Spurs in turmoil
Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 10:00PM Manchester United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 3
Someone, please hold me.
I swear, hand on heart, before the game kicked off, in the build up to it I was not in the slightest bit nervous. I guess because it’s Old Trafford and the memories of the past twenty-three years have turned the occasion into a foregone conclusion. We know the script, we’ve read through it dozens of times before. It's a seasonal tradition. At full time I was a complete mess of a man. Why? Because of that oh so common anomaly that can sometimes crop up when we play them. On those rare occasions, perhaps two or three times in amongst the twenty-six games without a win in their back yard, there is sometimes an inclining of hope. That moment when you almost believe because you think the players believe.
On those rare occasions we’ve had that cruelly and sometimes brutally and many times comically snatched away from us, without remorse. It’s in these moments of hope where you suddenly care so much more. Not that you never care about what transpires for Spurs but you care more so because the very thought of losing is soul destroying because you believe you've got a grasp on victory. Hope is the unequivocal reason. Hope, hope takes you, grabs you by the throat and drags you to the very brink of hell, pulling you down, making you experience all you witness in slow motion. You suffer every second, it becomes unbearable. This is what it feels like to be a supporter of any club. For us it’s pretty much the standard.
We have had to endure being out classed, losing to dubious referring decisions and a variety of capitulations that were birthed from the fact that for all the desire to believe, there was nothing to truly back it up when it mattered most. Why was that? Probably because we allowed that negativity to become synonymous with playing them. 'United, they’re bound to beat us', and they do, every time. Thinking it is enough to constitute believing it. A single shred of doubt is enough. In my match preview I said that for all the years and games played, in many ways, none of it should be of any relevance to the present day and the game to be played next. Why should it be? Fact is, bad luck and decisions aside, we have never been good enough to beat United at Old Trafford. Tactically and mentally. On this occasion we got it right and to make certain of the three points, a footballing God up in the heavens decided that there would be no thunderous rain to drown us in. They looked away for once.
This is a new Tottenham Hotspur, in its infancy in terms of maturity of system and tactics but eager, hungry and willing to impress. It’s still early days. There’s still plenty to improve on, but you can take a performance and a result like this and you use it as evidence of squad harmony. It feeds into boosting morale, confidence. Also, it adds to the justification of the faith placed in the coach and in being patient. The great fallacy about football is that if one person says something another believes this to be true simply because it’s been said. One person says 'pressure' therefore another believes there must be pressure. What pressure? Who cares? The word is sometimes nothing more than a commercial commodity to make money from the hyperbole it generates. Villas-Boas isn't under pressure, he's just probably irritated. His emotional celebrations are a release. No doubt the frustrations and experience at Chelsea still need to be worked out of his system along with one or two other bug bites that need to be scratched.
The game itself was fascinating because it illustrated just how juxtaposed when comparing one half to the next.
The first half was exceptional. 1-0 up in no time at all. Half man half amazing Jan Vertonghen bursting into the box to score. It was easy, too easy. Too earlier? Was hope planning to drag me down kicking and screaming within the opening couple of minutes? We continued in good form. Bossing the game. More pace, more power and some beastly performances in midfield and on the break. Sandro starting a move with a brilliant tackle on van Persie, playing the ball out to Dembele who released Bale for the second. 2-0 at the break. The most telling aspect of our play was the intensity of our movement, always looking to hurt United. Composed and effective passing. Confidence in abundance. Which is where that ominous whisper makes its appearance, that voice in your head, pulling you back from being overcome with excitement and bravado. Hope.
“We’ve been here before”, it whispers, "...You know what happens next, don't you?"
Would have been naive to expect United to come out second half and not attempt to claim some type of stranglehold on the game. We were deeper, sitting back too much and not defending the flanks but then we never got hold of the ball enough to dictate tempo. One stat I saw shared on Twitter was that we only completed around 35 passes in the second half, such was United’s dominant pursuit with making a breakthrough. You expect them to make that breakthrough too. Regardless of our past history with them, it’s United, they’re famous for it. It’s what they do.
From being in control with splendid work ethic and intelligent movement in the first half, we chased down shadows and surrendered that intensity to the hosts in the second. We got teased and slapped around by hope once more, as she loves to do. That anomaly, that rarity. Once more into the heart of darkness we stared.
