Harry Redknapp was wrong
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 8:01PM
Tottenham 5 Newcastle United 0
If there was a performance that defined the word galvanised this was it. Harry’s court case, the England job, the White Hart Lane faithful, the players...everything fused together perfectly to drive forward an emotive and at times wonderfully majestic game of one-sided football that illustrated what is so good about this Spurs side.
Patience is not a virtue that is often allowed to settle in amongst all the hyperbole and drama at any given club. We all knee-jerk in some way. Sometimes more subtle than the next person, but we’re all guilty of it. It’s simply self-doubt in an opinion or in someone or something. You react to it without properly processing every eventuality. One of the common trends of complaint and concern this season has been our squad depth. This was under the microscope recently during the month of January, resulting in players leaving the club and a couple arriving. Replacements for back up players when we all craved top drawer signings.
We scoffed. Scratched our heads. Fickle and forgetful considering the last time we misbehaved like that was when Scott Parker was signed. It’s almost like we reset our pragmatism each time. We're actually a very decent side. We should revel in that far more than we do and have confidence in that fact. In Harry we trust, finally we trust him.
No van der Vaart so no 4411. Saha upfront with Adebayor in a traditional 442. Kranjcar retaining his place. Defoe and Lennon returning on the bench. The galvanised effortless movement and attacking prowess was beastly. Every player alive and hungry. We’ve questioned and debated the form of Adebayor, excusing his lack of goals because of the way he fits into the system we play but still we've shown concern for his quiet performances as of late. Isolated at times and with a despondent first touch. Yet against Newcastle he was electric. Unplayable. Four assists. Two for Saha one for BAE. Took the fifth goal for himself. Adebayor with eight assists for the season (edit: It's ten assists apparently). The option of playing two upfront when Rafa is unavailable is now enticing. Trust.
The new founded double act working tirelessly, running into space, into the channels looking for the ball, looking for each other. Saha, a wealth of experience knowing where to position himself. Along with every other Spurs player out there, they made a point. They made three points.
We showed everyone watching what Redknapp has crafted at Spurs when Spurs turn up at full pelt.
Benoit in the 4th, Saha in the 6th, Saha in the 20th, Kranjcar in the 34th. Saha's second a joy to behold in terms of team work. Over on the bench Harry was displaying pure emotion, releasing the stress of the court case with each goal scored celebrated like he was punching the bitter face of the HMRC.
The home crowd boisterous and proud singing their support for the manager. After the Wigan game (the support sang for Harry) this game finally witnessed a genuine embrace from the stands. A bear hug Martin Jol would have been proud of. One Harry fully appreciates. It’s almost surreal, hearing ‘We want you to stay’ when at times we’ve been quite withdrawn for vocal support for him by name. Mainly due to the fact that he has distanced himself from Tottenham (‘them’) and the fact that he has very much always prioritised his brand name above and beyond all. He probably still does but you can not detach yourself from a club completely without the consequence of forging an affiliation with its fans.
We know Harry, we know he’s about looking after number one but he’s let his guard down a little. Just enough for us to finally invite him in. It’s a very poignant moment this. And deserving for the successful restructure of a club that was a mess and massively under-performing when he first arrived.
Newcastle had an effort or two in the first half but nothing that looked like puncturing our defence successful. If there was a criticism to be aimed at us I would suggest we need to start looking at taking free kicks instinctively rather than attempting to craft some ilk of masterpiece from a set piece. But that’s been a long running issue with us. Corners included. At half time and at 4-0 the most telling stat belonged to the aforementioned Adebayor. Four assists, so lazy he couldn’t be arsed to score any himself. Until the second half.
The second half was not as rampant and bullish as the first. But it was still one of comfort and joy. In the opening forty-five we dominated with concise effective possession. We were clinical and brutal in our approach. You can question Newcastle’s positioning but to take advantage you still have to endeavour to do so. Which we did with pace and tempo, relentless punishing tempo. Sometimes it just clicks altogether perfectly. Even with the players missing and the ones on the bench we did not look like weakened in any way. We welcomed back our manager and reminding him that there is more quality to work with in N17 than there is with the Three Lions. If he fancied staying put.
