If it’s as easy as that at Wembley in two weeks time then this blog will be a very happy URL indeed.
As routine a victory as you will ever see, the overriding feeling is possibly one of disappointment that we didn’t rack up a cricket score ala Wigan in November. But three points is three points is three points and with the race for the top four set to become excruciatingly tight in the coming weeks, we’ll take a victory in any shape or form. Besides, we’ll be thankful for these wins when we’re getting schooled by Man Utd, Chelsea and the like come April. What am I saying? Positive thinking.
Crouchie finally got the proverbial monkey of his back and scored his first goal since January. Again the effervescent Bale was the provider, this time coming from left back. A typically rapier-like thrust into enemy territory, a pin-point cross and all Crouch had to do was get his bonce on it. Which he did, with the strange but no less helpful use of his shoulder. From the looks of his celebration, the goal meant plenty to the lanky hitman and was probably indicative of a fair amount of relief.
The second goal came about as a result of good thinking from our other young full back. Kyle Walker, making his debut in the absence of the injured Vedran Corluka, showed terrific endeavour down the right after being fed by Bentley. He beat his man and expertly cut back for Modric, whose shot was parried into the direction of Kranjcar. Niko applied the finishing touches courtesy of an impudent flick with the outside of his boot.
2-0 up going into half time, game effectively over. Yet Gomes was required to make a couple of inspired saves, notably from Anthony Vanden Borre. Michael Brown and Kanu also should have netted but lost their heads at the crucial moment. Shame.
Should we have scored more? Undoubtedly, yes. But the fact of the matter is we weren’t needed to accelerate out of first gear so we didn’t. Huddlestone smacked a glorious effort against the post before seconds later Crouch repeated the trick. Bentley and Bassong also tested their luck before Crouch rolled an effort wide in the game’s closing stages. Could have been 4 or 5.
Pompey fans can possibly comfort themselves with the notion that their players will certainly be at least a little bit more fired up for the cup semi final in two weeks. They had their chances in this game and had they been a bit more clinical, it could have been a different story. But with this fact comes a counter argument that Spurs, too, will surely raise their game for the Wembley clash.
With Villa getting utterly spanked by Chelsea and Liverpool and Man City both not playing, we’ve gone and opened up a juicy five point lead over the chasing pack. Our goal difference is pretty tasty too; that 9-1 may well come in handy should we get a tight finish. At the risk of repeating oneself, the acid test will really be the games with Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd and they have the potential to decide our fate. Which is why it’s all the more vital we do the required job in games like these. Even Sunderland away next weekend, which doesn’t appear like a thriller, could have gargantuan ramifications.
But there’ll be no negativity on this blog. 4th spot inching ever closer. A possible FA Cup final appearance. A Russian scoring goals when he pleases. And the promise of a returning Aaron Lennon (please). It’s been a good season, alright. We’ll end on an interesting tidbit: Spurs are 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand. Now, consider the stupid points we’ve dropped this season – Stoke at home (3), Wolves at home and away (6). Now, assume we win our game in hand and do the maths.
We could be top of the bloody table. It’s a funny old game.
28 March 2010
26 March 2010
Sandro/Sandra
Welcome to the Lane, Sandro. Hope Harry doesn't confuse you with his wife.
The deal's gone down, Harry's had his say and everyone's feeling fairly chuffed with themselves. Sandro's arrival at the club in the summer will likely see the departure of at least one central midfielder. O'Hara? Jenas? Palacios? The Honduran has been quoted in recent weeks stating his desire to eventually leave Spurs for sunnier and more illustrious climes. Perhaps Harry has seen it coming and launched a pre-emptive strike.
The smart money is on a Jenas departure. Injuries have blighted his season and restricted his playing time... that's the official line at least. In truth, Tom Huddlestone has ousted him in central midfield and Harry prefers to see a Hudds/Wilson combination. Jenas has always been a hard worker but incredibly frustrating. Not many players have ever divided as much opinion as the occasionally box-to-box midfielder. With a handful of clubs bound to be interested, perhaps now is the time to cash in and wish him well.
So what of this Sandro fella then? He's a defensively minded central midfielder, for a start, and if you believe what's been said, he's a bit of alright. Think Didier Zokora with more flair. And, hopefully, consistency. Also, he's got a solitary Brazil cap, which must be worth something. With any luck, he'll have some balls about him. We waited years to get a central midfielder who isn't afraid of getting really stuck in and snarling around the opposition for 90 minutes. Having one Palacios is brilliant. Having two would be outstanding.
His transfer is also the first fruit to be born out the partnership with Internacional which began back in October. If the kid turns out to be a star, expect Harry to be sending one or two scouts out to Brazil on a regular basis. At least Sandro will have a compatriot, in resident cult hero Heurelho Gomes, to help him ease into life in North London. Rumour is that Enfield is a far cry from Porto Alegre.
Meanwhile, here's a video of David Bentley kicking a ball into a skip from a roof.
Just 'cause.
The deal's gone down, Harry's had his say and everyone's feeling fairly chuffed with themselves. Sandro's arrival at the club in the summer will likely see the departure of at least one central midfielder. O'Hara? Jenas? Palacios? The Honduran has been quoted in recent weeks stating his desire to eventually leave Spurs for sunnier and more illustrious climes. Perhaps Harry has seen it coming and launched a pre-emptive strike.
The smart money is on a Jenas departure. Injuries have blighted his season and restricted his playing time... that's the official line at least. In truth, Tom Huddlestone has ousted him in central midfield and Harry prefers to see a Hudds/Wilson combination. Jenas has always been a hard worker but incredibly frustrating. Not many players have ever divided as much opinion as the occasionally box-to-box midfielder. With a handful of clubs bound to be interested, perhaps now is the time to cash in and wish him well.
So what of this Sandro fella then? He's a defensively minded central midfielder, for a start, and if you believe what's been said, he's a bit of alright. Think Didier Zokora with more flair. And, hopefully, consistency. Also, he's got a solitary Brazil cap, which must be worth something. With any luck, he'll have some balls about him. We waited years to get a central midfielder who isn't afraid of getting really stuck in and snarling around the opposition for 90 minutes. Having one Palacios is brilliant. Having two would be outstanding.
His transfer is also the first fruit to be born out the partnership with Internacional which began back in October. If the kid turns out to be a star, expect Harry to be sending one or two scouts out to Brazil on a regular basis. At least Sandro will have a compatriot, in resident cult hero Heurelho Gomes, to help him ease into life in North London. Rumour is that Enfield is a far cry from Porto Alegre.
