'no' and laugh off the derisory bids. Attempting to imagine a Spurs side without Modric is admittance of languishing outside a top four challenge. Such is the importance of his forward-thinking industry and inter-play. He remains paramount to us contending for CL qualification, in a season that will perhaps end with defining conclusion in how we set-up to enter the summer period before the 2013 campaign.

Wasn't just Luka who majestically roamed the midfield with supreme confidence. Scott Parker worked to perfection alongside him in the middle to break up play and dig deep doing the less glamorous work required for us to dominate possession and thus create in the final third.

You can cite Liverpool's lack of quality, their inability to place us under any pressure and their implosion as further reasons for the comfortable win but then it was a win that was never in doubt. They lacked shape and ideas and only excelled in petulance and off-field delusion. Work in progress for sure.

In my match preview I asked Spurs to 'Release the Kraken'. Wasn't quite a Kraken. More of a baby Godzilla learning it's trade in the Tokyo suburbs before heading towards the skyscrapers. From the opening exchanges, we placed down a clear marker stating 'we're going to win'. This alone made me gleeful. We looked hungry, we played with urgency and the only frustration (be it one we all clearly lived with without complaint) was that it remained 1-0 for so long. Unlike in other games (oh so many) I had no ominous feeling we'd be dragged back to 1-1 at any given point during proceedings.

When we took the lead early on with the scorching effort from Modric, I lost myself momentarily in his celebration. That wasn't a fake smile or pretend joy from the little man.  He looked genuinely happy and wanted to share it with the fans. Stopped short of kissing the badge (thank God). And that's all it takes. A moment. Just a single moment. In this case a superb goal and an equally imperious performance to lay to rest all the disgruntlement in a bed of fickle and apology. We sort of forgot about the Chelsea saga in the seconds that followed the goal and will give him the benefit of the doubt that he will kick on from here and give us the ilk of loyalty that screams 104 passes, 92% pass completion.

As mentioned, never felt Liverpool threatened us. We oozed belief and determination. Bale gave Skrtel a torrid time. Parker (as mentioned) worked his socks off and Adebayor led the line in the manner that was desperately missing so many times last season. Walker was admirable going forward. Kaboul made up for some lacklustre early season disasters. Who was in goal for us? I don't remember him having much to do. As for the four-four-two formation - it won the day heaping embarrassment on the Anfield club. Worth mentioning two on the trot for Ledley, who was impressive. Let's make sure that knee is willing and able for the NLD.

Without wishing to get too carried away, feet firmly on the ground.

Liverpool fans will argue they were woeful. I'd still argue we simply never gave them a chance to get any type of grip on the game. The two red cards (be it claims of inconsistency from the ref) pretty much summed them up. Untidy and frustrating. What's important is we looked up for it, wanted to win and won. It's always strange how we manage to look better when up against eleven men but we persevered in the end to give the score-line a dominant feel to it (and claw back some of that negative goal difference). Ade displaying simplicity in front of goal with great technique and link up play. And a brace. JD with a lovely finish. Can I use my favourite word about the side being galvanised? Confidence really does breed success.

Criticisms? Set-pieces still in desperate need for a re-boot.

It's just one game, just three points. But its testament to the fact that unlike the visitors we are not in the midst of a rebuild. We stagnated last season and now need to reclaim that guile we are capable of and push on from there. It's hardly implausible to aim for 4th or even 3rd. You have to believe, otherwise just call it a day.

Lennon. Huddlestone. Sandro. Gallas...all still to return. Rafa already back (he's always back earlier than he should be). Sandro and Gallas might be available to start against Stoke in the cup. Bit of positivity makes everything looks so much brighter, doesn't it?

Well done Spurs.

 

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Reader Comments (63)

Good write up Spooks. Watched the game with a very contrite Liverpool fan who admitted that they never looked in it. They can point to the refereeing decisions and the sendings off. To be fair I thought Adam's first yellow was a bit OTT; had the ref seen the Blackpool game last season and decided to lay down a marker early? His second one to be fair was bad, could have injured his man and the argument could be made for a straight red.

