Midfield majesty from magical Modric
Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:00PM 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)
It's hard to tell if Ade's content as being a Spur player is just a honeymoon or something even he’s not familiar with (long term stay with genuine smile on his face). But one thing I ‘m sure of, if any manager can cause that to happen it is Harry…... unless Ade starts threatening to replace Harry’s media “exclusivity” status. :)
Ziegemonster, sorry mate, i'm still struggling to see the problem??
"I knew that if he could get fit, and he was convinced he could" - the critical word here is "if", and based on Woody's track record it was a big massive fuck off "if". I think we'd all agree that "if" he could get fit, we'd all want to keep him... what's the big deal??
"You can't say he is worth £40million and want to pay him the wages of someone who is worth £5million." A pretty obvious and honest appraisal of the situation if you ask me... but hey, I don't have an unhealthy blind hatred of all things Arry to blinker my interpretation.
In regards to Adebayor, I've always thought he came across as a decent bloke, even when he was at the scum. Just wants to play and be loved... that is until the next big team offer him a huge salary.
beetle, an interesting comment re modric 'pay him what he deserves'.
What does he 'deserve'? taking into account the whole time since he has been here and not just one game or one transfer window or indeed the renewal of his existing contract (which clearly Modric was happy with at the time, hence why he signed it).
'Pay him whatever it takes to sign him up to a longer contact with a bigger releases clause' would clearly be the clubs stance, but what would you pay him? 60K a week? 90K? 110K?
And would you make up that pay rise with personally paying more for your ticket in return?
Just curious.....
Ziegemonster, maybe I didnt repsond to your question about bank covenants because I didnt see your response. Unless you respond within 10 mins of my comment, then very often I'll never see what you say. You seem to have mistaken the anonymous comments box on a random stranger's blog for my personal email account.
Anyhoo, sorry to hear you think finance is BS. Maybe I am totally wrong about that and there is infact a big bottomless pit of money available and Redknapp / Levy are just too stupid to realise it. And that the bank overdraft, as referred to on page 33 of the 2010 THFC annual report (£66.5m) doesnt have the explicit financial covenants referred to by Daniel Levy in ENIC's own financial report (admittedly in 2009) relating to wages as a percentage of turnover. Silly old me. Yes, now I think about it I am sure you are right.
To your point about short term thinking, single wins etc. Again I must concede to you - I am, of course, basing my comments on a single win against Liverpool. You know all that stuff in my comment about consecutive top 5 finishes? You are right to dismiss it. Really, I just think Harry is great cos we won one game.
As for your last question, I'm afraid I cant 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", but to be fair, do you think maybe you are being a little too specific in your question? If you'd like me to name another manager in world football that talks more than Harry and uses the media to further his own interests, sometimes going against those of his bosses, I'd be happy to oblige: Jose Mourinho. Still, whats he ever won, eh? Just like Real Madrid, we'd be much better off with a quiet guy who keeps his gob shut. Steve Kean will be available soon.
I'm not a trained psychologist, so please take the following with a pinch of salt. But it does seem to me that you have issues with Redknapp that go a little beyond football tactics or his penchant for calling in to Talk Sport. Did he, perhaps, shag your missus? I feel you should be honest with us. It will help to lift the burden. But then, as I say, I'm not actually medically qualified.
Tricky
I am not going to pretend that I know answers on your questions. All I know that Luka turned out to be the best (OK, arguably) midfielder in EPL, and in order to keep him Spurs must find a way to keep him happy, and not as feeling a fucking slave because he SIGNED a contract (with apparent verbal commitment by Levy that he’ll let him go if “proper” offer for him is made, which Levy now inconvincibly denies). All I know (better to say hear) is that such contracts “corrections” are common in this business and generally everywhere. Your suggestion of raising tickets prices to compensate for Luka’s pay raise is mean as are the treats of politicians to downgrade fire protection services for the people if their tax hike is not approved.
The 3 points is as important as the confidence this will give us. Goals, clean sheets, high tempo. It all bodes well.
3 pts at Wigan and we go into the Arsenal game on a high and hopefully with Sandro Lennon Gallas & Huddlestone back in contention . Arsenal have a CL game that Wednesday too.
As for Liverpool, they'll be a force this year but on paper we are better and have more quality in depth. I'd honestly take 2 maybe 3 players from their whole squad.
Our success depends on:
1. Having King or Gallas fit at all times
2. Keeping Ade fit, happy and on form, at least until January
3. Getting in a quality Pav replacement in January (Leandro?)
4. Some luck with injuries.
Harry also needs to rotate a bit more than he has in the past.
Right now its about building momentum and that includes tonights game...Youth plus fringe plus 1 or 2 first teamers.
I suspect Stoke, who played in Europe and then got thrashed, may look to rest a few to avoid the risk of a repeat (vs Utd next weekend).
The thing I like about us Spurs fans are that we totally disagree with each other most of the time and contradict ourselves. Who would want to be a LIverpool fan with the blind faith they have in Kenny or a Newcastle fan at the return of KK or Shearer?
Radio caverage for fans around the world
link: http://delicast.com/radio/UK/stoke/Signal_1
It was anounced that the coverage will begin at 7pm (local time) and game coverage at 7:45. The coverage will be either here or at Signal2 (the link is on the same page)
It is on Station2
link: http://delicast.com/radio/UK/stoke/Signal_2
Yes ziege I like Redknapp's style. You hate Redknapp. I guess we can agree on that.Don't worry soon enough he might well be gone to coach England, and that will be becase he is an idiot manager, ...right?
I love how BAE can play so many games! 3 days after a PL game - no problem. Another cup game the next day - no problem. VDV must envy him sometimes.
Well, Nochman, given recent performances by the England team, that does seem to be a prerequisite for the position ;)
BAE is supercoolman.
Oh Lord, penalties. I hate Penalties. Come on Gomez, old son, show the world you've still got it.
Gosh, Paul, aren't you witty, in your own inimitably sneery sophmoric fashion.
I am, however, fascinated that you were able to get a copy of "ENIC's own financial report (admittedly in 2009) " since the company has been private since 2003. That was rather the point of my calling BS on your earlier post, not on finance (Having been a corporate lender for pushing 20 years I've read more bank credit agreements and annual reports than you've had hot dinners, to coin a phrase), but on what you were claiming to know.
"And that the bank overdraft, as referred to on page 33 of the 2010 THFC annual report (£66.5m)" First of all, £66.5 is the the total of the long term portion of all "Interest bearing loans and borrowings" for 2009, not 2010. If your amazing analytical skill extended to reading the footnotes of the financial statements rather than taking a quick glance at the balance sheet, maybe you would have noticed that. It includes a non-recourse bank facility with the Bank of Scotland, secured notes and redeemable preferred stock, no actual overdraft. And having read all the footnotes related to all of the debt, there isn't dicky bird about loan covenants.
No wonder you're such a fan of Harry's; you're both more than happy to make shit up to make yourself look good.
I think its well known we don't pay the wages of City, United and Chelsea.
In regards to Modric, Harry should have just said I have nothing to do with contract negotiations, as he did with Sandro, and left it at that.
I haven't seen/read the full interview so don't know what was said, and no doubt the media spin that goes with everything Harry / Spurs related. But by saying anything more than the above he has opened himself up to the kind of debate we are seeing on here.
Modric contract should be between Levy, Modric and his agent. We all know Spurs can't pay Modric what he would earn at Chelsea, as I'm sure Harry knows as well, why stir it up again???