This should make good Reading
Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 12:34PM Reading (A)
I'm looking forward to the game. Hoping Dembele starts alongside Sandro and we get to see Clint Dempsey in midfield (if match fit) and Adebayor up front. Will also be keen to see us pass and move with urgency. We were lacklustre against Norwich and wasteful against WBA. Taking our chances early on is key. Reading haven't played a competitive match (Prem) since the 22nd August. Fresh but hardly match fit. That's not to say we've been setting the world on fire either, at times looking like we've not had much of a pre-season. This has got to be the game to ignite the spark that leads to the explosion. The spark being a convincing win against Reading today, the explosion a smashing of QPR at the Lane next week. We all know how it works. Momentum builds confidence in form and style. Perfectly illustrated by the past couple of seasons of rampant winning displays (when things were going well).
That urgency has to have traits of structure, players effective in their positions - yes Gareth, that means you. Having predicted that AVB will have a better handle on Bale we've yet to see him truly take a stranglehold on the left flank. Also, the controversial centre-pairing of Livermore and Sandro will have a few people biting their nails. Would prefer Sandro doing the Parker job of sweeping up trouble and laying the ball off to Dembele (our sort of Luka replacement in terms of creativity). Sandro can also pass the ball better than Parker so it can work. Dempsey or Sigurdsson can play further up-field behind the forward, in support and linking up play. Which will be two-fold with Adebayor being able to float into the channels.
We've yet to see the high-line implemented fully. Which tells us a lot about the patient 'rebuilding' of style rather than just asking players that haven't played it before to do so from the off (even though our fullbacks do enjoy a high line when wondering into forward positions). Talking of which Kyle Walker seems to be very positive about training and the coach. But don't shout about that, just whisper it. To yourself. As for the goal-keeper situation, only a matter of time when Lloris will settle in between the sticks. Brad knows, VB knows. We know. Lloris is a vital part of that fabled high line so it's essential. In time.
So there's a few things to look out for today. But not just formation and how it's implemented but also the attitude of the players. We would have been our way to sustaining some momentum had we buried those chances against WBA at the Lane. Such is football it can be cruel first to then be kind later. Which tells you that if you place the brain surgery of tactics aside a moment, we (the players on the pitch with ball to feet) have to be bang on their game and do the basics right in front of goal. Running around a lot still won't be enough, as witnessed the last two seasons when we run out of ideas. Villas-Boas has to pull us back towards that swagger and find a middle-ground where we strengthen mentally without letting go of the characteristics that made us such a joy to watch. It's in those games where we were not a joy to watch; it's in those games where we need to find a way through, have answers to all the questions being asked.
We seem to be stuck in that place at the moment. The inherited problems are not quite improving towards resolution and mixing in well with the new instructions meaning no immediate impact (although we've seen glimpses of it away to Newcastle and early on in our first home match). Would be easy for a new coach not to change a thing but then at what point would he be able to implement his own style? Better to struggle at first building the new and waving goodbye to the old than hang onto someone else's vision for the sake of short term pretence over longevity.
There's no need to panic, no need to struggle finding a way out. Find the door, walk through it.
Composure please Spurs. The self belief will blossom.
Whether today's convincing win does end up being a lucky one instead, the three points will be gladly celebrated regardless. The other two potential outcomes cannot be entertained. If anything because attempting to be explosive next weekend against QPR will be akin to setting off fireworks during a thunder storm.
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Reader Comments (37)
What a phukkin fairy story. I liked reading it though, a whole article based on suppositions and assumptions. You should be a politician! #:)
Great read spooks..... I'm excited too, it will come right for us today which in turn will set us up for next week which will in turn set us up for our usual nil points at Manure.
We're u in the west stand lower the other night ? The support was nothing short of amazing ! COYS !
We'll do it today, not sure VB will start Clint but that doesn't matter, sigurdsson will have a big game today. 3-1 spurs. COYS
I believe that the key to win the game is to use in midfield Sandro, Dembele and Vertonghen (thus not as a CB).
Those three players form the strongest midfield trio of the PL.
All of them have a strong personality, can defend (hold position and tackle), can move forward with the ball, can pass the ball and create assists and can score a goal.
That should be our midfield if we are aiming to win the game and not only to avoid defeat.
If Dempsey is fit I would use him also together with Ade and Bale.
Then we occupy the midfield and the attack with players that all of them can score a goal while they can defend also.
Suppositions and assumptions. The basis of all match previews. Knock yourself out.
Top stuff. So utterly refreshing in the midst of the clueless knee jerking agenda driven drivel flowing like rivers of stinking effluent from the redtops
Great read as always Spooky, always enjoy your take on upcoming games, keep up the good work!
"(even though our fullbacks do enjoy a high line when wAndering into forward positions).Fixed that for you ;-)
COYS
A great read, I just hope we win and we in style. COYS
You're gonna lose.
Is that what the midwife said at your birth?
It would be fatal for the players to overlook the urgency for movement.
This sweltering summer of the supporters legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of speed and style...
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline....
We cannot walk alone
As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.
"I have a dream".
COYS
As normal really enjoy reading this blog, keep it up, coys.
