Comeback Kings and Penalty Wasters

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

The art of the comeback is a tricky one to master. It's a game of timing: start too early and you leave yourself susceptible to counter-attack and greater deflation. Too late and you've got too much to do in too little time. And, on top of that, you need a late goal. A comeback that's wrapped up in the 60th minute is nowhere near as pulsating as the one with a last-minute winner.

Tottenham, as you'll all no doubt be aware of, are proving themselves to be ridiculously good at coming from behind. Wolves, Aston Villa, Fulham, Arsenal and now Liverpool have all felt the force of our second half fury as we go about this season trying to lull opposition teams into a false sense of security by being utterly atrocious in the first half. 

Yesterday's last-gasp winner against dethroned top four elect Liverpool was perhaps the perfect example of our inability to perform in the the first 45 minutes of a game but to bounce back and then some in the second. We staggered through the opening exchanges, outplayed by an opposition side who have themselves been in awful form this season. The fact that they weren't three up at half time was an early Christmas present. 

Skrtel's goal was reward for their relative dominance and by that time we'd already lost Rafa van der Vaart and Younes Kaboul to injury. Their replacements were to have differing fortunes. Seb Bassong, playing his first game in what seems like ages, really stepped up to the proverbial plate and produced some excellent last ditch challenges that had more than a hint of Ledley King about them. It was he who thwarted Fernando Torres on two separate occasions, though it must be said the Spaniard made it more difficult for himself than he had to.

So the half time interval came with Spurs only 1-0 down. Whatever Redknapp says to the players is a mystery, the likes of which we'll probably never know. It's likely some combination of phrases like 'get f*cking stuck into 'em' and 'put yourselves about a bit, for f*cks sake', with Joe Jordan in company to provide the requisite scowls. Whatever happens in that dressing room, it works like a treat.

Within 10 minutes of the second half, we'd, to borrow some words from Harry's dictionary, f*cking got stuck into them. Bale's volley was met on the goal line by Raul Meireles' shiny forehead. Minutes later, his free kick was defended comically by David N'Gog who, doubtless following lengthy conversations with Cesc Fabregas, raised his hands to the ball in the area. Penalty given. No problem.

Jermain Defoe, van der Vaart's early replacement stepped up to draw us level. But, wait, this was the Defoe that spent most of last season missing penalties with clockwork regularity. Not to worry, he scored against Chelsea. That he then dragged the kick wide of the mark completely was of incredible frustration. A quick statistic: Spurs have had nine penalties already this season and missed four of them, with four separate culprits. And we thought it was bad last season.

Still, not to panic. There was plenty more chances in this one. And so it proved as Modric, who's stature grows and grows with every mature performance he churns out, went on a mesmerising run through the Liverpool defence and pulled back for Skrtel to take on the Jamie Carragher mantle and score an own goal against Spurs. If it was harsh on the away side, as Andy Gray was at pains to suggest, then it was equally reward for our improvement after the break. And it wasn't anyone's fault but their own that they hadn't taken their chances.

Both sides rallied as the intensity dial was cranked up. This was a real game, the sort of which people use to claim the Premier League is still the best in the world. Both sides really going for it 'n' all that. Meireles went close with a rasping long distance drive and hearts were firmly in mouths all over the place. However, if Lady Luck was leaning towards one particular side that afternoon, it was Tottenham. The siren.

Lennon, who'd looked like something approaching his best form, was about four or five towns ahead of Paul Konchesky as they raced to latch on to Peter Crouch's knock down. Lennon won the contest, slotted past Pepe Reina and that, as they say, was all she wrote. Awful first half? Check. Stirring fightback? You betcha. Last minute winner? Start the car.

It's not entirely unrealistic to say we've had a fairly good week. Beating the Arsenal (Although we shouldn't celebrate that because it's only one win and they've had loads. Whatever.), early qualification to the knockout rounds of the Champions League and a win against the side we replaced in the top four last season. Very nice, Harry. 

There's undoubtedly more to be done. Birmingham away next weekend is just the sort of game you'd expect us to struggle in and although beating Chelsea isn't the formidable prospect it once was, you can rest assured it won't be a walk in the park. To add to this slowly building pile of pessimism, van der Vaart could be out for up to a month with a hamstring injury. If we lose one more important player to injury this season, there'll be hell to pay when this blog finally meets the man upstairs.

Onwards and upwards. We've a title to win (only kidding).

