So it’s all over. A season that, as always, promised much, then lurched towards to precipice of disaster before finally being recovered in the form of some miserly and impressive performances - all of the pain, sadness, elation and hope is now over, for another two months. For those of the faint heart it’s time to relax, have a drink and rest easy in the knowledge that we can’t get two players sent off and lose at Stoke for a little while yet.
There can be no doubting Harry’s ‘2 points 8 games’ plaque has now been created and hung majestically in the White Hart Lane dressing room. Credit where credit is due; the man saved us. For lack of a more original example, we had precious few points and even less credibility when he took over. He took us from relegation candidates to brink of Europe on the last day and we can’t really thank him enough. Yes, he may hate making substitutions and he has an unnatural need to keep Robbie Keane on the pitch at all times, regardless of poor performance. But to deride him for these shortcomings is severely clutching at straws.
So just how did he do it? The same players that were surrendering meekly to a home defeat against lowly Hull were weeks later scoring four goals at the Emirates and beating Liverpool at home. Confidence and belief were the key attributes injected by the Redknapp administration that were so lacking during the Ramos days. Harry got the best out of players like Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric, helping them to realise the potential that they so blatantly had lying dormant and transforming them into heavyweight forces in our surge up the table.
Redknapp also clearly had a word in the ear of the defence. Heurelho Gomes went from laughable comedy figure to domineering presence, pulling off some quite remarkable saves in the closing months of the season. He hasn’t convinced absolutely everyone; but the bare facts speak for themselves. Gomes and his regular back four of Vedran Corluka, Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou Ekotto set a new record for the least number of goals conceded in the league at home - an accomplishment that may be fairly insignificant but speaks volumes for the strength of back five Anyone who was witness to the 6-4 shocker against Reading at the Lane last season would testify for the need for a stable backline.
Everyone knows the low points of our season; I’m surprised Sky Sports News haven’t produced their ‘10 most hilarious Tottenham moments of the season’ montage yet. So I’m choosing to remember the highlights instead. The glory-ish days, where anything seemed possible. Even a 40 yard away goal at the home of the enemy. That 4-4 draw at Arsenal. Bentley’s goal. Jenas’s magnificent run and finish when all seemed lost. Modric’s shot and Lennon’s tap in. A wonderful game and one that we really should have lost. 4-2 down going into the last minute and with half the away fans on their way home, Harry’s Spurs found it in them to score two goals and gain a draw from the looming jaws of defeat. The Gooners were shell-shocked and had no answer; really, they had cocked it up.
Our record against top four sides was impressive throughout and it was only that 5-2 defeat at Man Utd that really hurt. On the back of some great form, we took a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford and looked in command. If only the full time whistle had sounded right then. A truly shocking referee decision and some defensive calamities ensured that there would be no happy end for us. Still, it was hard to be too upset with the players. Just as it was after the heartbreak of the Carling Cup final defeat. Another run to the final, another day out at Wembley, just not the same result. Spurs performed admirably in the final against a slightly weaker Man Utd team and held them all the way to penalties, that old English football failing. After their respective misses, Jamie O’Hara was sympathised with, David Bentley was loathed. It really wasn’t to be for us.
Hopes for next year? It genuinely depends on which players are signed and which we choose to lose. Harry has proved he is capable, he just needs to keep the core of his side intact. Tottenham and transfer rumours go hand in hand and I’ll discuss the thousands of players we’re linked with in due time but for now, lets just say it has the potential to be a good season, provided we don’t commit the age old Tottenham failing of getting our hopes up ridiculously high.
Harry is in the know and lets please just trust him.
Season Player Ratings
Gomes: 6.5 - A nightmare start, with dropped catches, poor attempts at saves and some moronic decisions leading many to write him off. However, Gomes responded well to the criticism and turned in some seriously good displays in the second half of the season. Agile, alert and a great shot stopper, Gomes looks to have the make-up of a good keeper. He just needs to learn restraint.
Cudicini: 6 - Not much to say. He arrived to kick Gomes up the arse and did his job perfectly. Cudicini is a great keeper but one gets the feeling that the faith is with the tall Brazilian.
Corluka: 7 - A good signing. Gelled well with the rest of the defence and looks to have a good partnership with Lennon on the right. Not sure who is first choice out of him and Alan Hutton but he’s done a good job and deserves credit.
Hutton: 6 - Didn’t really have much of a season due to injury. When he did play, he looked good enough but didn’t have the chance to build on what was a good first season. Time will tell.
Chimbonda: 2 - A complete waste of time and money. Why Harry signed him back is beyond me and the moment he leaves again cannot come too soon.
King: 8 - For someone whose career should be pretty much over (dodgy knees), he performed brilliantly. Playing more games than we ever imagined possibly, King is back to something like his very best and even picked up a surprising England call up. That drinking habit aside, he is a hero.
Woodgate: 8 - Alongside King, Woodgate has been excellent. Part of the back four that has performed so superbly, he has shown he is capable of leading the defence in King’s absence. His frank honesty regarding our diabolical start to the season was both refreshing and a sign that he truly cared.
Dawson: 7 - Didn’t play as much due to Woody and King’s dominance but when he did, he really impressed. Daws appears to have cut out the schoolboy errors that blighted his game and is a fine player to have around.
