Rival watch

[The Huddlefro]

Who is more important than who is meaningless to me, what we do need is to have everyone fit and available for selection, that means Harry, Dele and Ben. We have had so many injuries throughout the season, it would just be great to be able to get our best 18 players in the match day squad again. And then to be able to pick them throughout March and April when the title is being decided.

Getting Harry and Dele back in the starting 11 will mean that we will have better players coming from the bench who can influence matches, Lucas, Lamela and Llorente (that’s an L of a cavalry!), have all shown that they can come on and make a difference, the first 2 often looking better from the bench than when they start.

To even be in contention at this point given the injuries and Wembley is remarkable, going a step further and being in with a chance when we come to the back end of April would be better still. COYS

It is remarkable where we are. Even forgetting missing Son and the injuries to our other forwards, if you'd have told me that we'd be where we are in the league and CL considering our starting midfield has been Winks and Sissoko for much of the season, I probably wouldn't have believed you!

 

[Spurf]

I disagree to an extent. It’s clear that we need upgrades in certain positions, notably CM and RB, and you could argue to an extent that the effectiveness of the DESK masks the deficiencies in our squad. Then again you could say the same about Liverpool’s forwards and defence because their midfield is dire and last night showed that if VVD and their front 3 have off days then they can find themselves in real trouble. The same is true of any top team if you want to look at it like that, the truth is somewhat more nuanced.

I’ve recently voiced concerns on here about how our play has evolved in the last few seasons and that while it’s understandable how it’s changed, we’ve also lost some of the urgency and nastiness that made us an awful team to play against earlier in Poch’s tenure.

I stand by those comments but at the same time I think with our defence and DESK we can trouble any team in Europe. Dele is a crucial part of that and has stepped up well at times this year when he’s had to, but Kane is still the biggest miss IMO. There are bigger issues to address over the summer both with the composition of the squad and how we’re playing (the two are somewhat connected after all) but having the majority of our first team back will make us very dangerous again.

It's interesting that you have noticed a loss of urgency and nastiness in the team. Is that really true? Urgency is a quality that we don't always show, that's true but I would argue that urgency can be close to panic as time begins to run out when you need a goal. Nastiness, not quite sure what you mean by that, could we be talking about Dele being a little fiery or Vertonghen producing tough tackles? We don't have such a powerful midfield as when Dembele and Wanyama were on top of their game. Is that making us look less aggressive?

Or is it that this team has matured and the years with Pochettino mean the players are now completely understanding his philosophy. I think it's noticeable , and impressive, how when a new player is introduced, one that has been with us and not just joined (I know nobody has just joined) they slot into the team in a seamless way. The only question is do they have the ability to retain their position in the squad and not as say with Lucas when he first played for us, not getting the methodology of the team. They all do now, the club has Pochettino right through the teams at all levels. I think this means that we are smoother more patient, more persistent and more confident. Therefore appearing less urgent and less aggressive but in reality being more effective. We have seen this change clearly in the recent ground out results. We didn't do this before.

 

[The RDBD]

A part of me wants to Exit the CL...I think we've got a very good chance and we still got to play the top 2

Sad, isn't it.

Oh to be late Wenger era Goons, when you are not in the PL
title fight 3 out of 4 seasons, PL top 4 slot is probably safe for
the season, and you can "enjoy" the CL KO stages.


"so there is a lot that is in our own hands...depends on mental preparation from now on for each game."

And getting the strongest possible starting XIs fit for each
particular game (the Dortmund legs, Chelsky, Goons) .

 

[The RDBD]

It's interesting that you have noticed a loss of urgency and nastiness in the team. Is that really true?

Yes.
The typical Spurs MF press has been absent over most of the
season, only being on display in a couple of games.

 

[deedub93]

Having the courage to say things has landed us in trouble but if it's the truth it doesn't matter does it'

I'm still not too sure about our form and especially against the top teams i.e. we have lost to both Chelsea and Utd recently and not really shone against the lower teams we've narrowly beaten. Let's face it, we were lucky with that goal against the Magpies. I know we had absentees against the top teams BUT it's something we must address in the approaching matches against City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

You're not going to like this but I think Alli is a greater miss than Kane and I don't think the return of Kane will totally solve anything.