Even without the sending's off I think we would have won it. Liverpool looked woeful in the opening exchanges and the red cards did them a favour I think.

As for us I was exactly the same when Modric scored, fantastic celebration including the reaction of his team-mates. Who was it on the podcast saying that they didn't want him in the team?

I just hope we capitalise on this now? If we put out a second/third-string side against Stoke and get binned out then it breaks our momentum. Harry should rotate a few but not make wholesale changes as he did for the CC game against Arsenal last season.

Sep 19, 2011 at 12:23 PM | Unregistered CommenterMark

Good write up. We were great, they were poor, Wigan will be a lot tougher than yesterday. The spine of our first XI team is excellent and improves all around them. Friedel/King run the defensive third, Modric/Parker the middle third, Adebayor the final third. As individuals they are are all as good as you will find in the EPL and in combination will be extremely difficult for any team to challenge. Add to that their work rate and team ethic and they bring out the best in the talented players around them.
One other thing: we should sign Beckham not least to take our free kicks around the box. Even a small improvement there could add 10 goals to our season tally and he is capable of consistently making them count more than anyone we have at the club.

Sep 19, 2011 at 12:30 PM | Unregistered Commentercoys

Well done Spurs indeed , watched the game late last night and the whole team was strong but the two small midfielders + Ade were brilliant. I must admit that seeing what a WC forward brings to a team makes me reflect on the negative way i perceived last season. If we had a top fwd last season we would have had 3-4 th with ease. His movement , fighting spirit and calmness in front of goal is what we lacked for so long - ever since that sulky one left us.

I really enjoyed the freeflowing play , we let the ball work for us and Pool chase it.

Sep 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM | Unregistered Commenterbelgian spur

Liverpool, title contenders.........don't make me laugh. Spending over £100m on average players (was Henderson/Downing/Carroll even on the pitch?) does not make you contenders, hopefully the Sky and motd divs will get that now!

We looked good with some important players to come back against a full strength liverpool team. Its important we kick on now.

Parker - seems the huge amount of fans who didn't want us to sign him have a gone quiet, not as silky as Modric but the speed in which he closes down the opposition is amazing.

Ade - as above, where have all his doubters gone? Exactly the forward we have needed since Berbatov left.

Lookinf forward to Lennon returning, looked a little unbalanced without a winger on the right, relied too heavily on Walker getting forward

Sep 19, 2011 at 12:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterOssie

Our two new signings have made a massive difference. I have to admit that parker has really suprised me, I wasn't overly keen on his signature, but he has been awesome for us so far (2 games I know). Adebayor has so far been better than I expected him to be, he's scoring goals, working defences, and holding the ball up. I just wonder what could of been if we had of signed last jan, like a few of us had wished for.

Ledley was immense as ever, if only the doctors could work some sort of miracle and we could have king and gallas at the back for 75% of our games this season, I'd put some serious money on a top 4 spot.

Luka showed why £40m would be cheap for him.

Sep 19, 2011 at 12:59 PM | Unregistered Commenterfreundwasaleg

I think both sending offs were about right IMHO. Shame we didn't get the vital second a bit earlier, think we could have scored a lot more then, but overdall very happy.
Add Pienaar to the list of players coming back from injury as well, and the fact that Dos Santos seems to be getting a chance and we are looking very good.
How good was Ade? It's great having a striker so confident and able to finish well. His interview after the game was good too.
In a strange way I think the defeats to the Manchester teams almost done us a favour really, get those games out the way early and get on with the rest. COYS!

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterHarryG23

Brilliant performance from many. Great weekend for Spurs fans everywhere.

As Spooky touched on the moment of the match for me was Modric's celebration, his determination to go to the fans.
Hopefully a little pointer to say he appreciates the support we give him and knows while he is he, he owns us his best.

It made me proud that we didn't go the route of the wanderers booing our own players(small minority at city game excepted).

Still think he will want away at Christmas or definitely next summer, but if he performs like that most weeks in the meantime, maybe, just maybe, he will be looking down at Chelsea from Spurs' top 3 position.