I am ready for the game, after two weeks waiting!!! I believe Spurs are gonna win 4x2 (Adebayor, Bale, Dembele, Dempsey). This score is based on the squads on paper and hopefully Spurs will find their game. I watched the game Chelsea x Reading, and they kept Chelsea at bay for a good part of the game. Good pressing and a dangerous goal scorer in Progrebniak. I like the idea of Dempsey as an advanced midfielder, even though he used to play more as a forward in Fulham. If he comes in, he is going to score! COYS
I like the title of this article Spooky and I think it would be great if, as you say, this is the match that finally ignites our season and we start to gain momentum. Would like to close the book on all the AVB detractors, hopefully we shall see a more spirited performance from the boys today, I'm getting sick and tired of all the snide remarks from smug gooners and you-know-who lovers. COYS!!!
Our starting team today: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Naughton, Sandro, Dembele, Sigurdsson, Bale, Lennon, Defoe
Team news in
Brad
Kyle gallas vert naughton
Sandro dembele
Lennon gylfi bale
Defoe
Bit worried that we are starting Defoe again. Interesting to see how naughton does
Fantastic goal from Defoe, great placement, boy!!
Did I say I was a bit worried? Jermain Defoe, he's a yiddo
No fear, Reading is really a Championship team, we will keep this lead and win the game - 3 points! They do not have the quality to equalize.
Sigurdsson was poor...AGAIN!
Nochman you Woolwich , learning impared or both?
Boo
All of the above was addressed in today's game. The season starts here. COYS
Well done!
You know, it's funny. I don't really care about the booing, but I do get a bit tired of the tendency among some of our supporters to not just find negatives but DWELL on them, even when we win. Reading GG you'd think we'd gotten thumped today. Yeah, it wasn't perfect and Reading weren't very good, but after the start we've had, I am taking this as a new start. COYS!!!
I'll hold back my thoughts for the blog tonight. But yeah, it's easy to to dwell. Also easy to get carried away. We did a job today, that's all that was needed.
Big improvement- Norwich and WBA were not very good and we scrapped draws, hopefully that will kick start something.
Not wishing to dwell on any negatives, but another late goal needlessly conceded. And the positives-well plenty of those from
where I sat listening to Radio 5 Live. Defoe is on fire at the moment, good job we never let him go and the game overall=
JOB DONE.
To be fair that was a beautiful goal they scored.
defoe had his eye on the prize from the kick off! big statement from him today!
More like it but I didn't enjoy conceding a late goal again. That has to stop surely.
Thanks boys, I'm proud of you......
fcukin defoe will NEVER be an effective lone striker. Only 9 shots on goal and only 2 goals? Hold your head in shame boy.
And why oh why didn`t we replace Modric? Only 20 goal attempts away from home? Where`s the creativity?
How dare AVB not play Lloris, even though Brad`s been our best player so far this season?
Clueless, out by Xmas.
COYS!!!!!!!
Defoe was excellent today (despite some poor choices - I guess he will never learn when to pass). Has he bulked up or is he just working harder? bullied Reading today.
Working harder in a system that suits him being joined by the midfield rather than modric hitting him from deep. Ade will be vital in tighter games though when we are disrupted in midfield and forced to play long. This is precisely what was missed last season - JD on the pitch when we are dominant and creating chances. Not rocket science really. Vert looked good and Sig played an orgasmic ball for the first goal. Dembele looked as though he has played there for years. Poor opposition, good win, looks like things are beginning to fall into place. Three points off QPR will set us up nicely for our customary old trafford hiding.
Great improvement,and Naughton got better as the game progressed,good solid cameo from Clint Dempsey,excellent game for Dembele Great support for AVB from the visiting fans but of course it went largely unreported
Papers still full of negativity and comments like "speaking after his first victory as Tottenham boss ex Chelsea flop Villas Boas" etc etc(Sky Sports).Andre Villas Boas "Solidificated" his position (daily mail on line),Judgment on the AVB revoluton must be witheld......buys precious time (Daily Mirror).Lets face it they wont be happy till he has been dismissed,so lets hope they are unhappy for a good while yet. 3-1 away, Readings first defeat at home since January, undefeated since opening day,scored in every game of the season,happy days,try reporting some of that you tossers.
Spooky,
I love your subtle riposte to the troll. MOE - you echoed my sentiments in your first post. AVB OUT!!!! Love the shirt
Spooky, will you bring a comment on the Reading game?
There were a couple of nice changes in the tactics. More confidence, in Defoe, Sandro and the CBs.
It was also nice to see that the midfield triangle, Dembele, Sandro and Sigurdsson are moving like a unit in midfield, positioning themselves to keep possession. Maybe together they can compensate the depart of Modric. We will see it in a tougher game. It was also nice to see Lennon moving into space like on the first goal. It was not the usual stuff, of him trying to pass defenders with the ball on his feet. I think slowly the tactic concepts of Villas-Boas are comming through. I had the impression a couple of traces of Barcelonesque football were to watch yesterday. Like the three linking up in midfield and those deep balls and diagonal passes of wingers running behind the fullbacks. It would be a promising concept of football, if Spurs could play the possession and positioning game but also able to employ the usual fast game over the flanks.
Defoe really impressed me, he positioned himself much better, standing often in midfield and comming from behind like a false nine (as does Messi). This way he doesnt has to beat CBs for a header, but he can find the space left open by the opponent. He can also beat two CBs, as long as he has space. Hopefully he keeps working on his positioning and stays positive like yesterday. Another thing that catched my eye was that Bale was roaming more than ever. One could see him somtimes on Lennons side at the right flank and nobody on the left. I believe he is working to be a more complete midfielder, however often he would do better for the team keeping to his strenght.
3 points! It was a relief and an enjoyable performance! COYS