Hyperbole
Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 7:50PM Staggering how time and time again, a single result shapes (then re-shapes) opinion, which is then presented as definitive. Then forgotten about the following week, replaced with contradiction. Equally staggering is how distorted perception and expectation becomes off the back of ninety minutes of football. One game doesn't make a season, yet in some cases it can consume the ten games it proceeded along with logic and pragmatism.
In the space of a few days we’re deemed title contenders off the back of a win that placed us shared second on points (still 3rd on GD) and then out of the race after a draw at home to Wolves. Even though we remain a handful of points off the top. Regardless of up and coming difficult fixtures, our form (in comparison to any prior season) has been astonishing. Was it disappointing, to draw at home? Yes, of course. But then our performance lacked the edge to win us all three points - so hardly much we can complain about other than wondering/worrying why certain players didn't perform.
It happens.
In fact you might even argue this was the first disappointment of the season, what with the opening two defeats practically banished and the Stoke loss one marked down to inept interference. Is this a modern-day Tottenham crisis? Dropping two points at home? Still third. Still with a hefty cushion of points between us and 5th spot.
Does any of the pre and post match punditry and opinion actually matter, what with the nature of everyone in football (managers especially) using kidology when changing their weekly perception of being in/out of the race?
Had we somehow managed to break down Wolves and their resolute army of eleven men behind the ball by not being restricted to long shots, had we found a spark and scored a second we’d be talking about grit and determination even though the overall performance would have pound for pound been the same thing as the one we got with the 1-1. Sometimes, it doesn’t happen. It doesn't quite work out. Tempo wasn't quite there. Bale wasn't out on the left enough (scrap free-roam mode for the minute, get him back to basics). Regardless, there is still no need for a dissection, a post-mortem or an autopsy.
No need for verbal dramatics.
Put it down to tiredness (two games in the space of a couple of days) or luck (offside Adebayor goal, arguably not) or perhaps unnecessary tinkering (Livermore). Best to dress it up as a reminder to the evil that is complacency. A gentle nod to the necessity of removing benched players and signing ones that will improve our squad. A calm composed voice explaining to the players that hype is a false God you need not be worshipping.
Start panicking if these results stop happening in isolation and start to trend.
These are not excuses. It’s just football.
We can still aim to finish high. Nothing has changed since Wednesday evening. We needed to strengthen then, we still need to strengthen now. Both with mentality and with perhaps one or two new players. The manager also has to consider the art of rotation and not forget that back to basics element that got this journey started way back when he replaced Ramos. Players in their best positions. Just to recalibrate the side whilst we work through this tricky period (Parker not quite back with us, issues with width, the wrong type of consistency with set-pieces).
Whether the media/pundits/blogs/whomever want to label us with dark horse or contender tags, that’s up to them and its mostly to incite debate and discussion. But mostly because we've got the points on the table. Did everyone write off Utd after they lost to Rovers? No. But then Utd have been contenders and winners for an age. They know how this process works. We're working it all out as we go along.
Which is why retaining feet on ground whilst embracing our challenge is the best way forward. The players will be hurt for dropping the points. P*ssed off. Good. They need to hate the fact they didn’t win the game. Let them hate, let us support and everyone can then focus on the fight ahead. Where we finish up will be no accident, it will be where we deserve to be.
Pre-match, I thought we’d spank Wolves. Just had a feeling everything would come together. It didn’t. With all the possession and shots, it’s doubly annoying we didn’t turn it around. But we didn’t lose. And there is no lack of ambition if I choose not to be overly critical of ninety minutes of football. Although I understand that one game or two can equate to loss of momentum and can change form. That's not something on my train of thought. Left it behind on the platform after the City defeat at the Lane.