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterDangerousa

So Spooks, do you still stand by your knee jerk Harry out blog? Not a dig, just curious.

Manchester games aside I have not enjoyed watching Spurs so much in a long long time

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterMattyboy

Wasn't that more like it?! Who cares about the scousers and their indiscipline, yesterday was all about us. About little Moddle, Parker, King, Ade, Bale (welcome back son) to name just a few.

The moment Modric shaped to hit that ball I "knew" where it was heading...and like many others was lost in that celebration. He knows performances are what he owes us, if he does that and we get top 4 he can leave with my blessing or happily stay, and I think top 4 would sway him that way (plus some extra £ from Danny boy). Modric was somewhere very near his best yesterday...as a bloke a couple of seats down from me said "this game's just too easy isn't it, Luka?"

Ade - love him. He's a c*** but that's what we've needed for a year or more now. Give us a Drogba, I said last year, and we'll do some damage. Damage is now being inflicted. Heaven forbid he gets injured but imagine the carnage he'll cause the Scum in 13 days!

Parker - I was a doubter. Thought he was average. I was wrong. Sorry I ever doubted him...who plays when the Brazillian beast is fit again?

Finally - Niko., Only played 45 minutes but thought he was excellent...back to the kind of performances he was putting in back in 2009 when he signed. He's getting his swagger back!

Good times. COYS

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterJH

TBH most things get covered after a game like this but one other thing:
Adebayor's first, he is a big lad, spurt of speed and stretching, a split second to do something, 99% of players blast it into the keepers chest and say darn, he plays the most delicate chip anyone could imagine, then gets his feet right and shields it, and puts it away. Perfection. My point: that chip was art and his footwork worthy of the Bolshoi Ballet. Best striker we have had at the club since Berbatov.

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:33 PM | Unregistered Commentercoys

Not only has he learned how to shoot, he's even got a half-convincing goal celebration worked out.

He's the complete product!

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM | Unregistered CommenterSpang

Matt - in terms of long term, it's no secret Harry will be gone come end of season. Always stood up for him for what he's done, even with his limitations he has achieved so much more than many others who were meant to be far more tactically astute than him. Problem with Redknapp is he is Redknapp. So much of his agenda/brand and media soundbiting grates and he'll never be 'Tottenham'. What benefits us is that when he pushes to make himself look good - he can make us look good.

If we finish 4th, it will be no miracle. He'll make it seem like one and he'll tell us 'look at what I've done again' when the reality is, this team should be finishing top 4 either way.

Credit where it's due, when we play well and play the Spurs way, we are very very good.

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:36 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

NOt sure if I am being swept along by euphoris but what a performance.

Name one Liverpool player that would dislodge any Spurs playe on current form? in fact name one player from Arsenal, Everton, Villa or any other top 10 team. Outside of Manchester you will struggle.
I would be as bold to say on current form we have the best LH side in the Premiere league our midfield is made up of Young player of the year, Sports writers player of the year, players player of the year and the man hailed as the best signing of 2010. Add to that Defoe finding his Mojo and the now legend that is Ade (still cant understand a word he says) we seem unstopable.
Seriously we will sweep Wigan aside and then Arsenal at WHL after last season I didn ot feel it would ge better but it will.

Q for you all - What do you enjoy most our Renaisance or Arsenal's Demise ???

Only nag in my head (12 months time) whom will replace Redknapp (Heard rumour of Mark Hughes).

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:39 PM | Unregistered CommenterStevo

We most certainly are Spooky, we most certainly are!

As to Ade, I think he may (its to early at this point) turn out to be better for us than Berba was, due to the fact that he is that much quicker than Berba, he also has that Drogba/Rooney/Tevez (last years version) presence, which puts the fear of God (or in this case Ade) in them!

Let the good times roll!!!!

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:40 PM | Unregistered CommenterMattyboy

As WindyCOYS on Twitter said, Liverpool have spent millions in trying to catch up with us and they are still lagging. Plenty will refuse to admit times HAVE changed. Liverpool are the ones chasing us now.