Assou Ekotto: 7 - Another player who has turned things around remarkably, BAE is now a reliable full back. His dual with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Carling Cup final was fascinating to watch and here’s hoping he can maintain his promising form next year. Has ousted Bale, for now.
Bale: 5 - A poor league campaign and the winless curse continues. Bale has now played 25 league games for Spurs and they haven’t won a single one. He’s still far too young and full of talent and potential to sell. But he’s going to have to raise his game, significantly.
Zokora: 6 - Zokora had a pretty good year, even though he has lost his regular place to Wilson Palacios. He’s quick, energetic, enthusiastic and probably played his best season at Spurs. However, is he going to get that much better? Needs more consistency.
Huddlestone: 6 - Another who many have speculated will be sold. His performances at times bordered on pathetic, with laziness and lethargy creeping into his usual confident passing game. He has shown he can run the middle of the park but will need a great deal of faith from Harry in order not to be given up on.
Palacios: 8 - A great signing - find me a Spurs fan who disagrees? Sgt. Wilson has come in and plugged the massive gaps generally found in our midfield and what a job he’s done. The transfer fee was questioned but he’s repaid most of it already.
O’Hara: 6 - A mediocre season for everyone’s favourite Tottenham boy, the nadir being the heartbreaking penalty miss in the cup final. Injured for a fair bit of the end of the campaign, he will know he needs to do more.
Jenas: 6 - JJ is one of the most archetypal Tottenham players in recent memory. Classy, full of talent but about as consistent as f**k. I’m one who believes Jenas to have plenty of skill and ability to play the box-to-box midfield role that we so crave. And, whilst one week he’ll give it to us, the next he’ll be awful. They say he lacks the confidence and bravado to run games by himself - this is surely is the key to unlocking his talent?
Bentley: 4 - He gets a couple of bonus points for his stupendous effort against Arsenal. Apart from that, bloody awful. Huge letdown.
Lennon: (PLAYER OF THE SEASON) 9 - Finally, he’s got it back. The pace, the skill, the flair - when he picks up the ball, the buzz around WHL is electric. He runs at players and terrifies defences. Lennon’s success is a key component in Tottenham’s rise up the table and when, inevitably, the big boys come with their cheque books, Harry must sternly tell them to bugger off.
Modric: 8 - A slowish start but once he got going, boy did he get going. Modric is a world class player, simple as. His touch and vision are sublime and he finds players where no-one else could. There are comparisons with Hoddle - and they’re entirely justified. A couple of crucial goals as well, Modric is on his way to becoming a legend of the Lane.
dos Santos: 5 - Much was expected of the little Mexican but he didn’t really deliver. A victim of the Ramos regime, dos Santos does look to be a fantastic player and, at his age, he could adapt to the Premier League in time. But Harry isn’t really a big fan and was on the brink of selling him in January. His future is clouded.
Keane: 6 - Returning hero number one. An unthinkable return to us for the diminutive Irishman, Keane was actually pretty poor for the last few weeks of the season. His impact had already galvanised the team to an acceptable level, however, and he’ll be crucial for next season. More goals and more consistency would be nice but it’s great to see him back home at the Lane, where he belongs.
Bent: 6 - Top scorer for us this season. And he’s probably going to leave. Admittedly, a lot of
Bent’s strikers did look like mistakes (Toe-ins, shin-ins, arse-ins) and there’s only so many 2 yard goals he can score. However, he did have a great little period in November and bagged his first (and probably last) Tottenham hat-trick. Bottom line - for the money we spent on him, he’s been rubbish. Wouldn’t mind at all if he left.
Pavlyuchenko: 6 - Like Bent, was generally disappointing in the end. But he did look pretty electric at times. The fans love him and he does give off the aura of a good player but, in what has been a shockingly long season for him, he looked off the boil, especially towards the end. There’s a general consensus that his best is yet to come. Harry may be running out of patience but another season could be just the tonic for the popular Russian.
Defoe: 7 - Returning hero number two. Defoe’s return from Portsmouth was just what the fans wanted and his parading before the fans before the Carling Cup semi final with Burnley was a joy to watch. Injury robbed him of the chance to have a meaningful impact on the season but he did score a couple of good goals and it’s fantastic to see JD back in a Tottenham shirt.
Campbell: 4 - Non event. Played a few games, looked okay but not really what we wanted or needed in the wake of the Berbatov affair. Looks to have potential but maybe there’s a reason he’s on loan at us and not scoring crucial Man Utd goals ala Federico Macheda, another Utd young gun.
23 May 2009
Tottenham's Crossbar Challenge
As someone who cannot stand Soccer AM, I was only informed about this by a friend. In this case, it truly is televisual gold. I enjoyed every cringe-worthy, high-fiving, back-slapping, 'look at us, we're young, rich and play football' second of it.
Some noteworthy points: Zokora's flamboyant walk up to the camera, Keano's absolute shocker, Giovani dos Santos still being a Tottenham player, Fraizer Campbell being both rubbish and sounding like a bit of a mug, Gomes' amazing attempt to throw the ball onto the bar and, of course, JJ being the standout player (shock).
A few things about it do trouble me; What the hell does Chimbonda even say? And why does Gareth Bale describe himself as a 'left sided' player and not a defender or a midfielder? Is it possible he doesn't know his own position?
Work to be done there, Harry.
