It’s Carling Cup weekend and I’m sure we’re all hoping Spurs will do well in tomorrow’s final. Despite the disappointment of last season’s penalty shoot out defeat, there’s every chance we can recreate the magic of the 2008 victory and triumph tomorrow.
Hold on. We’re actually not in the final. We got knocked out in the quarters. Sorry - it’s just after two consecutive finals over the last few years I sort of assumed that this weekend would naturally bring another. How wrong I was. We’ve got different things going on this year - arguably, more important and profitable things. Namely, our on/off top four chase.
Everton are tomorrow’s visitors to White Hart Lane, fresh from their Chelsea and Manchester United beating heroics of the last few weeks. They’re the Premier League’s form side and they’ve proven to be a stubborn team for us to beat in recent years, especially at home. Having held something of an impregnable record against them for years at fortress WHL, a 2-0 defeat in 2006 ended that voodoo and the Toffees have gone on to hold the Indian sign over us ever since. A 3-1 defeat in the early days of Martin Jol’s demise and a painfully frustrating 1-0 reverse last season have followed and with Everton in such annoyingly good form at the moment, there’s every reason to expect more misery tomorrow.
Regular readers will appreciate that I’m not normally so glib on the eve of a game but I’m genuinely concerned that we’re on a hiding to nothing. It’s not as if we’re in absolutely sparkling touch ourselves. Wins over Wigan and Bolton may have lifted the side temporarily but these results have come after a difficult month in which Spurs have dropped points all over the shop and lost crucial ground in the top four battle.
And with Manchester City dialling up the pressure on everyone else after their excellent win over Chelsea this morning, the need for points is even more imperative. Aaron Lennon is still on the injured list, with rumours that he may not be back for another couple of months, and as hard as he tries (which isn’t especially much), David Bentley cannot replace him in the same manner. All the step-overs, flicks and elaborate balls into the box cannot disguise the effect Lennon has on the side. And until he comes back, it’s possible we may not perform like the side that we were before Christmas.
That said, I’m not completely writing us off. Roman Pavlyuchenko is in unfeasibly good form right now and looks capable of scoring goals when he so chooses. And with Jermain Defoe slowly inching his way back to the man who demolished Wigan single handed at the Lane in November, we have the makings of a competent strike force again. Defoe is just a goal away from setting himself a new record for goals in a season and this should form part of his motivation.
The midfield, admittedly Lennon-less, is still looking combative. Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar continue to impress in alternation on the left, with one playing one week and the other the next. Consideration may also be given to employing Modric through the middle, where he operated for much of the second half against Bolton. This allows him to flex his playmaking muscles directly from the pivotal part of the pitch and drift about wherever his creative instincts take him. Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios provide a much needed balance of bite and energy in the middle - they both spayed a couple of errant passes about on Wednesday night but both are essentially in reasonable form.
The defence is in good shape. Gareth Bale’s improvement has been plain for all to see - even the usually Spurs-hating pundits on Soccer Saturday were surprisingly praiseworthy of his efforts this morning. His marauding thrusts down the left hand side continue to help his stock rise and his defending - his primary function - is hopefully now at a sufficient level for the Premier League. Michael Dawson continues to throw his heart and soul into every Tottenham performance, leading the defence with an authority that belies his tender years. His presence is something of a calming influence to whomever his defensive partner is, much in the same manner Ledley King’s presence used to reassure Dawson himself. Benoit Assou Ekotto made a long awaited return on Wednesday in the unfamiliar position of right back and one hopes he isn’t forced into this role again. Watching him awkwardly shuffle inside onto this left foot every time he received the ball reminded me why I love Vedran Corluka so much. BAE is still very much an important component of the Spurs machine but for now Bale deserves the left back slot.
I never like to predict a defeat to a team of a similar level as us so I’ll plump for a 1-1 draw. But it’ll be a tense affair. Harry Redknapp will certainly be aware of Everton’s fine recent record at the Lane and will be eager for his team to put that to bed. A win would represent more progress from the DW Stadium last week and yet another important step in this ever-twisting top four race. Each week seems to leave a new team in the driving seat and so long as we’re not more than a win away from pole position, then I wouldn’t rule us out. But with a visit to Man City coming up soon along with that much-talked-about Man Utd/Chelsea/Arsenal trilogy in April, points are impossibly vital. And a win tomorrow would do much for our own assault on that coveted 4th place.
As with every other week, fasten your seatbelts. It’s about to get even more interesting.
27 February 2010
25 February 2010
Roman fires Spurs towards Wembley dream
And the Spurs go marching on. It was always likely to be a stroll as soon as Bolton announced their team for the evening. No Kevin Davies, scourge of the Tottenham defence in the first game, no Johan Elmander and their second string side offered about as much as their tiny band of away fans - precious nothing. Spurs romped it 4-0, a bitter Owen Coyle moaned that we didn't deserve that many goals and a trip to Wembley edges tantalisingly closer.
With home fans baying for a start for Roman Pavlyuchenko, Harry Redknapp delivered and the Russian, who must pay very good money to whoever writes his scripts, duly obliged with two strikes and a performance of general energy and effort that went down superbly with the White Hart Lane faithful. It wasn't a vintage display from the striker but he he did what was necessary and it should earn him a start against Everton at the weekend. His first was a well taken finish if maybe a tad lucky. Luka Modric's pacy burst gained him the room to pick out Pavlyuchenko, who tried to turn his man but lost the ball. Fortunately however, it somehow rolled through for him anyway and he was composure personified as he finished past Jussi Jaaskelainen.
This was after Tottenham had edged out the opening stages of the game. They had the possession and the drive and immediately set about pressing forward. Bolton weren't completely out of it, however, and had Matt Taylor's shot been directed better, it may have been the away side that took the lead. But Spurs were good value for their advantage when it came and soon had another goal to cheer. David Bentley's corner was aimed towards big Tom Huddlestone on the edge of the box. He teased every fan inside the ground by shaping to shoot but fed Wilson Palacios on the right instead. His lethal ball across the face of goal was diverted in by the unfortunate Jaaskelainen, although Jermain Defoe nonchalantly attempted to claim credit for it. The media were too savvy for JD, however, and awarded it as an own goal.