The Year of the Yid

Another terrific guest post from Tom Tainton. Remember: Tom isn't a Spurs fan. He is, as you should know by now, a Peter Crouch fan.

A royal wedding has been announced. Panorama's latest revelations could derail England's World Cup bid. England are (still) not very good at cricket. There's certainly a patriotic theme to the news in the last week or so, so let's all wave our St. George flags and grin inanely at passers-by. All together now: God save our graci… hang on, what's that? There’s a more interesting story that appeared, hung around for a bit and then promptly f*cked off again? What could possibly be more interesting and newsworthy than a wedding? Well, apart from literally everything, it's this cracker: Harry Redknapp, in the space of five days, has claimed that Spurs can win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

The snorts of derision from Fleet Street's finest were almost audible. The tabloids played up to Redknapp's 'outlandish' suggestion with the fervour usually reserved for when Theo Walcott successfully ties his shoelaces. The Mirror lapped it up. The Sun, too. The Guardian tried to hide their interest behind a typically smug façade. The Daily Mail claimed Redknapp's suggestion was a clear indication that Muslims are evil (probably). One can almost envisage the conversation in newsrooms across London on Wednesday evening:

Lowly hack: Mr. Editor, sir, Harry Redknapp's only gone and said Spurs could possibly win the Champions League.
Editor: Brilliant – that turkey faced bastard has dropped 'em right in it!
Lowly hack: Erm… what angle shall we go with, sir?
Editor: Tricky one, this. How about we over-emphasise his throwaway comment by making sardonic references to Tottenham's previous failings, even though they're in the past. Then, when they lose at home to Blackpool or something similar, we'll run an eight page insert about why Spurs will never be a big club.
Lowly hack: OK but don't they kind of deserve to be optimistic? I mean, they've qualified for the next stage of the Champio…
Editor: Get out of my office boy, the Arsenal highlights are on and these work experience applications aren't going to ignore themselves.

Enough of the horseplay, let's get down to the real issue: Are Spurs genuinely capable of winning a Premier League title? And even a European Cup?

Harry's suggestion isn't really all too shocking. He's built an incredibly talented side and anybody who watches the team regularly knows that they can match any of the big boys. Thirteen years ago, Christian Gross stumbled onto the scene, waving a tube ticket like a maniac, claiming it to be 'the ticket of his dreams'. Spurs got spanked 6-1 on his home debut. In summary: shit coach, fantastic with romantic metaphors.

Today, Spurs are on the brink of a new stadium. They've taken on and beaten the European Champions. They're one of the most thrilling teams to watch in all of Europe. In Gareth Bale they have, arguably, the finest young player in the country. Van der Vaart and Modric play a brand of football that's dripping with swagger. And Crouch is more dangerous than a woman with ambition (Editor - careful...).

To sum up, progress is rapid. The reversal in fortunes against Arsenal last week silenced the naysayers (you know who you are!) and proved that the Lilywhites have the mental fortitude to drag themselves out of many a sticky predicament.

Could this really be the Year Of The Yid? If you buy into that 'year-ending-in-one' business, then get the champagne on ice.

The journey continues

From this: 

To this:

Tottenham's regeneration from 3-0 down in 30 minutes against Young Boys in August to second round qualification with a game to spare is scarcely believable. For in those 30 torturous minutes, all of last season's hard work and graft appeared to be heading down the drain. All of the money spent, the extra training ground hours and the sheer commitment to the cause looked like it was destined to be for nothing. Peter Crouch needn't have bothered sticking his head on that rebound against Man City. We had wasted it all.

But fate, it seems, had an alternative route planned for Spurs - a route that encompassed a thrilling fightback in that very match, a second leg demolition job, some absolutely riveting football in the opening group games, a total calamity of a start in Milan, another unbelievable comeback attempt, one of the club's all time famous results and now this, a comprehensive rout of a seasoned European side that barely required us getting into gear. The dog days, it would seem, are over.

They said we wouldn't qualify. They said we wouldn't win the play-off. They said we wouldn't get out of the group. What will they write us off for next? What more must Spurs do to convince the sceptics. When the draw was made back in August, there was satisfaction amongst fans - a tough group, admittedly, but one that featured a prestigious away day (Inter) and some difficult but winnable games along the way. 