Some noteworthy points: Zokora's flamboyant walk up to the camera, Keano's absolute shocker, Giovani dos Santos still being a Tottenham player, Fraizer Campbell being both rubbish and sounding like a bit of a mug, Gomes' amazing attempt to throw the ball onto the bar and, of course, JJ being the standout player (shock).
A few things about it do trouble me; What the hell does Chimbonda even say? And why does Gareth Bale describe himself as a 'left sided' player and not a defender or a midfielder? Is it possible he doesn't know his own position?
Work to be done there, Harry.
Liverpool and the last day
Way back in October time, I kindly prayed to the gods above to ensure Tottenham's Premier League safety and end this painful season right there and right then. So you can imagine my surprise when, as this season comes to an end, I don't really want it to go.
The reasons are obvious and well documented. We played shite, we turned it around, we played really well. If ever a season could be defined in just ten words, then those are suitable for ours. Tottenham have been getting results pretty much every weekend since about March now and I'll be sad to see it finish come the final whistle at Anfield tomorrow.
Still, best not to get too despondent, eh? We do, after all, have the small matter of Europa League qualification to strive for. Yes, Fulham are in the driving seat. But the carrot of continental competition should be enough for Harry's men to motivate themselves for one last hurrah tomorrow, even if it is a losing battle. We need to beat Liverpool and hope that Fulham lose - a tall order certainly, but if this season has taught me anything, it's to expect the unexpected.
Aaron Lennon is out, a big blow in itself. And Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou Ekotto will face late fitness tests. Will Harry go with the 4-3-3 that he deployed against Man City last week? Or will David Bentley be given a run out, surely his last for the club? In any outcome, Tottenham do have the stones to force a result up at Liverpool. Bearing in mind the home side's lack of anything to really play for and we have an immediate psychological edge. Take nothing away from the Merseysiders, however, who remain a quality side, regardless of silverware or lack thereof.
My heart tells me Tottenham win and my head tells me Tottenham win. The problem is both times I can only see Fulham winning. So Europe may be out of reach for next year, which Harry may view as a positive. But, nevertheless, a win at Liverpool is surely an accomplishment to be proud of. And given our formidable record against the top four teams this season, that unfortunate evening at Old Trafford aside, a win is definitely not beyond us.
Regardless of the result, it's been, in the end, a good season. I just hope we're not back at square one come October.
The reasons are obvious and well documented. We played shite, we turned it around, we played really well. If ever a season could be defined in just ten words, then those are suitable for ours. Tottenham have been getting results pretty much every weekend since about March now and I'll be sad to see it finish come the final whistle at Anfield tomorrow.
Still, best not to get too despondent, eh? We do, after all, have the small matter of Europa League qualification to strive for. Yes, Fulham are in the driving seat. But the carrot of continental competition should be enough for Harry's men to motivate themselves for one last hurrah tomorrow, even if it is a losing battle. We need to beat Liverpool and hope that Fulham lose - a tall order certainly, but if this season has taught me anything, it's to expect the unexpected.
Aaron Lennon is out, a big blow in itself. And Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou Ekotto will face late fitness tests. Will Harry go with the 4-3-3 that he deployed against Man City last week? Or will David Bentley be given a run out, surely his last for the club? In any outcome, Tottenham do have the stones to force a result up at Liverpool. Bearing in mind the home side's lack of anything to really play for and we have an immediate psychological edge. Take nothing away from the Merseysiders, however, who remain a quality side, regardless of silverware or lack thereof.
My heart tells me Tottenham win and my head tells me Tottenham win. The problem is both times I can only see Fulham winning. So Europe may be out of reach for next year, which Harry may view as a positive. But, nevertheless, a win at Liverpool is surely an accomplishment to be proud of. And given our formidable record against the top four teams this season, that unfortunate evening at Old Trafford aside, a win is definitely not beyond us.
Regardless of the result, it's been, in the end, a good season. I just hope we're not back at square one come October.
21 May 2009
BAE's renaissance
I have a long standing and, at times, frustrating argument with a friend over Benoit Assou Ekotto's quality - whilst he stubbornly remains to be convinced, I'm a sold man.
I read that BAE picked up the Most Improved Player at the Supporters Club Awards the other day. And as someone who had too written him off previously, I'm more than happy to fully retract my stinging criticism of the left back, having witnessed his Harry-inspired turnaround this season.
BAE arrived at Spurs back in 2006 and it was thought that he'd become our first choice left back instead of the perennially disappointing Lee Young Pyo (what is it with us and triple name left backs?). Injury and inconsistency hampered his early Spurs career and, when Gareth Bale was signed for the hefty price we were forced to part with for him, it was widely assumed that BAE would be on his way out and sharpish.
Indeed, earlier this year the defender admitted he was keen on a move away from the Lane saying, "I have reflected a lot and I would love a return to France." His confession was hardly earth shattering news especially when fans thought about what he offered the team at the time - zilch. Since then, and since Harry's arrival, he has been given a long run in the side and how he has repaid the faith in him.
BAE has learnt the key art of defending - actually defending. Whereas before, he was a streaky little thing with a decent enough left foot, he is now a competent tackler and positions himself very well as part of the defensive unit. He more than held his own in the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Carling Cup Final in March and has been keeping the Premier League's best right wingers quiet for most of the season. His sweet left foot still remains, albeit not as sweet as Mr Bale's, and he offers something of an attacking threat, especially when Luka Modric cuts inside from the left.
