Good afternoon?
Well I’ve had worse I suppose. The game itself wasn’t our finest hour nor was it quite self harming territory. The bottom line is that this competition was the last of our priorities. Nice to win a pot but for those believing we ought to have gone all out …I’ve two names for you. McLeish & Dalglish.
The appearance of Bale was a welcome surprise and had he not featured it’s a cheerless exercise to dwell on how we would have performed. He was the spark, the drive, the creative.
The young guys given a chance did their best. Falque is an interesting chap. There’s a raw energy there. A fast paced mind at work. But he needs managing training and guiding. I look at him, Livermore, Townsend and Walker all whom are ‘products’ of our academy or whatever it’s trading as this week and worry.
Are we producing footballers or people who simply look like footballers, impressionists?
Maybe I imagined it, but Livermore looked to have more about him when he debuted. Now we have this Jenasesque fella that looks like he’d be more at home in one of those partially naked calenders that firemen do for charity. Walker looks like a rep for a company that services gym equipment. Falque like an assistant manager at Toni & Guy.
My point is why are their footballing IQ’s so low? Falque took two maybe three corners and the ball didn’t beat the first man once. In fact the damn thing was smacked in a light speed at knee height. Jake concedes the most cheap and hopelessly unnecessary fouls. Walker’s dive for the penalty was the work of an impressionist.
This was pretty much a Norwich B team vs a Spurs B team for want of a better description. I’m just saying I would have hoped for more given the opposition.
We went a goal up and then proceeded to act as as if the thing was won. Slowed the game, passed as if we were playing the time out. A child could have predicted this wasn’t a very good plan. Any child able to use a clock or a watch.
Our traveling firm were great value. ‘Norwich City, your sister’s your mum’ followed by a Grant Holt’s arrival prompting a chorus of ‘Grant Holt, he eats when he wants.’
Norwich scored twice and we missed a penalty. This beast on Twitter was quick to voice her support direct to Clint on Twitter. Despite being at the game in person!
I take the view that if people are on Twitter they have to take their chances, maybe not everyone thinks you’re as wonderful as your mother repeatedly told you you were. But why would you Tweet Dempsey that? Jeez, he knows that he missed. My best guess is he didn’t do it on purpose.
Is there a moral to last night’s story? Probably not. But we do need a striker and we need Moussa Dembélé. Like a rose needs rainwater, like a leopard needs its partner in the jungle, like… I don’t know what like.
Well, watching on TV, it doesn’t really look like Clint Dempsey cares so much about what others think either, it looks as if he doesn’t care about anything at all, least of all the football being played around him
To be fair Dempsey is a decent player, but i have to agree that from the beginning he looked like he was more dissapointed about not signing for Liverpool( God only knows why), than excited about playing for Tottenham.
*Walker isn’t a product of our academy. Neither is Falque, come to that.
Well whoever they are they fell out of their mummies tummies once and they’re in our shirts now.
Their Mummys played for our academy…
so did Kaboul’s….
http://images.wikia.com/sims/images/9/98/Mummy_2.JPG
I could understand how it could happen.Lots of games.Get a goal.In control.Relax.
This game should be one for the young players and c oouple at most of our better players.
I agree we should go for everything but with the total squad.
Europa is better.Gets more airplay in Europe.This cup is one to fight for with young legs.
Walker is a great winger.Not top top notch but can run and cross not so bad.
But as a defender he is a liability.
Livermore is utter crap.
Dempsey is much better than he is playing
Play him up top with Ade feeding him in the next game,he’ll get three goals.
He has shown he can be prolific but hasnt found his spot yet with us.
Lloris in goal. Use him or sell him back to France
Dempsey really looks and plays like he is uncomfortable with the whole situation, or plainly does not care, mainly the latter, showing NO enthusiasm whatsoever, in play or attitude, from this international worldbeater
Dempsey really looks and plays like he is uncomfortable with the whole situation, or plainly does not care, mainly the latter, showing NO enthusiasm whatsoever, in play or attitude
I thought it was a good performance last night considering the team we had out. Controlled the game for 80mins, then Vertonghen came on and had a bit of a nightmare.Who saw that coming?!