The outside world took a rather different view, however, and the general consensus was that Spurs would do well to creep into second, with an early exit and the Europa League the more likely reality. But, as we sit here in late November, with qualification secured and possessors of some of the most captivating football anyone could wish to see, it appears a lot of us may have underestimated Harry Redknapp and his men. 

Last night may have lacked the intensity of the Internazionale game but it was never going to. Werder Bremen posed nothing like a similar threat, having had their season ravaged by injuries and poor form. Against Inter, Spurs had to crank it up to top gear as soon as the whistle blew. Last night, they were required only to get the thing moving at a gentle pace.

Van der Vaart's absence could have caused a problem but a superb showing from Luka Modric instantly put paid to that theory. The little Croatian has had to take something of a back seat this season with emergence of VDV and the stratospheric excellence of Gareth Bale. But last night he had a licence to shine and he went about his business in superb fashion, taking on the dual roles of protecting his back four and drifting into space up front. His goal had more than a touch of genius about it, deftly letting the ball run across him before dispatching it into the back of the net. Reminiscent of van der Vaart's strike against Aston Villa earlier this season.

On the flanks, Bale was once again something of an omnipresent force, taking on defenders at will. The Champions League is very much his domain and his nomination for the FIFPro World XI is hardly a surprise. Even a missed penalty failed to take the shine off the night. To add to the worrying list of players who can't be relied upon from the spot, he struck his effort firmly but straight down the middle of the goal. Back to the drawing board, Gareth.

On the other side of the park, Aaron Lennon continued his rejuvenation with a timely reminder of his ability to take on and beat players. He was responsible for the first goal - his delicate cross hammered home by the on-fire Younes Kaboul. And a delightful piece of skill accounted for his marker allowing him to set up Crouch for the third. He still has a few off days but criticism of Lennon is starting to become a little off the mark. He's not showing the lightning form he did this time last season, admittedly, but displays like last nights make one wonder whether it's just a matter of time before he's leaving everyone in his wake again.

Jermain Defoe's second half introduction was another moment to savour for the home masses, as he instantly got on the ball and put himself about. We miss his pace and energy up front terribly badly and Redknapp must be praying that his return will solve our profligate ways in the Premier League. It was also nice to see him getting some Champions League playing time, which didn't look likely at all when he was initially injured. Defoe played his part last season and deserves this chance.

Which brings us nicely onto a wider point. Our progression into the next round is a super bit of news for a litany of reasons. Extra revenue, a longer stay at Europe's premier table, the possibility of some more glory, glory nights, etc. But it's especially good news for one person: Michael Dawson. The lionhearted defender was a titanic force for us last season and deserves a huge share of the credit for getting us into fourth in the first place. A cruel injury in September looked to rule him out for all of our group games and it appeared as though Dawson's chance to lead Spurs in the Champions League had died. But with the big man set to return in around a month's time, there's a strong chance he'll be playing by the time the next round comes along. And no-one deserves it more.

So, a largely exceptional night it was. With key Premier League games around the corner, perhaps it was a godsend that we never had to really work hard for the victory. The win will give us confidence and momentum but it didn't look as though it took much out. Spurs should be fresh and raring to go when it comes to Liverpool at the weekend and that's a game that we'll need to win if we're serious about having another Champions League adventure next season.

Because, let's be really honest, we're not exactly going to win the thing are we? 

Are we?

Stranger things have happened. And we've been written off too many times this season alone. Lesson to the rest of Europe: don't make that mistake again. 

2010 NOPA Awards

For reasons unknown to this humble old blog, we've been nominated for an award. Fancy that? The Not 100% Accurate football blogging and podcast awards have, in their infinite wisdom, put us up for Best Young Blogger, a title this blog refutes heavily. Young? At 22? Surely not.

Anyhow, it would be really nice of you all to pop over to the website and offer up a vote. That is, if you deem this blog worthy. Should only take a mere few seconds of your time. The link is below:

http://not100percentaccurate.com/the-nopa-football-blogging-and-podcast-awards-2010-the-shortlist?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+Football3sBlog+(Not+100%25+Accurate)&utm_content=Twitter

Oh, and should you be heeding this grovelling request, you'll be voting for Mark Tilley and The Boys From White Hart Lane. But you knew that already, didn't you?

Thank you, dear friends. Get voting!

Glorious Spurs end 17 year wait

Arsenal 2 Tottenham Hotspur 3

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Yes, that's right, you. The Arsenal fan who, in blind rage at what to do in the wake of this latest perceived injustice, has come onto a couple of Spurs blogs looking for a wholly futile online war of words. Sorry, mate, your hatred's no good here.