As for the second half not being rampant. Luka and Niko continued to work their socks off. Parker dominated Perch and Guthrie (mismatch) with his tenacity and commitment. Newcastle desperately missing Tiote and Cabaye. Even when we started to give the ball away a little, we never looked like a side that was concerned with the pace of the game slowing down. The fifth arrived on the 64th minute mark, Saha header with Adebayor hooking the volley into the net and then getting tickled for his effort in celebration whilst holding his knee on the ground. One or two other half chances here and there. The crowd continued to sing Harry’s name. Lennon and JD replaced Bale and Saha. Nelsen came on for King. There was even time for a superb reflex save from Friedel from Ba.
Perfect evening. Handshakes all round.
The back line was powerful. BAE brought the crazy. You almost forgot we had King and Dawson there. In control and composed. So good, you didn’t even notice them. Apart from Benny. He always makes sure you notice.
Parker and Modric the perfect middle two. With Livermore performing so admirably and Sandro an option, we look to be fit and ready for the battles we face in the coming weeks. Parker was back to his best, tackles and distribution. Luka is Luka. A gem, a wonderful rare gem, a thing of beauty and priceless.
Bale solid, hard working without the individualistic quirks.
Kranjcar equally solid continuing his form from the Liverpool game, defending/attacking. Team player.
Adebayor’s best performance in Lilywhite. A Godzillaesque impact on the game, smashing down the black and white skyscrapers that Alan Pardew has built.
Saha a revelation. Levy and Harry’s moneyball transfer tactic coming up trumps again. If he stays fit and performs with this level of movement/intelligence then we have the rejuvenated kick we’ll need to make this second half of the season as successful as the first half. Defoe looked lively when he came on, fitting into the style of play Saha left when he was replaced. All three should keep each other motivated enough to compete for a place up front.
At the final whistle, with Newcastle outclassed, and everyone Lilywhite gleeful, we could all look back at what was further proof that the progression of Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham continues to gather pace More than it's already gathered. Ambitious. Daring is achieving.
A team of brilliant individuals that play for each other and the unit. A team that plays for their manager. A team that can adapt formation when necessary. A team, on form, easing to victory over one that lacked any cohesive shape and simply failed to contain and compete sufficiently enough to make a fight of it. To bully a side like this is a requirement if you aspire for the progression to continue.
Suddenly, there is no knee-jerking looking at our squad. We have an option to play Niko who will retain possession well and link with Luka when discipline is required with a touch of cross-field vision. Lennon is now back if we wish to exploit space and stretch with width. With three forwards available we can rotate in a 442 and still have the option to play the 4411. With one defeat in 30 or so home games we have set the benchmark for ourselves to complement our possession by scoring goals and killing teams off. We’ve bossed many a game and not done that. It’s so much easier when you’re clinical because you can seek to push the game beyond the opposition in no time at all.
As for the gaffer, he wont be able to say no England. Its the pinnacle (for him). However, sometimes, an epiphany can change all that. Hoping he had one yesterday.
Harry Redknapp was wrong.
This season is the best we’ve ever had it. Last season was evolutionary as was the one before. It’s continued into this season without the slumps and loss of confidence. Just strength solidified from one game to the next, momentum held close to our pumped out chests as we crow at ear-bursting levels. Tottenham, a big club in a big league.
Fantastic players, freedom of expression, brilliant football. That’s as good as it can get for anyone.
You should love your club unequivocally no matter its stature or position. But you should never feel guilty if you lust for something more. Our tradition and our style, the Tottenham way...we’re oozing it at the moment. Not in cameos like so many seasons in the past but in sustained form. Long may that continue. Because when you strip away all the want for silverware and top four what truly matters at the end of it is the joy your team gives you. This team doesn't fail to disappoint and I can't smile without it.
Harry Redknapp was wrong but it still makes him right.
Love the shirt.
Reader Comments (57)
I reckon Harry will stay mate. He knows we have something special here, if only we had sorted out the new stadium before hey!
Such a great season to watch. Can't wait to see how it ends. COYS
In agreement with the guvnor ... if I was a cat I'd be purring.....
What a pickup Saha was. I couldn't help but think how great Levy/Redknapp have done in the past few transfer windows...
for one Downing
Adeybayor, Saha, VDV, Parker, Pienaar, Gallas, Nelson, Fiedal
I think Adey, VDV, Parker, and Pienaar all would have started Saturday for Liverpool. Quite the business.