Meanwhile, here's a video of David Bentley kicking a ball into a skip from a roof.
Just 'cause.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Assou Ekotto
Oh Benny. You’re just not going to make it are you?
Having spent a good part of the last year extolling the virtues of our Cameroonian left back and lauding his progression to the hills and back, this blog has decided to revoke its previously unequivocal support of Benoit Assou Ekotto. Stop the press.
His untimely spat with Charlie Corluka last week at Stoke was an unwelcome sight. Team-mates fighting each other on the pitch should stay a Newcastle thing but BAE, not taking too kindly to Corluka’s vocal concern that the left back should perhaps track back a little quicker, decided to take matters into his own hands and have a little shove at his right sided counterpart. It’s probably safe to assume that all is well and happy again in Camp Tottenham – the bollocking Harry would have dished out to them afterwards is frightening and perhaps unprintable on such a family blog. But, Assou Ekotto, who has had a, shall we say, chequered career at the Lane, has gone a step too far this time.
Now, before we completely write him off, it’s important to allow for a bit of wiggle room: we don’t and probably never will know exactly what was said and why it was said. There’s every chance that Corluka really was taking things too far and should have just kept his mouth shut. But BAE’s reaction always looked over-zealous and there can be no excuse for lashing out at a team-mate. Besides, his history at Spurs hardly reads like one of complete and utter harmony.
For all his excellent improvement and, make no mistake, he has come on leaps and bounds in the last year, it could well be time for us to cast BAE aside and hand the permanent left back slot to man of the moment Gareth Bale. The evolution of our Welsh wizard has been just as heart-warming as that of Assou Ekotto, if not more impressive in that it came in a shorter space of time. Bale has made the left side of the park his bitch, be it marauding forward with his bursts of pace or covering up at the back with his improved positional sense and better defensive knowledge.
A timely reminder of Bale’s defensive potential was given on Wednesday during the win over Fulham. He’d looked as electric as ever on the wing in the first half but the halftime subbing of Assou Ekotto meant Bale was reverted to full back. The balance of the Spurs side was more complete and the transformation in the team’s performance and subsequent fortunes was substantial. Bale’s rapidly improving ability at left back means that BAE finally has competition for his place.
Redknapp has been typically diplomatic on the subject: "Charlie was upset that he (BAE) didn’t come back and do his job. Benoit is a strange boy. He’s a bit highly strung and hardly speaks English. If you say something to him he’s hard work. He hasn’t improved his English in the couple of years he’s been here. He’ll turn up Wednesday and play great, but he won’t know we’re playing Fulham until someone tells him. That’s how he is. He’s unreal. He walks off and he’s thinking about the music he’s going to play when he puts his headphones on."
To the outside observer, it looks as if Harry’s not entirely keen either. He’s witnessed Bale develop into the competent left back he now is and possibly believes that his charge is ready to take on the job full time. Either way, BAE’s days must be numbered. He’s openly stated his desire to leave the club in past when things haven’t been going too smoothly for him and no amount of improvement can mask the fact that he’s a temperamental little so and so.
The long and the short of it is that if a chance came to fritter off back to France or to play for a mediocre European team came up, there can’t be much doubting he’d jump at the opportunity head first. He’s never been completely happy at the Lane, no matter how many wonder goals against Liverpool he’s scored. Perhaps the best option for him and perhaps for us would be to allow him to leave in the summer and to get Bale in and comfortable in the left back slot – a slot he could occupy for years if he plays his cards right and doesn’t attract Sir Alex too much.
This blog has always been something of a fan of BAE and has been heartened by the way he raised his game over the last year. But enough is enough. Patrick Swayze once said that no-one puts baby in a corner and, similarly, no-one pushes Vedran Corluka, something of a favored son in these parts. If he’s ever willing to show signs of an improved temper then all well and good. But, frankly, it looks unlikely.
Sorry Benny. The blogosphere has spoken.
Having spent a good part of the last year extolling the virtues of our Cameroonian left back and lauding his progression to the hills and back, this blog has decided to revoke its previously unequivocal support of Benoit Assou Ekotto. Stop the press.
His untimely spat with Charlie Corluka last week at Stoke was an unwelcome sight. Team-mates fighting each other on the pitch should stay a Newcastle thing but BAE, not taking too kindly to Corluka’s vocal concern that the left back should perhaps track back a little quicker, decided to take matters into his own hands and have a little shove at his right sided counterpart. It’s probably safe to assume that all is well and happy again in Camp Tottenham – the bollocking Harry would have dished out to them afterwards is frightening and perhaps unprintable on such a family blog. But, Assou Ekotto, who has had a, shall we say, chequered career at the Lane, has gone a step too far this time.
Now, before we completely write him off, it’s important to allow for a bit of wiggle room: we don’t and probably never will know exactly what was said and why it was said. There’s every chance that Corluka really was taking things too far and should have just kept his mouth shut. But BAE’s reaction always looked over-zealous and there can be no excuse for lashing out at a team-mate. Besides, his history at Spurs hardly reads like one of complete and utter harmony.
For all his excellent improvement and, make no mistake, he has come on leaps and bounds in the last year, it could well be time for us to cast BAE aside and hand the permanent left back slot to man of the moment Gareth Bale. The evolution of our Welsh wizard has been just as heart-warming as that of Assou Ekotto, if not more impressive in that it came in a shorter space of time. Bale has made the left side of the park his bitch, be it marauding forward with his bursts of pace or covering up at the back with his improved positional sense and better defensive knowledge.
A timely reminder of Bale’s defensive potential was given on Wednesday during the win over Fulham. He’d looked as electric as ever on the wing in the first half but the halftime subbing of Assou Ekotto meant Bale was reverted to full back. The balance of the Spurs side was more complete and the transformation in the team’s performance and subsequent fortunes was substantial. Bale’s rapidly improving ability at left back means that BAE finally has competition for his place.
Redknapp has been typically diplomatic on the subject: "Charlie was upset that he (BAE) didn’t come back and do his job. Benoit is a strange boy. He’s a bit highly strung and hardly speaks English. If you say something to him he’s hard work. He hasn’t improved his English in the couple of years he’s been here. He’ll turn up Wednesday and play great, but he won’t know we’re playing Fulham until someone tells him. That’s how he is. He’s unreal. He walks off and he’s thinking about the music he’s going to play when he puts his headphones on."