And an own goal early in the second half put us three up. Gareth Bale, who made a number of superb runs down the left all night, advanced into enemy territory and fizzed in a cross that was inadvertently steered in Andy O'Brien. There was no way Defoe could take credit for that one - he had been replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen at the break. 3-0 up and with the game dead and buried, Spurs took their foot off the pedal and Bolton fashioned a series of reasonable chances, with he-of-the-brilliant-hairstyle Mustapha Riga fluffing his lines when all it needed was a simple finish. It wasn't all Bolton, though; Gudjohnsen, who looked very energetic throughout the second half, was terribly unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside, when it looked as if he was just on.
With a number of youngsters on the bench, one suspected Harry would throw one of them on late in the game and it was Danny Rose who got another chance to shine at the expense of Harry Kane, Dorian Dervite and Paul-Jose M'Poku. Rose looked terrifyingly quick when in possession and it was his threatening run that forced the Bolton defence to back off allowing him to pick out Pavlyuchenko at the back post. He waited, dummied past his man and then rolled the ball home with ease, adding an extra gloss to the score and cementing his hero-like reputation with the Spurs fans.
It was an easy win for the home side and one that was hardly in doubt all night. As teams continue to devalue the FA Cup, so the opportunities for us will continue to open up. Fulham await in the quarter finals and it's a game that is very difficult to call. Traditionally we flounder at Craven Cottage but our last visit in the FA Cup brought us a handsome 4-0 win. Admittedly we won't have a certain Mr Berbatov to call upon this time but we have credible alternatives. Victory over Fulham and avoiding big, bad, adulterous Chelsea in the semis and we could be looking at a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991. Forget the day out at Wembley should we make the semis - it's the final we should be excited about and aiming towards.
It's certainly possible. Chelsea and Aston Villa should both win their quarter finals, leaving it between the two of them, us (hopefully) and the winner of Pompey vs Birmingham (probably Birmingham). So long as Chelsea are avoided, I'd feel confident of taking on the other two Midlands clubs, especially considering there's no home advantage for either side. Villa have frustrated us this season but over the two league games, we were evidently superior. And Birmingham should be beaten, even if they are having a fine season. There's a path all the way to that Wembley final being slowly shaped - and with every win, that path becomes even clearer.
It poses an interesting dilemma for Redknapp. He's already said his priority is a top four finish but the Cup may prove a more realistic avenue for success. And with the sort of comfortable performances such as last nights, Spurs should be taken very seriously as contenders for this trophy. My eyes have seen the glory only once (1991) and I'd do anything for the chance again. If Pav can keep up his eye for a cup goal and Harry doesn't decide to rest key players, we could go all the way and wouldn't that be more fulfilling than battling hard for 4th and ending up 6th? We'll find out over the next couple of months.
And the Spurs go marching on.
With home fans baying for a start for Roman Pavlyuchenko, Harry Redknapp delivered and the Russian, who must pay very good money to whoever writes his scripts, duly obliged with two strikes and a performance of general energy and effort that went down superbly with the White Hart Lane faithful. It wasn't a vintage display from the striker but he he did what was necessary and it should earn him a start against Everton at the weekend. His first was a well taken finish if maybe a tad lucky. Luka Modric's pacy burst gained him the room to pick out Pavlyuchenko, who tried to turn his man but lost the ball. Fortunately however, it somehow rolled through for him anyway and he was composure personified as he finished past Jussi Jaaskelainen.
This was after Tottenham had edged out the opening stages of the game. They had the possession and the drive and immediately set about pressing forward. Bolton weren't completely out of it, however, and had Matt Taylor's shot been directed better, it may have been the away side that took the lead. But Spurs were good value for their advantage when it came and soon had another goal to cheer. David Bentley's corner was aimed towards big Tom Huddlestone on the edge of the box. He teased every fan inside the ground by shaping to shoot but fed Wilson Palacios on the right instead. His lethal ball across the face of goal was diverted in by the unfortunate Jaaskelainen, although Jermain Defoe nonchalantly attempted to claim credit for it. The media were too savvy for JD, however, and awarded it as an own goal.
And an own goal early in the second half put us three up. Gareth Bale, who made a number of superb runs down the left all night, advanced into enemy territory and fizzed in a cross that was inadvertently steered in Andy O'Brien. There was no way Defoe could take credit for that one - he had been replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen at the break. 3-0 up and with the game dead and buried, Spurs took their foot off the pedal and Bolton fashioned a series of reasonable chances, with he-of-the-brilliant-hairstyle Mustapha Riga fluffing his lines when all it needed was a simple finish. It wasn't all Bolton, though; Gudjohnsen, who looked very energetic throughout the second half, was terribly unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside, when it looked as if he was just on.
With a number of youngsters on the bench, one suspected Harry would throw one of them on late in the game and it was Danny Rose who got another chance to shine at the expense of Harry Kane, Dorian Dervite and Paul-Jose M'Poku. Rose looked terrifyingly quick when in possession and it was his threatening run that forced the Bolton defence to back off allowing him to pick out Pavlyuchenko at the back post. He waited, dummied past his man and then rolled the ball home with ease, adding an extra gloss to the score and cementing his hero-like reputation with the Spurs fans.
It was an easy win for the home side and one that was hardly in doubt all night. As teams continue to devalue the FA Cup, so the opportunities for us will continue to open up. Fulham await in the quarter finals and it's a game that is very difficult to call. Traditionally we flounder at Craven Cottage but our last visit in the FA Cup brought us a handsome 4-0 win. Admittedly we won't have a certain Mr Berbatov to call upon this time but we have credible alternatives. Victory over Fulham and avoiding big, bad, adulterous Chelsea in the semis and we could be looking at a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991. Forget the day out at Wembley should we make the semis - it's the final we should be excited about and aiming towards.
It's certainly possible. Chelsea and Aston Villa should both win their quarter finals, leaving it between the two of them, us (hopefully) and the winner of Pompey vs Birmingham (probably Birmingham). So long as Chelsea are avoided, I'd feel confident of taking on the other two Midlands clubs, especially considering there's no home advantage for either side. Villa have frustrated us this season but over the two league games, we were evidently superior. And Birmingham should be beaten, even if they are having a fine season. There's a path all the way to that Wembley final being slowly shaped - and with every win, that path becomes even clearer.
