Spurs involved in Greek tragedy
Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:00PM Panathinaikos 1-1 Tottenham
Highlight of the match was half-time when I cooked a rather delightful fry-up consisting of bacon, sausages, two fried eggs and some fresh buttered bread (not toasted) to soak up the golden yolk. The mug of tea (Yorkshire Hard Water) another bright moment in what was a completely satisfying feast. Unlike, unfortunately, the football that slept either side of the fifteen minutes it took me to serve up.
A half-empty stadium with no atmosphere and our hosts looking rather limp and ineffectual, whilst we bossed it without really trying too hard for forty-five minutes only to then mimic the Greek side by not really bothering to do much more in the second. Which meant it didn't take much for them to hold onto the hope of an equaliser, which came by way of a pass deserving of one. The high-line, Dawson looking lethargic, all the defenders looking lethargic. Sigh. It was generally a performance of much ado about nothing and thank **** we didn't end up with nothing. Honestly, I was begging for the ref to blow the whistle towards the end because I thought they might end up nicking it in injury time. That's insane considering how easy things looked early on. Daws did score though. That's the script the tabloid hacks dreamt about last night.
Sure, we should have had a penalty, once again we were sort of robbed but still, that's too apologetic a reason to accept as for the disappointment. Effort gentlemen please. Bit of emotion? Passion? Even some arrogance would have been acceptable. If Andre Villas-Boas is taking this competition seriously and if the players and side being selected is pwoper norty in terms of bullish strength, why so lacklustre? International break after the Villa game, right? I'm left scratching my head.
Far too many below average performances, a few cameos and plenty of homework for VB to chuck at his Powerpoint presentation for the flight home. Careless possession too. Walker remains lost positionally, Dawson - love him, but just because I want to slap his back and hug the big lad doesn't mean he's good enough for our team. Nice gesture to give him the captains armband but on this evidence you can understand why QPR was a viable option for him during the summer. I'm trying to be gentle here.
Huddlestone looked like he cloned himself pre-match then ate his clone and decided to run around without burping first. Yet still he manages to produce the odd sweetly hit volley or pass. Damn you Tommy, if only you were born in the body of Zidane. Lloris played. So bored he was, he even let the ball slip out of his hands just so he had something to do in the first half, correcting his mistake.
We should have just steam-rolled them. We should have come out for the second half and steam-rolled them. Judging by our coach on the touchline seeking players to push up more, we lacked urgency and lacked common sense. Really need to want it more Spurs. I guess perhaps that was the crux of it. Should of steam-rolled them but instead, slowed down in body, the soul and spirit. We could have done with a Shamrock or two on our shirt.
It's still tricky to be too critical of the selection. Had VB selected a less 'first team' heavy side would the players in the side been more enthused and prepared to impress enough to claim the win with comfort? Won't ever know. Redknapp played youth and we got nowhere because everyone at the club wasn't that bothered about it. Seems we need to be trying that little bit harder. Too many players with their mind on the Prem? Probably.
Andre citing 'heat and tiredness' post-match. I think he's being too kind. But all part of the learning curve I guess. This wasn't quite a wet and windy midweek away day at Carlisle. But at least he's honest and upfront about it all. You get the feeling he's noting everything down and that mistakes made are going to be processed on the training pitch, rather than being tagged with a 'one of those days innit' label.
Another point gained but we'll have to do better at home in the next Europa League game by actually winning otherwise dreams of Amsterdam will go down faster than a sassy brunette in a kamer. Maribor double header up next.
No injuries either. I guess bundles of energy stored up now for Villa at the weekend. So, no excuses right?
AVB resignation on hold until then.
Reader Comments (40)
No need to worry. This is just after the Lord Mayor's show stuff.
1-1 starting to look a signature scoreline though. Ok, worry.
To look on the bright side, we didn't lose the game. I just don't have any positive feelings about Sunday. Villa will come out guns blazing.
Simply lacked pace in moving the ball forward to connect with Defoe and Dempsey.