Teams with balls continue to the 90 n th minute, i.e. don't settle for draws. we've clearly got balls. Every team since the boring invicibles have lost matches during the season. It happens if you don't try to bore the pants off you opponents. 1-0 to l'arse, so fekking what? Before sugar daddy FC's, we would have been serial Champions, don't knock it. I enjoy watching Spurs now as much as I ever enjoyed watching Spurs with Gilzean and Greaves, it says something. I still fekking hate losing, but c'est la vie. I look forward to the next match, I no longer fear it. We can beat anyone, trust me.

 

[The Huddlefro]

It's interesting that you have noticed a loss of urgency and nastiness in the team. Is that really true? Urgency is a quality that we don't always show, that's true but I would argue that urgency can be close to panic as time begins to run out when you need a goal. Nastiness, not quite sure what you mean by that, could we be talking about Dele being a little fiery or Vertonghen producing tough tackles? We don't have such a powerful midfield as when Dembele and Wanyama were on top of their game. Is that making us look less aggressive?

Or is it that this team has matured and the years with Pochettino mean the players are now completely understanding his philosophy. I think it's noticeable , and impressive, how when a new player is introduced, one that has been with us and not just joined (I know nobody has just joined) they slot into the team in a seamless way. The only question is do they have the ability to retain their position in the squad and not as say with Lucas when he first played for us, not getting the methodology of the team. They all do now, the club has Pochettino right through the teams at all levels. I think this means that we are smoother more patient, more persistent and more confident. Therefore appearing less urgent and less aggressive but in reality being more effective. We have seen this change clearly in the recent ground out results. We didn't do this before.

Your second paragraph is more what I was getting at. I think we've made a natural transition in the way we play given how our status in the PL has grown since Poch joined us, with everything that comes with that. We still press but because we have so much possession in most games now, it's more situational. I guess I'm just overly wary of us becoming too much like the Arsenal side of a few years ago, who moved the ball around nicely but offered very little penetration. I don't think it's got to that yet by any means but I do sometimes think we need a little more directness in how we move the ball. Keeping it moving amongst the midfield and CBs is all well and good as that allows us to pull opposition players out of position and switch the play quickly to take advantage of that, but you're right that we miss Dembele's powerful forward running with the ball and I do feel we need to move the ball more quickly forward at times, maybe making more use of Sissoko' powerful running, and encouraging Winks to look forward more often.

I also feel that we've toned down the aggression a bit, again we've been missing our powerhouses in the midfield and that has probably impacted on how I see it. But linked to that I do feel sometimes we lack leadership on the pitch, particularly recently when the likes of Dier, Kane and Alli haven't been playing. I made a comment to this effect after the Palace FA Cup loss and while that post was made a little bit 'in anger' (something I usually try and avoid) I've been feeling that way about the team for a while, particularly in the absence of some of the key personnel.

I'm definitely behind Poch in what he's doing here and 100% give my support to the team. We shouldn't fear anyone when we play. But I got the impression a few years ago that teams dreaded coming to our patch because they know we'd play fast and get in their faces. And yes - Alli would be a fiery annoyance, Dier would front up, and Dembele would steamroller the opposition midfield. So while I see the sense of, and support, the way our play has evolved in the last few years, I do feel we have lost a bit of an edge in the process that used to really unsettle teams. They probably worry now about different things - I'd just like to combine the two is all.

 

[yossarian]

Your second paragraph is more what I was getting at. I think we've made a natural transition in the way we play given how our status in the PL has grown since Poch joined us, with everything that comes with that. We still press but because we have so much possession in most games now, it's more situational. I guess I'm just overly wary of us becoming too much like the Arsenal side of a few years ago, who moved the ball around nicely but offered very little penetration. I don't think it's got to that yet by any means but I do sometimes think we need a little more directness in how we move the ball. Keeping it moving amongst the midfield and CBs is all well and good as that allows us to pull opposition players out of position and switch the play quickly to take advantage of that, but you're right that we miss Dembele's powerful forward running with the ball and I do feel we need to move the ball more quickly forward at times, maybe making more use of Sissoko' powerful running, and encouraging Winks to look forward more often.