It was good that the game ended with 11 men on each side. No finger pointing from the 'noisy neighbours' on that one then. I have yet to watch a football match and get the tingles, but I couldnt help loving every minute of that game. It had everything. Even Defoe was bubbly and his ball control was great to watch. Parker is an absolutely stubborn brute. He was magnificent. Each player was thoroughly enjoying the experience. Even the subs came on and fitted into the system perfectly. Harry has oiled this machine beautifully. Now let us give a couple of the 'big boys' a good fucking hiding.
Come on the Spurs.
great article spooks. I can't help but feel we are better without VDV, perhaps controversial but this performance showed that when every player in the team works hard we can perform like that. We also werent quite so wasteful without his 30 yard free kick attempts.
Was so important that we won yesterday, would have taken any win but to beat the 5th placed team so easily was very impressive, just a shame we do not kill teams off like that more often.
Now lets go and stuff the goons, players should be well rested after the second string hopefully dispatch stevenage on saturday.
Spooks! Whoever was moaning about the signing of parker obviously knows very little about football, probably the same people that were moaning about Ade last week
Best team performance of the season, pace, precision and skill combined. Bale who had his quietest game for a while, stayed wide (on both sides) and made some great runs to pull defenders away from the ball. Ade looked at one point like he was never going to score again yet had set up four. If Saha stays fit he'll be a real asset. The Parker/Modric axis is a thing of beauty - simple, skillful, hardworking. Solid at the back, Walker is turning into a defender who can really defend. Benny, he's even started taking the freekicks now! (Not that Bale was happy about it)
Defoe worked hard coming on and really got involved, Lennon always a threat. Nelson even gave a composed shift to give Ledley a breather.
If this is as good as it get's I'll be OK.
The only question is...
What happens when VDV is fit again?
Spooky the master of words when it comes to writing about all things Spurs... What a performance yesterday !!! a day when it all came together, a performance to die for.
Ade & Saha it was like they had been playing together for years, hard to believe this was their first game playing as a strike force... and what a strike force, they have so much skill and you could see they had this instant understanding of each others game WOW !!
HR's celebrations after every goal, the crowd... the score... the performance, I'm still on cloud 9 COYS !!
I think VDV will become an impact sub if we play 4-4-2 and Ade, Saha and Defoe stay fit.
Not sure we can play 4-4-2 against Man U and Arsenal, as if they keep the ball in midfield our strikers and wide players become redundant.
Carrick, Giggs and Scholes controlled the game for Man U yesterday. We may have to modify our system/ line-up to compete with those 2 teams for possession.
What a season and if we can pick up points against L'Arse, Man U and Chavs, we will be in the mix to win the league let alone a CL place.
We were simply unplayable and yes I've ate my hat with the word SAHA written on it! COYS
top read
Actually, it's you that is wrong. I have 10 assists this season, not 8. I'm second in the assist league, behind Mr David Silva.
COYS
Try this Benny interview. It's cool, soooo cool.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16960846
It's a shame it's taken the threat of porridge for Redknapp to show a little humility to the fans. Pity he didn't try it when he first arrived.
VDV behind Adebayor might not be perfect, but it's a combination that has, in the main, got us where we are. One game without him against a naive Newcastle side missing its first choice CM pairing doesn't mean he's now redundant, but as Spooky has said, at least we've now got the option of playing with two (adult sized) strikers up top.
fantastic article
Great post spooky as usual
love your comments
we are on the cusp of something special
been waiting a long time for this
ever since I used to go to the lane to watch chivers / gilzean / peters / jennings
we have a TEAM that plays like a Team
Glory Glory days at WHL :)
Daniel, whoever you buy in the next transfer window,after that performance just make sure that Ade is the first signing that you make. Whatever it takes!
Did you notice the sheer delight on the faces of all our players as the goals were raining in yesterday ?
Even the new boy, Saha, who has been there, seen it and got the t shirt was running round like a lunatic after he scored.
Real team spirit which should serve us well for the rest of the season.
Your post Spooky was like yesterday's game - top (top) class. 'Arry now needs to re-consider his automatic selection of VDV when fit - some fine-tuning required for the difficult games coming up. Believe.