Perhaps there is a solution to being pegged back like that. Something VB noted for future reference. The ball, when sent forward, was instantly lost and United pressed on over and over again. We failed to take the sting out the game, we failed to slow it down. This resulted in a variety of emotions and cursing and praying. But we did not collapse or give in or lose focus and concentration. Yes, the wood work saved us a couple of times. Yes, there was a decision in there that might have, could have gone United’s way. Yes, they missed a couple of chances that they could so easily have buried. But these are the very same incidents that all clubs suffer but sometimes succeed with, week in week out. Just because we’re the benefactors of luck this time, doesn’t demean it. Justice for Pedro, right?
That second half was more to do with Manchester United waking up than it was to do with our tactics. Much like United's first half performance was influenced by our dominance. Tactics aside, the players had to dig deeper than ever to find that resolve and that belief, which is usually nothing more than an empty shell at Old Trafford but this time was fleshed out the size of Godzilla fighting off an army of attacks.
At 2-0, after the second forty-five kicked off, I made a dash to the toilet. Butterflies in my gut had morphed into piranhas. I returned and stared with sheer amazement that the score was now 3-1. I had time to blink and it was then 3-2. No no no, not this I cried out. The game, in the space of 140 seconds had gone clinically mental. For all of that structure of the first forty-five, the game had opened up massively. As games do. Tactically, the game had relaxed. Loosened up. You can argue the way things panned out initially is how we had planned. We set out to attack and pressure and hassle United and it worked. The second half was probably going to be the same from us but perhaps with looking to turn defence into attack, on the counter. Yet it become a game where United were always in the ascendancy and we became reactive to everything they threw at us. We lost the remote behind the sofa and had to endure forty-five minutes of a tv show we didn't want to watch. Aside from luck, it’s here that mental strength can come in quite handy.
Tottenham believed. And for once it was not false or deluded or misplaced. For once it wasn't an empty shell.
For all those years, I’ll be damned if I wasn’t ecstatic about this. United might not be the team of previous seasons but this is more about the team we can become rather than the state of the teams we play. They still have the experience. We still have to earn it. This win goes some way to setting the foundations for future victories.
Friedel – Did his job. Held onto the ball when it was imperative to do so. Safe hands.
Walker – He still hasn’t got a grip on positioning which means we’ll be punished for it, inviting pressure on. More discipline required.
Gallas – Experienced. Proving a fair few wrong. Looked suspect earlier this season, almost felt last year was his last run out and yet he’s managed to retain some influence and composure at the back for us. With no Ledley there, it’s perhaps fortunate we kept Gallas.
Caulker – Didn’t panic, but he’s hardly a Premier League fledgling. Gallas by his side helps.
Vertonghen – Did I see a Superman celebration? Keep this form up and he’ll easily be our Player of the Season. Brilliant in defending as he is bringing the ball out. Risky with the shirt pull, but his run in the early minutes was deserving of the goal he got. Not too shabby at left-back.
Sandro – This might well be the season we see him mature. Beastly as ever, and much like Bruce Banner, in control of the monster within. A vital element to the way the side sets up. Holding midfield, defensive midfielder, brick wall. Call his role what you want, he doesn’t just defend. By virtue of winning the ball he can spark an attack with a simple ball. That tackle on Robin van Persie.
Dembele – Another powerful performance but struggled a little with his passing in the second half.
Dempsey – Scored. Still finding his groove, still has to work on his awareness and movement with new team mates. He'll score a few by attacking the penalty area.
Bale – Much more like it. Scores and assists.
Lennon – I’d like to see Villas-Boas to work on how he can use his runs more effectively. Honestly, at full pelt, running at defences, he can be unplayable. Doesn’t happen enough, but he’s started this season in superb form. 14 key passes so far this season.
Defoe – Worked hard. Will always struggle a little with holding up the ball when were up against it (something we desperately needed in the second half) but can’t fault his performance and link up play when we attacked. Was involved in two goals. He’s a much better footballer under VB. His run left Ferdinand and Evans in no mans land for Bale's goal and he held the ball up wonderfully well in the build up to Dempsey's.
Sig, Huddlestone and Dawson – all helped out when coming on. It was hardly the easiest of games at the time of arrival. Chris Hoy will be able to tweet without any repercussions concerning mistaken identity. Sir Alex will still be complaining, as officially 'Fergie Time' isn't due to finish until Monday morning.