It poses an interesting dilemma for Redknapp. He's already said his priority is a top four finish but the Cup may prove a more realistic avenue for success. And with the sort of comfortable performances such as last nights, Spurs should be taken very seriously as contenders for this trophy. My eyes have seen the glory only once (1991) and I'd do anything for the chance again. If Pav can keep up his eye for a cup goal and Harry doesn't decide to rest key players, we could go all the way and wouldn't that be more fulfilling than battling hard for 4th and ending up 6th? We'll find out over the next couple of months.
And the Spurs go marching on.
21 February 2010
The road to 4th is paved with tricky away games
'Luka Modric is a wee-man.' - Slaven Bilic
I rarely open a piece with a quote but the Croatian coach's gushing eulogy of Modric was too good to omit. He went on to praise Moddle's cameo contribution to the morale-lifting win over Wigan and he had a point. But this was a win down to so much more than one man.
The first word belongs to the state of the pitch. A disgrace it was, too. Almost as if the ground-staff had purposely dragged a collection of rakes across the middle of the park before the game, the turf was in no way fit to host a Premier League game. The ball bobbled, players tumbled all over the shop and Ledley did himself another injury trying to make a tackle. You can argue that both teams had to play on the same surface. But, alternatively, you can say that play was hardly possible for either side. But enough about that and more about Spurs.
This was an uplifting win par excellence. Pundits had spoken in the buildup about Tottenham's urgent need to put away teams like Wigan and, despite indifferent recent form, Spurs managed to overcome the built up difficulties of the last month and produce a quintessential away day performance. Yes, the first goal was an age offside. But few could argue that we deserved it. And it's about time we had a bit of luck in front of goal.
Jermain Defoe's opener was the finish to an excellent team move. Niko Kranjcar strode forward with the ball and was thankful for a late Gareth Bale overlap so that he didn't squander possession. Bale centered, Defoe was laughably offside and he easily tapped in. He instantly looked over to the linesman, convinced it would be ruled out. But with the officials unmoved, Defoe recognised he had got away with one and, somewhat sheepishly, wheeled away. To his credit, he didn't offer his usual showy celebration and instead saluted the importance of the goal for the team. Sympathy goes to Wigan, of course, but it's simply another case of things going for you one day and not the other. Today must have been 'our day'.
A stodgy hour followed as both teams struggled to get to terms with the pitch as well as each other. However, we were still clearly in the ascendancy. Defoe twice went close after brilliant turns but was denied by the vengeful Chris Kirkland. He conceded nine last time he faced Spurs and was clearly in no mood to be mugged off again. Defoe was taken off with about 20 minutes to go, replaced by perennial moaner Roman Pavlyuchenko. His complaints about not getting a chance to perform were obviously heard by the management staff and Harry Redknapp gambled on him. Boy did it work.
With five minutes remaining, Modric's shrewd pass found the Russian in an inch or two of space. He skillfully held off his man, took aim and squeezed a shot past Kirkland into the net to all but confirm victory and add another couple of million to his price tag. He celebrated passionately - at one point he thumped the Spurs badge on his shirt - and the rest of the team clearly revelled in his goal, in what can only be described as an over-zealous show of support from team to player.
Extraordinarily, he then grabbed a second. Tom Huddlestone's free-kick was headed towards goal by the big Russian, only for Kirkland to deny him. The ball bounced back out and just when it seemed like all avenues to goal were closed, he steered the ball home, from the acutest of angles. Another flashy celebration beckoned and, out of nowhere, Spurs had wrapped up the points. Redknapp offered nothing in the way of a celebration but the irony of Pavlyuchenko's goals were certainly not lost on him. With the points safe, however, it's doubtful he'll lose too much sleep over it.
And what three points they could turn out to be. Despite starting the day in 7th place and seemingly written out of the top four race (Telegraph journalist Henry Winter claimed, via his Twitter page, that Liverpool and Man City should pay attention to only Aston Villa), Spurs have climbed back into the Premier League heavens and occupy 4th place yet again. With one point separating all four 4th place contenders, today's win could turn out to be vital come the end of the season. But who am I kidding? ALL points, gained or otherwise, are crucial from now on. We're up there now but come next week it could be someone else and the aim for Spurs is to stay in touching distance of 4th for as long as possible.
As for Pav, his future is as opaque as it ever was. His two goals will alert more managers to his undooubted ability yet it could also gain him a start at the Lane on Wednesday. All he can do is impress when he gets his chances and those chances will become more regular. If he wants to leave then so be it but it's no good whining to the media. If he keeps doing what he's doing when he's brought on, his problems will cease.
So all in all a thoroughly excellent day for Spurs. Back on track? Too early to say for sure but with two painfully important league games coming up we'll soon know one way or the other. Defoe looks to have his shooting boots firmly tied back on after his penalty blunders in recent months. His strike today equalled his highest number of goals for a season, a record he's set to break the next time he hits the onion bag. And with Bale continuing his sparkling resurgence and Modric looking more and more like the class player we know he is, it could just be that key players are coming into form at the right moment. Tough tests still lie on the road to fourth but today was one big step safely negotiated.
Oh and I'm told that our aggregate score over Wigan this season is the highest margin in Premier League history. Cracking.
I rarely open a piece with a quote but the Croatian coach's gushing eulogy of Modric was too good to omit. He went on to praise Moddle's cameo contribution to the morale-lifting win over Wigan and he had a point. But this was a win down to so much more than one man.
The first word belongs to the state of the pitch. A disgrace it was, too. Almost as if the ground-staff had purposely dragged a collection of rakes across the middle of the park before the game, the turf was in no way fit to host a Premier League game. The ball bobbled, players tumbled all over the shop and Ledley did himself another injury trying to make a tackle. You can argue that both teams had to play on the same surface. But, alternatively, you can say that play was hardly possible for either side. But enough about that and more about Spurs.
This was an uplifting win par excellence. Pundits had spoken in the buildup about Tottenham's urgent need to put away teams like Wigan and, despite indifferent recent form, Spurs managed to overcome the built up difficulties of the last month and produce a quintessential away day performance. Yes, the first goal was an age offside. But few could argue that we deserved it. And it's about time we had a bit of luck in front of goal.