To the outside observer, it looks as if Harry’s not entirely keen either. He’s witnessed Bale develop into the competent left back he now is and possibly believes that his charge is ready to take on the job full time. Either way, BAE’s days must be numbered. He’s openly stated his desire to leave the club in past when things haven’t been going too smoothly for him and no amount of improvement can mask the fact that he’s a temperamental little so and so.
The long and the short of it is that if a chance came to fritter off back to France or to play for a mediocre European team came up, there can’t be much doubting he’d jump at the opportunity head first. He’s never been completely happy at the Lane, no matter how many wonder goals against Liverpool he’s scored. Perhaps the best option for him and perhaps for us would be to allow him to leave in the summer and to get Bale in and comfortable in the left back slot – a slot he could occupy for years if he plays his cards right and doesn’t attract Sir Alex too much.
This blog has always been something of a fan of BAE and has been heartened by the way he raised his game over the last year. But enough is enough. Patrick Swayze once said that no-one puts baby in a corner and, similarly, no-one pushes Vedran Corluka, something of a favored son in these parts. If he’s ever willing to show signs of an improved temper then all well and good. But, frankly, it looks unlikely.
Sorry Benny. The blogosphere has spoken.
25 March 2010
Believe
All hail King Harry. For the glorious transformation of our club from two-point-eight-game merchants to cup semi finalists and fourth place elect is nothing short of remarkable. Really, he's done a grand old job and it's about time his sterling efforts were recognised.
It's the cup run that's done it. Spurs, at their core, are a cup side - a team that isn't alien to steady league progress but one that looks to thrill in knockout games. Last night at the Lane was typical of the simply glorious cup atmosphere fans have become accustomed to over the years. And now we have an FA Cup semi final to anticipate, our first in almost 10 years. Another trip to Wembley beckons, though it's not yet time to get too excited - the annoying decision to host the semi finals at the home of football takes away from the magic of the final and means that there'll be no crowing from this blog. Pompey at Wembley? No big deal.
But the on-pitch action is very much a big deal. The beauty of the draw a few weeks ago meant that we knew we'd received the most generous tie of the semis. Rather struggling Portsmouth than Chelsea or Villa. And whilst it won't necessarily be the cake-walk we may expect it to be, there's an extremely likely chance that we could be heading back to the same stadium in May for the final itself - an actual day at Wembley to get excited about.
Really, though, Spurs shouldn't fear too much from Portsmouth. Their best player is a Spurs player and will be cup-tied for the event. It's harsh on Jamie O'Hara who is getting more and more used to suffering Wembley heartbreak but it's no great shame for Spurs fans that the man who makes them tick won't be playing. O'Hara is a crucial component of this flagging Pompey side and without him, they often look clueless. And, whilst it'll be another occasion for ITV to plug their best 'Portsmouth are really brave' lines, a confident Spurs performance should have us heading to our first FA Cup final since 1991.
Last night's spectacle at the Lane was as enjoyable in the second half as it was painful viewing in the first. Fulham had more than the upper hand in the first half, creating a number of chances, scoring one and generally holding all the aces. Spurs required a huge kick up the backside and the halftime introduction of David Bentley and Tom Huddlestone was just the shot in the arm the side needed. Bentley's immediate contribution was a touch fortunate but the class of the ball he delivered was superb.
By the time the irrepressible Roman Pavlyuchenko was summoned into the game to replace yet another injured comrade (Corluka), Spurs looked in the ascendancy. The slick, confident passing was back, as was the beautiful movement and control. Palacios manfully slotted into right back and, within minutes of his introduction, Pav was getting on the end of another gorgeous Bentley cross, meeting it with a first time left foot volley into the net. It had taken a matter of minutes for Spurs to overhaul the deficit and overtake Fulham and they had looked mightily impressive while doing it.
Gudjohnsen's goal was a thing of majesty and it killed the game off. A lovely, flowing passing move saw Modric attempt a cute through-ball towards the Icelandic striker. He showed his considerable experience to lift the ball past the advancing keeper and finish off into the empty net. It was Gudjohnsen's second strike in as many games after his debut goal at Stoke on the weekend and the wild celebrations of the players betrayed just how much the win meant.
So the semis await and with Pompey standing in the way, Spurs fans can harbour genuine hopes of making the cup final. Of course, this blog has been predicting a final appearance since the fourth round replay defeat of Leeds. Sort of. Tentatively predicting is more the phrase. Redknapp, genius that he is, should be careful to make sure the players don't take Portsmouth for granted. Their continued anti-Spurs vendetta should be reason enough for them to make a go of it and at least make things difficult for Tottenham. But the home tie dress rehearsal in the Premier League this weekend will provide ample opportunity for Spurs to gauge the strength of their Wembley opponents and to iron out any potential flaws.
It's time to believe, Spurs fans. Believe in the possibility of FA Cup glory. Believe, a little more cautiously, in our ability to finish in the top four. And believe, ever so especially, in Harry Redknapp. His contribution to our season may go more unnoticed next to that of certain players but at the moment he is something of a mastermind. And the longer it continues, the more successful we could be.
They're doing us proud at the moment. It's time to recognise and support.
It's the cup run that's done it. Spurs, at their core, are a cup side - a team that isn't alien to steady league progress but one that looks to thrill in knockout games. Last night at the Lane was typical of the simply glorious cup atmosphere fans have become accustomed to over the years. And now we have an FA Cup semi final to anticipate, our first in almost 10 years. Another trip to Wembley beckons, though it's not yet time to get too excited - the annoying decision to host the semi finals at the home of football takes away from the magic of the final and means that there'll be no crowing from this blog. Pompey at Wembley? No big deal.
But the on-pitch action is very much a big deal. The beauty of the draw a few weeks ago meant that we knew we'd received the most generous tie of the semis. Rather struggling Portsmouth than Chelsea or Villa. And whilst it won't necessarily be the cake-walk we may expect it to be, there's an extremely likely chance that we could be heading back to the same stadium in May for the final itself - an actual day at Wembley to get excited about.
Really, though, Spurs shouldn't fear too much from Portsmouth. Their best player is a Spurs player and will be cup-tied for the event. It's harsh on Jamie O'Hara who is getting more and more used to suffering Wembley heartbreak but it's no great shame for Spurs fans that the man who makes them tick won't be playing. O'Hara is a crucial component of this flagging Pompey side and without him, they often look clueless. And, whilst it'll be another occasion for ITV to plug their best 'Portsmouth are really brave' lines, a confident Spurs performance should have us heading to our first FA Cup final since 1991.
