We're just behind the leaders which is a perfect place to be. Let's see what happens when Chelsea lose one,this momentum of theirs will then be broken. I expect this only to be a minor setback for Arsenal and City and Utd appear shaky. Could Liverpool yet join the fray? Everton continue to baffle. We might just climb a couple more places. Having the start that we did is the best thing which could have happened rather than going off as runaway leaders who are always caught. I'd be happy with a 2-0 against Villa although clean sheets in the league for us are rare,make it 3-0 on second thoughts. I think we'll beat Panathinaikos.
I hate to bring in a note of caution and negativity but in the cold light of day after the euphoria of yesterday we could have leaked 6 goals there. it was only by luck that we didn't. They hit the woodwork twice and a reasonable shout for a penalty or two(Shirt pulling) was turned down. I hope AVB can see and I hope my Spurs colleagues can see that we still have work to do. Yes we held on but that could easily have been a different story. Now please don't throw acid bombs at me,save them for the other team's supporters.
At the end of the day hitting the woodwork is just a shot off target, it doesn't mean that we got lucky it means that they weren't good enough. Only one of their penalty claims had any substance (the Vertonghen shirt pull) and you see one of those not given in every game, it's part of football. The team showed enormous strength of character to not totally capitulate after conceding the Nani goal, as we would have done in the past.
I would agree to a certain extent. Defending with five across the back left us with no one going forward and encouraged United to come on to us.. Sandro couldn't sort out both Rooney and Scholes by himself which allowed Scholes to play. If Jake Livermore had been available (or better still Scott Parker), he could have been used to sort out Rooney freeing Sandro up to destroy the Manure build up as he did in the first half. Given that Bale was dead on his feet after suffering flu all week and Gallas was held together by glue and sticky tape the second half was very much a rearguard action. It just worries me how long will the glue and sticky tape last? On a possitive note we kept our discipline well enough to catch RVP off-side when they did manage to get the ball in the net. Admittedly we did have a bit of luck but surely nobody can say we don't deserve it. Caulker was immense, I hope we have him on a long term contract. Other teams will be after him sooner rather than later. Gallas said of him after the match the he listens, learns and wants every ball. He added that if he put in the work he will become a very very good player. He will be very difficult to drop when Benny is fit again, Verts made a pretty good job of being an attacking full back. It's strange but after being short on the left for so many years we now have Benny and Verts as more than capable full backs and Bale and Townsend as pretty usefull left wingers. If Ade had been available yesterday he could have come on to hold up the ball and give the defense a little rest spite. It might have then looked a little more controlled. I was certainly worried when we kept giving the ball straight back to them.
Caulker signed a new 4 year contract in July, Deedub. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets another one at the end of the season. Phil Neville's a big fan: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19710888
I'm not sure that I'd change a winning team especially not at the moment. I've said all along that the new signings must be played and I'd consider Ade for Defoe and I'm not sure what I'd do with Parker. Good points deedub and WY. Well now that the weekend's over and the pub stock has been moved(I'm teetotal so no hangover) it's to Greece where a win awaits. I wouldn't like to predict our next defeat.
Well done to Team Europe in the Ryder Cup, absolutely outstanding. shut those gobby yeehahing Yanks right up!!
[video=youtube;mI7nBcQIV5Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI7nBcQIV5Q&feature=player_embedded#![/video] Felt like doing this to the odd official at our games!
Was it Come Dressed As A Chelsea Fan Day? Also, what sort of pillock has their wallet sticking out of the back of their jeans?
...till you find its a dummy one stitched into his pocket as an excuse to choke someone who tries to lift it!