BAE is without doubt the most improved player at Spurs this year and his renaissance is a credit to the Redknapp establishment. That he has been part of the record breaking defence this year speaks volumes for his ability and, whilst admittedly, he has yet to win everyone over, he is certainly no mug in the left back position. Bale's time will come at some point in the near future; but until the Welshman is fully capable, Assou Ekotto is doing a sterling job and deserves our credit.
I read that BAE picked up the Most Improved Player at the Supporters Club Awards the other day. And as someone who had too written him off previously, I'm more than happy to fully retract my stinging criticism of the left back, having witnessed his Harry-inspired turnaround this season.
BAE arrived at Spurs back in 2006 and it was thought that he'd become our first choice left back instead of the perennially disappointing Lee Young Pyo (what is it with us and triple name left backs?). Injury and inconsistency hampered his early Spurs career and, when Gareth Bale was signed for the hefty price we were forced to part with for him, it was widely assumed that BAE would be on his way out and sharpish.
Indeed, earlier this year the defender admitted he was keen on a move away from the Lane saying, "I have reflected a lot and I would love a return to France." His confession was hardly earth shattering news especially when fans thought about what he offered the team at the time - zilch. Since then, and since Harry's arrival, he has been given a long run in the side and how he has repaid the faith in him.
BAE has learnt the key art of defending - actually defending. Whereas before, he was a streaky little thing with a decent enough left foot, he is now a competent tackler and positions himself very well as part of the defensive unit. He more than held his own in the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Carling Cup Final in March and has been keeping the Premier League's best right wingers quiet for most of the season. His sweet left foot still remains, albeit not as sweet as Mr Bale's, and he offers something of an attacking threat, especially when Luka Modric cuts inside from the left.
BAE is without doubt the most improved player at Spurs this year and his renaissance is a credit to the Redknapp establishment. That he has been part of the record breaking defence this year speaks volumes for his ability and, whilst admittedly, he has yet to win everyone over, he is certainly no mug in the left back position. Bale's time will come at some point in the near future; but until the Welshman is fully capable, Assou Ekotto is doing a sterling job and deserves our credit.
17 May 2009
Anfield awaits
Record broken. Three more points. Europe dream still on. Roll on Anfield.
At no point yesterday were Tottenham playing their best football. But they were still able to force the result, a sign possibly that we're developing into a consistent force. It's not exactly title winning form but it'll do nicely for now. 2-1 probably represents the game perfectly, with City threatening on occasion and scoring a brilliant goal, yet there was always the sense that they were second best.
Spurs can now finish no lower than 8th - a remarkable achievement when you consider the dire straits we found ourselves in earlier this season. A win at Liverpool next Sunday, coupled with a Fulham defeat means that we'll have qualified for the Europa League, which seemed unfeasible when we were losing 2-1 at Stoke on a cold October afternoon and even when we were going down 3-2 at Bolton in January.
To be honest, the idea is still quite unthinkable; the odds are stacked against us and observers will be expecting Fulham to claim that last spot next weekend. But one thing this Tottenham side does is surprise and they are more than capable of getting a result at Anfield, especially when you factor that Liverpool have now't to play for.
Keano continues to disappoint at the moment. On a number of occasions yesterday his touch was found wanting, which has never been a problem before. Redknapp should have dropped him from the starting eleven a few games before this one but he should play up at Liverpool, giving him the chance to take on his former employers who discarded him so readily. Defoe looked pretty lively (when doesn't he?) and took his goal very nicely. Pavlyuchenko was generally good, still not at his fluent best but he does give the impression that he could be something special next year.
Oh, and the record was broken. You know, the record? Heurelho Gomes and his defence have conceded just league 10 goals at White Hart Lane all season - applause all round. In fact, City's goal yesterday was the first seen at the Lane from an away team since a consolation strike from Stoke back in January. A fine accomplishment no doubt and one which should serve as a source of inspiration for next season.
So, will we do it next week? I honestly think that we are capable of doing our part of the job and beating Liverpool. But we cannot control what Fulham do and I fear they may render our result meaningless.
But enough of the negativity and lets just relax and enjoy what has turned out to be an excellent end of season. If it turns out to be yet another false dawn, I'll kill myself. Well, not really but I'm hoping my threat is dramatic enough to whip the team into action.
At no point yesterday were Tottenham playing their best football. But they were still able to force the result, a sign possibly that we're developing into a consistent force. It's not exactly title winning form but it'll do nicely for now. 2-1 probably represents the game perfectly, with City threatening on occasion and scoring a brilliant goal, yet there was always the sense that they were second best.
Spurs can now finish no lower than 8th - a remarkable achievement when you consider the dire straits we found ourselves in earlier this season. A win at Liverpool next Sunday, coupled with a Fulham defeat means that we'll have qualified for the Europa League, which seemed unfeasible when we were losing 2-1 at Stoke on a cold October afternoon and even when we were going down 3-2 at Bolton in January.
To be honest, the idea is still quite unthinkable; the odds are stacked against us and observers will be expecting Fulham to claim that last spot next weekend. But one thing this Tottenham side does is surprise and they are more than capable of getting a result at Anfield, especially when you factor that Liverpool have now't to play for.
