Spurs. Marching on together. Whoop.

Now that's more like it. Decent cup tie, plenty of chances created. Never really in doubt was it? There was no ominous 'here we go agains' even when Leeds pegged us back. You just felt that the tempo and effort from our lads was always going to cause the home side problems. It took two games, but Premier quality won through in the end.

Bentley continued his sparkling good form. Not keen on the hobo face scruff and although he does look ill there's no doubt that his form is currently sick (see what I did there? honestly, someone should pay me to blog). As long as he continues to keep his feet on the ground and not develop another vanity daze that always seems to eat away at any hope of prolonged consistency. Start to worry the moment he starts to highlight his hair. I'm liking the fact that he's continuing to take the chance he's been presented with. Good work fella. We all know he'll lose his place when Azza is back. But it's good to have competition. Not that it's competition in the strictest sense. Lennon is untouchable.

Defoe re-discovering his goal scoring touch was also a joy. Loved how he added spin on his first (he meant it) and his touch to score the second from an unplayable (from a defensive point of view) Bentley cross was equally impressive. His third was no doubt harsh on plucky Leeds and their fans but to be fair, it was tinged with 'back in your box' qualities that were much required, if anything to end the constant pro-giant killing requirements that ITV are utterly utterly obsessed with. Thought Crouch did a decent enough job in aiding JD. Missed a sitter (of sorts). It's not exactly the most exhilarating partnership with regards to subtle layers of inventiveness, but it's productive.

Apart from an exceptional 10 minute spell from Leeds at the end of the first half (having gone 1-0 up), it was comfortable. Special mention to that reaction though. They had a right old ding dong go at us and even though the goal was debatable - it was probably deserved for the sheer effort leading up to it. Only positive from conceding was that it left no room for further complacency come the second half.

On the subject of the goal, it's debatable depending on how you wish to interpret the phase of play that led to the equaliser. Leeds players all offside, but alas not when the ball reaches Becchio. He's now onside, even though there was arguable interference seconds earlier. Confused? I flipping hope so. I'm still trying to figure out how Defoe's goal at Anfield never stood.

Which we dominated in both chances and possession where the difference in quality was more than evident by the final whistle. Leeds didn't do enough. Our lot did everything right. Chuffed that the players gave the occasion the focus and determination it needed. It's the FA Cup, it should matter. Year might not end in 1. There's still a 1 in there. Bolton away next, more of the same please.

Positives: Bale (see what confidence can do for you?) and Bentley (2 assists and a couple of moments where I'm certain I witnessed him going past a player) were impressive, Defoe clinical. ITV duly gutted. Did love how when we took the lead, the second thing out of the commentators mouth was about whether Leeds could fight back. Dry them mate.

Goodbye Leeds. We might never meet again (hopefully).

Bread and butter next with Villa at the Lane, which is just as important for altogether different reasons. More so in the eyes of many. It's another cup game. In the league. Lose this and the feeling of deflation will no doubt sting. Win it, and there's an opportunity to use it as a springboard.

Onwards.

COYS.

It's only the FA Cup

Hola.

I've been swamped, hence the lack of anything blog related today. Not even had time to browse through the various forums and news sites to see what's occurring. In fact, all I know as of 2pm today is:

- Celtic lost 1-0 last night. Keane managed to aim all his shots at the opposing keeper.
- A Crystal Palace right-back who hasn't scored since 2008 notched a 'perfect' hat-trick in the space of 7 minutes (left foot, right foot, header), knocking Wolves out (Palace fan sits behind me in the office).
- We've apparently got some kids on the bench tonight for the trip to deepest Yorkshire.

Ryan Fredericks, Harry Kane and Dean Parrett being the kids (last I heard - anyone care to confirm otherwise?). Regardless of the inexperience that may or may not be sitting and watching, the team that will be selected best wipe the floor with the League One opposition. The very same League One opposition who stole the show at WHL.

Yes, yes, we could do without this game in our push for 4th (push? - more like sleep walk at the minute) and we can do without picking up any more injuries, considering that we're already without Azza and BAE. So all eyes on Modric, Defoe and Palacios. And Dawson. And probably Bale too. And let's not forget Niko. Cannot afford even the slightest knock. At least Kaboul and Eidur are available for the Villa  4th Place-Shoot Off. Seriously, I've just had to accept Kaboul as our big name Jan signing, so I'm now looking forward to his wonderfully plucked eyebrows. Seriously, just stare at them. Do so long enough and you'll find yourself in a daze. Sultry.

But anyways, my point is, it's the FA Cup, we didn't do ourselves justice in the first game and considering everyone is expecting Beckford to destroy us tonight (just you listen to the ITV commentary and make a note of how many times they mention the 1-0 win at OT and 'marching on together') we need to go there and turn the game into an anti-FA Cup magic display of complete professionalism from us. 3-0, kill it off. No heroics. No penalty shout outs. Bolton for the winner, and then its all within touching distance.