Last night's spectacle at the Lane was as enjoyable in the second half as it was painful viewing in the first. Fulham had more than the upper hand in the first half, creating a number of chances, scoring one and generally holding all the aces. Spurs required a huge kick up the backside and the halftime introduction of David Bentley and Tom Huddlestone was just the shot in the arm the side needed. Bentley's immediate contribution was a touch fortunate but the class of the ball he delivered was superb.
By the time the irrepressible Roman Pavlyuchenko was summoned into the game to replace yet another injured comrade (Corluka), Spurs looked in the ascendancy. The slick, confident passing was back, as was the beautiful movement and control. Palacios manfully slotted into right back and, within minutes of his introduction, Pav was getting on the end of another gorgeous Bentley cross, meeting it with a first time left foot volley into the net. It had taken a matter of minutes for Spurs to overhaul the deficit and overtake Fulham and they had looked mightily impressive while doing it.
Gudjohnsen's goal was a thing of majesty and it killed the game off. A lovely, flowing passing move saw Modric attempt a cute through-ball towards the Icelandic striker. He showed his considerable experience to lift the ball past the advancing keeper and finish off into the empty net. It was Gudjohnsen's second strike in as many games after his debut goal at Stoke on the weekend and the wild celebrations of the players betrayed just how much the win meant.
So the semis await and with Pompey standing in the way, Spurs fans can harbour genuine hopes of making the cup final. Of course, this blog has been predicting a final appearance since the fourth round replay defeat of Leeds. Sort of. Tentatively predicting is more the phrase. Redknapp, genius that he is, should be careful to make sure the players don't take Portsmouth for granted. Their continued anti-Spurs vendetta should be reason enough for them to make a go of it and at least make things difficult for Tottenham. But the home tie dress rehearsal in the Premier League this weekend will provide ample opportunity for Spurs to gauge the strength of their Wembley opponents and to iron out any potential flaws.
It's time to believe, Spurs fans. Believe in the possibility of FA Cup glory. Believe, a little more cautiously, in our ability to finish in the top four. And believe, ever so especially, in Harry Redknapp. His contribution to our season may go more unnoticed next to that of certain players but at the moment he is something of a mastermind. And the longer it continues, the more successful we could be.
They're doing us proud at the moment. It's time to recognise and support.
16 March 2010
The infinite wisdom of Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer has been given free reign by the BBC to opine over England's right midfield options. And we should all take his opinion deadly seriously - he's got unquestionable judgement because, er, you know, he scored a lot of goals once upon a time. Ian Wright once did that. And I wouldn't let him tell me who should play where. Little Shaun wouldn't be able to play in every position, Ian.
But I digress. Shearer has, in no uncertain terms, selected Theo Walcott as his first choice. Theo Walcott. The little kid who everyone outside of the Emirates, and perhaps a fair few inside, has been berating for his lack of either development or serious quality. The guy who can barely make it into the Arsenal first team. They guy who, that Zagreb hat-trick aside (and we all know that win was down to Jermaine Jenas' invention down the left), has done next to nothing to deserve such lofty recognition. The guy who had a chance to remind everyone of his ability a few weeks ago against Egypt at Wembley and couldn't cut the proverbial mustard.
The long and short of it is that this blog is no fan of little Theo. The hype that occasionally still surrounds him is absurd and for him to be considered for an England berth is a considerable slap in the face for other contenders. Take Aaron Lennon for instance. Now, I'm fairly open to the idea that Shearer assumed Lennon wouldn't be fit for the big tourney in South Africa. But read this:
"If I was picking two right midfielders I would take Walcott first and then it all depends on if Lennon is fit whether you would take him or Wright-Phillips. If they are both fit and both playing well I would take Lennon alongside Walcott."
Lennon alongside Walcott? Do me a favour. It's Walcott alongside Lennon, if anything. Presuming he's fit by June, the Spurs man is streets ahead of Walcott and should be a shoe in for the right hand side slot. Nimble, effective and impossibly quick, little Aaron has come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and has become one of the finest wingers in the country. Naysayers who would once lament the lack of a worthy final ball have been partially dismissed - he may not be in the same dimension as Beckham but he whips it in at a dangerous trajectory and did his part in setting up a few England goals against Croatia back in September.
The plain truth is that Lennon, when presented with an opportunity in England colours, has shone whereas Walcott has flattered to decieve. Lennon may have a great big question mark over his fitness at the moment but with a return as early as five or six weeks away (Harry's words, not mine), he could hypothetically have plenty of time to fine tune his considerable skills in time for South Africa. Walcott is doubtless a burgeoning talent but at present he looks terribly lightweight, both at international and even domestic level. Apparently he had a good game against Burnley the other week and those in the know are claiming he's back to his best. But if I can have a good game against Burnley, and that's not too unlikely with the state of their defence, does that mean I should play against the world's best at the World Cup? Regrettably for me, it does not.
If our boy Aaron isn't fit in time for the summer, then so be it. But even so, Walcott shouldn't be a shoe in. James Milner could do a marvellous job on the right if picked. Admittedly, he's a different style of player than Walcott but his deadly trickery and superb passing range would work wonders for the Three Lions - perhaps in a similar way to how a certain David Beckham operated? If Walcott is taken as first choice and proceeds to skin up the world's most helpless full backs then this blog will eat it's words (somehow). Against slow, lethargic defences, Walcott's pace could be worth it's wait in gold. But he's something of a troubled player at present - seemingly unsure of his ability and potential - and needs a bit of time and nurturing before he's thrust into the demanding breach of World Cup football.
The timing of this injury has been awfully cruel to Lennon. He was having the season of his lifetime and would have been in with a shot at a nomination for an end-of-season gong. Of course, he wouldn't have won it - only top four players get that right - but his progress had been a joy to watch for both Spurs and England fans. One can only hope for him that luck is on his side and he manages to get himself back to full fitness and, hopefully, form. As for Walcott, a place in the squad for South Africa is certainly on the cards and would be the right choice. He'd certainly be an exciting option to have to come off the bench and make things happen. But as for starting, I just don't think he's ready.
Sorry Mr Shearer but I think you've been watching a different Walcott to the one we have.