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:47 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Excellent performance. Liverpool were poor because we controlled the game from the start. Spurs were superior all over the pitch. Not one Liverpool player won their personal battle. Rather than bleating about the officials Liverpool fans should be questioning the way Dalglish set his team up. Their shape and selection was all wrong. We need to follow this up with strong showings against Stoke and Wigan, which we weren't doing last season. Let's keep it going. Come on you Spurs!

Sep 19, 2011 at 1:57 PM | Unregistered CommenterKurtspur

If I can just reflect, with a little humility, that whilst it was a great performance, I would like you all to spare a thought for our local rivals.

They clearly must have been distracted by their kindred spirits' plight at Dale Farm.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/ridiculing-arsenal-to-become-a-hate-crime-201109194319/

;) Roll on the NLD, COYMFS

Sep 19, 2011 at 2:19 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

hahahahahaha Tricky , that just made my day even better

Sep 19, 2011 at 2:53 PM | Unregistered Commenterbelgian spur

The FA has agreed to extend the scope of their Let's Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign to include a Can Everyone Please Stop Pointing At Koscielny And Giggling section.

classic that , just classic

Sep 19, 2011 at 2:55 PM | Unregistered Commenterbelgian spur

That bit made me laugh as well. Have been sharing that 'article' liberally today.

Sep 19, 2011 at 3:06 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

Spot. On. Spooky. Every word.

"More of a baby Godzilla learning it's trade in the Tokyo suburbs before heading towards the skyscrapers." Brilliant, made me snort my coffee.

Sep 19, 2011 at 3:12 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

We should all leave the gooners alone, thhave had to listen to the 8-2 ribbings 4-3 weeks now

Sep 19, 2011 at 3:29 PM | Unregistered CommenterMega Mike

Brilliant performance yesterday, the first 20 mins was some of the slickest and quickest movement I have seen from a spurs team.

It was a wonderful result, but what made it even more special was watching Hansen trying to come to terms with it on MOTD2 last night now THAT was priceless.

Well done Spurs, and well done Harry for bringing in 3 very important players to this team.

COYS.

Sep 19, 2011 at 4:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterCEJ

I enjoyed the match. We were a bit fortunate over the sendings off but then if you do the crime, you must be punished.

Some thoughts:-

1/ Let's not laugh at L'Arse just yet. A wounded animal is at its most dangerous. Some forget that while they were getting stuffed 8-2, we had lost 5-1 at home! We can all laugh at them after we beat them, but not before.

2/ How good is Adebayor?

3/ Welcome back Luka.

4/ Everyone needs to gain more game time. Niko, Giovani, Livermore, Tom Hudd, Sandro, Gallas, Bassong, Pavlyuchenko but also in particular, Kane, and Carroll, Falque and Coulibaly?

5/ It's easy to gloat after such a big win, so we need to stay grounded. Some say a win over Stoke builds momentum. I agree. Tinker as little as possible, by all means give the important players a rest, but keep the same system and keep as many of the same players as possible. We should try to win every game. Give those coming in the incentive that if they do well, they have a shot at a non-performing first teamer. If you're good enough, you're old enough.

6/ After Stoke, we have Wigan away. We cannot be overconfident and we must expect them to be desperate to win, so forget about Liverpool and first focus on Stoke, then Wigan. We must be hungrier, faster, and cleverer than them on the day.

7/ On a slightly disconcerting note, did Suarez hit Parker? Or did he do something else to hurt him?

Sep 19, 2011 at 5:01 PM | Unregistered CommenterFocussed from Singapore

Spooky, come on man! We need to show appreciation for this manager, he is great for the club. I do not say that just becasue of this 4-0 result. You know it is the truth.

Oh yes, he talks. Smart managers play the media to get credit for good performances and signings. This is because they are the ones who get judged by the public and this affects their careers. The chairman doesn't have to bother about what the public thinks about him because he owns the club!