What a morning. What a game. What a comeback. What a story. If you could have pitched to Spurs fans how they'd most like the 17 year win-less run away at the enemy to end, then the way things went down yesterday would have garnered quite a popular response. At 2-0 down, this blog sent a lamenting text to a mate saying the following: "I don't think I'll ever see us play well at Arsenal, let alone get a win. It's just our lot in life, I'm afraid." Let's just say the texts that followed in the second half were of a slightly more upbeat nature.

There's about a thousand stories that require telling. Nasri ignoring Gallas as the teams shook hands. Petulant little so and so. Though we all know how much of a, shall we say, volatile character Gallas is so who's to say who is completely innocent in this particular fracas. How fitting it was, all the same, when seconds into the game Gallas launched a thundering challenge on his compatriot, coming away with the ball and the first share of the spoils.

It was a short lived victory, however. Nasri took advantage of Gomes returning to the 2008 vintage and squeezed Arsenal in front. We hadn't exactly started the game like a freight train but any life we did have was suddenly sucked out of us. We looked completely devoid of any fight or desire and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead. Chamakh's turtle neck underneath his shirt is reason to have a chuckle but his precise finish from a sweeping counter attack wasn't that funny for those of a Lilywhite persuasion.

Half time was, as it often is at The Emirates, a relief. It was clear something had to change. Our 4-5-1 was being overrun and our wide men were having as much of an impact on proceedings as Nick Clegg has on running the country. Enter Jermain Defoe, the man who's presence we've craved ever since he was cruelly taken from us in Switzerland in September. He was never likely to change the game by himself but his introduction forced us into a more cohesive 4-4-2 and pushed the frustrated van der Vaart onto the wings. Boy, how it worked.

Defoe, incredibly, won a high ball against the hapless Koscielny, van der Vaart squeezed the ball through to Bale and the brilliant Welshmen fired a cool finish past Fabianski to drag us back into the game having been thoroughly outplayed thus far. At that point, anything was possible. Our season so far has mainly been one of comebacks (Wolves, Villa) and nearly-comebacks having been totally out of the game (Inter, Bolton). Due to those factors, we were in with a shout.

The shout soon became a roar. Van der Vaart's free-kick was comically handled by Fabregas, choosing to protect his millionaire hairstyle rather than his team's lead. With flashbacks to FC Twente running through everyone's mind but Rafa's, the Bargain of the Season (TM) sent home the coolest penalty you could hope to see and the redemption from our first half horror show was complete. He even found time to do the 'silence the home crowd' gesture in celebration. How often has a Spurs player been able to do that against the Arsenal?

Game on. Arsenal's fans were on their side's back, demanding more from them and completely flabbergasted by how we'd come back into the game. It was also all quiet on the web as well, as the first half Tweets and Facebook updates suddenly desisted. Amazingly, they contrived to throw away chances to win the game. Koscielny completed a miserable match by somehow missing the target when it seemed easier to score. Not that these things carry much weight in football but it seemed like we were destined to get something out of the game.

And get something we did. No-one in the ground saw it coming, which perhaps makes it all the sweeter. Van der Vaart, who by now had more than made up for a listless first half performance, whipped in the free-kick and the reborn Younes Kaboul applied the coup de grace with a deft header, sending the away contingent positively mental and the home crowd scurrying for the exits.

Despite the absurd 5 minutes of additional time, there were to be no further twists. No typically Tottenham dramas or slip-ups. This was a day when we not only ended a hoodoo that had plagued us for far too long and not only further closed the symbolic gap between ourselves and our once great rivals but re-established our Premier League credentials too. Too often this season, we've been drifting, aimlessly meandering from game to game, picking up the odd win here and there but not having anywhere like the level of confidence and ruthlessness we had last year. Yesterday won't have completely changed that perception but it'll make teams take us a lot more seriously.

And, despite the naysayers and haters claiming we're still pretenders to the throne, we're still a stone's throw away from the top three, despite having had such a mixed bag of results. Just think where we could be had we seen off Wigan and West Ham. Just think where we could be should we beat Chelsea at the Lane in a few weeks. It's never clever to get too far ahead of oneself and this blog is NOT predicting a title win or anything blase like that. But optimism never hurt anyone. And, as Alan Hansen said on Match of the Day, it's about time we at Tottenham started believing in ourselves a bit more.