As for our coach? Top marks. Let the haters keep on hating, let there be a siege mentality if necessary, but everything outside of Tottenham that only exists to criticise is hardly of any true relevance any more. Most of it is borderline fantasy mixed with unintentional parody. Such is the lack of substance. Club in crisis. Villas-Boas wins the three games he had to win to save his job < insert canned laughter here >.
We won the game because of the first half. United were only as good as they were in the second because of the performance we put in. The spirit and survival instincts displayed our character isn’t one dimensional like past teams that flattered to deceive. We can be bullish and we can be bullied, but we can still come out on top. It’s just one game, but its testament to the work being done at Spurs. A fantastic result for a club in turmoil, where players hate training and dislike their coach by refusing to play for him and then mockingly hug him after the final whistle.
The game left me both physically and mentally exhausted by the end of it. But utterly joyful at the same time. Only our fifth away win in eighty games against the old traditional top four. Another hoodoo gone. But more importantly, twenty-three years aside, justification in support of our coach.
So onwards to the next test and the next step. Where no doubt hope awaits once more to suffocate our beating hearts.
Reader Comments (72)
Well done Spooky, great read as usual. Squeaky Bum time in the 2nd half, but what a win.
COYS!!!!!!!!
I love the fact that we're 'in turmoil'. Keep it up!!
Haven't read it yet. Just wanted first to say... yesssssssssssssssssssssss (one s for each year of hell).
a joyous read and a truly remarkable win... i sat and watched the whole game at my mums (visiting with new baby) when i would normally have given this one a miss. too much heartbreak and folly in previous years. Too many shit refs, shit second halfs etc etc. Ive been to OT too many times and lost to go through it again. Even at 90+4.5 I thought theyd score.... then to quote the great whingebag himself.... Football eh... bloody hell!
Cant smile without you spurs and well done AVB... lets be avin more of that first 45 mins over the whole 90 please......
FUCK ME WE WON AT OLD TRAFFORD!!!
What a result!! That's about all I can say. COYS!!!
'Ha' to all the AVB haters.
'Ha' to the biggest sore loser, ever, AF.
'Ha' to that bloody 22 year record!
I'm still shattered from watching it on TV. Draining but uplifting at the same time. Up the Spurs!!
What a brilliant summary all round.... I've never nodded my head reading anything as much as that. Absolute CLASS. Once again you have raised the bar, man!
Jesus Spooky.....It took me 3 times to read this piece....I just started singing and lost the plot.....
I love you man....spot on
COYS
COYS!!!!!!
Love it
COYS
COYFS!!!!!!!
If there ever was a reason to believe...
I had been having a totally shit 2012 until this weekend, thank you AVB!! From where I'm standing, we beat them in both halves. The first half was great but we've always known we could score against the best, what was missing was the "not capitulating" part. Our defensive play in the second half is actually what gives me hope that we can do well this season. A good team must be able to do everything well ( attack, defend, possess, set-pieces). We are 3/4.
COYFS!!!
A lovely heart in throat performance, I swear I was proper pacing for the final 25 mins of the game. Not including the unusually ineffective Fergie time. Anti AVB/Redknap lovers can cordially sod off - I still can't fully believe we did it. Vertonghen, what a lad. Lennon's my boy as always and I expect, likewise for AVB to work on his final ball up in the final third. What will the press have for us next, aye?
@#WhatDoWeDoWithBenny.com
I absolutely LOVE Super Jan at left back, Spooky! He is a goal-scorer and game-changer. I love Benny with all my heart, but what do we do with him now? Can he play right Back? Walker is the weak link back there now. Gallas played well but at least one of the goals was from him not picking-up the loose forward in the middle. I want my Kaboom back!
BAE - Kaboom - Caulker - Vertonghen
Wow! Wouldn't that be a handful!?
And the best thing is that they are all babies! With Lloris only... what 23 or 24...this lot could turn into the defense of the age!
Yes, I'm still giddy and haven't slept for 36 hours. I don't know that I'll ever sleep again...
Love ya SPURS!