Sep 19, 2011 at 5:21 PM | Unregistered CommenterNochman

Scott Parker has forced me to eat my words, and I am loving the after taste.

Sep 19, 2011 at 5:49 PM | Unregistered CommenterBim Spur

Nochman, Harry wanted to sell Modrich and keep Crouch. What do you think the result would have been yesterday with no Luka and 3MP instead of Defoe or, god forbid, Adebayor, you know what with him being a non-geezer with a reputation for attitude?

Yes, yesterday was fun and not to piss in anyone's koolaid, but let's try to keep some perspective. Pool were off color from the starting whistle, they were down to 10 men in the first half and they were down to 9 men before we were able to score a second goal.

We looked brilliant in the bright London sunshine against Liverpool, who we've been beating like a red headed step child for the last three years (8 matches in the league and carling cup and we've won 6 of them). Let's see what happens if it's cold and raining up at Wigan this weekend, because that's where points were dropped and, ultimately, fourth place lost last season.

Oh, and let me join the suprised but pleased "Scott Parker's really quite good, isn't he?" chorus.

Sep 19, 2011 at 6:14 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

We were pure class from the beginning. Parker and Modric in the middle, Bale, a bit lethargic(maybe needs target practice) but zoomed down the flank. BAE as cool as ice, timing passes brilliantly, Ledders controlling in tha back and had Sua...rez in his pocket. Kaboul being big and immense by stopping all idiots getting in the box. Also flattened Suarez. Walker also zooming and getting into large spaces to recieve the ball. JD, small, speedy, but too much dribbling, but worked hard. Ade was brilliant, trying to win every ball his way and tackled perfectly. Held his hands up to mistakes and scored two world class goals. Big strong bloke at the front with talent.
And Liverpool are supposed to be contenders for 4th spot this year. Pfft. Liverpool and Arsenal are going to be 10th and 20th!

Liverpool have spent money on people that are useless. Carrolol, Henderson, Downing. We were just better.
Liverpool also have diving Suarez that looks like a horse and Leg breaking Adam who doesn't know how to right himself after getting a yellow card.
Skrtel had no chance against Bale this afternoon, he was stupid. I admit Bale went down easy on the first one but he is allowed.
Lpool's defence was everywhere and if you had a decent player, Enrique would've been it. Or Reina. He touched the ball the most that game.
We have spent money on Ade and Parker who have livened up the team and strengthened it. We also have class players out injured (Hud, Sandro) so when they come back we will have more options of play and a stronger midfield.
Plus, Modric is a Yid.
Nuff said.

Sep 19, 2011 at 6:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterGloryGloryTHFC

As someone pointed out earlier to me, in term of capital cost:

Carollol (35) = lennon (1) + VDV (8) + parker (6) + bale (settled on 9) + walker (6, half of 'two kyles' value) + BAE (5)

Staggering, just staggering how much money scrap metal is worth.

Sep 19, 2011 at 8:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

Scott Parker has forced me to eat my words, and I am loving the after taste.

Sep 19, 2011 at 5:49 PM | Bim Spur

Me too, turns out it's a bit salty.

Sep 19, 2011 at 8:03 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14965942.stm

Oh, dear. Has Mr. Levy seen this? For that matter, does Luka's agent know he's been replaced? Harry on BBC re Modric's contract and wages.

"I think the chairman will discuss his contract.

"If he is worth £40million then life tells you that you have to be paid accordingly doesn't it?"

"You can't say he is worth £40million and want to pay him the wages of someone who is worth £5million.

"That doesn't ring true does it? You have to look after the boy and I'm sure we will do that and his future is hopefully here.

"We have to convince him that his future is here and make it right for the boy, that's only fair as well, and I'm sure the chairman will be fair and make sure he does that."

Sep 19, 2011 at 10:35 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

How come no one is talking about the point blank miss of Defoe early in the 2nd half? Just because he scored a better effort doesn't take away from the fact he missed a goal that would have reflected a perfect assist from Adebayor.