It’s so easy with hindsight to suggest tactical reshuffles and selection decisions. It’s also easy to assume we are throwing away a genuine chance to win the league by not being ruthless in these games. I know I’ve blogged about aiming high and looking to compete. That ethos, that remains the same. It’s the only way a team can continue to progress and strengthen that mentality further. But the reality is, we’re probably fall short. Why? Apart from City being who they are? That’s easy. Because we’ve not been in this situation for decades. Because we’ve not got the experience and the learning curve might yet teach us another valuable lesson or two. It's hardly an easy task is it? It's fantastic that we're even involved, that footballing folk are not patronising but honest when they talk about our style and entertainment and challenge.
In some ways, what I’ve written so far in this article can also be conceived as a knee-jerk to all the knee-jerking. I guess I’m just trying to work through it and find a balanced outlook in amongst all the contradictions and (believe it or not) complaints and negatives.
When all is said and done and argued to the point of agreement to simply disagree...Champions League qualification was the goal at the start of the season even though some believed it would be difficult to achieve (one or two continuing their opinion from the end of last season when Harry was meant to have lost his way). Look at what we've managed to do thus far.
Just be positive. I know there's an adrenalin rush, a fear...even a form of pressure because we want to progress to places we've not been before on an emotive level. It's still a positive.
We are third. Three defeats in the league all season. Ten points clear of 5th spot. We are still on course for accomplishing what we set out to do. As for the dream, it still remains mathematically possible even if its something we've gate crashed and remain outsiders for. We're not the ones under pressure to win the title. But rather than be disappointed or fearful about something that might perhaps prove to be out of our reach - if we retain its possibility for as long as we can, by doing so, we will guarantee a challenge and a top four finish. That will give us the opportunity to truly consolidate for next season and build on the belief the dream can happen.
The glory will be gained by not letting go of the desire to fulfil it.
Love the shirt.
Reader Comments (54)
Excellent! And The Goons lost to Swansea, which puts our performance there into perspective. We do need to work on set pieces and our free-kicks need to be more deadly. I am very interested that not a lot is being said about purchases in this transfer window. Will Levy/Redknapp be pulling out a few rabbits?
Fine tempered words for a Sunday evening Spooky.
So many "rent-a-quote" ex-pro's & lazy journos coming out after the Everton game, building the hype, creating an illusion that we many of us are taken in by. I think a few of the players performed yesterday like they just had to turn up to get the 3 points.
Hopefully most will now take stock of where we are, how far we have come & how far we still have to go.
Come on you Spurs!
hyperbole? ive always loved him, triffic player.. up to the chairman now of course but if hes available anyone would have im.....
keep. the. faith.... COYS
I think a lot of their goal was down to disorganisation at the corner, which IMHO was because Dawson hasn't been settled back into te team yet, he consistently looked like the weak link yesterday, despite a few good tackles. We need a bit more invention when teams are setting up to defend 0-0. Oh and what the hell has happened to our corners and free kicks! Constantly hitting the first man or blazing it over everyone.
I thought we would spank Wolves too, but it wasn't to be, but really no need to panic, we can't win every game, the players did not perform to the high standards they have set themselves.... our corners suck, not just in the Wolves game but every game, i watched a bit of the Arse game hee hee but RVP's corners are very good, they are whipped in and cause havock, Leighton Bains does the same thing for Everton, I have been saying for ages that Bale needs to do the same for us, certainly on the right hand side when they are in swinging.
Brad definately at fault for the goal should have either caught it from the corner or punched it to oblivion... this for me is the only fault with his game, he sticks to his line like glue. Bale please stay out wide on the left where you really do the most damage, Daws please don't attempt the 50 yard passes, you didn't do it against Everton but you were certainly at it again against Wolves, Cannonboul how many runs ended up with no end product and loss of possession.... I could go on but there you go rant over. Lets just say it was a bad day at the office, nothing more and certainly no need to panic... Next week is massive.... no whats bigger than massive GINORMOUS COYS !!
This is actually my favourite site on the world wide web! Keep up the splendid work spooky!
As far as corners go, isn't it about time that benny had a go? His cross field passes and crosses are as good as anyone else in our squad. Would be easy enough to have parker or lennon cover his defensive position when he's taking them
I hope this draw does not force us into the transfer market prematurely. We have a great squad with apparently a great fighting spirit and cohesion. If there is a need give the youngsters a chance. Just look at how Livermore has flourished when given the opportunity.
I was a guilty as anyone with the furious knee jerking. Hey, cut me some slack. It's like being on a promise from the hottest girl in town. Never been there and getting a bit worked up.
Totally agree with you Kaboom,It's my favourite site too... Spooky you are most definitely the man, love reading your post's, no one else comes anywhere near when it comes to quality writing about our beloved team.
There's no getting away from the fact that our corners and free kicks are kack. Who trains this aspect of the game with the players, because he needs replacing immediately. The number of shite free kicks and corners we take is just a joke. If just 10% of these were converted we would be in top spot.
We've struggled with set pieces for far too long now. Not like we're short of players who are capable of striking the ball. Not short of intelligence either with canny/clever takes (as opposed to direct shots). Yet, we come up short every time.
Corners equally poor.
Said it before, we could score 1/2 goals every other game from a set piece which would ease the pressure.
Alan Shearer, pah, 11.30 am on football focus saying we are definate title contenders, 10.30pm saying we are definately not.
No need to panic, a draw would still be a fantastic result next sunday, a win, well, shearer would change his mind again.
COYS
Here's how to be optimistic. The first two games of the season don't count as we were obviously in the transfer/Modric saga. The only games we've lost have been due to crap officials (Stoke/Wolves). Heck we even had a legit goal against Chelsea ruled out, as I remember it.
Chelsea just scraped a win against Sunderland, where as our problem was just getting the goal - they hardly wasted the same opportunities they got with Chelsea when we played them. Arsenal just got toasted by Swansea - we were unlucky to not get a win there (they deserved the draw, mind).
Yes we were lucky in some games (Fulham anyone?), but basically we're the only team in the league that hasn't lost a game with the full & fit squad available due to just being crap on the day.
The main thing that's 'costing us' is our conversion of good chances into goals.
Oh I guess the Wolves game just felt like a loss... *cough*
Adebayor has been a revelation in terms of how we attack as a team. If he was as prolific as a certain scum forward, we'd probably be top of the table.
Harry is or was tonight to watch lille play.There are a few players here in the match to watch but for me E.Hazard would be the pick.Trade Modric to Chelski for F.Torres and get back 20 then buy Hazard.With Pienaar and VDV both could replace Luka we would have a much stronger team and better corners and free kicks.Unless liverpool want to give us silly money for Defoe keep him till the summer.Yet again spooky a first class read keep it up.
Bale on the left PLEASE Harry!
Hazard is a no go. Shame really, rate him highly.
Would love to see a striker arrive that could fit into the ade position next weekend against the Mancs. Perhaps thats why Harry has gone to Lille this evening. Oh the joy of seeing the Arse go down again, made me forget about yesterday already.
That would take some seriously speedy transfer dealings to happen in a week.
Great blog as always Spooky.
The Wolves game was on my birthday. Went there thinking what a great present, then came away thinking do not fancy celebrating my birthday with my family after the game. Dont get me wrong, not blaming any one at our club, but the officials who disallowed a perfectly good goal, and its these idiots that cost us games. The clubs all over the world should push FIFA for goal line technology, this cant go on anymore. Three games now the officials have cost us 7 points which would have put us top of the league.
Was that Kevin Bond with the Marseille president at the Marseille vs Lille match, just now. Remy just scored to put Marseille 1 up. Did anyone see it?
Thanks as always great perspective, just been thinking after yesterday there is one thing we just don't seem to have yet (to be really successful) and that is luck ( as I think all successful sides have). Twice now no luck ( except rotten luck) Ade's two phantom "off-sides" Stoke and Wolves, two obvious examples. So for now we wait for the Lady to smile on us, most else is in place.
So smile away Lady.
Coys!!!
Redknapp is out there. Remy has bagged a brace.
DONE AND DUSTED.
Harry got it wrong. Should have stuck with Jake; the lad puts in a stirling performance and is then dropped, where's the insentive Harry. JD desreved to start Ade is not doing the buisness in front of goal he need time off to think. Modders also needs a rest so givr Pinnear or Kranks a shot in there, Rotae Harry freshen things up a bit and let all the players know they are not guaranteed a start unless they playing at the top of their game.
Just watched the tail end of L'OM beat Lille. Remy is looking pretty good, and Lique 1 players do tend to slot in pretty well. Bring him in, I say.
Nice post Spooky. Well said.
Capetown, our luck balances out. We have had a few lucky calls go our way and will again very soon. Players need to learn how to adapt to the new reality of breaking down the bus, and we as supporters need to learn how to shed the classic fickle/neurotic stereotype and believe in our team, believe in our manager, and be patient.
This is uncharted territory. The team seems to really believe in themselves. No one seems to have told them that they can't win the title. A team with this much quality and confidence is a team worth believing in.
I am fuming that we had another goal chalked off yesterday. Adebayor has now scored 3 goals that have been chalked off in 3 and a half weeks! That is 5 crucial points we have been denied...so wrong.
Bale needs to stay out on the left, when we are 1-0 up let him piss about. Angry after the game but it's a good sign that the last time I was like that was against City. Still a happy bunny and with the benefit of hindsight 442 was the formation for the night but I think they wanted to protect parker.
Spooky, it is perfectly OK if you don't want to address (criticize?) and discuss obvious wrongs in the way our team played lately, but I think most Spurs fans do not deserve a subliminal message in your blog that pretty much says: "fook off from here if you dare to criticize either players or the manager". Why should they be content with what they witnessed at the Satdee's game? For one, I am not content with the way we played and want to say so. I bet my bottom $ that not a single fan who was not happy with this latest Spurs display, and who'd expressed his frustrations here or anywhere else, will throw hers/his Spurs' shirt and stop supporting the team. Why is such a sin not to like Bale's recently issued "roaming license" (abandoning his wing position and consequently the style of play that got us to where we are) and to say so?
You said: “We're not the ones under pressure to win the title”.
I don’t think there is any “pressure” on any team in the middle of season. The “pressure” could be seen only among the team fighting relegation close to the end of season. Everything else is having hopes. Some are realistic and some are not. Do you think that “pressure” could be applied to players like Yaya Toure, Dzeko, Balotelli, Silva, Tevez? I don’t believe it, no matter how much money they are paid. I don’t believe that the “pressure” is on Spurs to get into CL either. I see it as our goal and hope to get there. And what is wrong in having hope that we win the League this year? As long as there is a minute theoretical chance to get there I will get frustrated at every squandered opportunity on that path. And in my eyes, the Wolves game is such squandered opportunity.
There's no such subliminal message. I'm looking at the bigger picture rather than knee-jerking on the one game. We go from lauding Bale and Redknapp when the roam works to slating it when it doesn't. There is nothing wrong in highlighting this and there is nothing wrong in wanting more tactically astute awareness from manager or player. There is equally nothing wrong with someone, anyone feeling aggrieved because its a good sign we've really stepped up - we know we can do better.
Hardly end of days, right?
Perhaps I should have outlined some of the tripe being shared yesterday that was laughable. Obviously leaving my article too ambiguous in places.
My point about winning the title is that people need to dust off this one game reactionary stance that we're not good enough.
It's just my opinion.
Also, re: Bale, I cited that. In fact I cited what I thought went wrong versus Wolves.
Re: pressure, my point is there was no title expectations so having some people react like the Wolves display was criminal was a little over the top. Yes, I do get it, its a pissy result to drop the two points. But much like the way Bale added the roam to his play, it takes time. And there are hiccups along the way.