PS- The Lilies worked a treat @Filar. I might get back into bed tonight...TBA
Good read, puts my thoughts into words,thankyou for that,why are we so happy? win lose or draw its cos we are Tottenham Hotspur,the one, the only,never red ,mighty spurs fromthe lane and long may we continue to be !!!! coys
My eyes have seen the glory. What is left is to witness Spurs become PL champions and I can die knowing my football life is fulfilled.
First time I have actually read this site was tonight - What have I been missing?!!Lovin it!! Followed Spurs since 78 and thought I would keep an open mind after AVB's appointment but so far so good after shaky league start. Hope we keep going in this direction.
Is it just me or does the previous 23yrs of Old Trafford heartache make this victory taste all the more sweeter? AF's reaction helped a bit too mind!!
p.s. Spooky you are a poet. Look forward to your next instalment. C'mon ye Spurs
This was a gutsy performance by the whole team !
Yes Spooky, it is indeed early days, - but mark my words; We are starting to show signs of a team destined for the very top !
Love The Shirt-Love The Spurs
Great post spooky! this is my first post but have been a regular reader for several years, quite often your thoughts echo mine.
I thought the team was amazing on saturday! I really hope that this performance is the platform for the AVB out brigade within the Spurs support; to get behind our head coach and the team and give them the confidence to get out on the pitch and put in and dig deep to get us the results we all crave! Sure Fergie got it wrong in the first half and fielded an aging midfield against a talented midfield with a team who average mid 20s, they gave us some very squeaky bums in the second. That was always to be expected but maybe not for a full 30 mins.
As for all of the tabloid scum and the vindictive character assassinators.........SHHHHHHHHH! We as "the Support" should firewall our own, a PDA at our next home match for AVB would go along way to give him a fair ride in the media.
PS FU%& off Jiggings and the Sun and all of the haters! give a man a chance to do his job!
Good stuff spooky.
I dragged myself to work at 5pm on Saturday, congratulating myself on the impeccible ethic demonstrated in resisting the overwhelming temptation of pulling a sicky.
Sky plus at the ready, this is one fixture that I cannot avoid the result of. History has taught me if we`re say 2-0 up after 30 odd minutes the false hope and ultimate guttedness of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory is too much to bear. Especially as in my world of crazy shift work, the final recorded whistle would blow at about 6 am. That`s no time for anyone to retire in beer fuelled fury.
So at work I avoid the first 30 odd mins before logging onto SSN. 2-0 up. Brilliant, same old same old.
Half time - still 2-0. Fuck me we might...no stop it you fool.
Second half. 2-1 3-1 3-2. They hit the post and have one disallowed. Fuck. Still 20 mins left. Why couldn`t we be 3-0 down? This is so cruel.
A voice inside my head screams `Log off now.` I pause. `DO IT NOW`. I comply `Now, keep your hands where I can see them and move away from the keyboard`. I do it.
I occupy myself somehow for the next 25 mins. During that time I work myself into a deep depression, wondering how many we`ll manage to lose by this time. Depression turns to anger now.
I fumble for my mobile phone and log on, forcing any trace of optimism from my mind.
SSN pops up. I see the words Edge, thriller, United, in, a, Spurs. The words are jumbled and I can`t quite register their correct order. Then they fall inyo place. Thank god I`m in a quiet spot away from colleagues. I`m aware of a stream of loud noises eminating from my mouth and my body morphing into hitherto impossible shapes.
I compose myself and get back to work.
9 agonising hours later I settle to watch the recording. Oh you glorious Spurs!
And for all that second half pressure, they came close but rarely got in behind us.
Icing on the cake as it became obvious that John T***y, Fat Frank and co were simply too thick to execute AVB`s quite straight forward methods.
I was unable to post until now, because for every ecstacy pumped vein there was a sore festering with anger.
The AVB haters.
The Arry lovers.
The Defoe only turns and shoots brigade.
The Gallas is past it posse.
The boo boys, shamed by United`s magnificent second half support.
But the sores have healed. Let`s pray that this result - I don`t expect it to change all those opinions - but let`s hope that this wonderful feeling serves to get everyone behind our glorious Spurs again. The lane deserves to rock.
We were so defensive in second half but I always thought if we conceded we would just attack and score another.
Love that 23 years of dire performances (players and officials) has been replaced by one amazing night!