Sep 19, 2011 at 11:17 PM | Unregistered CommenterIaG

Alot was made from the "Sky comms"before the game that Liverpool were back and were in contention for the top four,as the game went on "Parry a Liverpool fan"was already makeing his excuses such as "Liverpool are in a transitional period and it will take time",Really,what i saw was a rampant THFC side ripping Liverpool to shreds and play some great football.I'm not goin to get carried away because this is Spurs we are talking about but i saw only positives in that performance,we already have a much better squad than Liverpool and the Goons its just that age old enemy "incosistency"that i am worried about.COYS

Sep 20, 2011 at 12:32 AM | Unregistered Commenterkevski

Where's the 'We don't need Parker' mob now. He was my man of the match by a street. Great, great game and result. Come on you Spurs.

Sep 20, 2011 at 1:04 AM | Unregistered Commentercookiebun

And this, from the Guardian. Can the man disassociate himself from the club any further? Is this some previously unknown form of Touretes, when you can't stop yourself from criticizing/undermining your employer in public?

Redknapp said. "It was tough [to let Woodgate go] because I knew that if he could get fit, and he was convinced he could, that we had a top-class centre-half, one of the best in the world. I wanted to keep him but I could understand it from the club's point of view. They had paid his wages for the last two years and he'd hardly played. So it wasn't easy. Full credit to Stoke. They've got him fit and he looks in good shape. He's a fantastic boy, and I just hope it goes great for him now."

Well, Harry, if Spurs are such a two-bit outfit and no one listens to you, why the hell are you still here?

Sep 20, 2011 at 2:54 AM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

I'll hold my hands up - you were right over Modric Spooky and I was wrong. My instinct was that he would sulk the first half of the season away before skulking off to City in Jan. From the last 2 performances I'd say I underestimated his professionalism. I think a some credit must go to Redknapp for his man management abilities. tIts quite a turnaroun in the little mans attitude from that Citeh debacle

That said, while I admire Modric's skill as much as the next man, the love is long since gone. He is just a compnent in the team to me now. You are right to say the badge kissing would just make it worse now. Get on with your job son and we'll cheer you when you do well.

Where is Parker going to fit in when Sandro and Hudd return? What a midfield squad we have. And to think a month ago we started with Jake Livermore away to Man U!

Sep 20, 2011 at 8:00 AM | Unregistered CommenterPaul F

ziegemonster, I must commend you on the vehemence of your arguments against Redknapp. If only you could stop him achieving top 5 finishes and getting to the last 8 of the CL, people might even start agreeing with you. Sadly for you, I dont think that will be happening this season though.

Its important when you take a stand on something, be it global warming, faith or football that you ask yourself, "At what point would I change my mind? What evidence would be required for my opinion to change?". Failure to do that leads to irrational thinking, and ultimately, madness (followers of cults, people standing outside Currys ranting from the bible etc). Have you asked yourself that question?

Sep 20, 2011 at 8:08 AM | Unregistered CommenterPaul F

@Spooky "If we finish 4th, it will be no miracle. He'll make it seem like one and he'll tell us 'look at what I've done again' when the reality is, this team should be finishing top 4 either way."

The problem with that statement is in the words "this team". I agree the team from Sunday plus Sandro and Gallas should finish top 4. However, take out Adebayor and that becomes unlikely, take out King and Gallas and it becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.

We needed to sign another striker and CB in addition to Ade and Parker to put us on a sound footing. Suddenly having a good striker to complement our mid-field it seems that Harry's tactics look good.

Harry knew what he needed and he got part of it with Parker, Ade and Friedel. He was also aware of the Berbatov fiasco and wanted to make sure that if there was a recurrence with Modric, he would have time to strengthen the squad.

We are now in a position where on paper we have one of the strongest mid-fields in the League but we are paper-thin in the striking and CB positions.

So, if Harry does achieve top 4 again this season, it will be because of what he has done and no other reason.

Sep 20, 2011 at 10:01 AM | Unregistered CommenterDaveK

@ziegemonster I think that Harry and Levy are a damn sight smarter than you give them credit.