Bale had a good 65 mins last night, which was pleasing. And I also thought Dawson had a pretty commanding display at the back, although I’m not sure why Michael seemed to be marking space instead of Holt for their winner, considering he is the best defensive header of the ball we’ve got.
Young Tom Carroll was another player who really impressed me in that first half. Confident, composed and positive, Tom justified his inclusion yesterday with a performance brimming with promise. Surely a candidate for the upcoming games against Maribor in the Europa League.
I’m not entirely sure why Clint Dempsey is being written off so early in his Spurs career. I have to say that I was one of a FEW people, at the time, that was a bit baffled by his initial transfer to the club, but after seeing him up close I’ve got to say that I been rather impressed.
So ok, he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in the infancy of his Spurs career, but what HE HAS DONE:
IS BE TIDY- rarely losing possession. Clint was never going to be a VDV type: great vision and the ability to thread a ball through the eye of a needle. Dempsey game is more about receiving the ball, giving it to someone more creative, while manoeuvring himself into dangerous position through which he can score.
MADE A HOST OF INTELLIGENT RUNS- thus freeing up space for Defoe and co to move into ( maybe this has gone unnoticed by the majority, as Hansen and co are yet to highlight the fact on MOTD).
BE EXTREMELY BRAVE- Always wanting to get involved and influence play, never goes hiding when things don’t go his way. Always willing to take responsibility as his effort (albeit a pretty poor one) from the penalty spot proved. Take a minute to ask yourself where are ALL those players who seem to crowd around free-kicks from 20-25 yards when it comes to taking a spot from 12. Bale, Sigurdsson, anyone?
BE A THREAT: One thing that Clint will always be is a threat to the oppositions defence. Again his Movement and intelligent runs mean that he will always be problematic to opposing defenders. His goals against Southampton and Man Utd (plus the WRONGLY DISALLOWED goal against Lazio and the sitter he missed against Villa) were all examples of the excellent movement and goalscoring instincts that I believe WILL make Clint a very good (short-term/long-term) signing for the club.
At the end of the day, to judge Clint on the back of what must be a dozen first-team starts is just ridiculous, just as it was, when many of you, no doubt, chose to judge AVB after 3 games. Clint HAD NO PRE-SEASON WHATSOEVER, IS GETTING USED TO PLAY UNDER A NEW MANAGER/WITH NEW PLAYERS AND IS STARTING UPFRONT WITH DEFOE WHO I CAN BARELY REMEMBER MAKING A SINGLE PASS TO DEMPSEY, LET ALONE A KEY ONE.
To compare Dempseys and Sigurdsson performance is laughable, as all the things I have stated Clint has brought to the team Sigurdsson hasn’t.
Although I am not going to write of a 22 year-old who clearly has talent, but seems desperately short of confidence. Personally, I think Gyfil is struggling because of the expectations he places on himself to score. I think the first thing the Icelandic international needs to do is concentrate on becoming a bigger influence on the team, by getting on the ball more. Every time I see him he seems either not to really show for the ball or when he does get it he seems in too much of a hurry to give it away again. I think once he gets that first (‘good’) goal, his confidence will rocket and we will start to see the real Gyfil.
I will revert back when I have read this. Probably about next Tuesday.
Hey,sometimes I get a little caught up in the moment, but when it comes to writing/talking about my beloved, I could go on ALL day! Especially when there is so much nonsense on display. Consider it an education!!! Indeed, you are most welcome.
Ramos28 – you’re very welcome here :daumen:
Cheers mate!
Is that Ramos28 Dempsey ?
Nah, just someone who takes great pride in analysing the game using a fine-tooth comb, and not simply ball watching like most. When you do this, you seem to notice things most other people miss!
Wow. Humble too. Teach on, teacher.