COYS
Love the image of the tv remote lost behind the couch and being forced to watch 45 minutes with no influence. Great article about the influence of hope and belief. I think one of the strongest outcomes of this will be the belief/trust the players will now have catalyzed in AVB and his vision... Keep it up. Looking forward to your podcast with the boys this week!
This game turned everything around and proved how things can be worked on and fans and critics can be often too hasty! Spurs broke the 23 years hoodoo.
Defoe worked very well as a lone-striker, mainly working spaces off the ball.
Bale's roaming worked on his goal, although well combined with Defoe dragging defenders off position.
Gallas was a beast.
The first half showed good tactics from AVB, since ball posession, pressing and movement on counter-attacking expolited United's frailties.
Physically and mentally the team was up for it.
The defence was more solid with Gallas, Caulker and Vertonghen. It could be a good card for a strong attacking opposition. Holding back RVP, Rooney, Nani and Kagawa is a huge job and they did well.
AVB is doing a nice job including other players as cover or in bit-part roles and I believe we will see more of them in the Europa League.
Then, we have Lloris, Ade and Parker to come in.
We are 2 points from second place, we are in the game! COYS
A great result and lady luck finally turned in ur favour, many years late. Justice for Pedro indeed and maybe for Stoke away last year, Chris Foy. BUT second half performance was woeful, despite the correct comments about belief etc. Only poor finishing by the opposition prevented another embarrassing capitulation. Most of it is basic and therfore very worrying. Friedel gave the ball directly to the opposition on 85% of his clearances. We lost the ball immediately on every throw in because there is only ever one man to throw to. In those last 10 minutes, Defoe was unable to hold the ball up because he insisted on trying to shoot, instead of going for the corner, shielding the ball etc. These things were also evident in the West Brom and Norwich games where we did give away winning positions. Training this week needs to be back to basics and quickly.
Ferguson has 3 games to save his job - Daily Mail
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Spooky, for putting it into words ....... I am an anti-Stun, anti-Sky person who won't give Murdoch his money, won't read or watch his tripe, so I can only watch live games on dodgy streams, and I spent the last thirty minutes circling the house, watching the picture jerk forward sometimes, stay smooth and clear at others. With a life of its own, it jerked when the ball entered our crowded goalmouth, ran smoothly when we got the ball out ... and then lost it. I'm able after your words, however, to join heart and head - they're not in conflict. Sure we rode our luck as they came at us, but we rode it MAGNIFICENTLY. Sure there is work to be done in practicing how to bring the ball out and keep it, how to put pressure on THEM to sit deeper, but THIS squad is going to love doing that work, and it is clearly functioning within a process of learning that is continuing, and continuing HOPEFULLY. We can ask for nothing more, nothing less. One question .... would we swap all this - the crazy ginger man throwing himself into fist-pumping frenzy, for the sight of 'Arry twitching, sitting on his hands and rehearsing in his head the 'we did our best but what can you expect speech'? NO, WE WOULDN'T!!!
COYS!!
During the Olympics Lord Coe stuck his neck out and said we needed big wins in the Stadium for them to be a success - and on that weekend they devilverd and we never looked back.
This win could be the same for Spurs..we could have followed the normal script beat West Brom and Norwich at Fortress WHL and capitualted like school girls at OT...and we would be one point better off.
But the big win, against one of the title contenders.. at OT ffs. This result could be more than the three points.
Obviously it blows the Sun et al with their lazy story lines out of the water, but also it should galivenise the fans and the players that we might be on the brink of (another) step up!!!
COYS
I said last week it was odd we're a club in turmoil and yet Arsenal, who at the time we 1 point in front of us, were going to challenge for the title. What now, when we're 2 points in front of them? Also liked Alan Hansen's criticism that we just defended too deep. Nothing about how we played them off the park in the first half or how it's highly likely even the best teams in the world will come under constant attack from any United side at Old Trafford when they're winning. Let them keep hating I say. I love watching the obvious improvements in the team that are coming directly from the training ground. It's so refreshing to see someone clearly doing what they're being paid for. Keep up the good work AVB.
Excellent as always Spooky.
I have been in the minority of fellow Spurs fans I know in being 100% behind AVB and what he can bring to our club. I was calling for him to be our coach before we even got rid of HR!!
This result came about due to planning and tactics and instilling a belief in the players that they can go anywhere and win.
COYS!!