On another matter - the keep ball we played later on in the game. I have seen this debated elsewhere by Spurs fans about whether it was the right tactic. True that we surely would have scored more goals if we had gone for their jugular and beefed up our goal difference too. On the other hand the biggest single thing hanging over our team at present is injuries. Liverpool had already shown quite clearly they were willing to kick us and that they had lost their discipline too.
So the trade off for going flat out for goals might well have been some injuries. Put in an extreme way - if Spurs had won by 100-0 but the price was that one of Modric, King, Adebayor got a knock and was out for 4 weeks would that be a good trade off? As incredible as that record breaking score would be I think not.

Sep 20, 2011 at 10:10 AM | Unregistered Commentercoys

Well, Paul, if I could go four consecutive days without seeing Harry airing the club's soiled smalls in public, then, yes, perhaps I would revisit my view that Harry's working against the club and not for it. Did you miss the whole discussion about short vs long term well being? One win against a 9 man liverpool, who we have beaten in 6 of our last 8 matches, doesn't shift the equation very much.

Turnabout being fair play, name a single other manager in the Prem who is either constantly self promoting, meaning multiple times per week or who discloses what he alleges to be the "inside dope" on club decisions the way Redknapp does.

Looking forward to your answer, not that I expect one, since you never responded when I called bullshit on your "club can't increase wages because of bank covenants" taradiddle.

Sep 20, 2011 at 12:50 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

zeigemonster.... I second that (not that you need my twopenn'th)

Sep 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM | Unregistered Commentertonyblue

Ziegemonster, I'm honestly struggling to see the issue that you have with the Redknapp comments that you stated above??

He was asked questions regarding Modric and Woodgate, he gave honest answers... what exactly is the problem? If he was my manager (or my previous manager in Woody's case), that's what i would want to hear.

To be fair, I know Modric doesn't necessarily deserve a payrise but if we want to keep him, end the interest from the Chavs and send a statement of intent to the media to plug the incessant speculation (speculation that will only increase the closer we get to Jan), then we have to give him a payrise.

He is one of the best players i have ever seen sporting the lilywhite shirt and we should do everything in our power to keep him. As long as the team's doing well there's no reason why Modric should want to leave other than money... and if we have it in our powers to increase his salary (especially noting the reduction in salaries due to the sale and loaning out of our deadwood) why shouldn't Levy sanction a payrise and Modric receive the salary to match that of a player of his worth. Arry's comments indirectly tell Modric that i'm on your side son.

And his comments regarding Woodgate, he's just paying lipservice to an unlucky rolls-royce of a player that up until a month ago was one of his own.... beggars belief that these Arry Aters will find the smallest thing to jump on his back.

Arry's priority is himself and his team, no different to any other football manager. Yes sometimes he should keep his mouth shut and simply not comment but that's not Arry. For all his misgivings I still can't understand why some of you get your knickers in a twist over everything he says... take a deep breath and take whatever he says to the press for what it is: bollocks!

In regards to the performance on Sunday, different class from top to bottom. We'll always raise it for the likes of Liverpool, Scum etc, the acid test of our attitude and application will always come at the likes of Wigan. It's simple, if we're consistent and maintain that hardworking team ethic against those lower down the league and not just raise it for the top 6, then 4th place at the very least will be the end result.

COYMFS...

Sep 20, 2011 at 2:46 PM | Unregistered CommenterDY

Well, ziegemonster, if Harry is such a dumb/evil manager who works against his team's success, why the hell are you still here?

Sep 20, 2011 at 3:07 PM | Unregistered CommenterNochman

Tonyblue, support is always welcome!

Nochman, I am a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, not a member of the Harry Redknapp cult of personality, like you and DY. I was here before Harry and I'll be here long after he is gone. Seriously, Nochman, did you support Pompey before and came up north with Harry?

What's wrong with what he's saying? Did you read these quotes? He is not providing simple answers to direct questions, he's setting himself in opposition to actions the club have taken or criticizing the club for failing to take other actions.
Woodgate- "I knew that if he could get fit, and he was convinced he could, that we had a top-class centre-half, one of the best in the world. I wanted to keep him."