It's time not to choke but to punch out and give it some. I hope Harry motivates the players pre-match rather than down play it all as an inconvenience.

The future is white, the future is Lilywhite.

Think we can muster that?

Of course not.

Get your excuses ready for tomorrow.

THFC: Infuriating the soul since 1882

I remember back in the 2006 season when rather than take the ball into the corner of the opposite end and waste away some precious dying seconds in our favour, we opted to attack. Not long after, the opposition scored with practically the final touch of the game. I guess being a Spurs fan we tend to have the uncanny ability to see into the future. Hands up if you knew, just knew Leeds would score a second?

I'm not going to blame Bale by the way, he's been superb - if still very much inexperienced in other areas. As a generalisation, the team + manager should carry the weight of disappoint as one.  We just didn't work as a balance unit and far too many individuals under-performed over the course of the game.

Credit to Leeds for never letting their heads go down, but fuck me, where was the stamp of quality, the killing of the game that would see out the final moments? Twenty five minutes of football is not enough to win any game. And as much as this was a great Cup tie for the neutral and an exceptional one in the stands, out on the field (for the home support) it's nothing more than further evidence that something needs tweaking. More than one thing in fact.

So, no stamp of quality when it mattered. Well, the one, being the Roman goal which was expertly taken in both build up and finish. But overall, what we got was some of that wonderful irony only Tottenham can do. Dawson, brilliant tackle. No no no, I'm not talking post-match in the showers. I'm talking about the tackle on the pitch that came before the clumsy one that gave Leeds a last second escape - scored by Beckford who displayed more belief in one spot kick that Defoe has managed in his last three. That olde self-destruct button head-butted. Would you believe it.

I don't care for the magic of  the FA Cup. Fact is, they're League One. And the tragic truth is that for all our efforts on goal we made scoring more difficult than trying to seduce a nun. It's a trend. It's a problem. And if you want to be all critical and depressive you might argue that we are declining in form. Degrading. It's not a massive problem, not a crisis. Not yet. But those doubts that hark back to the need to improve squad depth are calling out again. Practically screaming. Once more - not enough leadership.

Let's break this down:

The Atmosphere

Proper old skool innit? Police dogs growling, horses charging down the Park Lane. Scuffles here there and everywhere. Not that I'm condoning this sort of behaviour. It gave the evening a bit of an edge. Shame our players couldn't match the tenacity on the field. Although I did laugh when I read today over at Glory Glory that someone saw a chair fly past them (Block 53 I think) just after Defoe's pen miss.

The Performance

There were moments when the gulf in class between the two sides was evident. Especially the opening 20 mins or so. Counts for nothing when you don't stick 'em away. 19 shots, 17 on target across the whole 96 minutes. We are fast becoming masters of denying our own destiny. Open the door, walk through it. Don't close your eyes, spin around and then run and hope you make it through.

Danny Rose didn't make too much of an impact out on the wing, but he's a kid. Whether he turns out to be a bit special like that other one we plucked from Leeds remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, we need width in our team. We sort of got it. But it was in no way the same type of intensity Lennon provides.

The midfield failed to inspire. Yet another limp Jenas performance. All heart not brain. Remind you of someone? He's just not very good. And he's became the poster boy for the boo-boys for all that's wrong with our team. Then again, he's always been the poster boy for mediocrity which on occasion spikes towards something above average. He's a good lad, but has no decisive application when it matters. Cat's have nine lives. JJ has got through around two hundred so far.

Defoe and Crouch were quiet, not really doing enough damage in the final third. Defoe and his penalties, how tiresome is this becoming? Obvious again he'd not score. You can read it in his face. Lacks the eye of the tiger. Can someone else not have a go? Also thought he was a bit slow at times.

Everyone else was okay. Hutton looked tasty at times getting forward. Nothing outstanding from anyone. The lack of end product the main gripe. As ever. Bale, for all his required need to improve defensively, continues to impress offensively.

Leeds displayed grit and Beckford got into tasty positions. We've sort of gone off the boil a little at the back. Their equaliser was shambolic from our perspective.

Memo to Redknapp: Tweaking, not tinkering please guv. Get the engine room sorted, the tempo set and the best players (in form) in their proper positions.

Roman

Deserves a start. Okay, I'm not going into a knee-jerk about it but he came on, run into decent positions, had a decent touch or two and scored a goal from a great passage of play (nice step over dude). Worked hard off the ball too. He's hardly had a sniff this season. Considering the 'form' of our other three strikers, we've got little to lose. Well, other than a few more million off his prospective transfer fee. Nice celebration from the Russian. I think he might have smiled.