I also feel that we've toned down the aggression a bit, again we've been missing our powerhouses in the midfield and that has probably impacted on how I see it. But linked to that I do feel sometimes we lack leadership on the pitch, particularly recently when the likes of Dier, Kane and Alli haven't been playing. I made a comment to this effect after the Palace FA Cup loss and while that post was made a little bit 'in anger' (something I usually try and avoid) I've been feeling that way about the team for a while, particularly in the absence of some of the key personnel.

I'm definitely behind Poch in what he's doing here and 100% give my support to the team. We shouldn't fear anyone when we play. But I got the impression a few years ago that teams dreaded coming to our patch because they know we'd play fast and get in their faces. And yes - Alli would be a fiery annoyance, Dier would front up, and Dembele would steamroller the opposition midfield. So while I see the sense of, and support, the way our play has evolved in the last few years, I do feel we have lost a bit of an edge in the process that used to really unsettle teams. They probably worry now about different things - I'd just like to combine the two is all.

Wilmar Barrios could have given us that extra aggression in midfield. Zenit got him for a mere £13.5m

 

[Spurf]

Your second paragraph is more what I was getting at. I think we've made a natural transition in the way we play given how our status in the PL has grown since Poch joined us, with everything that comes with that. We still press but because we have so much possession in most games now, it's more situational. I guess I'm just overly wary of us becoming too much like the Arsenal side of a few years ago, who moved the ball around nicely but offered very little penetration. I don't think it's got to that yet by any means but I do sometimes think we need a little more directness in how we move the ball. Keeping it moving amongst the midfield and CBs is all well and good as that allows us to pull opposition players out of position and switch the play quickly to take advantage of that, but you're right that we miss Dembele's powerful forward running with the ball and I do feel we need to move the ball more quickly forward at times, maybe making more use of Sissoko' powerful running, and encouraging Winks to look forward more often.

I also feel that we've toned down the aggression a bit, again we've been missing our powerhouses in the midfield and that has probably impacted on how I see it. But linked to that I do feel sometimes we lack leadership on the pitch, particularly recently when the likes of Dier, Kane and Alli haven't been playing. I made a comment to this effect after the Palace FA Cup loss and while that post was made a little bit 'in anger' (something I usually try and avoid) I've been feeling that way about the team for a while, particularly in the absence of some of the key personnel.

I'm definitely behind Poch in what he's doing here and 100% give my support to the team. We shouldn't fear anyone when we play. But I got the impression a few years ago that teams dreaded coming to our patch because they know we'd play fast and get in their faces. And yes - Alli would be a fiery annoyance, Dier would front up, and Dembele would steamroller the opposition midfield. So while I see the sense of, and support, the way our play has evolved in the last few years, I do feel we have lost a bit of an edge in the process that used to really unsettle teams. They probably worry now about different things - I'd just like to combine the two is all.

"We still press but because we have so much possession in most games now, it's more situational."

That's a key point I think. I agree we should not lose the 'in the face' bit and that's exactly what Liverpool & City did to us when they beat us. It's what Arsenal did in our last PL game against them. In reverse it's what we did to Chelsea when we last beat them in the PL. I'd like to see us start games like that more often.

BTW I think Pochettino likes to be our captain so he's content with not having 'a leader' on the pitch.

 

[The Huddlefro]

Wilmar Barrios could have given us that extra aggression in midfield. Zenit got him for a mere £13.5m

I didn't realise he's gone, that's a shame.

"We still press but because we have so much possession in most games now, it's more situational."

That's a key point I think. I agree we should not lose the 'in the face' bit and that's exactly what Liverpool & City did to us when they beat us. It's what Arsenal did in our last PL game against them. In reverse it's what we did to Chelsea when we last beat them in the PL. I'd like to see us start games like that more often.