That was really poor. I feel sorry for Huddlestone who gave his level best (which sadly is no longer good enough) and got no help from Dembele or Dempsey. The fans will blame him.
I really really really HATE Dawson's unnecessary longballs. I like Dawson though...but QPR is his level.
Defoe and Kyle Walker may be over-rated. We need to pay attention to them more closely.
Huddlestone looked like he cloned himself pre-match then ate his clone and decided to run around without burping first.
ROFL
I must say that he looked like he was running through treacle, but after what you said I think that he must have realised and then stopped to eat the treacle. As regards Dawson, I'm glad he got through a match without yanking up his shorts, causing subsequent painful grimacing and bulging of eyes. His long balls were such a throwback that the colour oi my TV went sepia.
AVB out!
Hilarious, nycyid - make a joke rather than admit that there's a lot to sort out at WHL - two or three good 45 minute spells aren't much to show from eight competitive games so far under AVB!
Poor Daws...hero to zero in record time. What is wrong with Walker? He seems to be going backwards. Dempsey and Dembele looked like they had been up drinking all night. THudd was a lost little pony, but he did serve-up a few beautiful crosses. BaLennon were ...meh. What a disappointing shambles after Sunday...but I suppose a let-down was to be expected.
That being said, why didn't AVB start Townsend and Smith and Carroll, etc...we could have used the energy of which NONE was evident today. AVB talks a lot of squad rotation, but he needs to own it and commit to it. I hope he learns something from this debacle.
(Excuse me...I need to go and bury the cat...and find a reasonable facsimile before the missus gets home.)
We took the foot of the pedal...
Anyway, - Draw not the end of the world !
We'll turn it around at The Lane on Sunday !
Wisky, - keep those ponies saddled !!!
COYS!
It has been the same every game this season. We win the first half and lose the second.
WBA came back in the 2nd. half and scored a late goal.
Norwich did the same.
Reading had us reeling for the first 10-15 mins of the second half and scored late on.
QPR gave us a very good run for our money and could just as easy got 1 or 3 points from the game.
Man. U. had us under the cosh for all of the second half. How they failed to score more than 2, I don't know.
Now the Greeks managed a late goal.
Every time, this season, when teams apply the pressure we appear unable to respond by taking the game to them. We go all out in the first half, but come the second half the tank appears to be empty. Do we believe that one goal will be enough?
At the moment we are not playing well, and despite winning at Man. U. that game showed that we do not have the ability, or will, to force a team onto the back foot for an entire game. We were LUCKY at Old Trafford. They hit the woodwork twice and we sat back and let them boss the game for almost the entire second half. (Dempsey's goal being the exception). Even though we won the first half at Man. U. we did not control the game like they did in the second half.
Once the other team decides it is time to get stuck in and play to win, we have a problem, we don't seem to have an answer.
Under AVB we seem to get nearer and nearer out goal, rather than the opposition's, as the game goes on. We retreat into our half and he takes off attackers and puts on more defensive players. That tactic is asking for trouble.
The Sandro substitution, IMO, was AVB admitting that a point away from home was all we were likely to get last night. In that sense and given the lack of any offensive capability, I can understand it. We should thump that lot back at the Lane with a proper crowd behind us. Still...it's 2 points that were there for the taking.
Well that was always going to happen...thank god we scraped a draw thought loris would have come out of his boredom induced stupor and smothered that pass? Although to be fair I'm thinking I had a much better view than he did.
On a lighter matter Jeez hasn't Benny let himself go! man oh man being laid off with injury has really piled on the pounds no... no ...wait a minute it's the Scud.. that explains it.
It was a touch of time team though far too lazy far too wastefull and far too comfortable, so essentially we got lucky, but as has been previously stated I feel AVB will take the positives and hammer home the errors, not content with a "you can't win em all" 2 from 8 excuse.
At least this one is out of the way and a timely reminder to our heros that just because we beat a team in red nobody is going to quake at our might bend over and let us have it our way....
