I've no idea how good Targett is, but it's asking a lot for someone on their debut to handle Lennon and/or Bale. Remember even Shaw had a poor debut and that was against Stevenage!
When you are matched against a thoroughly bigger team in the key areas, sometimes however hard you fight, you may still lose. Saints didn't look as if they were on holiday to me. They were just out-muscled and out-played. I'm not giving us the excuse of having an off-day. From what I saw, I've got to hand it to WBA. They were very effective, strong and smart.
Bale plays on the left wing so will be up against Clyne, so he could well score with his head again. To be fair to Fox, the ball was there to be challenged for thanks to Davis suicide pass. I remember thinking "go on Fox, win that" then instantly realising he must be off the pitch seeing as he's already on a yellow card anyway. I don't think there was intent to injure the player I think it's just one of those things.
Fox was done by his lack of speed. Should have realised it and got goal side of the player instead. If Clyne moves to the left, everybody gets shuffled. Mauricio said he learnt a lot from the WBA game (through gritted teeth)...let's hope he is a man with a plan. Spurs must be favourites, but favourites don't always win.
Bale has played in a free role behind the striker for a while now. 8 of his last 9 games have been there. He played right wing against Wigan.
Good player and will be in the first team squad soon, but it would be harsh to play him against Spurs for his first game.
During the warm-up I said to my Dad that I thought they looked big and strong. They are a very effective team (could teach Sam a thing or two about being effective in a better way)