Jermain Defoe's opener was the finish to an excellent team move. Niko Kranjcar strode forward with the ball and was thankful for a late Gareth Bale overlap so that he didn't squander possession. Bale centered, Defoe was laughably offside and he easily tapped in. He instantly looked over to the linesman, convinced it would be ruled out. But with the officials unmoved, Defoe recognised he had got away with one and, somewhat sheepishly, wheeled away. To his credit, he didn't offer his usual showy celebration and instead saluted the importance of the goal for the team. Sympathy goes to Wigan, of course, but it's simply another case of things going for you one day and not the other. Today must have been 'our day'.
A stodgy hour followed as both teams struggled to get to terms with the pitch as well as each other. However, we were still clearly in the ascendancy. Defoe twice went close after brilliant turns but was denied by the vengeful Chris Kirkland. He conceded nine last time he faced Spurs and was clearly in no mood to be mugged off again. Defoe was taken off with about 20 minutes to go, replaced by perennial moaner Roman Pavlyuchenko. His complaints about not getting a chance to perform were obviously heard by the management staff and Harry Redknapp gambled on him. Boy did it work.
With five minutes remaining, Modric's shrewd pass found the Russian in an inch or two of space. He skillfully held off his man, took aim and squeezed a shot past Kirkland into the net to all but confirm victory and add another couple of million to his price tag. He celebrated passionately - at one point he thumped the Spurs badge on his shirt - and the rest of the team clearly revelled in his goal, in what can only be described as an over-zealous show of support from team to player.
Extraordinarily, he then grabbed a second. Tom Huddlestone's free-kick was headed towards goal by the big Russian, only for Kirkland to deny him. The ball bounced back out and just when it seemed like all avenues to goal were closed, he steered the ball home, from the acutest of angles. Another flashy celebration beckoned and, out of nowhere, Spurs had wrapped up the points. Redknapp offered nothing in the way of a celebration but the irony of Pavlyuchenko's goals were certainly not lost on him. With the points safe, however, it's doubtful he'll lose too much sleep over it.
And what three points they could turn out to be. Despite starting the day in 7th place and seemingly written out of the top four race (Telegraph journalist Henry Winter claimed, via his Twitter page, that Liverpool and Man City should pay attention to only Aston Villa), Spurs have climbed back into the Premier League heavens and occupy 4th place yet again. With one point separating all four 4th place contenders, today's win could turn out to be vital come the end of the season. But who am I kidding? ALL points, gained or otherwise, are crucial from now on. We're up there now but come next week it could be someone else and the aim for Spurs is to stay in touching distance of 4th for as long as possible.
As for Pav, his future is as opaque as it ever was. His two goals will alert more managers to his undooubted ability yet it could also gain him a start at the Lane on Wednesday. All he can do is impress when he gets his chances and those chances will become more regular. If he wants to leave then so be it but it's no good whining to the media. If he keeps doing what he's doing when he's brought on, his problems will cease.
So all in all a thoroughly excellent day for Spurs. Back on track? Too early to say for sure but with two painfully important league games coming up we'll soon know one way or the other. Defoe looks to have his shooting boots firmly tied back on after his penalty blunders in recent months. His strike today equalled his highest number of goals for a season, a record he's set to break the next time he hits the onion bag. And with Bale continuing his sparkling resurgence and Modric looking more and more like the class player we know he is, it could just be that key players are coming into form at the right moment. Tough tests still lie on the road to fourth but today was one big step safely negotiated.
Oh and I'm told that our aggregate score over Wigan this season is the highest margin in Premier League history. Cracking.
20 February 2010
Aaron Lennon, 9-1 and that annoying top four race
Good news and bad news. The good is that the boy Lennon is potentially a matter of days away from returning to the first team and saving our season from sliding into mid-table nothingness. The bad news is he won't be fit in time for Wigan tomorrow.
Back in November, Lennon, with a little assistance from a few other characters, tore apart Wigan in a wing display of sheer excellence. That Spurs scored nine goals that day was not just a testament to Jermain Defoe's flawless finishing - Lennon toyed with his opponents for the whole game, going one way then the next, beating his man with lightning pace, even notching up a goal. He was in the most purple of all patches back then and since his injury at the turn of the year, we've not been the same team.
No offence to David Bentley, who has done the best job he can in such a situation, but he simply does not have the same effect as Lennon. Bentley often slows down play with his neat turns and eye-catching crossing. It can work at times - see Leeds away. But Lennon offers a much more pacey and threatening route to the opposition goal. When he gets the ball and runs, defenders do not want to be up against him.
The long and the short of it is that should he immediately find his best form upon his return to action and, allowing for a game or two of rustiness, there's every chance that'll happen, we should return to being a much more threatening and successful unit. Our top four hopes are admittedly slimmer than they were several weeks ago but with no Lennon, we may as well give it up now. His return can only be a good thing and it shows just how much of an important player he has become. Fergie better keep his hands off in the summer.
Elsewhere, Jermaine Jenas is a doubt. Shame. And Redknapp may want to save Ledley King for the oh-so-important FA Cup replay with Bolton on Wednesday night so we could see Younes Kaboul partner Michael Dawson at centre half. At least he won't be at right back, eh Harry? Please not again? Our last away game (that hideous result at Wolves) saw us simultaneously take our foot off the pedal and our eyes off the ball. We simply cannot afford to do this tomorrow. Last year we went up to Wigan, battled for 90 minutes and lost out to a last minute goal. Redknapp must ensure his players do not dwell on the 9-1 earlier this year and go out and do a professional job. We want the Spurs that confounded critics at Portsmouth and Blackburn, not the Spurs that folded tamely at Liverpool and Wolves.
Without wanting to sound dramatic, tomorrow's game could possibly fall under the 'Must Win' bracket. With the race for fourth hotting up to almost inferno-like proportions, points are crucial and Wigan away will not hold too much fear for the likes of Liverpool and Man City. It's time for us to stand up, be counted and fight for our right to party (finish in fourth). Anything else will see the brilliance of the majority of the season wasted away. And I, for one, won't be satisfied with just 7th place and an FA Cup final win.