Bring on the Villa and an energetic surgical approach...COYS
[trolling] I see certain people are out in force, I guess it's safe to be when Spurs don't win a game [/trolling]
Although I don't blame AVB as such (professional players are paid for 90 minutes, not 45), his substitutions seem the show he thinks a single goal is enough. He's surely seen enough this season to know it isn't.
Post Script
Spooky your half time commentary has left me with saliver dripping from the corners of my mouth I am guessing the Bacon was tender with the rind having the slightest of crispiness, the butter almost sliced on that lovely fresh bread and the eggs(free range obs) were of a golden hue that any would be wolf would be proud to adorn his body with? The Sausages were "Proper Meaty" and not those sad bread sticks soaked with grease? And Finally the piece-de-resistance that glorious cuppa ,White mug? perfect temperature? satisfying to the very bottom of the cup, leaving you dissappointed that it is gone but knowing that if you make another it just wont be the same??
God how jealous am I? I have been a vegetarian for 5 years and I can still smell that bacon(tears of sorrow and longing cascade softly down my cheeks from my tired eyes).
COYS
RIGHT UP the villa
This 'certain people' rubbish is really starting to get up my nose, Spooky - some of us are seeing the reality of our very patchy start to the season and commenting honestly on what we see, while others can only see what they want to, courtesy of their Levy-prescribed rose-tinted specs, and can't bear to have their fantasy threatened, hence the abuse which any criticism of AVB always receives. You're the one with the agenda here, ILWT and AVB is our saviour, and piss off if you disagree.
@ Chestnutboy & Kingdom of Sod
You guys are unbelivable, - everytime you post, you only have negative thoughts to share, - perhaps there is something wrong with your eyes and if not, - your expectation of where our beloved football club should be in the standing at this early stage of the season, - completely unrealistic! We are 5th !!! And have only lost one game, - our very first to Ncastle ! Let me remind both of you, - that we have a new Manager, as well as several new players, it will take time for them to gel; - As I have posted many a time this season, - it might very well take a full season before you will see the actual playingstyle/results which we all want. You can of course post anything you seem fit/ freedom of speech and all, - but negative words when they are absolutely unwarrented, are indeed utter nonsense. Positive words ( And here I do not mean praise when none is warrented ) on the other hand, create a positive atmosphere and creates vibes, - helping our beloved Spurs get where we ALL want them to be, - namely: at the very top !
Love The Shirt Love The Spurs
Overall it was a poor performance, shame as I was looking forward to the game after ManU. Thought they looked a little disjointed to be honest. Walker seems to just run into and push players away! Lets hope that Villa, who will come out all guns blazing, will get the full on Spurs. Have to agree with Iain on the substitution, one goal is not enough. The high line seems non existant and we do drop back as the game progresses.
Still more than happy with AVB and the team though. COYS.
Spookie, love the half time feast....
QPR?! Come on, man, that's harsh! You can't be wishing QPR on anyone who's played for Spurs. . .let alone someone who puts the shifts in that Daws does - remember AC Milan at home. The man was a giant. Dawson and Thudd haven't played for a year. They were the spine of our Champions League qualifying team last time they did play regularly. The onus yesterday was on those with match-fitness to look like they cared, surely.
I only bother to post on here (and subject myself to the abuse which always follows) when the level of blind stupidity becomes intolerable - grown men in tears because we scraped a lucky win over a poor Man United side, for God's sake! I've previously mentioned my first visit to WHL (September 1969 3-0 defeat to Man City for your information), and I remember that we 'scored' three times in the first half, all correctly disallowed (all offside, I think). Around me on the Shelf were people effing and blinding at the referee because he wasn't wearing the Spurs blinkers that seem to be obligatory for 'real' supporters, and life would certainly be a lot simpler if we were all the ILWT clones that Spooky welcomes to his site. Perhaps I'll get in some practice: 'Great article, Spooky', 'AVB is the best manager since El Tel', 'AVB is the best manager since Burkinshaw', 'AVB is the best manager since Bill Nick' - yes, it's easy once you get used to it.