And very good it was. Just difficult to take in when I am supposed to be working(!) so don’t take it too seriously
I don’t doubt for a minute what he’s capable of. But in the last few seasons we have seen players hit the ground running. Parker, VDV, Ade and Brad turned out to be great additions by having an instant impact on the squad. The question I always ask myself is, how long until all their effort pays off?
Dempsey, Walker, Sig, livermore etc, none of them are lazy or talentless. They just don’t seem to be creating anything of a winning formula.You’ll get individual moments of greatness from almost any player. It’s a teams ability to gel and co-ordinate a cohesive attack that will win games. And that is what’s missing.
I agree with you my friend. In the past we have been spoilt a little bit with the people you’ve mentioned all coming in and doing well. But does that mean that players who take a little longer to settle should be dismissed as flops after 9 games?
Although Defoe has been awesome in the way he has adapted to the lone striker role, the type of player he is means that it would be difficult for a lot of strikers, let alone a no10 to develop any kind of effective ‘partnership’ with him. I’m not saying Jermain is greedy but he certainly weighs up his own chances of scoring (whether it is from 10 yards or 25/30 yards) before looking to play in someone else.
How long will it be before they come good? Well, like I’ve said, I think Dempsey HAS been pretty good up to now. Can he improve? Of course, but the same could probably apply to the whole team.
Sigurdsson on the other hand HAS been largely disappointing and I think this is partly due to him suffering from a lack of confidence, and a bit of self doubt too. Playing for a newly promoted team where mistakes are easily forgiven (by the fans) and expectations are limited to survival is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT to playing for a club the size of Spurs, where the spotlight is firmly on you and competition for places is far more intense.The expectations are greater and the fans are less patient.
I imagine that can be difficult for a 22year old who is yet to play for a club of such stature, in is debut season. Add that to the fact that Swansea play in a different style to ourselves and it become easy to understand Gyfil’s current form. GIVE HIM TIME AND SUPPORT, AND I’M SURE WE WILL SEE THE BEST OF HIM SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
p.s The away support for the last two games has been incredible. Lets try and replicate the same energy at home and make White Hart Lane the fortress it was built to be!!!! – Keep your faith and hold your nerve-
@ Ramos28
I did leave a ‘you are very welcome here’ type reply and this crapolla blog lost it :face:
Ramos28 please drop in again :daumen:
Doesn’t this statement:
Although Defoe has been awesome in the way he has adapted to the lone striker role
and this one:
the type of player he is means that it would be difficult for a lot of strikers, let alone a no10 to develop any kind of effective ‘partnership’ with him.
seem like a massive, huge contradiction?
Someone who is as single-minded as Defoe (when it comes to scoring goals) can impress upfront in a lone-role, can he not? The statement I made was in reference to his overall play and performances.
If there is a contradiction in there, then I am struggling to find it.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH A PLAYER CAN OPERATE IN THAT ROLE/POSITION, AS JERMAIN IS PROVING.
The development of his movement, work-rate and link up play (referring to his ability to maintain possession, more than anything else) has meant Defoe has been able to be effective at the top of a three-pronged attack, despite his size, and mindset.
I also stated that:
‘I’m not saying Jermain is greedy but he certainly weighs up his own chances of scoring (whether it is from 10 yards or 25/30 yards) before looking to play in someone else.’
Now combining effectively with someone who has those tendencies could prove difficult if you feel as if you have made a supporting run into a good position, only to find that your partner has either dwelt whilst in possession, or tried to make an opportunity for himself. This could prove especially frustrating for someone such as Dempsey, I imagine, who prides himself on his goal contribution, and having just recently moved clubs would be keen to make a positive impression.
I happen to like Jermains approach, as often it leads to an attempt on target at the very least but someone who may be expecting to receive a pass, might be less enamoured with Defoes style.
I don’t think Defoe has been awesome in the way he has adapted to the lone striker role, for the exact reasons you go on to explain. Playing one striker is an option to enable you to play more attacking midfielders, and the striker is specifically supposed to link up with these players all the time. Defoe is not cut out for this role in terms of his size, stature, skill set and mentality. And therein lies the contradiction. How can someone be ‘awesome’ at something when they are effectively doing something else?