Or wait, maybe I will. We'll see. Impress me, Spurs.
Back in November, Lennon, with a little assistance from a few other characters, tore apart Wigan in a wing display of sheer excellence. That Spurs scored nine goals that day was not just a testament to Jermain Defoe's flawless finishing - Lennon toyed with his opponents for the whole game, going one way then the next, beating his man with lightning pace, even notching up a goal. He was in the most purple of all patches back then and since his injury at the turn of the year, we've not been the same team.
No offence to David Bentley, who has done the best job he can in such a situation, but he simply does not have the same effect as Lennon. Bentley often slows down play with his neat turns and eye-catching crossing. It can work at times - see Leeds away. But Lennon offers a much more pacey and threatening route to the opposition goal. When he gets the ball and runs, defenders do not want to be up against him.
The long and the short of it is that should he immediately find his best form upon his return to action and, allowing for a game or two of rustiness, there's every chance that'll happen, we should return to being a much more threatening and successful unit. Our top four hopes are admittedly slimmer than they were several weeks ago but with no Lennon, we may as well give it up now. His return can only be a good thing and it shows just how much of an important player he has become. Fergie better keep his hands off in the summer.
Elsewhere, Jermaine Jenas is a doubt. Shame. And Redknapp may want to save Ledley King for the oh-so-important FA Cup replay with Bolton on Wednesday night so we could see Younes Kaboul partner Michael Dawson at centre half. At least he won't be at right back, eh Harry? Please not again? Our last away game (that hideous result at Wolves) saw us simultaneously take our foot off the pedal and our eyes off the ball. We simply cannot afford to do this tomorrow. Last year we went up to Wigan, battled for 90 minutes and lost out to a last minute goal. Redknapp must ensure his players do not dwell on the 9-1 earlier this year and go out and do a professional job. We want the Spurs that confounded critics at Portsmouth and Blackburn, not the Spurs that folded tamely at Liverpool and Wolves.
Without wanting to sound dramatic, tomorrow's game could possibly fall under the 'Must Win' bracket. With the race for fourth hotting up to almost inferno-like proportions, points are crucial and Wigan away will not hold too much fear for the likes of Liverpool and Man City. It's time for us to stand up, be counted and fight for our right to party (finish in fourth). Anything else will see the brilliance of the majority of the season wasted away. And I, for one, won't be satisfied with just 7th place and an FA Cup final win.
Or wait, maybe I will. We'll see. Impress me, Spurs.
15 February 2010
Penalties, bloody penalties
Spurs have been awarded six penalties this season. They've only scored two of them.
Jermain Defoe has missed six out of his last ten penalties.
Of the four missed penalties this year, three have cost Spurs victory:
- Defoe vs Everton, November
- Defoe vs Leeds, January
- Huddlestone vs Bolton, February
Three Tottenham players (Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone) have missed penalties this season. Of the remaining bunch, Luka Modric missed a crucial penalty for his country Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter final, Peter Crouch, when on the verge of his first international hat-trick in 2006, chipped a penalty straight over the bar and David Bentley steered his penalty wide in the Carling Cup Final shootout last season.
Something is fundamentally wrong with Tottenham players and putting the ball in the net from 12 yards. It needs fixing sharpish. It cost us victory at Bolton on Sunday, where a vastly improved second half display had merited first-time passage to the quarter finals. Another replay awaits, one we have a fine chance of winning, but the galling fact remains that we should be already there. Just as it was against Leeds.
In a year where we have a fantastic opportunity to march all the way to Wembley for the FA Cup final, we certainly are doing things the interesting way. How typically and frustratingly Tottenham. Fulham await in the quarters, should we dispose of Bolton, and it's another winnable game. They won't be easy but, like Bolton, they shouldn't hold a huge deal of fear for us. We avoided Chelsea, Man City and Aston Villa, the only teams that would have really caused a bit of consternation and an inviting path to Wembley is slowly taking shape. But basic errors cannot be forgiven and we'll win nothing unless we sort it out quickly.
Penalties are a gift. Accept them and use them. Floundering them is a crime. Sort it, Harry.
Jermain Defoe has missed six out of his last ten penalties.
Of the four missed penalties this year, three have cost Spurs victory:
- Defoe vs Everton, November
- Defoe vs Leeds, January
- Huddlestone vs Bolton, February
Three Tottenham players (Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone) have missed penalties this season. Of the remaining bunch, Luka Modric missed a crucial penalty for his country Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter final, Peter Crouch, when on the verge of his first international hat-trick in 2006, chipped a penalty straight over the bar and David Bentley steered his penalty wide in the Carling Cup Final shootout last season.
Something is fundamentally wrong with Tottenham players and putting the ball in the net from 12 yards. It needs fixing sharpish. It cost us victory at Bolton on Sunday, where a vastly improved second half display had merited first-time passage to the quarter finals. Another replay awaits, one we have a fine chance of winning, but the galling fact remains that we should be already there. Just as it was against Leeds.
In a year where we have a fantastic opportunity to march all the way to Wembley for the FA Cup final, we certainly are doing things the interesting way. How typically and frustratingly Tottenham. Fulham await in the quarters, should we dispose of Bolton, and it's another winnable game. They won't be easy but, like Bolton, they shouldn't hold a huge deal of fear for us. We avoided Chelsea, Man City and Aston Villa, the only teams that would have really caused a bit of consternation and an inviting path to Wembley is slowly taking shape. But basic errors cannot be forgiven and we'll win nothing unless we sort it out quickly.
Penalties are a gift. Accept them and use them. Floundering them is a crime. Sort it, Harry.
12 February 2010
The first mistake
Hold the front page. Yeah, that's right. The front page. For the first time in the history of this blog, I'm criticising Harry. Cue sharp intake of breath ala courtroom drama.
Of course, it's not all his fault. Far from it. At the end of the day, responsibility must lie with the muppets out on the pitch who, for some reason, can't find it within themselves to score a goal in 180 minutes of football against a team languishing around the foot of the table. To lose once this season to Wolves was embarrassing but forgivable. To do it twice is beyond a joke and unbecoming of a side with supposed designs on the top four. We all know Wednesday night's display was nowhere near the best we've got. But if that's the kind of fare we'll be offering to teams of that calibre then you can take any hopes you may have of finishing in fourth and toss them into the nearest bin. Hell, maybe David Bentley will kick them into a skip from a roof for you.