For now, there's rarely been a better time to wax lyrical about our stars:

Bale - he was kept a bit quiet by the excellent Sagna in the first half but, recognising the importance of the occasion, he really stepped it up in the second half and has probably dispelled the slight myth that he can't do it in the Premier League.

Van der Vaart - looked a bit frustrated in the first half, perhaps with the way the game was progressing. But, boy, did he come to the party in the second. His pass for Bale's goal was a touch scrappy but his game seemed to raise after that. His penalty was coolness personified (Berbatov who?) and the manner of his celebrations illustrates how much it meant to him.

Gallas - take a bow. He has his doubters and those who are still not entirely convinced of his loyalties but this was his finest performance in a Spurs shirt so far. Even when all around him was falling the first half, he remained resolute and put in some crunching challenges. Giving him the captaincy was a cunning move from Redknapp.

Defoe - Make no mistake. When he came on, the game changed. His movement and energy was simply too much for an Arsenal defence that was low on confidence. Essentially, he breathed a completely new lease of life into the side. His return to the team cannot be spoken too highly of. Now it's time to get us going again on the goal front again.

Special note to the rest of the side. This wasn't a comeback inspired by just one player. This was a team realising that it hadn't given a true representation of its talents in the first half and one that was desperate to make amends. They all deserve a great big pat on the back and then a stern reminder that they can't afford to begin games like that. Especially not the heady mix of big name teams coming up in the next few weeks. Werder Bremen, Liverpool, Chelsea. It's only going to get more interesting from here.

Enough worrying for one day. When's the DVD out?

North London Derby memories - part two

Following on from that debacle last Halloween, there was a second meeting between the two sides in April. The build up couldn't have been less complicated. Spurs, involved in a fierce battle for fourth place, had been unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup at Wembley by Portmsouth just days before.

It was a killer blow, in every sense of the phrase. Spurs had been expected to waltz their way into the final. Instead they were left with humiliation and bitter disappointment. And with a triple header of fixtures coming up against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd, it looked very much like their excellent season would run out of steam.

All this, allied to our awful North London Derby record, meant that, although hope was high, expectation was low. The introduction of young Danny Rose to the Spurs line-up was interesting but such was this blog's depression, it barely registered. Besides, he wasn't exactly going to do anything noteworthy, was he?

13th April 2010 - Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1

Teams:

Gomes; Kaboul, Dawson, King, Assou Ekotto; Rose, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Pavlyuchenko, Defoe

Rose '10, Bale '47

Almunia; Sagna, Vermaelen, Campbell, Clichy; Eboue, Diaby, Denilson; Nasri, Bendtner, Rosicky

Bendtner '85

What we said: "When the dust settles on this season in about a months time and the experts and scribes have had their say, the magnificence of last night will still be fresh in the mind of Tottenham fans all over the world, burning like an omnipresent memory. Whether we’re able to finish in fourth this season or whether we’re ever able to come good on the constant promise and potential, last nights spell binding win over Arsenal has already ensured that this season will be remembered fondly."

What you said: "Thrilling win. Last few mins were utter agony but what a relief!" (Anonymous commenter)

What they said: "Gleeful Tottenham Hotspur supporters turned White Hart Lane into a raucous graveyard for Arsenal's ambitions. This was their side's first victory in the league over their north London rivals on this ground since 1999. If victories had to come around so rarely the home support would have been content to wait for a night when their side all but ensure that the title will not go to Arsene Wenger's team. Arsenal would have anticipated the tone of the night but still could not cope with it." (Kevin McCarra, The Guardian)

It was the perfect night. A performance of zest, character and absolute, resounding belief. No matter that Arsenal had the Indian sign over us. No matter that we hadn't beaten them in the League in almost a decade. No matter that they had an outside chance of a title chase and that we had just been given the biggest blow of our season.

Spurs were simply brilliant. From the off, they chased and they harried. The football they produced was as aesthetic as anything their esteemed neighbours had played and though the opening goal was something of a freak hit, the lead was deserved. Speaking of, Rose's opener was the stuff of North London Derby legend. The unexpected nature of his wonder strike made it all the more special. No-one backed him to hit it from the edge of the box. But as he sent the ball dipping and swerving on a magnificent arc into the back of the net, jaws were wired firmly to the floor and historians were quickly etching a new name into their record books. Danny Rose. The funny thing is, there's no guarantee he'll even make it with us.