Keano continues to disappoint at the moment. On a number of occasions yesterday his touch was found wanting, which has never been a problem before. Redknapp should have dropped him from the starting eleven a few games before this one but he should play up at Liverpool, giving him the chance to take on his former employers who discarded him so readily. Defoe looked pretty lively (when doesn't he?) and took his goal very nicely. Pavlyuchenko was generally good, still not at his fluent best but he does give the impression that he could be something special next year.
Oh, and the record was broken. You know, the record? Heurelho Gomes and his defence have conceded just league 10 goals at White Hart Lane all season - applause all round. In fact, City's goal yesterday was the first seen at the Lane from an away team since a consolation strike from Stoke back in January. A fine accomplishment no doubt and one which should serve as a source of inspiration for next season.
So, will we do it next week? I honestly think that we are capable of doing our part of the job and beating Liverpool. But we cannot control what Fulham do and I fear they may render our result meaningless.
But enough of the negativity and lets just relax and enjoy what has turned out to be an excellent end of season. If it turns out to be yet another false dawn, I'll kill myself. Well, not really but I'm hoping my threat is dramatic enough to whip the team into action.
16 May 2009
On the verge of club history
2 points, 8 games. Regardless of what happens in these last two games of the season, those doubtless will be the words carved into Harry's mantelpiece, no doubt driving Sandra crazy. The Messiah has spent a good part of the last five months reminding us of his magnificent feats since he took over at the Lane and, while he does indeed deserve a bulk of the credit, it's likely that a fair number of fans will be remembering this year for a different reason.
Should Tottenham concede no more than a single goal to Man City at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon, Harry's men will set a new club record for the least number of league goals conceded in a season at home. The tally currently sits a just nine. Honestly. In a season where we've flirted dangerously with relegation and had our goal keeper written off as 'the worst in Premier League history' (I didn't make that up), to have conceded so few goals is frankly nothing short of astonishing.
Credit must go to both the much maligned and, indeed, much improved Heurelho Gomes and the core back four that has served us so well - Corluka, King, Woodgate, Assou Ekotto. Will you be looking back in fifty years time and telling the children how you saw the famous miserly Tottenham back five? Probably not, as something tells me this record will go unnoticed once we've inevitably descended back into the realms of mediocrity next season.
Still, it's better to enjoy the good times while they're here, as an ex-girlfriend recently inadvertently taught me. For all the shite they've put us through this season, Tottenham are on the verge of delivering something, be it only a tidbit in the annuls of the club's history. The very fact that the record is a defensive one speaks wonders about our prospects for next year. Spurs and a good defence? Get out. It was unheard of before this season.
If Harry can keep this back five neatly gelled together and get them performing next year then things could be decent next year. It's been said that good teams are built from the back and Spurs are nothing if not built from the back. Throw into the mix the fact that there are willing and able replacements in the likes of Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson and Bob's your uncle. It's about stability, this defensive lark, and Harry has certainly taught them that.
As for the City game, I'm plumping for 2-0 to Tottenham. Calm, not completely comfortable, but straightforward. City are God awful away from home, much like Spurs can be, and we just don't do losing at home. Or even conceding for that matter. 2-0, new record set - piece of cake. And setting up the chance to go to Anfield next week and get a result to achieve Europa League qualification. Nice.
Not long to go till the end now. Although the WHL ground staff are going to have to get a move on with those 'two points, eight games' banners that Harry demanded for the end of season lap of honour.
Should Tottenham concede no more than a single goal to Man City at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon, Harry's men will set a new club record for the least number of league goals conceded in a season at home. The tally currently sits a just nine. Honestly. In a season where we've flirted dangerously with relegation and had our goal keeper written off as 'the worst in Premier League history' (I didn't make that up), to have conceded so few goals is frankly nothing short of astonishing.
Credit must go to both the much maligned and, indeed, much improved Heurelho Gomes and the core back four that has served us so well - Corluka, King, Woodgate, Assou Ekotto. Will you be looking back in fifty years time and telling the children how you saw the famous miserly Tottenham back five? Probably not, as something tells me this record will go unnoticed once we've inevitably descended back into the realms of mediocrity next season.
Still, it's better to enjoy the good times while they're here, as an ex-girlfriend recently inadvertently taught me. For all the shite they've put us through this season, Tottenham are on the verge of delivering something, be it only a tidbit in the annuls of the club's history. The very fact that the record is a defensive one speaks wonders about our prospects for next year. Spurs and a good defence? Get out. It was unheard of before this season.
If Harry can keep this back five neatly gelled together and get them performing next year then things could be decent next year. It's been said that good teams are built from the back and Spurs are nothing if not built from the back. Throw into the mix the fact that there are willing and able replacements in the likes of Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson and Bob's your uncle. It's about stability, this defensive lark, and Harry has certainly taught them that.
As for the City game, I'm plumping for 2-0 to Tottenham. Calm, not completely comfortable, but straightforward. City are God awful away from home, much like Spurs can be, and we just don't do losing at home. Or even conceding for that matter. 2-0, new record set - piece of cake. And setting up the chance to go to Anfield next week and get a result to achieve Europa League qualification. Nice.
Not long to go till the end now. Although the WHL ground staff are going to have to get a move on with those 'two points, eight games' banners that Harry demanded for the end of season lap of honour.