But I'm taking issue with Harry's selection. Some of the changes were at least explainable. Gudjohnson for Crouch. Almost a like-for-like change and no real weakening of the team. Kranjcar for Modric. Kranjcar is good enough to replace Modric as he showed during Moddle's prolonged absence from the side earlier this year. But the rest is up for debate. Jenas for Palacios? Really? Replacing our effective, hard-working, away day specialist with a player whose reputation for going missing is the stuff of N17 legend? Can't really see the logic behind that one, especially when you consider the fact that Sgt. Wilson came on as early as half time to replace the ineffective JJ.
And the one that astounds me the most: Younes Kaboul (shudder) replacing Vedran Corluka. Weeks after I extol the virtues of our Croatian right back, Harry drops him and sticks in man who A) isn't a right back and B) isn't very good. It's selectorial tinkering gone mad. Kaboul laboured for 90 minutes, not doing that much wrong, but just generally being inept. He isn't good enough for us, Harry. He's Portsmouth at best and that's saying something. Signing him back was a mistake. Playing him was an even bigger one.
On Wednesday night, we delivered our worst performance of the season. And we got exactly what we deserved from it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Did Harry underestimate Wolves? I actually don't think he did. Rather, he saw an opportunity to employ a bit of squad rotation and rest a few players for what is to be a testing couple of weeks. But there comes a point where resting players leaves you short of your best. And on Wednesday night, we were way, way short of our best. Defoe, Kranjcar and Bale tried and tried but there was no spark, no confident swagger and no silky passing that has illuminated our season so far.
Our top four charge is fast running out of fuel. We badly miss Aaron Lennon, whose lightning pace and trickery could have guaranteed us so many more points than we've actually got. For all Bentley's improvement, he still just isn't Lennon. He still dwells on the ball a bit too much and slows down play. Tottenham plays at their best when we play fast and Lennon suits that style of play in a way that Bentley cannot.
Results cannot come soon enough. With Liverpool dropping points to the Gooners, we had a perfect opportunity to climb back into fourth but we blew it. With four teams battling it out for one place, every point is going to be absolutely crucial. And I'm pretty certain the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man City won't be bricking it at the prospect of a trip to Molineux. Maybe that's the difference between us and a really top class side. We lack the balls to grab our opportunities when they come. The best sides don't. It may only be February but our stranglehold on fourth has been loosened to a weak-handed grip and it'll be insanely tough to get it back.
Harry got it wrong. And I demand retribution.
Of course, it's not all his fault. Far from it. At the end of the day, responsibility must lie with the muppets out on the pitch who, for some reason, can't find it within themselves to score a goal in 180 minutes of football against a team languishing around the foot of the table. To lose once this season to Wolves was embarrassing but forgivable. To do it twice is beyond a joke and unbecoming of a side with supposed designs on the top four. We all know Wednesday night's display was nowhere near the best we've got. But if that's the kind of fare we'll be offering to teams of that calibre then you can take any hopes you may have of finishing in fourth and toss them into the nearest bin. Hell, maybe David Bentley will kick them into a skip from a roof for you.
But I'm taking issue with Harry's selection. Some of the changes were at least explainable. Gudjohnson for Crouch. Almost a like-for-like change and no real weakening of the team. Kranjcar for Modric. Kranjcar is good enough to replace Modric as he showed during Moddle's prolonged absence from the side earlier this year. But the rest is up for debate. Jenas for Palacios? Really? Replacing our effective, hard-working, away day specialist with a player whose reputation for going missing is the stuff of N17 legend? Can't really see the logic behind that one, especially when you consider the fact that Sgt. Wilson came on as early as half time to replace the ineffective JJ.
And the one that astounds me the most: Younes Kaboul (shudder) replacing Vedran Corluka. Weeks after I extol the virtues of our Croatian right back, Harry drops him and sticks in man who A) isn't a right back and B) isn't very good. It's selectorial tinkering gone mad. Kaboul laboured for 90 minutes, not doing that much wrong, but just generally being inept. He isn't good enough for us, Harry. He's Portsmouth at best and that's saying something. Signing him back was a mistake. Playing him was an even bigger one.
On Wednesday night, we delivered our worst performance of the season. And we got exactly what we deserved from it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Did Harry underestimate Wolves? I actually don't think he did. Rather, he saw an opportunity to employ a bit of squad rotation and rest a few players for what is to be a testing couple of weeks. But there comes a point where resting players leaves you short of your best. And on Wednesday night, we were way, way short of our best. Defoe, Kranjcar and Bale tried and tried but there was no spark, no confident swagger and no silky passing that has illuminated our season so far.
Our top four charge is fast running out of fuel. We badly miss Aaron Lennon, whose lightning pace and trickery could have guaranteed us so many more points than we've actually got. For all Bentley's improvement, he still just isn't Lennon. He still dwells on the ball a bit too much and slows down play. Tottenham plays at their best when we play fast and Lennon suits that style of play in a way that Bentley cannot.
Results cannot come soon enough. With Liverpool dropping points to the Gooners, we had a perfect opportunity to climb back into fourth but we blew it. With four teams battling it out for one place, every point is going to be absolutely crucial. And I'm pretty certain the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man City won't be bricking it at the prospect of a trip to Molineux. Maybe that's the difference between us and a really top class side. We lack the balls to grab our opportunities when they come. The best sides don't. It may only be February but our stranglehold on fourth has been loosened to a weak-handed grip and it'll be insanely tough to get it back.
Harry got it wrong. And I demand retribution.
10 February 2010
We do not shoot
I was going to moan about our inability to turn superior possession and quality against Villa into a precious win. Then I was going to moan about Aaron Lennon still being injured and how much we needed him back, despite how well David Bentley may have been playing. Then I was going to emphasise the urgent need for a win at Wolves tonight and how tough a challenge it could represent.