Well, 5 goals in 9 games (plus 2 assists)isn’t a bad return for a strkier who was written off as a lone- front man at the beginning of the season. At the moment, Jermain looks as strong as he ever has in terms of his hold/link up play.
I mean lets be honest, Jermain has never been quite as useless as some people will have had you believe when it comes to dropping deep and linking play (although this certainly isn’t what you would call his strength/main attribute). And despite his small(ish) frame, he seems to posses good upper body/core strength, which aligned to his tenacious nature and quick feet make him quite a formidable opponent for defenders to disposes.
The fact that he is keeping out a front-man who appears the more conventional choice as the focal point of the Spurs attack, speak volumes for Jermains displays thus far this season.
AVB is doing something that ‘Arry was at pains to do during his stint as Spurs manager, which is give Jermain a real opportunity to stake his claim as Tottenhams no1 striker, and at the moment Jermain is repaying his managers faith in him with razor sharp displays (on the whole).
AS I HAVE SAID, THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH A PLAYER CAN OPERATE IN THAT ROLE/POSITION, AS JERMAIN IS PROVING.
For example, Darren Bent, Fernando Llorente, Lionel Messi,Robin Van Persie and Carlos Tevez have ALL enjoyed success as lone front men for their respective clubs, and ALL of them have done it in their own unique way.
Darren Bent plays on the last defenders shoulder, stays in and around the box, relying on chances being created for him rather than getting involved with any build-up play or creating for himself.
Fernando Llorente uses his aerial ability and physical prowess to hold-up the ball, before laying the ball off and making advances towards to penalty area.
Carlos Tevez uses his pace, strength and energy to unsettle the oppositions back-line. He is just as capable of dropping deep and creating something, as he is playing on the shoulder. He ,like Defoe, also posses quick feet and close control while dribbling at speed, which is another facet of his game that makes him such a nightmare for the oppositions defence to deal with.
I could go on but I’m sure you get the general idea now.
SO YOU SEE, MY FRIEND, THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH A PLAYER CAN OPERATE IN THAT ROLE/POSITION!
The fact that he is keeping out a front-man who appears the more conventional choice as the focal point of the Spurs attack, speak volumes for Jermains displays thus far this season.
I don’t agree. As has been very thoroughly inspected and bisected elsewhere on this blog, AVB hasn’t had the luxury of choice for quite a few games this season. On the occasions where he has done, I personally feel he has made the wrong choice. I think Defoe can play up front, I’m not against it, but as part of a double pronged attack, not on his own. This has been established and proven by Martin Jol, Ramos, Redknapp and is now being further demonstrated by AVB.
Yes, his own goal ratio is respectable. But at what cost to the rest of the team?
Carlos Tevez uses his pace, strength and energy to unsettle the oppositions back-line. He is just as capable of dropping deep and creating something, as he is playing on the shoulder. He ,like Defoe, also posses quick feet and close control while dribbling at speed, which is another facet of his game that makes him such a nightmare for the oppositions defence to deal with.
The other thing which Carlos Tevez does is constantly look around to see where his team mates are, drops into midfield, looks to play others in. i.e. the stuff a lone striker is supposed to do. He is also very rarely deployed as a lone striker btw.
SO YOU SEE, MY FRIEND, THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH A PLAYER CAN OPERATE IN THAT ROLE/POSITION!
There are different players who can operate in that role / position. DEFOE IS NOT ONE OF THEM!
What a terrific post. Give this man a guest spot HH!
The bird who tweeted that tweet works for SSN. In fact her twitter address starts with SSN so I’m guessing she’s not allowed to abuse publicly.
I just emailed her on FB this blog and asked for an explanation.
Well done mate.
Has there been any response from the scumbag Murdoch employee?
None yet, but here is her facebook profile should you or anyone else wish to converse with her directly…
http://www.facebook.com/emma.storey.184
:daumen: