Carling Cup Obituary

Having slept on it and now looking back on last nights disappointment, there is no doubt we deserved to be knocked out. We lost because we appear to have an apologetic streak of worry and concern embedded into our players, as if daring to beat United is blasphemy. Simply put, there is a mental weakness that stops any form of guile or belief. For every incident that has played out against us (the Mendes goal, the penalty decisions, the comebacks) the players seem to have accepted defeat in their minds before the game has even kicked off.

Now I know that if you took the game, minute by minute, you could argue that we didn't actually play too badly. We had a decent amount of possession and created a few chances. But then when you consider the side they fielded and the fact that our lot were lacking any form of urgency, you can only question why there was a failure from the players to change gear. Dictate the tempo.

We bottled it when it was easier to give it a go and strike them down. It was a limp and useless day trip for all concerned. Perhaps 'bottled it' is too harsh a phrase. We couldn't be arsed to step up.

What's the solution to this problem? Grow some balls and show the opposition no respect. That would do for starters, and perhaps we could apply the same ethic to our north London neighbours.

We did that last season when we led Utd 2-0 at Old Trafford only to collapse mentally thanks to an undeserved penalty, such is our powder-puff backbone in these games. So the players do have it in them to swagger with intent. Other than the fact they remain susceptible to self-ruin at the slightest turn.

The counter-arguments to the Carling Cup defeat, however, is that the players selected - as a unit - did not have enough botheredness to really turn it on. Which might have had to do with Harry's pre-match comments about the Cup not being as important than the Prem and the fact that certain fringe players are fringe players for a reason (although what Harry tells the press and what he tells the players might be far apart in terms of requirements).

Or you could wipe away all the psychological analysis and conclude that we did pretty well, just didn't do enough with our chances in front of goal and conceded two sucker-punch goals, which our defence made comfortable for the accepting Gibson.

As ever, it's dependant on you and your perspective. Perhaps taking 2 or 3 first team players out of our line-up has a detrimental effect, proving that the depth in squad only looks good on paper.

What's guaranteed is a fully strength (as far as injuries will allow) line-up at Everton WILL give us 100% commitment come Sunday. It's a shame we can't show the same type of application in all games. Had last nights tie been played at home, in front of 33,000 Spurs fans, I'd bet the performance and application of players would have been far greater. Instead, 3,000 Spurs fans had a completely wasted evening.

Onwards and upwards.

Full-time: Utd 2 Spurs 0

What a wasted evening. Devoid of any urgency and lacking in the willingness department. First half, played well, for what felt like a reserve game with first team cameos who would have preferred to have stayed home. For all the passing and movement, no end product going forward and very little structure at the back which saw Gibson lap up the time to score two superbly taken goals. You would, wouldn't you? It would be rude not to. So in fact, we didn't actually play that well to go in at the break 2-0 goals down.

I hate these types of games. They bore me. I end up showing the same type of commitment to the game as the players out there are giving. Am I being overly harsh? Perhaps, but if Harry was truly dis-interested in winning this game, then play (genuine) kids rather than fringe players who are more lost than a polar bear on a tropical island.

Talking of which...

Bentley is a lost cause. But then when you're playing cameo football every now and again for sides made up of other half-players, you'll unlikely to have oomph to your game. You should, theoretically, play out of your skin. But the lad is beyond saving. I'm not basing it on tonight. Its an assessment based on his time at Spurs. If he could play in any other position other than right-wing he might have stood half a chance. Not his fault tonight though. He did provide us with some entertainment with his wayward free-kicks.

Palacios was very poor. Hardly noticed Keane. Crouch should have started. Bale had mad skillz top end of the field but his positioning is not exactly worthy of a Julie Andrews sing-a-long. Lennon was under-used. Seriously under-used IMO. Best moment of the game was the final whistle. This was a game made for radio.

There's not that much more to say tbh. Feel for Spurs fans who travelled up there to watch what was a complete snoozefest. Three points away to Everton, otherwise this defeat will actually hurt a little come the end of the weekend.

Levy will be gutted. No cheap-to-make merchandise that the joys of a Wembley final would have given us.

Straight to Betamax.

Half-time: Utd 2 Spurs 0

I wish for once we wouldn't lube up and bend over for Utd.

This is why playing a make-shift side doesn't work. Lack of continuity equates to disjointed effort. Can't fault the football played by us, but there's a distinct lack of cutting edge or final killer ball and finish and it's been punished by two great Gibson goals, both of his efforts invited on by a statuesque Spurs defence. Our inability to perform with belief against the Red Devils has taken a firm and savage bite out of our Lilywhite backside. Again. And no need for a helping hand from the ref either. We lack any type of punch.

You can argue Utd have two undeserved goals based on balance of play, but if our players are going to stand and watch then be prepared to be embarrassed.

For all the possession, it's been powder-puff. Bentley has to sharpen up, Wilson has to pass the ball to team-mates rather than into space or a red shirt. Bale has looked useful (going forward). And the fringe players should be making a statement of intent for Harry to make note of. At the minute, their words can barley be heard.

Second half to bring us joy? We can dream. Early goal from us and we might have a better second half. Defence has to work as a unit and the forwards have to be a tad more alert.

Urgency please. In abundance.

Cup or 4th?

Plenty of discussion about whether we should take tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final seriously. It's a quarter-final, of course we bloody should. Yes, fighting tooth and nail for 4th spot is (should be) the priority, but we are but one game from yet another semi-final. Why on earth should we sacrifice it when we have plenty in reserve? If Harry does want to rest some of the more important members of the first team, that's fine. Although I'd probably just play a full strength team and instruct the players to go out there and tonk them. Need to score at least two goals to cancel out the penalty Utd will no doubt be given at a pinnacle moment in the game. Clattenberg is the referee. Happy happy joy joy.

One thing is for certainty, Utd will not be at full strength - but they do have great depth, so this won’t be an easy evening either way. We've not beaten them at Old Trafford for nearly 20 years. Utd are also unbeaten since being knocked out of the competition the year we won it.

The Prem can wait. The players will have time to 'recover' in time for the weekend. Just stick Defoe up front and keep Niko (edit: he's cup tied...oh hum) in the side. I'd even give Pav a run-out. We owe the Mancs for the 5-2 and the disappointing final last season. In fact the players owe us (the fans) for caving in and collapsing practically every time we are faced with Fergie's team up there.

I can't believe for a second that Redknapp would give up the chance of another Wembley appearance, so pinch of salt with any of the dramatics you've read in the press in the past day or so. I want silverware. And 4th. Four more sets of 90 mins isn't going to ruin our chances in the league.

2-1 Spurs.