I think we went to crap at around the time of the Liverpool game. Ran out of steam and struggled to do what Pochettino's system requires.
**** it. I've always wanted Spurs to play in Europe and still believe that it's better to be consistently in the Europa than finishing mid-table. The games are basically more entertainment for us fans, a chance for some of them to travel, they offer the opportunity to blood youngsters (Kane, eg), it's another chance for silverwear, it's a bit of money, it raises the profile of the club etc. But, after years of re-raising the profile of the club on the European stage a fair bit I think we can afford and maybe *need* to not qualify for the EL just for one year. I never could want Spurs to lose (unless we'd already won the league and us losing would relegate Chelsea or Arsenal) but for me, after an absolutely putrid performance like that, thoughts of missing out on the EL are quite a massive silver lining.
Imho there is an internal battle behind the scenes at whl regarding summer transfer targets. MP has already publicly stated that he and only he should have the final say on who comes in. He also seems intent on making the point about our weakness in all areas by playing players who need a break (kane, eriksen, mason and bentaleb ) and playing players out of position when we have injuries (look at our defence today)...none of this looks good to me. He walked from southampton cos of behind the scenes politics and i think its a real possibility here this summer
Sounds like a totally inept display - again. Some of the comments here suggest that we were doing our finest Newcastle impersonation today?
This end of season slump has happened many times recently, in fact it's the norm. It's very hard to motivate when the cups are finished and the league is the only battle left. I think you have to take into account that tiredness is a factor for all teams but the teams that rely on skill and speed of thought probably suffer more than the teams that rely more on physicality.
We've played more games than anyone and our pressing system requires more running, though. The high press has basically disappeared in the last couple of months, so nothing's working. If we do make the Europa League and stick with the same approach, then we need to play a completely different team in the competition. We should probably start the same way with the League Cup, too.
Didn't see the game lads but judging by the scoreline and the comments on this thread, can I safely assume it was another typical Spurs end of season capitulation?
That's not exactly how I'd put it. Pochettino got the tactics wrong and a number of our players look shot. The defence was set up to deal with a set-piece oriented Stoke side that no longer exists. The midfield offered the defence no protection and no threat going forward, either. Chiriches made two stupid tackles and got sent off, but everyone said he should get pulled at half-time anyway, so that's on the manager, too.
Yes,they are so worn out I believe they will be leaving for the USA sometime! Perhaps they should be renting deckchairs at Southend this summer.........
Just back from one of the worst away day I have experienced for years. Our defence is a complete shambles and the sooner Levy gets rid of this out of depth, scruffy clueless berk who is currently in charge, the better. An awful display by a set of players, some of whom are knackered, some are wearing flip flops and some who don't give a toss and some who are just crap. Stoke is a dump. Horrible day out.