15 May 2009
Dressed for success
It's May and end of season time - so you can bet your bottom dollar that Daniel Levy and co. are cooking up yet another money spinning and only slightly alternative new set of kits for next season. Tottenham have changed their shirts every year since 2004, meaning fans have to spend oodles of cash on getting their new replicas in time and generally landing the club with as much money as they can get their grubby little hands on.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a new phenomenon and it's certainly not located simply to Spurs. A friend of mine has spent a small fortune in recent years buying the home and away Liverpool shirts, every time they bring a bloody new one out. They even had a special Champions League shirt a few years back. The cheek of it. Clubs squeezing hard earned money from fans wallets is a fact that we're simply going to have to grudgingly make our peace with.
With regards to Tottenham's latest offering, the club and manufacturers Puma are so far keeping quiet. The club traditionally wear the new kit on the last day of the season so expect us to travel to Anfield in a few weeks kitted out in a sleek new jersey. Who knows, it'll probably be the last time we see certain people in a Tottenham shirt (wink wink, Bentley, Bent, etc).
I really like this season's kits, especially the home one. But change is inevitable so I scoured the Internet for rumours or any mock ups that people have found or made themselves. What I've found isn't that inspiring but thankfully they're almost certainly complete fakes. Have a gander at this bad boy, a mock up if what our kit may look like under Adidas manufacturing. Of course, it'll never happen, due to the Puma contract but it's interesting nonetheless.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a new phenomenon and it's certainly not located simply to Spurs. A friend of mine has spent a small fortune in recent years buying the home and away Liverpool shirts, every time they bring a bloody new one out. They even had a special Champions League shirt a few years back. The cheek of it. Clubs squeezing hard earned money from fans wallets is a fact that we're simply going to have to grudgingly make our peace with.
With regards to Tottenham's latest offering, the club and manufacturers Puma are so far keeping quiet. The club traditionally wear the new kit on the last day of the season so expect us to travel to Anfield in a few weeks kitted out in a sleek new jersey. Who knows, it'll probably be the last time we see certain people in a Tottenham shirt (wink wink, Bentley, Bent, etc).
I really like this season's kits, especially the home one. But change is inevitable so I scoured the Internet for rumours or any mock ups that people have found or made themselves. What I've found isn't that inspiring but thankfully they're almost certainly complete fakes. Have a gander at this bad boy, a mock up if what our kit may look like under Adidas manufacturing. Of course, it'll never happen, due to the Puma contract but it's interesting nonetheless.
If you ask me, there's too much going on on this shirt. There's blue lines and dashes and stripes everywhere. If the spanking new England kit has taught us anything, it's that simplicity is often the key. Still, it's worth a gander. As I said, there's been precious little mentioned about the new shirt so expect something more concrete coming very soon. Meanwhile, if you own this years shirt, enjoy the last few weeks you can have wearing it before it becomes obsolete and outdated.
12 May 2009
Michael Ballistic Ballack
I know this probably is a few days late but, pure and simply, you just have to see this. I laughed so hard I must have passed out.
Ah, the wonders of the internet. Bloody brilliant.
Ah, the wonders of the internet. Bloody brilliant.
10 May 2009
Return of 'The New Giggs'
0-0. No goals for either side. Crap weather. Zero entertainment. But on the plus side, wasn't it nice to see that kid Gareth Bale playing for us again! Even if he still hasn't broken that jinx of not having been on the winning side in a Premier League match for Spurs that the papers love banging on about. Poor lad.
Bale played pretty well as it happens, his bright and enthusiastic performance from left wing back being one of the few things worth mentioning about yesterday's game. Talk of his departure from the club in the summer strikes me as extremely harsh and, quite frankly, a monumental waste of both talent and money.
Bale cost Spurs a small fortune for a player his age - we can thank Roman Abramovich and his inflation of the transfer market for that. And, while he has struggled this season to make the grade, the rudiments of a great player in the making are still there. His left foot is still one of the sweetest at the club; that fizzing first half free-kick was a sign of what he's capable of.
If Spurs were to sell up, cutting their losses and giving Bale to someone else, it would be a crime. Bale is so young still, young enough to learn from the mistakes he's made this year and young enough, honestly, to end this silly little 'not winning league games' statistic. His talent remains dormant but it is in there and with any luck his performance yesterday will have convinced 'Arry and those in charge that the lad is worth keeping hold of.
As a footnote, condolences go out to Wilson Palacios after reports from Honduras that the remains of his kidnapped brother Edwin were located. It's the second tragedy involving a Tottenham player's brother in two weeks and thoughts are with our midfield enforcer at this troubled time. Palacios missed yesterday's game so he could get a flight back to central America and his spirit and personality have been praised by Redknapp.
Also, Ledley King got himself arrested last night on suspicion of actual bodily harm or ABH, to you and me. Bravo.
Bale played pretty well as it happens, his bright and enthusiastic performance from left wing back being one of the few things worth mentioning about yesterday's game. Talk of his departure from the club in the summer strikes me as extremely harsh and, quite frankly, a monumental waste of both talent and money.
Bale cost Spurs a small fortune for a player his age - we can thank Roman Abramovich and his inflation of the transfer market for that. And, while he has struggled this season to make the grade, the rudiments of a great player in the making are still there. His left foot is still one of the sweetest at the club; that fizzing first half free-kick was a sign of what he's capable of.