Really look forward to Dear Mr Levy post - absolutely spot on again with your comments. Great performance to beat ManU in their own back yard. Long overdue. Now if we can beat Chelski at home in a couple of week then I might believe......
If you wait long enough you'll eventually find some common sense (even on this site), so three cheers for Bob. I'm not an AVB hater, but I'm still very much a doubter, and the simple fact is that we played well for 45 minutes against a very poor United, and played very badly against a much improved United in the second 45 minutes, and needed all the luck which we've been denied at Old Trafford since 1989 to hold on to a narrow win. Look at the United websites to see what their fans think of SAF's team selection and tactics, and it will put our performance into some kind of perspective (and I seem to remember a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 1976 being followed a few weeks later by the most humiliating defeat I can ever remember witnessing at WHL, when 3rd Division Wrexham turned us over 3-2 in the League Cup). The likes of Spooky and Harry Hotspur constantly accuse the media of having an anti-AVB agenda, but wild and uncritical praise when it isn't due isn't the anwer, at least for those few of us who value the truth.
I think our team has finally grown up, they have finally become real professional footballers instead of half amateurs having a knock about on a Saturday afternoon. I have watched Spurs for over 40 years and can honestly say our lads played their arses off. We didnt give up, we gave them a bit too much space in the second half but we defended that space well. In the past in far far too many games, our lads would have been slouching around showing the opponents that they are tired and then we would have been steamrollered into submission. But this time they all stood their ground against an onslaught which would have beaten us in times gone by. And those times are now "gone by". I have always been a proud Spurs supporter, have lived through ups and lots of downs, but that display on Saturday was better for me than winning any trophy. I admit I cried, my missus thought I was off my head and came over to comfort me thinking we had lost. And then I started grinning and havnt stopped since. FUCK ME, WE BEAT MAN U!!!!! COYS
Have just read the post before me, I dont give a monkeys if they put up a bad side, or if they played hopping on one foot with both hands behind their backs, ole rednose chose the team and he lost. It doesnt matter, we beat them and thats what counts. So if you are a Spurs fan, stop making excuses for the other side. Al
I never believed we'd win. Even at 2-0 up at HT, even at 3-2 with Friedel taking the goal kick... I'm disappointed to see a complete lack of editorials on such a historic win for Spurs and how VB's tactics worked on the day. The knives would be out were the scoreline reversed.
I was waiting for your review all weekend. Worth the wait as usual.
Regarding hope, one classic quote from Monty Python sums it all up, I think: "It's not the despair: I can cope with the despair. It's the hope - that's what's killing me."
COYS!!!
I hear from a reliable source!!! that Utd are adding a lawyer to their coaching team who will specialise in appeals since Fergie feels they need to improve this element in their tactical plan.
There'll still be boos though if we're 0-0 at half-time this Sunday v Villa
Hi,
Already mention before that I'm a gooners, but I really happy with your win again mu, congratulation spurs :)
@cheshuntboy and the others picking up on the negatives already.
Sure, we were hammered in the second half, but Evra, Carrick, Ferdinand, RVP, Giggs, Scholes, keep the names rolling and you`re going to tell anyone this was a `poor United team`?
Their fans may be bemoaning Rooney not starting. Presumably in the interests of squad rotation. Remember where lack of that got us last season?
Read the posts here, there`s a common thread amongst us yids - even at 2-0 and 3-1 we thought we`d be beaten.
The players went onto the pitch with 23 years ringing in their ears.
Fergie reminded his team at half time that they have this tendancy to win games.
Second half was seasoned winners, backed by a seasoned winners crowd v self doubters backed by an even mere nervous crowd.
But they dug in and held on. Heard many chavs complain about being played off the park by Bayern but coming away with the trophy?
The delight following this game is in the fact that the team refused to fold. It`s a step in the right direction, but we remain in the most difficult position of all, striving to become winners in the first place.
Saturday was a step forward, please let`s not get coy about it, let`s be COYS!!!!! about it.
@Moe
I agree with your post, Yes we came under
tremendeous pressure in second half, but
we did not fold, keept defending in the most
gutsy manner. Unbelivable positive attitude
by the whole team.
I got a chuckle from the number of people who could not watch the match, particularly after going 2 up. Living in Canada the game was broadcast at an odd time, so I taped it and watched it that night. After going 2 up I could not watch it any more so shut it off and went to my computer to get the result.