But then I found this. And the whole world made prefect sense, if only for a short few minutes. You haven't lived until you've seen it. And I felt absolutely compelled to share it with others who, like me, were unwittingly naive of it's comedic genius. Watch it, absorb it, appreciate it then watch the rest of them on YouTube. You will not regret a single second.
Come on Spurs. Put away Wolves tonight like we all know you can.
But then I found this. And the whole world made prefect sense, if only for a short few minutes. You haven't lived until you've seen it. And I felt absolutely compelled to share it with others who, like me, were unwittingly naive of it's comedic genius. Watch it, absorb it, appreciate it then watch the rest of them on YouTube. You will not regret a single second.
Come on Spurs. Put away Wolves tonight like we all know you can.
4 February 2010
There's a 1 in the year
In the end, it looked so easy. Anyone coming in from a night out and checking the score will assume that Spurs walked all over Leeds and claimed a comprehensive 3-1 win. In truth, it was much tougher than that but Tottenham were excellent value for their win and, finally, superior ability was able to defeat battling determination.
Leeds away was never going to be easy. With 30,00 baying northerners screaming for London blood and a whole nation of 'cup romantics' desperate for an upset, it was the kind of game that the Spurs of old would have crumbled in. But Redknapp's boys are made of tougher stuff these days and they delivered a performance of Premier League quality allied with old fashioned grit and physicality. Jermain Defoe avenged his first tie penalty miss with a clinical hat-trick (his THIRD of the season) and could have had a bundle more were it not for the continued heroics of Casper Ankergren in the home goal.
But the plaudits must also go to David Bentley. There's a sentence I never envisaged I'd be writing. In the prolonged absence of Aaron Lennon, Bentley has been given an extended run in the side and last night he delivered a fine performance, worthy of the little man Lennon himself. His crossing, at last, was a joy to behold - his teasing ball in for Defoe's second was so perfect you'd want to sear the image of it into Bentley's mind forever to make him do it again and again. He ran and ran and ran at Leeds defence time and time again and produced the wing display that we've been craving from him for so long.
Individual performance aside, it was a brilliant performance from Spurs. With many expecting them to subside in front of the aggressive home crowd, they rolled out the perfect away cup performance. With Dawson marshaling the dangerous Jermaine Beckford, Spurs didn't allow themselves to get bullied, a real worry for fans before the game. And their competitiveness in the tackle and refusal to get bogged down allowed them to play their natural, free-flowing game, which was always going to be too good for League One opposition. Tom Huddlestone was given suitable time on the ball to dictate things from midfield and the excellence of Bentley and Defoe was simply too good for a brave but technically inferior Leeds back-line.
The win is symbolic of Redknapp's Tottenham - determined yet technically sublime. Spurs are no longer pushovers and have something of a backbone. Even without the tigerish Wilson Palacios, they were able to compete effectively in the tackle. It was a result that will send a message to the rest of the country, especially to those who were expecting Spurs to be toppled. With Bolton up next and the absence of all but one top four side, Spurs have their best chance at a run to the Cup final since 2005, where they were bundled out by Newcastle and a dodgy referee. They must be regarded as serious contenders - only Chelsea will provide real consternation in the dressing room.
If the cup run is to be in vain, then hopefully the result will have a mental effect in the minds of the players. It will hopefully demonstrate to them that they are capable of winning when the pressure is on and when they are being doubted. These types of hard fought cup wins can have superb effects on league form and with Tottenham approaching a crucial phase in the race for the top four, the players will need to believe in themselves, now more than ever.
I'll end on a special mention for Defoe, whose contribution cannot be understated. He's notched up 20 goals already this season. With four months to go, another 10 or 15 could be vital. Who's to say he won't hit the electric form he displayed in August and September once again in the run in to the end of the season?
Dream of Wembley, Spurs fans. It's still a while away but the collective willpower of thousands of Lilywhites has to have an effect. After all, there's a 1 in 2010.
Leeds away was never going to be easy. With 30,00 baying northerners screaming for London blood and a whole nation of 'cup romantics' desperate for an upset, it was the kind of game that the Spurs of old would have crumbled in. But Redknapp's boys are made of tougher stuff these days and they delivered a performance of Premier League quality allied with old fashioned grit and physicality. Jermain Defoe avenged his first tie penalty miss with a clinical hat-trick (his THIRD of the season) and could have had a bundle more were it not for the continued heroics of Casper Ankergren in the home goal.
But the plaudits must also go to David Bentley. There's a sentence I never envisaged I'd be writing. In the prolonged absence of Aaron Lennon, Bentley has been given an extended run in the side and last night he delivered a fine performance, worthy of the little man Lennon himself. His crossing, at last, was a joy to behold - his teasing ball in for Defoe's second was so perfect you'd want to sear the image of it into Bentley's mind forever to make him do it again and again. He ran and ran and ran at Leeds defence time and time again and produced the wing display that we've been craving from him for so long.
Individual performance aside, it was a brilliant performance from Spurs. With many expecting them to subside in front of the aggressive home crowd, they rolled out the perfect away cup performance. With Dawson marshaling the dangerous Jermaine Beckford, Spurs didn't allow themselves to get bullied, a real worry for fans before the game. And their competitiveness in the tackle and refusal to get bogged down allowed them to play their natural, free-flowing game, which was always going to be too good for League One opposition. Tom Huddlestone was given suitable time on the ball to dictate things from midfield and the excellence of Bentley and Defoe was simply too good for a brave but technically inferior Leeds back-line.
The win is symbolic of Redknapp's Tottenham - determined yet technically sublime. Spurs are no longer pushovers and have something of a backbone. Even without the tigerish Wilson Palacios, they were able to compete effectively in the tackle. It was a result that will send a message to the rest of the country, especially to those who were expecting Spurs to be toppled. With Bolton up next and the absence of all but one top four side, Spurs have their best chance at a run to the Cup final since 2005, where they were bundled out by Newcastle and a dodgy referee. They must be regarded as serious contenders - only Chelsea will provide real consternation in the dressing room.
If the cup run is to be in vain, then hopefully the result will have a mental effect in the minds of the players. It will hopefully demonstrate to them that they are capable of winning when the pressure is on and when they are being doubted. These types of hard fought cup wins can have superb effects on league form and with Tottenham approaching a crucial phase in the race for the top four, the players will need to believe in themselves, now more than ever.