If Spurs were to sell up, cutting their losses and giving Bale to someone else, it would be a crime. Bale is so young still, young enough to learn from the mistakes he's made this year and young enough, honestly, to end this silly little 'not winning league games' statistic. His talent remains dormant but it is in there and with any luck his performance yesterday will have convinced 'Arry and those in charge that the lad is worth keeping hold of.
As a footnote, condolences go out to Wilson Palacios after reports from Honduras that the remains of his kidnapped brother Edwin were located. It's the second tragedy involving a Tottenham player's brother in two weeks and thoughts are with our midfield enforcer at this troubled time. Palacios missed yesterday's game so he could get a flight back to central America and his spirit and personality have been praised by Redknapp.
Also, Ledley King got himself arrested last night on suspicion of actual bodily harm or ABH, to you and me. Bravo.
8 May 2009
The Europa League and Ryan Mason
Christ. I'm reliably informed that we are missing (through injury) the following players, for the game up on the blue half of Liverpool (Everton, for those of you unaware of Liverpudlian footballing geography):
- Benoit Assou Ekotto
- Michael Dawson
- Didier Zokora
- Jamie O'Hara
- David Bentley
- The Boy Lennon
- Darren Bent
Add to that list the fact that returning loanees Adel Taarabt and Giovani dos Santos are unavailable and you have one length injury list. Time to panic? Panic schmanic. The beauty of squad depth is perfectly illustrated in these situations. Yes, Aaron Lennon's absence is a kick in the teeth. But with the season teetering out to nothingness, it's hardly a loss I'll be losing sleep over tonight.
Oh yes, I do apologise, we've still got the Europa League place to fight for. Admittedly it would be comforting to have our name amongst Europe's semi elite for the fourth season running and it would cap a remarkable turnaround in our fortunes this season. But are we really worried about it? Does Harry remotely give a toss about it? Methinks not, on both counts.
I, for one, understood Harry's attitude to the UEFA Cup this season, especially when you consider the games we had in and around the Shakhtar Donetsk tie and the precarious league position we had achieved thus far. I'm not saying Harry won't care about the thing next season, should we make it, but I think a season without the possible distraction of Europe may prove to be better in the long run for Spurs.
Lest we not forget, our best season in recent memory was the one that got us in Europe in the first place - the 05/06 campaign that saw us dumped out of both cups in the first game and free to concentrate on the domestic league bliss we were surrounded in. Oh Martin, how we still dream of you.
Bottom line; I'd be over the moon with 7th spot this year and feel that it won't do us any harm next season. But should we fail to make the grade then it'll hardly be the end of the world, more the end of a pipe dream.
Considering the unavailable players, here's my team for Everton:
Gomes; Hutton, King, Woody, Bale; Corluka, Palacios, Jenas, Modric; Defoe, Keane
My middle four line-up in a strange Sven Goran Eriksson-esque diamond, with Vedran Corluka at the base and Luka Modric up top. If Corluka in midfield doesn't sit right with you, I'd love to see Ryan Mason of the Academy team given a go or maybe a gamble on John Bostock. It'd be great to see Harry give one of his 'triffic talents' a crack at the big time in what is, essentially, a low risk situation. If it works, he can hail it as a masterstroke and we can rejoice in his managerial mastery.
Two points, eight games and so forth.
COYS.
- Benoit Assou Ekotto
- Michael Dawson
- Didier Zokora
- Jamie O'Hara
- David Bentley
- The Boy Lennon
- Darren Bent
Add to that list the fact that returning loanees Adel Taarabt and Giovani dos Santos are unavailable and you have one length injury list. Time to panic? Panic schmanic. The beauty of squad depth is perfectly illustrated in these situations. Yes, Aaron Lennon's absence is a kick in the teeth. But with the season teetering out to nothingness, it's hardly a loss I'll be losing sleep over tonight.
Oh yes, I do apologise, we've still got the Europa League place to fight for. Admittedly it would be comforting to have our name amongst Europe's semi elite for the fourth season running and it would cap a remarkable turnaround in our fortunes this season. But are we really worried about it? Does Harry remotely give a toss about it? Methinks not, on both counts.
I, for one, understood Harry's attitude to the UEFA Cup this season, especially when you consider the games we had in and around the Shakhtar Donetsk tie and the precarious league position we had achieved thus far. I'm not saying Harry won't care about the thing next season, should we make it, but I think a season without the possible distraction of Europe may prove to be better in the long run for Spurs.
Lest we not forget, our best season in recent memory was the one that got us in Europe in the first place - the 05/06 campaign that saw us dumped out of both cups in the first game and free to concentrate on the domestic league bliss we were surrounded in. Oh Martin, how we still dream of you.
Bottom line; I'd be over the moon with 7th spot this year and feel that it won't do us any harm next season. But should we fail to make the grade then it'll hardly be the end of the world, more the end of a pipe dream.
Considering the unavailable players, here's my team for Everton:
Gomes; Hutton, King, Woody, Bale; Corluka, Palacios, Jenas, Modric; Defoe, Keane
My middle four line-up in a strange Sven Goran Eriksson-esque diamond, with Vedran Corluka at the base and Luka Modric up top. If Corluka in midfield doesn't sit right with you, I'd love to see Ryan Mason of the Academy team given a go or maybe a gamble on John Bostock. It'd be great to see Harry give one of his 'triffic talents' a crack at the big time in what is, essentially, a low risk situation. If it works, he can hail it as a masterstroke and we can rejoice in his managerial mastery.