Harry is a fantastic Manager....what incredible football. Such a shame we were robbed of those five points with Ade's legit goals ruled out!
Top top performance. Only wish we can top this by ending the ManU jinx when they show up at the lane.
A fabulous performance and result for Spurs, sure! We will all rejoice and celebrate.
But then again, Newcastle was a severely weakened side and walking all over them was just as much as we should be doing.........
Let's not get too carried away and be complacent. Every remaining match should be treated like a cup final if we want to ensure Champions League qualification and who knows if we may even sneak away with the Premiership title! Come On You Spurs!
lets all sing the super pav song.. .... ... super, super pav, super.....
................ok ill get my jacket.
"Because when you strip away all the want for silverware and top four what truly matters at the end of it is the joy your team gives you"
And that is the essence of being a Spurs fan; nicely put Spooky.
Another great read Spooky. It's been an amazing season and one that has not just broken the traditional Spurs mould but smashed it to pieces. Loving every moment.
maybe its just my lack of sleep but reading this post and all the comments brings a tear to my eye. I love you Spurs
The fact is, our 3 biggest league wins at home this season (Liverpool, Bolton & Newcastle) came when we've started with 2 strikers, and without a certain dutch maestro we call VdV. Whilst the Dutchman is clearly a good, calm finisher, and has saved us a few quid on underpants with his un-tottenham-like penalty taking ability. My worry is that when we're really going some, playing fast paced, direct football and dominating the P that theres no need for a luxury in the hole player, we just need 2 out and out strikers to get on the end of a plethora of crosses, through balls and corners that will inevitably come. Some will argue that there's nobody better lurking on the edge of the box waiting for a cutback than Vdv, but I refer you to this fact. In our 3 biggest wins of the season, 11 out of the 12 goals have been scored or assisted by one of the strikers, usually a link up between the 2, Van Der Vaart hasn't been able to forge a good partnership with Adebayor and for me this is a massive minus point.
There's no doubt Mr VdV that for what you've done against Arsenal for us, "I will always love you" but I'm sorry, Im convinced that if we'd started with that wacky formation they call 4-4-2 at home against Chelsea & Wolves we'd have 4 more big shiny points right now.
It was the Wigan game singing wot changed it for Harry. The epiphany moment. It's all well and good people telling how good you are and how much they want you to stay when you've just been linked with the England job but we sang his name when Harry was on the ropes. When his darling newspaper hacks were cracking derisory jokes at him. That's when you find out who your friends are. Who matters. My guess is he'll still go for the England calling but his relationship with Spurs has changed for ever.
Let's not go overboard about the Saha - Ade partnership. We all know that Saha needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool. We will be better off NOT starting him every game. Unlike Ade, Bale, Lennon, Parker, Modric, we CANNOT run him into the ground. And Saha is clearly a better striker partner for Ade than Defoe - and we all would prefer VDV to Defoe in that respect. The other point it to remember that Newcastle were missing their best central midfielders - so we had less pressure on us, AND we were AT HOME. Away to Chelsea MAY NOT be a 2-striker game - but certainly the home games, and potentially some less tough away games. Basically Harry got the tactics right. He knew that Newcastle were going to punt it long, (and there is no better partnership than King/Daws to deal with that), so he went with Saha and kept Niko, and it worked a treat. People also were suggested that we were a two-man team, but Bale & Modric were out performed by the others.
You used to be in a better shape when you were being cynical or negative Spooks but you evolved together with the team the last few seasons , postive and motivational. They play with love for the shirt and swagger (as said by someone Saha really looked motivated to play in the lilywhite shirt) and your writing follows that lead.
Glad to have helped title wise :p
All this gushing praise of Redknapp makes me miss all the bloggers who slated his every move.
Parker/Ade/Brad/Louis... who needs em. Harry Out !!
There you go. Just like old times now.
saha - unbelievable. in fact the whole season has been. how good can it get in the next few months? smash the goons at the library and do united at the Lane, then i'm retiring ;o)
Firstly well written piece scary one Spoooks, i have been saying all season we play better score more when we play 442 the results show this too be true. When you look back at our results and team sheets we struggle along with Ady who looks and plays better with a strike partner. The 4411 games have been rescued by Defoe a few times Lennon Ekotto Bale and others when Harry plays Van this leaves Ady isolated this is the worse midfield for scoring Van Sandro Parker Modric Bale and these are the best on record. Lennon Huddlestone Modric Bale. Lennon Modric Parker Bale Kranjcar Parker Modric Bale all with two strikers. The other system we could use if Ekotto gets injured is three at the back King Dawson Kaboul Lennon Parker Modric Bale Defoe Saha Ady ( Van) 3 4 3 only at Home. This would keep our attack sharp and we still have the best passer before his ankle in Europe Hudds too return i put 4-1 on a Newcastle blog and they laughed at me well i was two goals out so maby they where right too laugh he who laughs last Laughs longest hhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Coys
Show Harry what we all want, ny joining and spreading the word..
Harry, don't go!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dont-Go-Harry-Redknapp/320475514670618
Game day was the usual conundrum--yes, will I watch the game, no, can I bare to watch it?--in the end I did and what joy! Not only did they win,but unless we are all deceived there was a real joy in them playing with each other. It was a good a performance as I have seen from any team ever. Since then I must have logged on to the Web countless times just to look at the league tables.
The only downer on the day was the shambles at Old Trafford. How sad it has taken a guy from the US to remind Anfield of its fall from grace as one of the great clubs of the UK.
I got it wrong in an earlier post regarding Saha licking his lips at our mid-field. He was salivating! 2 in 20 games at Everton, 2 in 20 minutes at the Lane!
The Man with the Golden Arm - Harry - does it again.
Great to see Kranky smile again, had that weight of the world on his shoulders look for the last 12 months. A very important squad player when fit and confident.
But this brings me to VDV. The guy is a superstar. When he's right, he starts each and every time. Regardless of 442 or 4411, he starts!
As good as Kranky is, VDV is on another level.
brilliant article
Yes, I hope we do not underate Niko. He is real class and would be a first choice in virtually any other premier League team. It is this amazingly strong squad we have that limits his apperances. I have always felt he can play the VDV role---who is absolutely superb--if he is required, so it is essential we keep him if we can.
Love the shirt. Love the Spook. Excellent summary of events and related emotions.
Best chant of the day -"we'll pay all your tax" to the tune of we want you to stay. Everyone around me was cracking up.
We need to start believing we can catch Citeh and United. We have options on the bench, the squad overall looks strong, no European football to distract and tire us.
And Ledley, give him two weeks rest when we can. The man is a legend.
The ingredients are all there. A win at the new library will put us so far in front of that lot it's embarrassing for them and we absolutely, positively have to beat United at home, it's our time.
I'm still believing, even turned down a weekend away on the last day of the season because I have to be at the Lane. I'm expectant.
Anyone no where i can see the whole match again on the internet
Nice. A tribute that matches the game.
I questioned the arrival of Gallas,Parker,Saha, Nelsen, Friedel,and Piennar.
Well one out of six aint bad.
Oh and Harry.
But I'm learning how to eat shit.
Highgatespurs said if he was a cat he would be purring well by god Iam not a cat but I am certainly purring COYS
Delightful. Best form Ive seen in all the years I have loved the shirt -- 37 years and counting. Team work through and through from the fans to the manager and his staff to the players. Wonderful push and run play with confidence, is this that my granddad used go on about? A beautiful sight to behold. Glory, glory!
Re Clips: I download clips and full games from this Spurs Thailand blog. The DL links are all legit
http://www.spursthailand.net/archives/category/clips
Far from being impressed upon the clubs announcement of Harry Redknapp - yeah, we wouldn't get relegated, {he once kept a pub team in the top flight}, but could he go much better? Within a year I was regularly proclaiming the if HE'D been at Man U for 25yrs he'd've won 20 Champions Leagues'. Some fans seem to have missed enjoying the years Harry has given us. The ass end is still there to catch. Some bloggers are STILL hoping he 'fucks off to England'. Come on, Levy. Dance.
davspurs, give me your e-mail for the 720p recording of the match (ESPN HD stream)
I genuinely welled up towards the end. Fuck I love you Tottenham.
Great result and an even better performance. It deserved a great write up and that was one of your very best Spooky! Hats off to you.