But I digress. Shearer has, in no uncertain terms, selected Theo Walcott as his first choice. Theo Walcott. The little kid who everyone outside of the Emirates, and perhaps a fair few inside, has been berating for his lack of either development or serious quality. The guy who can barely make it into the Arsenal first team. They guy who, that Zagreb hat-trick aside (and we all know that win was down to Jermaine Jenas' invention down the left), has done next to nothing to deserve such lofty recognition. The guy who had a chance to remind everyone of his ability a few weeks ago against Egypt at Wembley and couldn't cut the proverbial mustard.
The long and short of it is that this blog is no fan of little Theo. The hype that occasionally still surrounds him is absurd and for him to be considered for an England berth is a considerable slap in the face for other contenders. Take Aaron Lennon for instance. Now, I'm fairly open to the idea that Shearer assumed Lennon wouldn't be fit for the big tourney in South Africa. But read this:
"If I was picking two right midfielders I would take Walcott first and then it all depends on if Lennon is fit whether you would take him or Wright-Phillips. If they are both fit and both playing well I would take Lennon alongside Walcott."
Lennon alongside Walcott? Do me a favour. It's Walcott alongside Lennon, if anything. Presuming he's fit by June, the Spurs man is streets ahead of Walcott and should be a shoe in for the right hand side slot. Nimble, effective and impossibly quick, little Aaron has come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and has become one of the finest wingers in the country. Naysayers who would once lament the lack of a worthy final ball have been partially dismissed - he may not be in the same dimension as Beckham but he whips it in at a dangerous trajectory and did his part in setting up a few England goals against Croatia back in September.
The plain truth is that Lennon, when presented with an opportunity in England colours, has shone whereas Walcott has flattered to decieve. Lennon may have a great big question mark over his fitness at the moment but with a return as early as five or six weeks away (Harry's words, not mine), he could hypothetically have plenty of time to fine tune his considerable skills in time for South Africa. Walcott is doubtless a burgeoning talent but at present he looks terribly lightweight, both at international and even domestic level. Apparently he had a good game against Burnley the other week and those in the know are claiming he's back to his best. But if I can have a good game against Burnley, and that's not too unlikely with the state of their defence, does that mean I should play against the world's best at the World Cup? Regrettably for me, it does not.
If our boy Aaron isn't fit in time for the summer, then so be it. But even so, Walcott shouldn't be a shoe in. James Milner could do a marvellous job on the right if picked. Admittedly, he's a different style of player than Walcott but his deadly trickery and superb passing range would work wonders for the Three Lions - perhaps in a similar way to how a certain David Beckham operated? If Walcott is taken as first choice and proceeds to skin up the world's most helpless full backs then this blog will eat it's words (somehow). Against slow, lethargic defences, Walcott's pace could be worth it's wait in gold. But he's something of a troubled player at present - seemingly unsure of his ability and potential - and needs a bit of time and nurturing before he's thrust into the demanding breach of World Cup football.
The timing of this injury has been awfully cruel to Lennon. He was having the season of his lifetime and would have been in with a shot at a nomination for an end-of-season gong. Of course, he wouldn't have won it - only top four players get that right - but his progress had been a joy to watch for both Spurs and England fans. One can only hope for him that luck is on his side and he manages to get himself back to full fitness and, hopefully, form. As for Walcott, a place in the squad for South Africa is certainly on the cards and would be the right choice. He'd certainly be an exciting option to have to come off the bench and make things happen. But as for starting, I just don't think he's ready.
Sorry Mr Shearer but I think you've been watching a different Walcott to the one we have.
14 March 2010
Nine games to go
Let's be honest. Blackburn were never going to make us lose any sleep. The only danger of us not claiming the seemingly regulation three points yesterday was that we would take too long to score an opener and panic in a Stoke/Wolves/Hull-at-home manner. But once Defoe's God-given poacher's instinct had stolen the lead for us on the eve of half time, there was little doubt we'd romp it.
If it wasn't a romp, it was at least a fairly routine victory. Pavlyuchenko stretched his purple patch out a little longer to notch two goals in an otherwise clumsy display - fingers crossed he can extend it all the way to May. Bale put in yet another superlative performance, to the point where this blog is running out of good things to say about the Welsh wing/full back wizard. His pace caught the eye yesterday. Up against the aging Michel Salgado, once of Real Madrid's Galactico fame, Bale tormented the veteran Spaniard with quick running, superb movement and a glorious first touch. Time and again, he'd beat his man, often advancing to the byline to cut back or occasionally swinging in the early ball. Either way, he was a menace.
Referee Howard Webb also put in a hard shift, cementing the building rumours that he doesn't like giving decisions to Tottenham. He denied us two clear cut penalties yesterday, one of them a staggeringly bad decision, and gave a performance of general ineptitude. He even wiped away a Blackburn penalty shout and a perfectly legitimate goal from Niko Kalinic just to even things out. That Blackburn's goal shouldn't have been allowed also is another item for consideration. Webb just generally doesn't have a good game when he refs us. One needs only revisit our trips to Chelsea earlier this season and to Man Utd last year. Webb, I'm on to you.
Back to Spurs though and after a relatively wasteful first half where both strikers tried to connect with chances and invariably failed, Defoe's opener on the stroke of half time was extremely welcome. Kranjcar, who had a quiet game, whipped in a lethal corner, Corluka rose like a young Teddy Sheringham at the near post and flicked on for Defoe to greedily stick out a leg and claim the credit. The relief was palpable - one could sense the feeling among the players that they knew they were on their way. Another home embarrassment this would not be.
Pav increased the lead after the break after a lightning quick counter attack. Modric's beautiful pass with the outside of the foot found it's way to the Russian hitman via Defoe and he took a few touches before powerfully driving underneath the weak attempt from the keeper. A touch fortunate but when you're hot, you're hot and Pav is simply sizzling at present. Harry will want to lock him away between matches so that no-one steals his Midas touch.
A brief moment of panic ensued when Christophe Samba climbed all over Dawson to head in from a corner. Why it was allowed to stand was beyond many but it mattered little several minutes later. A deep corner found Pav in space at the back post but he completely miskicked and the ball spun out to Palacios on the edge of the box. His superbly weighted pass was flicked on to Bale who half-volleyed an outstanding ball across the face of goal where an eager Pavlyuchenko was waiting to make amends. 3-1, game over.
Big Sam Allardyce, who this blog think to be one of the most over-rated and annoying managers in the business, had his predictable moan about the ref afterwards. To be fair to him, this time he had a point but, such is his familiar style of post match interview, had he come in to the press room and said Spurs were worthy winners, there would have been mass heart attacks. He did concede that his team defended badly but a leopard doesn't change it's spots. Big Sam moans too much.
