'Now Maurico trophy cabinets are rather expensive, I'm afraid if we win in Madrid, that will be this season's transfer budget gone.'
I watched the last goal in complete disbelief. I thought I must have seen it wrong....surely Then followed my impression of Victor Meldrew, but with a smile. Banging the table 'I can't believe it!, I can't believe it!' A new green hill formed in the corner of the pitch. Did everyone invade the pitch before the end of the game? It's all a blur. Then we had to play some more seconds with Ajax in our penalty area and Lamella doing an impression of a headless chicken Wow just WOW!
Now the dust has settled a little, albeit my head is still spinning, I've had time to process that incredible game.... a little. It was truly the old cliché of a game of two halves. Whilst we had moments in the first half and a few half chances, I always felt Ajax had us under control. With the two goals scored, I think we can all agree that our exit from the CL was inevitable. Then at half time, Poch pulled a masterstroke... He knew that our midfield was being overran but we needed goals. So bolstering the midfield was futile. Solution? Take the midfield out of the equation and put on Llorente - who was sublime. In control and knew exactly what his job was. Every ball that went up to him bypassed the Ajax midfield entirely. His hold up play and deft headers allowed our forwards to advance and suddenly, this young Ajax defence were being turned and pulled out of position. No, it wasn't total football. At times it wasn't pretty but heck, it was bloody effective. Moura will take all the plaudits for some clinical finishing, after what was a sketchy first half display. But there were some other hugely important performances last night... Hugo - he pulled off some stunning saves. We could easily have been 4 goals down if it weren't for him. He really stepped up. Rose - for me, he was absolutely colossal. You could see he was up for this game. He was totally on it. His intensity levels were a maximum and some of his moves were just a joy. That nutmeg to then release the ball up to Llorente was a peach. Arguably our best player. Toby & Verts - both quietly went about their business. Both had good games and held their nerve and cleared our lines when our goal was under siege. Tripper - a great crosser of the ball and raised his levels in the second half but boy, his reading of the game in defensive positions is dreadful. I really fear for us if he starts against Liverpool. Sissoko - Beast... GOAT. Whatever you want to call him, Spurs player of the year. Hands down. Wanyama - our weak link last night and so off the pace. No surprises he came off. hence Poch's tactical change to bypass the midfield and dare I say it, go long ball (wash your mouth out Spud!) Eriksen - whilst I've not been his greatest fan in recent weeks, his work-rate was huge. He didn't influence the game as much as we'd like but when not in possession, he was running down Ajax players, directing his teammates on where to be to cover other Ajax runners. His reading of the game is second to none. So ironically, his defensive work and covering was hugely important. But for gods sake, just wish he'd learn how to hit a stationary ball! Alli - definitely improved on recent performances. Once Llorente came on, his influence increased and THAT layoff for Moura's winner was a thing of beauty. We need him to be at peak performance against Pool for sure. Hopefully, he can stay in an advanced role where he is far more effective. Moura - talk about two different players either half. His first touch and control was all over the place first half. Second half, he came out a different animal. Again, that was down to the introduction of Llorente who allowed him to make those advanced runs and scare the pants off the Ajax defence. Son - made some good runs down the wing, but was blunted by being double-marked by Ajax defenders. So couldn't get shots away or influence the game. Llorente - game changer. His introduction completely changed the pattern of play and Ajax had no answer for him. Suddenly they were very nervous and the rest is history. The Rest - did ok. Didn't like Davies on for Rose at all. I think Poch was protecting Rose as he was being targeted and feared he may blow up and get sent off. Lamela did pretty well in the short time he was on the pitch. Kept the ball and kept things ticking over. Did OK. Poch - in tears and had me in bits. Love that man.
I'm feeling quite humbled this morning being part of an elite group of English clubs to have achieved the final of the CL and its predecessor The European Cup. Man Utd, Liverpool,Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and now Tottenham Hotspur.
Levy on the pitch with Poch, long after the final whistle, celebrating with the fans, that was something to behold!
Of all the people that the BBC could drag up to talk about the game they get ............Alan f*****g sugar FFS
Posted before half time....hsppy clappy mo fo it is then...the mini psychos aint gonna understand me at all today
Villa won in 82, Leeds lost in 75 if memory serves me correctly - Leeds were robbed too I seem to recall (but I was only 11 at the time!)
Have you seen the footage of Hoddle celebrating? That man was dead on the floor 8 months ago , he really is a God
I now remember Leeds v Bayern. We're still part of an elite group though. Now, last night's win has stopped the series of defeats so things should go well now. What's the worst? 4th in the PL and CL finalists. Still a good season. Next, 3rd in the PL and CL finalists, still a good season. 4th in the PL and CL winners, excellent season. 3rd in the PL and CL winners, dreamland.
Blood pressure was 196 over 83 and heartbeat 77 last night, I'm getting too long in the tooth for semi finals and finals.
