Alli has a bit of a dark side to him, I love that as long as he can keep it in check and channel it productively. Luckily he's young enough to mature a bit still and he seems close enough to Poch that our manager can put his arm around him and steer him that way and I hope we don't see anything Rooney-esque (or worse) out of him. I would hate to play against Alli. So much talent, a tremendous athlete and work ethic, and he never leaves you alone. He's always mouthing off too. As long as its just a bit of sledging and never gets truly nasty I love that, and I trust Poch and his senior teammates to keep an eye on it to ensure it never becomes more.
Got to be the earliest we've broken the 60 points barrier now surely? Win our next game and we're back to the 2 points per game average.
While things may change with 7 games left to play, I thought we had to pick up points on Leicester the last two games to have a real chance of catching them, and I still do. If things continue as they have, we will have to settle for having the best team in the league. I would much rather have fluked the title with the sixth best team, but if we continue to play as we have, it will still be an incredible achievement for the players, the coach and everyone who works for the club, really, from the chairman down. What were the odds in August we were going to score the most goals in the league and give up the fewest? It may turn into a distraction, and he’s pushed the envelope at times, but what I think he is is a winner, willing to compete more intensely than other players.
The problem is, with CL land and international career beckoning, you will find with professional on-pitch WUMs + non-PL refereeing, things could go Beckham 98 quite quickly indeed for him. In the coaching staff + increasing maturity we must trust.
Funny how the same can be said for a lot of Man Utd players of that period, for example the fact both Scholes and Keane were suspended for some match that took place in Barcelona and Clive Tyldsley will not shut up about.
Went with my youngest daughter...great atmosphere and performance especially in 1st half. The team showed no sense of nerves, pressure or fear. Very difficult to pick a motm but think Dembele just edged it for me.
What do you guys think of Lamela today? I have to say he looked a little bit lost, as if unsure as to what he was meant to be doing and where he was meant to be doing it. I don't want to be a doomsayer but whilst he has had a vastly improved season, he hasn't put in an eyebrow-raising performance for quite a while. He also doesn't seem as dogged or tenacious as of late - carrying a knock perhaps? Today should've been a perfect showcase for his talents; completely in control with B'mouth playing right into our hands for the bulk of the game, but he ended up being the only player I was disappointed in. I hope he proves me wrong with his performances in the last 7 but to be frank the only thing keeping him in the team at the moment is the fact that Son is even worse...
From what I saw from shelf lower corner his defensive midfield work was top rate...he harassed the hell out of their players causing countless mistakes from them.
His pressing was not its usual ferocious self today (one thing you can usually count on this season) . As you said, he seems to be drifting a bit towards previous seasons form (which is a worry) .
I know it's all about winning for most people, but I couldn't cope with winning "the Leicester way". It's got to be about good football otherwise what's the point? But as you say, if Leicester win we will still have been the best team (regardless of what the pundits will say).
He works hard, true enough and that certainly suits our style of play, but we need much more from him than that. His decision making isn't great and there are times when you find yourself shouting at him to run at defenders more - and when he chooses to do that he runs into trouble 9/10. Really want him to succeed and we have seen glimpses of one very skillful player - but he does seem like he's fighting himself sometimes. Is it a confidence thing?
Was thinking the same about Lamela. Other than Fazio and Yedlin there's not anyone I'd want sold this summer. The squad's getting full though and I think we could do with adding some extra quality. If Lamela has to move on for that to happen I wouldn't be too disappointed, to be honest. Fantastic performance and result today. My optimism for us winning the title has been waning lately as Leicester keep picking up scrappy 1-0s but it shot right up again today. The fixtures don't look anywhere near as daunting with the way we're playing. Kane was immense and I thought Wimmer was superb at the back, whilst Dembele ad Eriksen really impressed too. Keep this line up fit(give or take Lamela) and we can absolutely pick up maximum points from our last 7 matches. COYS
They have IMHO got more withdrawn as the prize has got further within reach + the risk of losing it has grown. Unfortunately for Spurs, their playing style is perfect for carving out the results they need.
Both Alli and Lamella do stupid, impetuous things, and one day it will cost us. They both need to grow up and learn some discipline.
Lamela often seems to be trying to redeem his own errors. Sloppy pass etc and then goes steaming in to try and reclaim the lost ball. If he showed composure in the first place, then he would not be forever putting himself in those situations. It still appears that he misjudges the PL pace and the time he has to make passes etc.
I don't know if you guys picked it up on your streams, but Boruc was giving Alli verbals all game but particularly throughout the second half. Alli seemed to be giving it back mind, but not always easy for a young player to keep it quiet when a more experienced player is giving it large.
Lovely story to report from the half time entertainment. A lady was introduced who is 101 and has been watching Spurs since the 1930's !!!! Nice touch from the club to get Pat Jennings to present her with a replica shirt with the number 101 on the back.
The "banter" is one thing, but the sniping kicks / leaving the knee in etc are too Beckham 1998 season for my liking. I would be furious if similar cost Spurs something significant, so work on this ASAP.
That's fair comment. As you and others have said, there is a dark side there which could cost us at some stage.