The second goal was symbolic. Bale, who had taken over our season and become the lifeforce of the team, latched onto Defoe's gorgeous throughball and steered us into a two goal lead. Fans who had been there and seen that, who had seen all the promise of previous derby leads, were slowly becoming convinced that something amazing was transpiring.

Arsenal had been shackled for the majority by the excellent Michael Dawson and Ledley King but, like a coiled snake, they were always going to have a strike. Robin van Persie came on and began a personal assault on the Heurelho Gomes' goal. A left foot volley was punched over the bar just before a deadly accurate free-kick was clawed out from the very corner of the net. In a short spell of relentless pressure, there was to be no beating the outstanding Brazilian. Even a goalbound Sol Campbell header was stunningly kept out.

Inevitably, there was a twist - Nicklas Bentdner slid in to reduce the deficit and crank up the incredibly tense atmosphere around the ground. But Spurs were resolute and, more importantly, deserving. The final whistle brought one of the most gigantic roars N17 has ever heard. That wonderful evening catapulted us right back into the race for fourth, a race we had been written out of. It also ended Arsenal's season. Tottenham haven't had too many reasons to smile during North London Derbies over the years but this night ended so many years of hurt in one fell swoop.

If Spurs can perform anywhere near as well this weekend, there might be a few more Lilywhite smiles on the Seven Sisters Road.

North London Derby memories - part one

This blog has rather contrasting memories of the North London Derbies of last season. One truly terrible, one out of this world. One that seemed like it might halt our season and one that gave our campaign the kiss of life. With another 90 minutes of torture and disappointment/torture and ecstasy coming up this weekend, this blog thought it might be poignant to take a fond look back at our battles with them lot down the road from last season.

As with all epic dramas, we'll start with the bad part of the story:

31st October 2009 - Arsenal 3 Tottenham 0

Teams:

Almunia; Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy; Diaby, Fabregas, Song; Arshavin, Van Persie, Bendtner

Van Persie '42, Fabregas '43, Van Persie '60

Gomes; Corluka, King, Bassong, Assou Ekotto; Bentley, Huddlestone, Palacios, Jenas; Keane, Crouch.

What we said: "Essentially, we did badly. We did very badly indeed. Up until about 40 minutes in, it was looking like a very close gig. But in the time it takes to say 'blow the bloody whistle, ref', they had struck. Two goals in 11 seconds. It's nothing but the pain and depression of another derby defeat."

What you said: "Tottenham showed the guts of a Wildebeest which had been devoured and scavanged in the savannah for weeks on end. Predictably, Robbie Keane’s bragadoccio ended with his ignominous departure midway through the second half, succumbing to injury having produced nothing of note to back up his claims of parity in the playing staff." (Anonymous commenter)

What they said: "Arsenal can reasonably look towards the Premier League or the Champions League as potential trophies despite a four-year absence of silverware; Tottenham, by contrast, will have to reconfigure their assault on the top four and that fabled promised land of Champions League riches." (Rob Draper, Mail On Sunday)

To say that this game didn't exactly go to plan is one of the greatest understatements in written history. Robbie Keane's comments in the press that Spurs were at the stage where they had a squad to match, if not better, Arsenal seemed ballsy and brave before kick-off. But three flashes of Arsenal efficiency made the words look rather foolish indeed.

Injuries offered a partial excuse for the Lilywhites: Defoe, Lennon and Modric were all absent. But, in truth, their presence would have been unlikely to alter the result. Spurs produced a listless display, the likes of which we often offer when playing members of the 'Big Four' away from home. We were doing fine at 0-0 in the 40th minute but when they broke the deadlock there was little real surprise.

It was a particularly bitter pill to swallow but, in hindsight, the reaction from both clubs and supporters was telling. Spurs fans were used to derby day defeat and did their usual best in shrugging it off - the team went on to bounce back immediately and impressively. But the vociferous manner of the Arsenal celebrations illustrated a set of fans possibly on edge. They seemed to be, in a curious way, ecstatically relieved. As if they were genuinely, if silently, worried that we were starting to threaten to step on their toes a bit and that victory for them was absolutely crucial.

Of course, finding an Arsenal fan who'll willingly admit that to you is akin to procuring blood from a stone. And, no, our performance that day didn't suggest at all that we were ready to challenge them. But something was stirring in the waters on the Seven Sisters Road. And, though it didn't materialise that Autumn day, it would keep on building throughout the rest of the season until one magical evening in Spring...