Modric- "You can't say he is worth £40million and want to pay him the wages of someone who is worth £5million. That doesn't ring true does it? You have to look after the boy and I'm sure we will do that and his future is hopefully here."

I ask AGAIN: what other manager does this at all, never mind twice a day like Harry?

Sep 20, 2011 at 3:26 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

I am still at full tumescence. If we romp today, I may need to see a specialist to get this thing to go down.

Sep 20, 2011 at 3:38 PM | Unregistered Commenterbig sky spur

Looks like a strong make-shift side this evening. Gallas, Sandro, Rafa...hardly shabby.

Sep 20, 2011 at 3:51 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

"How come no one is talking about the point blank miss of Defoe early in the 2nd half? Just because he scored a better effort doesn't take away from the fact he missed a goal that would have reflected a perfect assist from Adebayor."
Sep 19, 2011 at 11:17 PM | IaG

….tell you what IaG, I feel sorry for your wife (if you have one or if you will ever have one). She may cook you the royal meal, but instead thanking her, you will bitch for a petty reasons, like…why the fucking salt shaker is THERE on the table and not OVERHERE. You are a fucking asshole and pest that should be disallowed this precious air to breath. I was looking for signs of sarcasm in your post to let you go by, but there is none. Go and fuck yourself.

Sep 20, 2011 at 3:56 PM | Unregistered Commenterbeetleblues

re: harry's perpetual talking, doesn't help when:

a) we play three times in a week with different competitions and different scheduled contractual interview obligations.
b) because it's spurs journo's know there's always an article to be read / clicked on, as spur faithful are eactly that, thereby fulling their own contractual obligation to write about something theny 'almost' made up and;
c) Harry still love's 'tellin' the truth innit, as he knows all there is about football and the fans, they never had it so good'.

So the current Harry O/D, cause or effect? this still holds true: http://www.dearmrlevy.com/dml/2011/8/8/to-talk-or-not-to-talk-what-was-the-question.html in fact if anything, given the 'now demise' of the 'Sky top4' (tm) to being now the 'Sky Top 3 plus the other three' (tm - pending) it becomes even more relevant.

In fact if you're an editor in need of selling advetising space and want an article which will be read in the UK you target spurs, in france and spain - goons, russia - chavs, Asia - Man Utd, UAE - Man Citeh, (NB. the paedophile market has been split recently due to the errection at Fulham) and that's just the way it is.

RE: Tonight's game, don't care who plays, as long as there's still that swagger.......
........and we smash them (which will not be easy at their gaff, after all who chooses to go to stoke? Just ask Abby)

Sep 20, 2011 at 4:10 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

I've got my faith pinned on the BBC radio feed for the Stoke game--please god it will sneak through irksome "security" on work pc. Would dearly love to see the whole squad get a taste of winning ways--confidence is contagious.

Genuine question--based on what I've seen in the Wolves and Liverpool matches, Adebayor looks a fairly cheerful, evidently well liked fellow. Not what I was expecting from stories coming out of his previous club(s). Is this pure honeymoon? Was he like that at his other clubs initially or do you think he's genuinely happy to be here and getting on with his teammates?

Sep 20, 2011 at 4:27 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

Ziege,

You may be a bit too harsh on HR this time for the comments he recently made. When I read a parts regarding Luka and his wages I found myself nodding in approval. Harry was absolutely right, because these type of wage increases are common in football and the rest of the business areas (it actually happened to me too when I got my first job in US). Waiving a signed contract in public just to keep previously unearthed gem and deprive him of wages that similar quality players are getting is just a petty business. Harry was a player, a manager, but never a chairman, and he rightfully may speak about the areas he’s familiar with. I hope you are not suggesting Spurs should keep grossly underpaying Luka, because “gotcha” way will do little to build respect for Spurs in eyes of future generation of players. And you Levy, just fucking pay the man what he deserves.

Sep 20, 2011 at 4:36 PM | Unregistered Commenterbeetleblues

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