It may not have looked like much but it was another vital win for Spurs. With Villa only able to draw and Liverpool and Man City not in action until later in the weekend, for the first time in a while, we cemented our place in fourth, jumping a monumental three points clear and having an extremely positive goal difference. With tough tests to come in the next few weeks, this was a game we simply could not afford to lose - a theme that will continue with every match between now and the end of the year. Having previously written off our top four chances, this blog is sticking to that prediction but thinks it'll go right down to wire. Burnley on the last day, it is then.
Blackburn done and dusted. Just the nine more challenges to come.
If it wasn't a romp, it was at least a fairly routine victory. Pavlyuchenko stretched his purple patch out a little longer to notch two goals in an otherwise clumsy display - fingers crossed he can extend it all the way to May. Bale put in yet another superlative performance, to the point where this blog is running out of good things to say about the Welsh wing/full back wizard. His pace caught the eye yesterday. Up against the aging Michel Salgado, once of Real Madrid's Galactico fame, Bale tormented the veteran Spaniard with quick running, superb movement and a glorious first touch. Time and again, he'd beat his man, often advancing to the byline to cut back or occasionally swinging in the early ball. Either way, he was a menace.
Referee Howard Webb also put in a hard shift, cementing the building rumours that he doesn't like giving decisions to Tottenham. He denied us two clear cut penalties yesterday, one of them a staggeringly bad decision, and gave a performance of general ineptitude. He even wiped away a Blackburn penalty shout and a perfectly legitimate goal from Niko Kalinic just to even things out. That Blackburn's goal shouldn't have been allowed also is another item for consideration. Webb just generally doesn't have a good game when he refs us. One needs only revisit our trips to Chelsea earlier this season and to Man Utd last year. Webb, I'm on to you.
Back to Spurs though and after a relatively wasteful first half where both strikers tried to connect with chances and invariably failed, Defoe's opener on the stroke of half time was extremely welcome. Kranjcar, who had a quiet game, whipped in a lethal corner, Corluka rose like a young Teddy Sheringham at the near post and flicked on for Defoe to greedily stick out a leg and claim the credit. The relief was palpable - one could sense the feeling among the players that they knew they were on their way. Another home embarrassment this would not be.
Pav increased the lead after the break after a lightning quick counter attack. Modric's beautiful pass with the outside of the foot found it's way to the Russian hitman via Defoe and he took a few touches before powerfully driving underneath the weak attempt from the keeper. A touch fortunate but when you're hot, you're hot and Pav is simply sizzling at present. Harry will want to lock him away between matches so that no-one steals his Midas touch.
A brief moment of panic ensued when Christophe Samba climbed all over Dawson to head in from a corner. Why it was allowed to stand was beyond many but it mattered little several minutes later. A deep corner found Pav in space at the back post but he completely miskicked and the ball spun out to Palacios on the edge of the box. His superbly weighted pass was flicked on to Bale who half-volleyed an outstanding ball across the face of goal where an eager Pavlyuchenko was waiting to make amends. 3-1, game over.
Big Sam Allardyce, who this blog think to be one of the most over-rated and annoying managers in the business, had his predictable moan about the ref afterwards. To be fair to him, this time he had a point but, such is his familiar style of post match interview, had he come in to the press room and said Spurs were worthy winners, there would have been mass heart attacks. He did concede that his team defended badly but a leopard doesn't change it's spots. Big Sam moans too much.
It may not have looked like much but it was another vital win for Spurs. With Villa only able to draw and Liverpool and Man City not in action until later in the weekend, for the first time in a while, we cemented our place in fourth, jumping a monumental three points clear and having an extremely positive goal difference. With tough tests to come in the next few weeks, this was a game we simply could not afford to lose - a theme that will continue with every match between now and the end of the year. Having previously written off our top four chances, this blog is sticking to that prediction but thinks it'll go right down to wire. Burnley on the last day, it is then.
Blackburn done and dusted. Just the nine more challenges to come.
7 March 2010
Daring to dream
The big story of the weekend isn't our tense stalemate with Fulham thus handing us another replay and the chance to make it into the semis. It's the semi draw, itself. Aston Villa first out of the bag. All hopes now rested on Chelsea being pulled out next. Ex-Tottenham legend David Ginola reached in and picked out the one number that would send Spurs fans into nationwide ecstasy. Chelsea. Villa vs Chelsea. Perfect.
I didn't even watch us get drawn with Portsmouth. I was too busy celebrating and jumping up and down with reckless abandon. You'd think we'd won the cup already. The simple reality is that should we dispense of Fulham in the home replay and you'd back us to do just that, we'll simply have to see off a Jamie O'Hara-less (he'll be cup-tied and, therefore, ineligible) Pompey at Wembley next month in order to book ourselves a place in the final. Lovely stuff.
Forget the caution of previous blogs - I'm now going all in. I've pinned my hopes on a final appearance and anything less will leave me broken and distraught. It's a tremendous opportunity. For the first time in ages, we've had favourable draws all the way and though we've had to rely on our fair share of replays, we're getting the job done. Fulham won't be easy when they visit the Lane again but they'll want the replay less than us due to their European adventures. And if they're last performance at the Lane is anything to go by, we can start looking forward to Wembley.
The game on Saturday wasn't a thriller for the neutral but, boy, was it tense. Neither team wanted to give anything away and there was some sterling defensive work on display. Wilson Palacios marshalled the Tottenham defence to superb effect, throwing himself at the opposition and acting as a human shield to his back four. The occasional ball slipped through; Heurelho Gomes made one or two fabulous saves to keep us ticking over. But by and large, we were the better side - we just couldn't fashion any big opportunities. The unfamiliar partnership of Crouch and Pav up front laboured manfully but couldn't produce anything and that our best attacking outlet was Gareth Bale on the wing spoke volumes about the quality of the match.
Bale had yet another fine game and is now surely a shoe-in for our Young Player of the Year. Unburdened with the constraints of defending, he attacked the left flank with relish time and again and caused countless problems for his markers. He may have been a bit one footed but he really did look the part. Confidence is flowing from his every pore at present and he's starting to repay the extortionate price we spent on him back in 2007.
A draw was a fair result and probably not a bad one for Spurs. They'll feel a whole world of confidence taking them on at the Lane and, with the winner earning a spot at Wembley, incentive will once again struggle to be a problem.