Tactics

Summed up with Keane coming on to play on the wing/midfield. It doesn't work. Although time-wasting shouldn't be a necessity against League One opposition, considering we got ourselves 2-1 up, we should have killed the game. Possession wise or with the aforementioned 'taking the ball into the corner' trick.

The replay, next round

It's gonna be tasty. And they will came at us like men possessed. Powder-puff ethics will have no place in their cauldron of hate. It's going to be massive test of character. Do we have the testicular fortitude? Do we ever?

No negative tactics please Harry.

Love to see how we line-up, but I'm guessing Palacios will start this time round. The tempo will no doubt be relentless, the noise crucifying. Gonna be some away day. Bolton await in the next round for who dares. I know 4th is perceived as more important than silverware - in the long run - but it's been way way too long since we got to a proper cup final.

Arsenal

Plucky kids gave it a go, bless 'em, but it's no shame for them to be knocked out because it was only a yoof team comprising of kids. Guess there's always the risk when you play so many kids. How did Theo play?

LMFAOROTF

Kids.

ITV Coverage

Anyone catch any of the tv coverage? Jesus wept, what commentary. How many 'marching on togethers' did you hear? Yes we get it. You're covering the football so you want an upset. No need for you to wet your panties every 5 minutes.

Conclusion

We welcomed Leeds into the game simply because we failed to capitalise and bury them out of sight. Confidence drops a little, theirs improves enough to cause doubt and concern. We need to dig deep and re-discover the lost mojo because if things continue to fester, we're going to find ourselves in trouble.

We never make it easy for ourselves. Which is why supporting this club is so great. Even if your football soul is dragged through the mire half the time.

Next up

Massive game v Fulham. Lose that and we are officially in crisis. I suspect the first 'sack the board' flag to be waved in the following game.

COYS.

Morning Spurs fans...

Morning. Good weekend? Can't believe Christmas is over and I'm back to the grind. Guess that rings true for our wee club, as the up and coming fixtures will be (drum roll) season defining. In fact most of what happens this month will be imperative to us continuing 2010 in the same vein as we finished 2009: In form and hungry for more. Shades of 2006 no doubt and a flashback to how easy it is to get too complacent allowing others to catch up. It's not actually quite 2006 though and there are plenty of other clubs very close to us and a poor run of three games can see us looking up at them rather than how things stand at the moment.

I was neither at the FA Cup game over the weekend or managed to catch any extended (downloaded) highlights, if they do in fact exist. I was too busy hitting the bottle. Metaphorically speaking. I was actually choosing bottles, opting for Tommee Tippee over Dr Browns. An afternoon spent with Mrs Spooky rather than anywhere near a radio/tv/turnstile. I did manage to catch ITV's breathtaking highlights show, and the majestic 45 seconds of Spurs highlights. We looked comfortable didn't we? Cracking 45 seconds of footage, four goals tightly squeezed in. When I heard/read reports about Defoe's goal (described in some quarters as a tap in), I was pleasantly surprised when I witnessed our boy guide the ball past the keeper into the far corner, off the side of his boot, all this faced away from the goal. Easy. I guess if he was wearing a red shirt it would lauded over as an exquisite masterful nonchalant touch. Was JD wearing red colours when he scored? No? Then it was a tap in.

I heard Danny Rose was lively when he came on and that we more or less dominated, which is nice to see. Bale also impressing (yeah, okay, it's Posh and not Prem). Modric and Niko starting in the same line-up with it appearing to work balance wise. Might be different against top quality opposition. Another clean sheet (5th on the trot) but a couple of injury concerns. Bassong out for the Liverpool game (last I read), but I think Defoe just has cramp so should be fit. I'd hazard a guess and say Lennon is out for the 14 days he was pencilled to sit out for.

The fact we played a fairly strong side makes me think we are taking this seriously. Which we'll need to do when we face Dirty Leeds at the Lane in the next round. That's the very same Leeds that defeated a God awful Manchester United at Old Trafford. They were complete shit in fact.

Am I the only one laughing at the conspiracy-laced irony that followed during the cup draw for the next round? You know what I'm talking about. We didn't get Manchester United in the 4th round, we got the team that knocked them out - and the ball, initially picked up, was dropped which meant we could have faced an away tie. Didn't work out for you this time did it, Football Association?

Finally, special mention to the News of the World who posted a non-event of a story concerning Spurs (and West Ham players) at a club on a Monday night enjoying drinks. Laughable attempt at trying to stir things up, shot down by Redknapp faster than he can twitch. Suddenly its became almost impossible for players to go out without the hacks jumping all over us.

Keep on bringing it.