Job well done but there's plenty of work yet to be completed

Tottenham 4 Blackburn 2

That's a little bit more like it. As Spurs rampaged forward in both halves of the game, looking fully capable of scoring at any given moment, thoughts inevitably drifted back to the best parts of last season. Sure, there's been times in this campaign when we've been an irrepressible force on the attack but these moments have generally been restricted to our Champions League exploits. Yesterday, for possibly the first time in the League, Spurs were confident, capable and, finally, in control.

Not that it wasn't a completely easy ride in the end. The win may have papered over some rather worrying cracks in this side. Namely, the lack of a proper finisher up front. Pavlyuchenko spent the game showcasing the very best and the very worst of his form. A ten minute spell in the first half saw the Russian dive unsuccessfully for a penalty, miss a glaring chance when through one on one, blast a penalty wide of the target and then make amends for all three by firing a bullet header past returning hero Paul Robinson.

And, as the game meandered to a 4-0 shaped finish, Spurs blew the chance of recording a first League clean sheet since the opening day of the season. Both goals conceded were nothing more than consolatory but they were absolutely shocking ones to let in. Sloppy, naive defending let Blackburn force the door open just a crack, a door that had been previously bolted shut. Defensive stability should surely be the name of the game in training this week, especially with a visit to those lovely folk over at the the Emirates next weekend. Oh Ledley, wherefore art thou?

As well as our midfield played on the attack, there was also the suspicion that we'd be vulnerable to the counter. One of the facets of our excellent form last year was the addition of Wilson Palacios, a no nonsense, biting midfielder who was happy to sit back and be the link between defence and midfield and who wouldn't often get ahead of himself and go rampaging forward. This worked especially well with Tom Huddlestone in tandem, who would have the presence of mind to sit back should Palacios go on the rampage.

Yesterday, we had Jermaine Jenas and Luka Modric, who both impressed and illuminated proceedings going forward. But, defensively, they were an undesirable combination. Palacios' lack of form this season is such a disappointment and, although Jenas has impressed to a degree on his return to the side, he simply isn't the player we need to harass and dominate opposition midfielders.

But enough of the negativity. At times yesterday, our football was sumptuous. Bale, after a slightly muted few games, was back to his thrilling best. His movement and energy was a constant threat that Blackburn rarely had an answer to. The hanging cross for Pav's header was timed to perfection and even he'll have been surprised about his headed opening goal. Elsewhere, Modric and van der Vaart continued to showcase their better understanding with each other and they linked up to display some exquisite passing and touches. Jenas showed plenty of invention with his driving runs from midfield and there was a Premier League goal, finally, to savour from Peter Crouch.

It was a win that was badly needed, not just to get us back on track after an indifferent few weeks but because of the challenges ahead. We face Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in the coming weeks and with the close nature of the league so far, a few defeats could see us tumbling down the ladder rather fast. We need to be within striking distance from fourth spot for as long as possible. Any further away and it'll feel like a mountain to climb.

On the horizon, as mentioned, is a visit to Arsenal, which traditionally never ends well. Still, there's always hope in these parts. Little Jermain Defoe is on the brink of a first team return and could well bring an end to our goalscoring woes. How he'll alter the balance of the team is another man's problem. And with Dawson and King hovering around too, our hardly-documented injury problems could also ease up.

Harry Redknapp was critical of the fans' reaction to the midweek draw and was notably absent from the pre and post match press conferences. For whatever reason that was, he'll surely be delighted to finally get some points on the board again. Whether he can maintain the progress and silence the boo boys is another thing.

Boo boys strike the wrong chord with Redknapp

It’s not entirely unrealistic to suggest that our Champions League heroics have saved us a little bit so far this year. The boos ringing out around White Hart Lane in the aftermath of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland would surely have been all the louder had we not been in such scintillating form seven days prior. Then again, there remains the argument that were we without these magnificent nights in Europe’s premier competition, our league form would be much more flattering.

Tuesday was an aberration. A result that can be put down to a collective team failure. Sure, we didn’t get the breaks – Bentley was booked incredibly harshly for diving when a penalty looked like the more appropriate decision. And how Lee Cattermole escaped a red card for his disgraceful challenge on Luka Modric is a mystery enough to rival Agatha Christie. Sunderland battled hard. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we really should have won this game.  