@Allan & the other starry eyed dreamers.
We are not playing well. We do not play well for a full 90 mins. We have played 8 games for 3 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss. In 3 of the draws, which all ended 1 - 1 we conceded in the last few minutes of the game. We also concede late against Reading. Why? (I discount the game against Carlisle as they are not in our league or class).
Are the reports in the Mirror true? Are the players being burnt out in training?
In every game we have played we have shown that we are vulnerable in the second half. I know QPR didn't score in the second half, but they certainly troubled us.
We have one of the better squads in the PL. We have had for a couple of years now. We all know what happened then. But I ask the question. Why do we go AWOL in the second half?
I hark back to my pet hate, last year at Villa, we were down to 10 men, drawing 1 -1 and HR refused to bring on Defoe when we needed a goal. (For that reason alone he deserved to go). In that game the team played with a fire, passion and grim determination to break down Villa. Villa simply parked a bus or two, or three and clung on.
As yet, this season, I have not seen the same determination to win a game. The nearest we came to it was at Man. U. Where we hung in and, for once, the defence played out of their skin. When we did have a go in the 2nd. half Dempsey scored. It is quite obvious that we are capable of opening up other teams. So why aren't we doing so?
Why, with the squad we have, do we struggle to maintain a lead? We are, at the moment, not a 90 minute team. Until we become capable of applying pressure for a full 90 mins. we just ain't going anywhere.
I have been watching football, and other sports, long enough to know that winners never quit, and quitters never win. Football is a 90 minute game. Someone should tell that to the team, and more importantly to AVB. In this day and age the game is never won in the first half.
At the standard I played football, it resembled team tennis - or 11 michael dawsons per side if you like. Now and then the ball would hit a dried up rabbit hole and loop over the `keeper, who was most likely leant against a post lighting a fag.
But if the pudits are right, they tell us that players get far more knackered when chasing the ball than when in possesion of it.
If that`s the case, no wonder the players were jaded after saturday.
I was a little surprised at the number of key players in the starting line up last night. Just hope they`ve got something left in the tank for da villa.
City and United have both been quite spawny at times this season. The most convincing have been Chavs, Everton and WBA.
We are now on an unbeaten run, without being convincing. Let`s make the most of that and hopefully hit our groove sooner rather than later.
The other point that pundits repeatedly make is that a sign of a good side is to get results when not playing at their best.
We have banged on for years about bad luck, etc. Now that things are going our way, let`s all get behind the team and help them click up a notch.
COYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ Kingdom of Sod !
It is great to have you back !
I notice and wonder why you only post when we draw or lose and if you post when we win, - your comment goes like this:
Quess a win is a win..... and then your usual negative remarks ! Again, you are in your full right to post how you see it !
However it makes me wonder if you only will be happy if we win each and every game, year in and year out ?
As I have tried, in vain to explain you since the beginning of this season, a New Manager and new Players means that a new system of playing has to be implemented, - this will take time, - perhaps as much as a full season, perhaps two, - before our Squad will start to play and win as we ALL want them too ! Now you, after 3 games, - were infact so very impatient with AVB, - that you were only prepared to give him until Christmas, - this kind of impatience is indeed the very thing I am objecting about.
As far as the ManU game is concerned, - then in my humble opinion we completely ruled them in the first 45 min. In second half, - it was to be expected that we going to come under tremendeous pressure, - yes there was lucky moments, - but the fact that we defended with nail and tooth and showed real gritt, - tells me that we are on the way, - of course we are not the finished article, - but the promise is suddenly there.
In conclusion; I think that you are overly unrealistic in your expectations at this so very early days of our New Managers reign.
Strive to be positive in your outlook and you might very well find that your Positive and Patient vibes will find there way to AVB and the Boys !
Kingdom of Sod, - May God Bless you and have a wonderful day !