I'll end on a special mention for Defoe, whose contribution cannot be understated. He's notched up 20 goals already this season. With four months to go, another 10 or 15 could be vital. Who's to say he won't hit the electric form he displayed in August and September once again in the run in to the end of the season?
Dream of Wembley, Spurs fans. It's still a while away but the collective willpower of thousands of Lilywhites has to have an effect. After all, there's a 1 in 2010.
Harry tinkers and Keano goes north
Pav stayed. Hutton went. Bentley stayed. Naughton went. Walker came back. Kaboul also came back (shudder). And, perhaps most surprisingly of all, Keano went - his second coming at the Lane not proving to be so successful. Interestingly enough, all significant deals in and out of Spurs but one this January transfer window were loans. With the return of Younes Kaboul (shudder) being the only permanent switch - aside from Troy Archibald Henville making his protracted loan to Exeter permanent - the windows remain open on a great number of Tottenham careers that may appear to have been closed.
Without doubt, Robbie Keane's loan to Celtic is the most significant piece of business. A disappointing return so far this season had seen him slip behind Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe in the race for a starting position. The Dublin shenanigans in December could hardly have helped raise his stock and it appeared that his days were numbered. And so it proved when he travelled up to Glasgow at the last minute on Monday and joined his boyhood team*.
Keane's departure means several things. Notably, Roman Pavlyuchenko will be staying at the Lane until at least the summer. He may even find himself on the receiving end of a few more appearances too. His instant impact against Leeds in the Cup was a testament to his undoubted ability and it's clear now that Harry Redknapp has recognised a stirring talent in the want-away Russian. A few games here and a few goals there coupled with some team success and Roman could well decide to stay, come July. Keane has, of course, effectively been replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen so the four strikers dilemma still applies. But is Pav has any sense about him, he'll see this as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation.
As for Keane, I can't see him coming back. He'll boss the SPL to great effect - he's too good a striker not too. And the hero status already afforded to him by the Celtic fans will make him feel more loved than he was in the last few weeks of his Spurs stay. If he enjoys himself up there, there'll be little reason for him to return. It could well be a sad end to what has been a stellar career at Tottenham. His second stint wasn't nearly as profitable as the first but, if he is never to return, Keane should not be remembered in this way. Remember simply the awe-inspiring, all-round goal machine that lit up a high percentage of games he played in. Remember the four goals against Burnley earlier this year or his dazzling solo goal against Blackburn in 2006. Remember his passionate leadership and dedication to the cause in the charge for Europe in '06 and the march to Carling Cup glory in 2008.
Despite your lack of goals this year, Keano, you will be missed.
As for the rest of business, Kaboul's return is quite nonsensical. If Redknapp was looking for defensive cover then fair enough but bringing back this misfit is scarily reminiscent of the Pascal Chimbonda signing last January. And we all saw what happened there. The loaning's out of both Alan Hutton and Kyle Naughton make sense in terms of getting them match practise. Hutton's departure could spell the end of his Tottenham career, in a similar manner to Keane's. Playing second fiddle to Vedran Corluka would hardly have been his preferred choice and a good few months up north could see him make the deal permanent. Kyle Walker has returned to us as cover for Corluka after a loan move to his old side Sheffield United. Given that Walker has never played for us since his move in the summer, it's almost like a new signing. Joy.
All that's left to see now is whether Harry's January tinkering does the required trick.
*Take this term lightly. Keano claimed that Liverpool were his boyhood club back in 2008 so to claim Celtic are as well either makes him a glory hunter or a bit of a liar. You decide.
Without doubt, Robbie Keane's loan to Celtic is the most significant piece of business. A disappointing return so far this season had seen him slip behind Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe in the race for a starting position. The Dublin shenanigans in December could hardly have helped raise his stock and it appeared that his days were numbered. And so it proved when he travelled up to Glasgow at the last minute on Monday and joined his boyhood team*.
Keane's departure means several things. Notably, Roman Pavlyuchenko will be staying at the Lane until at least the summer. He may even find himself on the receiving end of a few more appearances too. His instant impact against Leeds in the Cup was a testament to his undoubted ability and it's clear now that Harry Redknapp has recognised a stirring talent in the want-away Russian. A few games here and a few goals there coupled with some team success and Roman could well decide to stay, come July. Keane has, of course, effectively been replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen so the four strikers dilemma still applies. But is Pav has any sense about him, he'll see this as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation.
As for Keane, I can't see him coming back. He'll boss the SPL to great effect - he's too good a striker not too. And the hero status already afforded to him by the Celtic fans will make him feel more loved than he was in the last few weeks of his Spurs stay. If he enjoys himself up there, there'll be little reason for him to return. It could well be a sad end to what has been a stellar career at Tottenham. His second stint wasn't nearly as profitable as the first but, if he is never to return, Keane should not be remembered in this way. Remember simply the awe-inspiring, all-round goal machine that lit up a high percentage of games he played in. Remember the four goals against Burnley earlier this year or his dazzling solo goal against Blackburn in 2006. Remember his passionate leadership and dedication to the cause in the charge for Europe in '06 and the march to Carling Cup glory in 2008.
Despite your lack of goals this year, Keano, you will be missed.
As for the rest of business, Kaboul's return is quite nonsensical. If Redknapp was looking for defensive cover then fair enough but bringing back this misfit is scarily reminiscent of the Pascal Chimbonda signing last January. And we all saw what happened there. The loaning's out of both Alan Hutton and Kyle Naughton make sense in terms of getting them match practise. Hutton's departure could spell the end of his Tottenham career, in a similar manner to Keane's. Playing second fiddle to Vedran Corluka would hardly have been his preferred choice and a good few months up north could see him make the deal permanent. Kyle Walker has returned to us as cover for Corluka after a loan move to his old side Sheffield United. Given that Walker has never played for us since his move in the summer, it's almost like a new signing. Joy.
All that's left to see now is whether Harry's January tinkering does the required trick.
*Take this term lightly. Keano claimed that Liverpool were his boyhood club back in 2008 so to claim Celtic are as well either makes him a glory hunter or a bit of a liar. You decide.
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