Pompey it is in the semi then and we shouldn't worry that much. Forget all the harping on from their end about getting 'revenge' on Harry. They'll have no O'Hara and he really makes them tick. Without him, they're reduced to a number of average players who have little but relegation ahead of them.
It's getting closer and closer. And now it really is time to start believing. Wembley here we come.
I didn't even watch us get drawn with Portsmouth. I was too busy celebrating and jumping up and down with reckless abandon. You'd think we'd won the cup already. The simple reality is that should we dispense of Fulham in the home replay and you'd back us to do just that, we'll simply have to see off a Jamie O'Hara-less (he'll be cup-tied and, therefore, ineligible) Pompey at Wembley next month in order to book ourselves a place in the final. Lovely stuff.
Forget the caution of previous blogs - I'm now going all in. I've pinned my hopes on a final appearance and anything less will leave me broken and distraught. It's a tremendous opportunity. For the first time in ages, we've had favourable draws all the way and though we've had to rely on our fair share of replays, we're getting the job done. Fulham won't be easy when they visit the Lane again but they'll want the replay less than us due to their European adventures. And if they're last performance at the Lane is anything to go by, we can start looking forward to Wembley.
The game on Saturday wasn't a thriller for the neutral but, boy, was it tense. Neither team wanted to give anything away and there was some sterling defensive work on display. Wilson Palacios marshalled the Tottenham defence to superb effect, throwing himself at the opposition and acting as a human shield to his back four. The occasional ball slipped through; Heurelho Gomes made one or two fabulous saves to keep us ticking over. But by and large, we were the better side - we just couldn't fashion any big opportunities. The unfamiliar partnership of Crouch and Pav up front laboured manfully but couldn't produce anything and that our best attacking outlet was Gareth Bale on the wing spoke volumes about the quality of the match.
Bale had yet another fine game and is now surely a shoe-in for our Young Player of the Year. Unburdened with the constraints of defending, he attacked the left flank with relish time and again and caused countless problems for his markers. He may have been a bit one footed but he really did look the part. Confidence is flowing from his every pore at present and he's starting to repay the extortionate price we spent on him back in 2007.
A draw was a fair result and probably not a bad one for Spurs. They'll feel a whole world of confidence taking them on at the Lane and, with the winner earning a spot at Wembley, incentive will once again struggle to be a problem.
Pompey it is in the semi then and we shouldn't worry that much. Forget all the harping on from their end about getting 'revenge' on Harry. They'll have no O'Hara and he really makes them tick. Without him, they're reduced to a number of average players who have little but relegation ahead of them.
It's getting closer and closer. And now it really is time to start believing. Wembley here we come.
5 March 2010
On the brink of being on the brink
Make no mistake about it; this one's huge.
An FA Cup quarter final. Quarter final! Of the FA Cup! Such vertigo-inducing heights haven't been touched by those in Lilywhite since the glory glory days of 2006 and Martin Jol's brave new Spurs. Back then, it was also a trip to West London. Although, seeing as our opponents were title-leading Chelsea, our chances in the game were significantly lower than they will be tomorrow. Still a brave performance saw us take a 3-1 lead into half time. What followed was a painful and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to defend our advantage and we succumbed to a draw, losing the replay 2-1.
But, before anyone starts getting teary-eyed at how close we came back then, we'll move quickly on to tomorrow. And, like I said, this one is going to be massive. Fulham. A team we rarely beat away from home. Craven Cottage is something of a fortress whenever we're the away team. League disappointment has come nearly every year we play there although the one good result that actually springs to mind was the thumping 4-0 win to set up that quarter final tie with Chelsea four years ago.
Tomorrow then and we're in the midst of something of an injury crisis at present. No Lennon (still), Huddlestone, Jenas and Bentley. And possibly no King or Defoe. For all the clamour to get Peter Crouch in the England team, there's a strong chance he could get his wish of a Spurs recall tomorrow evening. The versatility of our midfield means we'll doubtless have a reshuffle. Modric and Kranjcar can both play through the middle and Gudjohnsen can always drop into midfield if needs must.
These problems aside, we'll still be sending out a strong side to conquer Sir Roy Hodgson and his media darlings. Fulham have become the most loved club outside the top four (a tainted title, if ever there was one) with neutral fans and media pundits all over the land gushing their impassioned eulogies over the West London club. One could argue they've earned it, however - a strong run in this season's UEFA Cup/Europa League has seen them fly the flag for English fans and many are attracted by their small-club-but-still-successful aura. They remain one of the league's more charming sides; it really is difficult to believe they flirted with relegation not long ago.
Will they be too much for us tomorrow? It's ridiculously difficult to call. Both teams are in good form at the moment and will come into the game confident. A lot will rest of the shoulders of the teams' forwards: Bobby Zamora and Roman Pavlyuchenko will have a lot of responsibility to drive their teams into the semis. And it's a fairly healthy prize to be competing for. Motive should be no problem.
I'm going to stick my neck out (no laughing at the back) and go for a draw. Replays have been our recipe for success so far in the cup and I'll happily take one again. You'd fancy us to walk all over them at the Lane and it may add to our already crucial fixture list but a shot at the final must be something of a joint priority for Redknapp, along with the top four chase. Unless we blow them away in the first half, I think it'll be a cagey affair with neither team wanting to give much away.
I don't remember being this nervous about a game for a while. It may only be a cup quarter final but, back when I was a proper kid, games like this used to be massive. The cup still remains a competition synonymous with Tottenham - some of our greatest days have been parading trophies around Wembley. My fingers and those of millions of Spurs fans up and down the land need to be firmly crossed come tomorrow evening to help us have another one of those days.
We'll end on an omen, not that I'm that much of a believer in them: In four FA Cup ties, Spurs have a 100% record over Fulham. And we're the most successful side remaining in the tournament with eight previous cup wins. Come on you Spurs.
An FA Cup quarter final. Quarter final! Of the FA Cup! Such vertigo-inducing heights haven't been touched by those in Lilywhite since the glory glory days of 2006 and Martin Jol's brave new Spurs. Back then, it was also a trip to West London. Although, seeing as our opponents were title-leading Chelsea, our chances in the game were significantly lower than they will be tomorrow. Still a brave performance saw us take a 3-1 lead into half time. What followed was a painful and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to defend our advantage and we succumbed to a draw, losing the replay 2-1.
