Good morning.
We’re four days away from knowing what the entire season was all about. Of course, there are those that will step lively to remind me that we already have a good idea, as we’ve finished above the Blue Racists for the first time since 1896 1996.
For better of worse the game has changed. The Champions League has devalued everything that neighbours it. Dalglish took Liverpool to two Wembly finals and won a pot; yet anyone impressed by this is treated like someone who points at aeroplanes. It’s Champions League or bust.
This season Spurs fans found themselves doing a constant series of double takes as their beloved Lilywhites kept ‘inexplicably’ being mentioned as a top four side. Being referred to as that fixture that ‘wouldn’t be easy’. And now, same as it ever was, we’re down to the wire. Champions League or bust.
Martin Jol. Cuddly, square bonced, John Player Special chomping, husky, musky big Martin Jol. A man for all track suits, a tracksuit for all seasons.
Much will be made over the return of the ex. But the reality is this is only a factor alive in our minds and maybe Martin’s. There have been to put it mildly, extensive changes in personnel since the Dutch Napoleon and Clipboard Chris were fired out of a cannon over the West Stand and out of the stadium that dark stormy night.
So with the ‘mystique and intrigue’ stripped away, let’s examine some actual facts. What cannot speak cannot lie so let’s first look at form points from both team’s last six games and goal difference home for us and away for them…for the whole season.
Fulham’s last 6 away games have earned them 9 points. For the whole season an away goal difference of -6.
Our last 6 home games have earned us +10 points. For the whole season a home goal difference of +20.
The purpose of these figures is to remove from the equation the ‘Arry Factor’. All our numbers were generated – love or hate him – with him at the helm. With Bale chasing his dream down the middle and with Kyle making largely pointless 200m dashes into opposition corner flags. All that jazz.
So we can do it. If we can resist the urge to say, ‘well, yeah, but he’ll make a bollix of it!’ this takes all of that angst into consideration. Despite all the bad stuff we can still very much do it.
What we might actually do with Champions League football when we catch it – I’ve made the analogy of us being a dog chasing a car only about twenty seven times now – is anyone’s guess. But achieving it is vital.
Those who want to point to the past are doing just that. You’re pointing to out of date information. If an email goes missing, you don’t say, ‘ah yes, but when my great great grandfather was a lad a telegram took three weeks to get from Mitchum to Margate!’ You throw a fit because times have thankfully move on.
Nobody cares that this is the best Tottenham season anyone over the age of 83 has ever witnessed. Trust me, nobody cares. It’s the 21st century and we’ve some real talent on the books.
BIOYC!
We want to be top team in London – for this year.
Next year we’ll lenghten Defoe’s toes by two inches and he won’t miss that chance on a wet Sunday afternoon in Manchester. It was all about momentum – and that was the moment we lost ours.
Anyway, Fulham are well capable of putting a stick in our spokes.
How’s this going to work on the left? Bale at the back with Gio wide left?
Is Townsend allowed to rejoin if Ollie wins tonight? Do we use the Lee Young Pyo tactic of playing a right-footed player at left back to match up with left-footed Duff on their right wing?
Watch out for an old zealander at left back.
oooooh, no, surely.
you’re exactly right about that City game…That day the gap could have been 2 pts, it cruelly ended as 8…too large a gap to bridge. We lost our focus on the top, it was too far off, we felt comfortable in 3rd and then CFC, AFC and NUFC all found form and caught us being all complacent.
Complacency, manager with eye off the ball, small squad with a couple key injuries, a tough fixture schedule….it all contributed to us hitting reverse.
Is anyone looking forward to the Europa League final tonight?
Did you know it was tonight?
Do you know who’s in it?
Yep. Ive got a bet on Rocky Bilbao
That’s the only way I could get any interest in it as well,Bilbao and Birmingham for me.
interest gone
But I get your point. ;-)
Bilbao for me been there, great place.
If it means Llorente leaves on a high, it’s Bilbao all the way for me…
Let’s sign him up before Sunday, too!!!
The equations are there for all to work out. Bottom line is that how ironic it would be that Roy’s bunch overthrow Le’Arse to save Redschnappes if a draw is forthcoming at the Lane. Top scenario is the Big Market boys get 3 at Goody, our boy’s get 3 and them down the road get fluck all.
Im meditating on it.
Bigg Market.
Sorry. I’m a pedant.
Yes of course, highly recommended for a neet oot.
Just heard about Cardiff City FC possibly being taken over by a Chinese consortium.
Part of the deal will be to play in red and get rid of the Bluebirds badge for a Dragon.
Imagine selling your heritage for £100m?
For £100k + a week, Luka like dragon badge.
:-p