I respectfully have to disagree with most of the comments on here: I believe VDV is the problem. Last year, because we had a collection of off-form and/or inadequte strikers, he could be deployed as side-kick to whichever of them Harry decided to pick that week. But with the arrival of Adebayor, and the marked improvement in Defoe's commitment and performance, there is no need for him up front. So Harry, who seems to have included an "if-he's-fit-he-must-play" clause in VDV's contract when he pulled off his master-stroke signing, picks him and distorts the team to accommodate him as a result. He lacks both discipline and energy. The goal against us yesterday was principally down to his failure (yet again) to track back. He is constantly out of position, and we lacked an outlet down the right until he was substituted. Team-mates were uncertain where to find him, and that undermined a lot of the midfield passing patterns. The Ade/Defoe partnership is beginning to look good. They were both unlucky not to score yesterday. VDV would be excellent now if used as a sub late in the game, or if he came on in the event of an injury. He could slot in wherever. But he would have to be told to keep his place and preserve our shape. Unfortunately, I think he likes the limelight too much. He wants to be the star, the "man", and isn't prepared to do the graft. He scored a terrific goal yesterday, but don't let that obscure the fact that once Sandro came on, and Modric moved out to the right, we looked hugely better. That would have been my choice of starting line-up. In the event of injury, we can then move Walker up into midfield, and bring on Charlie.
Incidentally, I couldn't believe how quiet it was on the way to and from the ground yesterday. Was it the heat? Plenty of vocal support during the match, of course, but empty carriages on the trains, and minimal excitement. Is that a sign that we were expecting to win, but a bit twitchy in case we didn't? If so, it's all right now. And relax.