Wonderful!!! Oh joy I could then watch the reamaining hour relaxed, yet excited, knowing I was not going into deep depression yet again. So know the support for the team exists in hearts thousand of miles away from WHL.
Fellow yids.
The song we are singing is not worthy enough for our new hero JAN THE MAN
He deserves an anthem
And it goes a little something like this
We got the boy from Amsterdam U KNOW U KNOW
We might score goals from corners now YIDO YIDO
And if a goonna tried to pass he'll put the WANKER on his arse
JAN VERTONGHEN
TOTTENHAMS number 5
Da da dada da da dada da dadaaa dadaaaaa
Da da dada da da dada da dadaaa dadaaaaa
Da da dada da da dada dada dada da dad dada
JAN VERTONGHEN
TOTTENHAMS NUMBER 5
For those who can't work the tune out!! YouTube Carlos Tevez Neck scar song for an idea
COYS GIVE THE MAN A SONG HE DESERVES
COME ON U LILYWHITES
@David - it`s ironic, you know, 23 years of feeling very lonely following the annual OT debacle, feeling as though someone had a personal vendetta against me, it was almost enough to make me believe in God - how could life be so repeatedly cruel without the intervention of some supreme spirit?
Only now, in victory is it fully revealed that there were of course many going through the same torment as me!
Now, I`m just off to shred this bible!
There is no way I give the credit of this result to a bad game by United (United's fan's version) or to bad refereeing (Ferguson's version). These are excuses to hold up their expectations. Find a scape goat to excuse the episode and hold up your usual view of things.
You have to believe what you see on the pitch. There was intelligent and bold footballing from Spurs in the first half and tough defending during the whole game. What I dont like about United is that they tend to bully the opposition into submission, if they meet a good footballing team that can hold the ball they dont look so big. Football is also psychological warfare. Lets get the boost of confidence on board and whatch how the team keeps evolving. We should not get too excited, but there is no reason to hold on to what held Spurs back for a while. COYS
Got in for the second half white knuckle ride. Apparently United stunk first half without Rooney. They certainly gang banged us second half with him on the pitch.
AVB needs to learn a plan B. the one trick pony of 5 in the middle and counter attack is not going to work every week especially at home.
Good to win on saturday but in the end the target for AVB it is top 4 at the end of the season. The Champions League is where it is at baby. Everything else is second class.
We could quite easily play the depleted squad card ourselves
No Kaboul,ekotto,Parker, Ade , livermore
I think we all know that wasn't a bad united
side,but frankly who gives a fuck
The 23 yr hoodoo is dead ,im still buzzing now
bring on villa
COYS
Oh my good lord.. Spooky what can I say.. Pissed me self laughing reading this.. "Brilliant".
Just want to say to all you Yanited fans.. A BIG KARMA.
COY MIGHTY SPURS.
Great summary as usual Spooky.you the man with the plan!
I am still buzzing from the result,and like most spurs I know, couldn't bring myself watch the last 15 mins or so of the game. Too much tension, too much pressure, too much history.but the boys did it, the slam dunked the fucker! and now I'm starting to believe sweet Lordy Lord,You are coming down the mountain Moses, with an N17 champions league spot as the 11th commandment etched in stone .we may have a new mentality,one that will go against our history of 40 or more years (my lifetime),we are going to stop being flacky,we are going to stop being a push over for bigger clubs, we are going to stop underestimating minnow who bask in the aura of light in the temple of football that is WHL. We are going to believe in ourselves to do the job right, and to see it through. For so long we have taken he lumps that go with being a Spurs supporter with a shrug of the shoulders and a "what do you expect, we are Tottenham" response,but no more fellow Spurs, no more,we are Tottenham,we are hardcore, we are here to stay!..AVB is a gorgeous ginger genius,if I was a biter of pillows,I would let him give me a reach around...COYS
It took a while for this win to actually sink in. Almost 24 hours after the final whistle, I was just making some food and grabbing some coffee, and a Baines-like grin (from Doctor Who) spread across my face. I imagine this is the grin Levy makes when he is talking other owners into selling top tier talent to us for next to nothing. Kinda subtle, very creepy.
You've put into words everything that I feel. Cheers, Spook.