Two points, eight games and so forth.
COYS.
4 May 2009
'Charlie' Corluka?
Vedran Corluka's nickname is 'Charlie'? Since when? Maybe I'm not as in the loop as I once thought.
I found this out whilst perusing over Heurelho Gomes' interview on spurs.co.uk. Gomes describes Tottenham's defence this season as 'unbelievable' and it's hard to disagree. Should they concede less that two against Man City at the Lane next week, then we can describe them as 'record breaking'.
I'm backing them to do it. Why wouldn't I? We'll 'thrash' them 1-0, yet again.
Read. Enjoy.
By the way, this isn't me doing my PR bit for the Tottenham website. That role doesn't exist, yet.
I found this out whilst perusing over Heurelho Gomes' interview on spurs.co.uk. Gomes describes Tottenham's defence this season as 'unbelievable' and it's hard to disagree. Should they concede less that two against Man City at the Lane next week, then we can describe them as 'record breaking'.
I'm backing them to do it. Why wouldn't I? We'll 'thrash' them 1-0, yet again.
Read. Enjoy.
By the way, this isn't me doing my PR bit for the Tottenham website. That role doesn't exist, yet.
3 May 2009
Goals, goals, goals - where have they gone?
I'm not being picky or a bad winner or anything but I wouldn't mind seeing some more goals. Chelsea 1-0, West Ham 1-0, Newcastle 1-0 and now West Brom... yep, 1-0.
It's churlish of me to criticise to team for not winning by a big enough margin so I won't. And it's bloody brilliant to see us winning pretty much every single home game we have. If we can stop Man City scoring two goals at the Lane in a few weeks, we'll set a new club record for goals conceded at home (11 is the current record).
But if Harry has any sense about him, he'll be looking to improve our finishing over the summer. They say that great teams are built from the back - well, the Italians do anyway. And Harry's back five of Gomes, Corluka, King, Woodgate and Assou Ekotto have been gelled into a defensive unit of great calibre. Yes, there's those five goals at Old Trafford to moan about but certainly at home, our defenders are extremely hard to break down.
The midfield is ticking along. Palacios is the proverbial glue that holds it together and without him Spurs can seem incoherent. Jenas continues to frustrate and elate in equal measure, his fine goal on Saturday a perfect example of his sheer class. And as for Lennon and Modric, there has been enough said. If the big boys come hunting for them in the summer, Daniel Levy should sit on top of White Hart Lane with a shotgun and a sign saying 'back off'.
Up front, it's good but there's room for improvement. And that improvement will come in the form of goals. A second season for Pavlyuchenko could make him the striker we all suspect him of being. That said, he could just fade into obscurity, producing mediocre performance after mediocre performance and living constantly in the shadow of that Arshavin bloke. Time will definitely tell as Harry's patience is not everlasting. Bent can score a goal or two but still doesn't give the impression of being reliable. Someone said to me the other day, "If Tottenham want to come 5th or 6th then Bent is great. If they want the Champions League, he's worthless."
The charge for the Europa League continues up at Goodison Park this weekend where three points would be extremely welcome. As would a few Tottenham goals really. What I'd give for the days of scoring six past Reading last Christmas. I'd just prefer the 'letting in four' part to stay away.
It's churlish of me to criticise to team for not winning by a big enough margin so I won't. And it's bloody brilliant to see us winning pretty much every single home game we have. If we can stop Man City scoring two goals at the Lane in a few weeks, we'll set a new club record for goals conceded at home (11 is the current record).
But if Harry has any sense about him, he'll be looking to improve our finishing over the summer. They say that great teams are built from the back - well, the Italians do anyway. And Harry's back five of Gomes, Corluka, King, Woodgate and Assou Ekotto have been gelled into a defensive unit of great calibre. Yes, there's those five goals at Old Trafford to moan about but certainly at home, our defenders are extremely hard to break down.
The midfield is ticking along. Palacios is the proverbial glue that holds it together and without him Spurs can seem incoherent. Jenas continues to frustrate and elate in equal measure, his fine goal on Saturday a perfect example of his sheer class. And as for Lennon and Modric, there has been enough said. If the big boys come hunting for them in the summer, Daniel Levy should sit on top of White Hart Lane with a shotgun and a sign saying 'back off'.
Up front, it's good but there's room for improvement. And that improvement will come in the form of goals. A second season for Pavlyuchenko could make him the striker we all suspect him of being. That said, he could just fade into obscurity, producing mediocre performance after mediocre performance and living constantly in the shadow of that Arshavin bloke. Time will definitely tell as Harry's patience is not everlasting. Bent can score a goal or two but still doesn't give the impression of being reliable. Someone said to me the other day, "If Tottenham want to come 5th or 6th then Bent is great. If they want the Champions League, he's worthless."
The charge for the Europa League continues up at Goodison Park this weekend where three points would be extremely welcome. As would a few Tottenham goals really. What I'd give for the days of scoring six past Reading last Christmas. I'd just prefer the 'letting in four' part to stay away.
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