I think the rumours of Conte looking for a Jorginho-like CM could see Skipp recast in that role, depending on who else is brought in
Called it. Slowly but surely, we are building something with a foundation that isn't make of whipped cream. Even though a draw does us no favours in terms of the top 4 race, it will do our confidence the world of good going into the most significant NLD in literally years. I think Arsenal will beat Leeds tomorrow fwiw which suits us as I fancy our chances much more if we aren't playing to move 4th at full time. If anything, it's their final 2 games of the season that could do it for us. Newcastle away just isn't the same fixture anymore and we just have to hope Everton are still in danger come the last game of the season. Whatever happens, we've seen enough thus far to give us reason to believe again. We played one of the best teams in Europe combined with the match day officials away from home and once again came away with pride intact despite playing a depleted side.
I thought it was a very good point, I guess that we are the only team not to lose against City or Liverpool this season proving that we can mix it with the big boys and with more options we may be more consistent. Top 5 and Europa league confirmed we would have jumped at that with 3 games left when Conte came in and who knows 4th is still possible but thats all in the goons hands as of now. Emerson was excellent tonight proving what we already knew he is a very good full back who can actually defend. Defensively Dier and Davies were both very good too and Romero whilst he was poor with the ball gave everything in the defensive cause. Did Mane come out for the 2nd half? Dias looks a player though gonna be a star that lad.
Not forgetting that it was his third offence in which he could have got a yellow, and it was possibly a red. And of course he was only allowed to do it because he didn't have a yellow already. These are examples of the more subtle bias towards certain teams.
Am I the only Spurs fan worried that Conte walks in the summer? Transfer budget will depend on which European competition Spurs are in but Conte will want backing (and he’s right) even if it’s just Europa that the club is in
personally I’m not too worried. I don’t think Conte is expecting marquee signings as Kule and Bentancur demonstrates. I believe Conte is a little more realistic than his previous form suggests and as long as spurs strengthen in the positions he identifies as weaknesses, I suspect he will at least want to try a full season before deciding whether to stick or twist. Conte has his faults but his primary strength lies in improving the mentality. He’s strong motivational coach. He just needs to be more open minded on the system he insist upon and learn to accept that some flexibility may be necessary.
The worry is there but I’m hopeful he’ll stay. There’ll be anarchy if he walks because he feels the club won’t back him enough. The board ain’t stupid (well, sometimes that can be debatable) and they know the fans are very much in the “give Conte the keys” bracket, they can’t afford to get this one wrong after the Nuno fiasco, ridiculous signings and subsequent decline in recent years.
It's amazing how Kane not being sent off at WHL was the story of that game for days afterwards in the media. Today the BBC didn't bother showing the incident on Son on MOTD (or mention it in their match review on their website) which could have been a red card, let alone whine on about it for days on end. I don't care that it was deemed not a red but broadcasters could at least pretend to be a little consistent! Messed up pools season, pretty much guaranteed ourselves EL football next season and gives us cause for optimism for next season. Can't see the goons doing anything but sitting deep against us as they don't need to win. A draw will pretty much seal them top 4. Gutting that they get it instead of us but at least we are progressing after a godawful 2 or 3 seasons. Conte stays and we willbe a decent top 4 team next season.
I've just arrived If he goes, ENIC are done. Bringing in a manager of his quality to then underinvest and see him walk would be 'it' for even some of the most ardent BSoDL. I'm tempted to say that it won't happen, but I wouldn't bet any of my own money on it. Whilst posting, I flew out to Valencia tonight. Whilst waiting for my younger brother's flight to arrive, the Valencia squad turned up, to be greeted by about 50 kids with shirts to sign Bryan Gil seemed to be the second most popular player, although he wasn't too keen on signing anything.
So who’s voting for who in the POTY award? Got my email from the club yesterday to cast my vote, ends Wednesday so we can’t even wait to see if there’s any heroic (or villainous) performances to change our mind in the NLD. Honestly torn. There’s a number of candidates in my opinion. Son - loads of goals but a lot of sub-par overall performances by his standards. Kane - slow start, less goals than Son but more stronger overall performances, especially middle of the season. Romero - already our best defender, 3 month injury though dents his chances. Would’ve definitely been my pick otherwise, still might be. Kulusevski - Only joined in late Jan but made such an impact he has to be in the list. Bentancur - as above really. Been key, especially with Skipp’s injury issues. Lloris - goes under the radar but he’s pulled off some match winning saves, astonishingly never won our POTY before. I feel like I wanna vote for Romero but at the same time am I taking for granted Son and Kane? I feel at times it’s easy to forget just how good these two are and that it’s unfair to look at other players just because it’s “boring” that they’re always up there and that whilst they may not have been at their very best, they’re still miles ahead of most if not all the squad.
Yes mate Skipp is already a better player. Just a shame we're yet to see the Skipp Bentacur partnership yet.
Yup Lloris for me too but goalkeepers don’t get the headlines. There was that match a few months ago where he made around 7 excellent saves to keep us in the match. He has had an excellent season despite some bloopers!
I think if Son gets the golden boot you have to make him player of the year. With Burnley at home and Norwich away he has a chance as well. Although we will probably go to Norwich and not score, that would be predictably Spursy!
I said after the Everton V Chelsea game how important that result was for us in terms of ensuring that there’s actually a significant battle at the bottom of the table. With Everton’s games in hand, it meant they hadn’t been written off by Chelsea, and stopped Burnley and Leeds becoming even remotely complacent. All we can hope is that Leeds turn up against Arsenal today. Even if they sit back and play for a draw. But at least Leeds aren’t safe or even close to it as a result of the Everton v Chelsea game. It’s made Arsenal have two particularly tricky fixtures in Leeds and Everton, which could have been 6 easy points if things hadn’t panned out how they have over the last couple of weeks. It’s just a shame we’ve got Burnley, as we face a similar problem. But at least we’ve only got 1 of those sides facing relegation, and arsenal have 2.