Love The Shirt Love the Spurs !!!
'Reborn', 'Looks sharp', 'On fire', 'Has added more to his game' - Guess who?
We've been here before, haven't we? Offside when he shouldn't have been, not in the box to receive crosses when he should have been. If AVB really does think Defoe is the man to the lead the line then we've got problems. Is Adebayor the answer? Not clinical enough for me. Dempsey? Stinks of mediocrity.
Huddlestone isn't match fit, but it doesn't change the fact that what I've been saying for an age is true, namely that he's just plain dozy.
How can it be, that a player who has been in the professional game for 10 years still can't strike a ball cleanly or with any accuracy? Take a bow Aaron Lennon. Time and time again I've seen Lennon feebly shoot on goal. It's got to the point now where sometimes you can actually see that he has no confidence in his shooting so makes a pass instead.
Let's hope the QPR money men weren't watching Les' ineptitude when defending, and as for Walker...
It's all very well trying to win everything, but realistically, spreading this squad too thickly over all the competitions will very likely see us end up nowhere.
We need to kill off teams early, and give them no hope of getting back in the game, to do that, we need our strikers performing week on week. Are they good enough?
"winners never quit, and quitters never win."
Did you have that on a No Fear T-shirt circa 1992 along with "It aint the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog", and "second place is the first loser." Are you from the other side of the pond perchance?
There was always likely to be an emotional hangover after the win at Old Trafford. Expect this was it, look forward to trouncing Villa over the weekend.
I don`t understand those dismissing saturday`s win as lucky.
We dominated the first half, they dominated the second.
We however had more shots on goal in the second than they had in the first.
They hit the woodwork twice. Blah blah blah.
Only stat that counts is we scored 3, they scored 2, rejoice! I don`t believe there are Spurs fans out there who, on the final whistle thought `Yes but they dominated us second half and are the poorest they`ve been for years`. But we have found those fans on here.
I don`t see many stating that AVB is the best thing since sliced bread............yet. A common theme seems to be that it will take some amount of time for everything to click.
Saturday? steps forward. Second half battering but stood up to it. Our record against the top clubs was pathetic last season. Positives to be carried forward, rather than negatives to dwell on.
Importance of perception
If you only watched first halves you’d think we were unlucky to be 5th and should be top
If you only watched second halves you'd think it is miracle that we're 5th
The truth obviously lays somewhere in-between.
Concentrate on one or the other and you will be in conflict.
After only 6 league games
5th place
2 pts. ahead of !*@#@$^^
Hardly a stylish start agreed
A scandal? Defiantly not
This time last year after 5 games we were 7th
To emphasize perception
Everton's fans are jumping up and down and saving for next seasons CL away games.
Best start to a season in years....etc.
They are merely 2pts ahead of Spurs!
My perception is that we have a new coach introducing new tactics and is trying to find the correct combination of new players.
Like a golfer, who in order to progress has to change his swing, is for a time, completely pants.
When his brain engages, and the muscle memory becomes 2nd nature, he improves.
Because the Spurs squad players are quality, it’s only a matter of time before we see an improvement in consistency.
COYS
PS. I had Bangers and Mash
Not fussed about last night. Europa league would be nice but I can watch those games without soiling myself (unlike last Sunday). As others have already said, we were always going to have a come-down after the ecstasy at Old Trafford and I'd rather it was last night than against Villa on Sunday. They aint going to come at us all guns blazing, they'll get annihilated if they do - think Newcastle at home last year. Instead, they'll play the way we find it difficult to beat and hope for a West Brom/Norwich result. It'll be up to us to open them up. That's possibly why it's been harder to pick up points at home than away so far. Sunday could change that stat. I hope it does.
For the benefit of all my detractors, I DO NOT live on the other side of the pond. I was there when Billy Nick haunted the dugout. I was there in 77 when we finished bottom. I was there in 78 when we came up as the third team ( just beating Brighton on goal difference). I have been there for, probably, over 1000 games. I have seen Spurs play brilliantly for an entire game. Bloody awful for an entire game. But I have never ever seen a consistent run of first half domination turn into lackluster second halves, week in and week out. They are losing the plot halfway through the game. WHY?
Certain people say it is a new manager, new players, new tactics, in transition, be patient. etc. etc. etc.
The wheels always fall off in the second half. If we can get it right for the first half of the game, why not the second? I am starting to wonder if the report in the press that there was friction on the training ground may be true. There seems to be no energy or urgency after half time.
@kingdom of sod
Your last paragraph leaves me confused! Friction...what friction would that be?
Why would they bother playing well in the first half?
http://www.cruyfffootball.com/files/Cruyff%20Football%20English.pdf
http://www.totalbarca.com/2011/opinion-pieces/cruyffs-corner-two-decades-of-philosophy/
More interesting than the Red Tops, written by people who know what they are talking about.
@Kingdom of Sod
Are you refering to the reports in the tabloid papers last week saying that AVB's training sessions were draining the lads and therefore in your mind they dont have enough energy for a full 90 minutes ? Let me put your mind at ease, - several of our players have already made comments on that, - saying that all is sweet and dandy between AVB and players, - it is a non issue,-period ! Also did you not see the chemistry/celebrations between our management team and players after the games ??
Relax Kingdom of Sod, - all is well in the Spurs camp !
Work in progress, - Keep the faith.
I have made a facebook page for Australian spurs supporters it is called Aussie Yids. When I have enough members I will have polls, questions, team news and it will act as a discussion forum. If you are interested please like my page.
@Allan
I read the press reports with a certain amount of suspicion. However it does go some way to explaining the falling away in the second half. I don't believe everything the players say in relation to the manager. Public criticism will only get them dumped into the reserves. Managers are very touchy creatures at the best of times, even more so in football clubs.
When a team repeatedly loses the second half of every game they have played this season (I exclude Carlisle as I didn't see it) I ask the question. WHY?
What is the reason for it? I can only conclude that they are too tired to maintain the pace of the first half. Or they lose Focus, or the tactics are changed for the second half. No matter what the actual reason is, we have lost the second half in every game we have played this year.
I have followed Spurs for so long now that I bleed white. The current squad is, man for man, the best we have had since we came back up in 78. Sure we don't have a Clive Allen or Sheringham up front but we do have a top class squad overall. This is despite the loss of Modric, VDV and a half fit King.
I can't put my finger on it, and I know there are a lot of other people around who think as I do. Something just isn't right. We can all hope that the problem is sorted out when we play Villa.
@Kingdom of Sod
Perhaps you should concider that every team in PL have earned their right to be there, - there is no easy games and we/Spurs can hardly expect to be able to have it our own way in the full 90 Minutes against any of the PL Team.
@kingdom of sod
I suspect its a conscious change in tactics.
Unfortunately the coaching staff can only gauge the teams progress, during an actual match.
So they switch tactics, to see if they are picking up on what they do in training.
The first 10 or so games will look odd, but as the players switch on, and gain confidence,
they will apply the tactics automatically, moving from a defensive phase and transitioning into attack
and back again.
This period will go all the quicker, if the team is encouraged.
Kingdom of Sod, you're analysis isn't even right. None of the Newcastle game, the QPR game or the Lazio game fit your theory that we've been good first half and rubbish second half. And in all your time watching football, have you ever seen a team in front at half time at Old Trafford that hasn't been put on the back foot in the second half?
Sandro:
"It has always been a personal ambition to win. In the history of my career – win, win, win – always a champion, that is always the ambition. This year, more than ever, there is a general feeling among the whole squad, this is what they talk about. To win every game they go and play. That is the ambition. There is a belief and a confidence about the squad at the moment. With the group of players, the back-room staff, if everyone keeps working hard and pulling in the same direction it is achievable."
So yeah, what he said.
Hell Yeah!