I'm buzzing off the fact that I'm witnessing this Spurs side truly evolve and mature. Need to remember the lack of experience and age of some of our players too.
Just trying to look on the bright side.
Hello please!
What it is "satdee"?
[Benny] LOL [/Benny]
"Just trying to look on the bright side"
This is the way forward. We're doing (more than) just fine. Chill, bitches.
Spooky, I guess, I’m harping maybe too much on this “roaming” issue, but from the time this “license” was approved (somewhat successful vs. Norwich), we struggled without (our trademark) width to break down defensive-oriented teams (Swansea, Everton and now Wolves). By us attacking mostly through the middle, opposition is getting smarter and more successful by simply packing the middle at their back line and lurking to hurt us with quick blitzes; the very style that was, till recently, so successful for us. This reminds me of an old saying… “if it aint broke don’t try to fix it”.
The game (against Wolves and the untidiness of it) will serve its purpose. Hopefully meaning Bale is left to drag players to the left whilst we exploit the middle with other means.
i don't know about other people but having watched spurs wading through mid table mediocrity for my entire life i am still living in dreamland seeing us even being discussed as title contenders. It is inevitable that points will be dropped, the most important thing is that when they are we recognise why they were and come back stronger.
If we aim for the top and we fall short then i will take champions league as a consolation, all i care is that we try.
Wasn't that long ago it was deemed as impossible and others sat on their perch, untouchable.
"liamlemur", totally agree with your observations.
This Spurs team is (arguably) the strongest squad we had. I am afraid we'd not be able to keep it for long due to our current wage limitations. A double sized stadium would certainly bump this limits much higher. Seems like weeks away that I heard last bits of news about plans for the new ground. Does anyone know any new details about it?
Beetleblues: you raise a good point but live in the moment! This is quite a moment for us. Breathe in and enjoy it, mate.
nycyid;
I do, mate, I'm enjoying every moment of it.
Wolves’ game may be characterized by, to me the ugliest of terms:… “it’s just one of those games”. However, thanks to Swansea and their thumping of the scum today, the outcome of the Wolves game already doesn’t look that dim….:)
cheers
'beetleblues' i have exactly the same concerns over holding on to our players. We must secure champions league and then somehow offer more competitive wages. I wonder if we could offload the likes of JJ and bentley etc and take the money from the sales and their salaries to up everyone elses just until we can get the new stadium sorted? If we keep the strict wage structure it could be troublesome.
(having said that, in the event that it does all go tits up we have a strong enough youth set up in place now that i can't see us falling too far down the table and that is worst case scenario touch wood).
but i agree with the others with living in the moment and having faith in mr levy to keep us motoring onwards
beetleblues, I agree with you 100%.
can't wait to see where the road takes us next.
COYS!!!
Finishing 3rd or 2nd would retain the bulk of the side, would have challenging for the title guaranteed next season too.
Not sure what type of impact the court case will have.
Even over the last few weeks I've not got into the "we could win the league" way of thinking. I'm just happy to see the gap between us and 5th (regardless of who sits in that position) stay constant, and subsequently grow. For me we have proven to a lot of people in the game that we are a good side who deserve to be in the position we are in. Two seasons ago we were accused of punching above our weight and scraping into the CL position. This year we've come out and hammered home an intent to grab that spot.
There's little doubt that we need someone who can score goals AND give something to the way we play as a team. Adebayor has changed the way we play but his goal ratio isn't too hot for a lone striker. Next Sunday will be a massive test of our ability to cope without him. There's hope that we can get Remy in before then, but I don't see it happening. 2 goals last night has added a few more £'s to Marseille's valuation of him.
Saturday's performance wasn't quite there, but you have to give credit to Wolves. Where a lot of teams have come to the lane and sat back, hoping to soak it up, Wolves were out there harrying and closing down at every opportunity. That's what we need to be doing at the Etihad next weekend. Skillful players don't like to come up against "in your face" opponents......