We pummelled the Sunderland goal for much of the first period, drawing an string of impressive saves from Craig Gordon. Tom Huddlestone rattled the cross bar with a sumptuous drive from the edge of the box and, though the breakthrough hadn’t come, it appeared to be only a matter of time.

And when Rafa van der Vaart extended his incredible home scoring record from yet another Peter Crouch assist, it appeared as if we were on our way. How very wrong that was. Within minutes Sunderland had levelled the playing field, Asamoah Gyan capitalising on a horrendous mix-up between Younes Kaboul and William Gallas. The kind of defending that wouldn’t be out of place in a schoolboy game.

From then on, all of our attacking flair subsided, replaced instead by a painfully unenthusiastic final 20 minutes. The good things we had done in the match until that point were replaced by a lack of ideas and imagination. There were no gut-busting runs, no killer passes, no dynamism in front of goal. In short, we looked like we didn’t want it enough.

The booing at full time was, in this blogs opinion, very harsh. We should be beating these teams and the result, coupled with the Bolton defeat, wasn’t good enough but to boo the side is never a helpful factor. The fans have the right to an opinion, of course, but are we really casting this judgement upon a side that recently delivered us a season full of wild and unimaginable highs? Are we really going to castigate the players who last week chalked up one of the greatest results in the club’s history?

It’s fully understandable to show frustration and the Tottenham fans who were in attendance are well within their rights to complain. But booing gets us nowhere. The players thrive on the superb support given by the home fans – it’s one of the reasons we’re such a strong side at White Hart Lane. The results may not be too smart at present and we should be doing much better. But the players don’t deserve to be forced off the pitch to a disapproving chorus. It’s a well worn out argument but let’s remember where we were a few seasons back. Let’s remember how far this team has come in the last year.

Harry Redknapp has already voiced his discontent that the home fans’ reaction and, whilst it’s perhaps a slightly inflammatory series of quotes, one can fully understand his frustration at how his team were received. For all our sakes, let’s hope he can get the best out of the players as soon as possible so we don’t have to be having these types of discussions.

A long time missing

Sincere apologies for the recent radio silence. The good people (person) behind this blog are in the middle of one of the busiest periods known to man. A graduation ceremony here, a birthday there and now a two week stint of solid, late-hours employment. Alas, it means that updating this publication is slightly more troublesome now than it ever has been.

Fear not: there’ll come a day in the very, very near future when things will return to normal. And when that day comes, it’ll be one to rejoice over and sing songs of celebration. Y’know, if that’s what gets you off.

Things we’ve missed recently:

Inter Milan

Wow. Just a great big wow. Too much went on to really condense into a single paragraph so let’s just leave it at this – everyone was brilliant bar Hutton and Bale. Hutts was something of a weak link. Bale’s performance deserves far greater praise than simply ‘brilliant’. A night to remember in so many wonderful, DVD-selling ways.

Bolton

We came falling, falling, falling back to Earth on Saturday, from a gigantic height, let’s not forget. A pitiful record at the Reebok and a head or two possibly still in the clouds meant that this was a game we were always likely to struggle in. The majority of fans may have managed to make their peace with a 1-0 defeat, as long as the side had showed a bit of fight. But what we got was just abject, in every sense of the word.

Shocking defending, little commitment and it took two wonder goals to spare us from a really embarrassing scoreline. We’ve still got so much work to do on the domestic side of our game that it’s possible to slightly resent these European hijinx. But, then again, Bale skinned Maicon 74 times in one night. So it’s not all doom and gloom.

Sunderland at the Lane tonight – a game that really will grate should we fail to pick up the spoils. They’re a solid side and, as a rule, they’ve been ‘getting there’ for the last two or three years. There’s no Darren Bent to worry about; he may love cocking up his penalties against us but he’s also fond of a tap in. There is, however, Asamoah Gyan and his Ballon d’Or nominated talents.Seriously.

It’s far from an easy game and we’ve enough injuries at present to make our physio room look like the set of Saving Private Ryan. But now is not the time for excuses. Three points separate 6th and 16th places and a few bad results could see us slipping down the league fast. With the Gooners coming up in a few weeks, that’s a highly unsatisfactory scenario.

Prediction for tonight? 2-1 to Spurs. Would like to forecast an extra Tottenham goal but with Crouch and/or Pav up front, it just doesn’t look likely. And, of course, we’ll concede the first goal.

Be sure to check back soon, when things will hopefully have returned to normal.