But, before anyone starts getting teary-eyed at how close we came back then, we'll move quickly on to tomorrow. And, like I said, this one is going to be massive. Fulham. A team we rarely beat away from home. Craven Cottage is something of a fortress whenever we're the away team. League disappointment has come nearly every year we play there although the one good result that actually springs to mind was the thumping 4-0 win to set up that quarter final tie with Chelsea four years ago.
Tomorrow then and we're in the midst of something of an injury crisis at present. No Lennon (still), Huddlestone, Jenas and Bentley. And possibly no King or Defoe. For all the clamour to get Peter Crouch in the England team, there's a strong chance he could get his wish of a Spurs recall tomorrow evening. The versatility of our midfield means we'll doubtless have a reshuffle. Modric and Kranjcar can both play through the middle and Gudjohnsen can always drop into midfield if needs must.
These problems aside, we'll still be sending out a strong side to conquer Sir Roy Hodgson and his media darlings. Fulham have become the most loved club outside the top four (a tainted title, if ever there was one) with neutral fans and media pundits all over the land gushing their impassioned eulogies over the West London club. One could argue they've earned it, however - a strong run in this season's UEFA Cup/Europa League has seen them fly the flag for English fans and many are attracted by their small-club-but-still-successful aura. They remain one of the league's more charming sides; it really is difficult to believe they flirted with relegation not long ago.
Will they be too much for us tomorrow? It's ridiculously difficult to call. Both teams are in good form at the moment and will come into the game confident. A lot will rest of the shoulders of the teams' forwards: Bobby Zamora and Roman Pavlyuchenko will have a lot of responsibility to drive their teams into the semis. And it's a fairly healthy prize to be competing for. Motive should be no problem.
I'm going to stick my neck out (no laughing at the back) and go for a draw. Replays have been our recipe for success so far in the cup and I'll happily take one again. You'd fancy us to walk all over them at the Lane and it may add to our already crucial fixture list but a shot at the final must be something of a joint priority for Redknapp, along with the top four chase. Unless we blow them away in the first half, I think it'll be a cagey affair with neither team wanting to give much away.
I don't remember being this nervous about a game for a while. It may only be a cup quarter final but, back when I was a proper kid, games like this used to be massive. The cup still remains a competition synonymous with Tottenham - some of our greatest days have been parading trophies around Wembley. My fingers and those of millions of Spurs fans up and down the land need to be firmly crossed come tomorrow evening to help us have another one of those days.
We'll end on an omen, not that I'm that much of a believer in them: In four FA Cup ties, Spurs have a 100% record over Fulham. And we're the most successful side remaining in the tournament with eight previous cup wins. Come on you Spurs.
2 March 2010
Top four charge gathers pace
I’ve nothing personal against Peter Crouch, whatsoever. I think he’s done a fine job for us this season and he managed to edge out Robbie Keane for a starting spot earlier in the season so he couldn’t have been doing too much wrong. But when he starts, Tottenham’s general attacking play is reduced to a series of aimless high balls pumped towards the box. Long story short – Crouch either heads down into empty space or is penalised by the over-zealous and naive refs who use his height against him.
So imagine the relief when a new striker muscles his way into the starting line-up and starts plundering goals – goals that have reignited this team’s top four charge. Roman Pavlyuchenko has moaned and complained and criticised all season. And now, finally awarded the chance he claimed he deserved, he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. When he scored against Wigan, he was perhaps just adding an extra figure onto his price tag. Now, he’s scoring for the team and playing with pride again.
Sunday’s win over Everton was certainly unexpected from this blogger. As someone who believes heavily in voodoos and bogey teams, I had long since grown to believe that Everton were our unlucky opponents, the team that we struggle to put away time and time again, especially at White Hart Lane. But no more. Goals from the suddenly omnipresent Pavlyuchenko and a Croatian-inspired strike from Luka Modric ensured that we had enough to hold off the away side’s inevitable second half storm back into the game.
Pav’s strike was great fun to watch. Tom Huddlestone’s sizzling pass was inch perfect and landed right on Jermain Defoe’s right boot. Always ahead of his man, Defoe made space and drilled a hard, low cross in front of goal where the goal-greedy Russian was eagerly anticipating a simple slide to score. If his goal was somewhat simple, then the strike that doubled our lead reeked of skilful excellence. With Niko Kranjcar employed on the right, he found himself in a glorious passing triangle with compatriots Modric and Vedran Corluka. Several eye-catchingly good balls later and Modric was set free in a generous amount of space. Rather than power the ball home, he lifted it delicately and precisely over the defence and the keeper and into the inviting net. Modric has been demonstrating some wonderful form in games of late and the goal served as a reminder of his undoubted brilliance to those that may have still doubted him.
The resurgence was always likely to come and it did, courtesy of the strangely erratic Heurelho Gomes. Having looked racked with nerves for most of the game, he made a hash of an attempted save/clearance, colliding with his own defender and Yakubu had the elementary task of tapping in. It was a peculiar display from the Brazilian stopper. He earlier flapped at a corner, requiring Michael Dawson’s superb block to prevent Everton from scoring earlier. In a season where he’s performed above and beyond himself, it’s likely that Sunday’s display was nothing more than a blip for Gomes. But as a goalkeeper who has shown himself to be liable to confidence attacks in the past, his performance in the next game will be crucial.
By hook or by crook, Spurs held on and secured a simply vital three points. Man City’s astounding win over Chelsea had temporarily put them in the driver’s seat for fourth but, like the fighters we’re slowly becoming, we grittily re-established our hold on it. But at a cost. Huddlestone picked an ankle injury and whilst the extent of the blow has yet to be determined, it could be a nasty one. With his replacement in the game being Younes Kaboul, one hopes it’s not as bad as first feared. And news that Aaron Lennon is set to miss another six weeks is a hammer blow for both the winger and our season ambition. But let’s look on the plus side: he’ll be ridiculously fresh for the end of season run in. Hopefully.
We’ve got a relatively friendly run of games coming up with the likes of Blackburn and Portsmouth visiting the Lane. Points, as ever, will be at a premium, especially with trips to Stoke and Man City approaching, along with the much-hyped threesome of games against the top three. One suspects that if the Huddlestone injury worsens then consideration may be given to recalling Jamie O’Hara from Portsmouth as cover. Our midfielders are fairly versatile, however. Modric and Kranjcar can play anywhere and Jermaine Jenas is on his way back from injury. Hell, even Eidur Gudjohnsen can play right wing. But, as ever, it’s painfully tight. Isn’t it fun?
Spurs stay fourth, on goal difference. By such minute margins will this fascinating season be determined?
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