BTW I think Pochettino likes to be our captain so he's content with not having 'a leader' on the pitch.

Agreed. Especially in the big games we need to front up more.

Poch might view himself as a leader for the squad and that's fine to an extent but one or more of the players needs to step up more as well. The best teams we've seen over the years in the PL and Europe have had players who will call out their peers in the dressing room when they're not doing enough. Kane is developing that IMO but we need more from the leaders in the squad, both in the dressing room and crucially on the pitch, in my opinion. I'm looking at Kane, Dier, Alli, Jan, Rose and Hugo, all of whom have worn the armband and are important, influential members of the dressing room, but I can't necessarily see any of them apart from Kane calling their peers out. We've built a squad that is wonderfully together which is great to see, but I do wonder if they're too nice to each other and are too comfortable. New signings might shake it up a bit, primarily by bringing more competition for places and forcing everyone to up their game.

 

[The Changing Man]

.

I also feel that we've toned down the aggression a bit, again we've been missing our powerhouses in the midfield and that has probably impacted on how I see it. But linked to that I do feel sometimes we lack leadership on the pitch, particularly recently when the likes of Dier, Kane and Alli haven't been playing. I made a comment to this effect after the Palace FA Cup loss and while that post was made a little bit 'in anger' (something I usually try and avoid) I've been feeling that way about the team for a while, particularly in the absence of some of the key personnel.

I think Wembley is a factor in some of what you say we are missing, the passion of a White Hart Lane crowd has been impossible to recreate at Wembley and I think that this has had an impact on the way we play, particularly in terms of the passion and fire that we had at the Lane. the bigger playing surface may also have been a cause.

 

[vimhawk]

Anyone else surprised when Liverpool didn't win, despite getting their usual dodgy decisions? Unlike the pundits, I think a lot of fans realised that Pool weren't nearly as good as being made out, and had benefited from a lot of luck and help from the refs. So while the media might be going on about "what has happened to Liverpool" the rest of us are just thinking that nothing much has changed, they were never as good as many thought, and they just didn't capitalise on the second wrong decision last night. That's all.

Also interested in the talk about Liverpool injuries today. This is of course used as a reason for the Liverpool performance, and at no point did I hear anyone say that they should have bought more players. Us in the same position of course it's all about injuries just being an excuse, and we should have spent more.

 

[The RDBD]

...

Sorry mate, but IMHO tis now time for you to :

You must log in or register to see media

 

[PleaseNotPoll]

Also interested in the talk about Liverpool injuries today. This is of course used as a reason for the Liverpool performance, and at no point did I hear anyone say that they should have bought more players. Us in the same position of course it's all about injuries just being an excuse, and we should have spent more.

They caused their own issues at right-back by loaning out Clyne and not replacing him.
Lots of dodgy rumours about that one, but they've been fairly lucky with injuries and a couple seem to have staggered them somewhat.

 

[humanbeingincroydon]

Somebody really needs to compile a list of the most ridiculous excuses Norbert's come up with for dropping points

I'll get the ball rolling when he said relegation-threatened West Brom didn't need the three points they got by beating Saltypool last season as much as his team did, and by the way the pitch was dry. Because talking about a team that beat you like they were a bunch of unruly peasants who should feel obligated to lose to your team definitely doesn't make you sound like a complete scheißhaus...

 

[D.G.C.]

Fulham exiled Sessegnon to the bench against Palace, do we want him?

 

[D.G.C.]

Reus is injured, good news.

 

[audrey.s.thackeray]

Yeah, seen your reply on the page after the post i quoted

How significant is it that both of the hubcap quippers are guests on this sacred forum? (They have parking permits of course, but not membership cards.)

 

[D.G.C.]

Everton v City tonight, tricky, come on Everton.

 

[Roo]

What’s going on with reddit soccer streams these days? Have they been shut down?

 

[vimhawk]

What’s going on with reddit soccer streams these days? Have they been shut down?

Looks like it. They were banned once so set up a couple of sub-reddits, but it now looks like they have gone too.