I'm happy we're comfortably in 3rd place. And when you think about it, yes City should move to 5 points clear tonight, but we can close that back to 2 points next week. Just like one swallow doesn't make a summer (or a great BJ), one draw doesn't destroy our chances.
The bigger that gap gets, the more we should be aiming to make it even bigger.
Am I the only one to think that the new team mojo, patience is key, is killing us when we aren't leading ? I mean, we need more emergency, pace and cutting edge when teams are parking the bus. We are just too slow with our passing over the edge of the box I think. bad ref costs every teams points, no need to moan. Can't wait to see us beat shity ! COYS!
"Staggering how time and time again, a single result shapes (then re-shapes) opinion, which is then presented as definitive. Then forgotten about the following week, replaced with contradiction."
An excellent observation that reflects the emotional side of supporting Spurs.
However, I also agree with Beetleblues, if we don't like what we see we need the release valve of saying so, even if that opinion later turns out to be wrong.
For me, the Wolves game did not represent the end of our challenge to win the League simply because no such challenge exists in reality. What it did allow was an opportunity for Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to close in on a top 4 spot. Fortunately, only Chelsea took advantage.
From the footballing point of view, the return of Dawson signalled the emergence of long-ball, up-in-the-air football and chaotic defending thankfully absent while Billy, Kaboul and Ledley have been in charge. Similarly Parker, who has been a shadow of his early displays over his last few games, returned to the line-up to disappear along with VDV (except for his atrocious corners and free-kicks). And Harry, love the guy, but subbing Lennon for DeFoe instead of VDV or Parker?
Bad injuries have plagued us over the last few seasons but the back-room boys do not seem able to overcome this problem, nor do the fitness coaches seem able to lift our level of physical performance and thus tempo to the level of teams such as Swansea, Chelsea, Liverpool and City.
Believe it or not, I am very happy to see where we are in the League but the problem with being near or at the top is that the only way is down unless we can consistently put away teams like Wolves, especially at home.
I see Sandro, Gallas and King as key players for us in the second half of the season and if they can be fit then we have a good chance of top4, assuming of course that Sandro and Gallas can get a game!
Going back to Spooky's original quote, I hope my observations turn out to be complete rubbish but this whole supporting thing reminds me of an old comedy song "Hello Mother, Hello Father" . Can't remember the artist but for those too young to remember try this link and listen to the end.....http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8125282998182602469
I also have a question regarding the hamstring injuries our lot seem to pick up rather frequently.
The missus flicked over to Dancing on Ice last night and one of the skaters tore a hamstring last weekend. Following intensive treatment he was able to train through the week and perform live last night.
How come our players seem to disappear for a number of weeks with just a strain?????
Having my first venture of the season to the lane on Saturday I left disappointed. I left disappointed because of two things, one) the two points dropped albeit to a very well marshalled Wolves team and two) the poor set-pieces that we provided time and time again. If we look at our winning/drawing margins over the last few home games it shows that with an extra one or two coming from corners/free kicks etc it'll bring us over the edge in tight games e.g. Saturday, WBA (1-0) Chelsea (1-1) Sunderland (1-0) or even Swansea away (1-1). I think someone is due a thumping at some stage this season and to be able to do this we must work at changing it up from deadballs instead of just lumping it in and hitting the first man. With Ledley, Gallas and Sandro to come back from injury we'll provide a bit more height in the box so hopefully we can turn this around.
Aside from that im still chuffed we're 3rd in the league with only 3 games unbeaten since August so lets go to City and show no fear. If its a title decider then let the media talk it up but as long as we go there hassle and harry and take something home then it'll just show how far we've progressed since Aug. If we get beat then we'll move onto Wigan at home and give another DVD showing to finish off Jan. Onwards and Upwards.
COYS!!
Why can't Harry go for Steven Fletcher? He's a great striker.