I'm not sure why so many Spurs fans ruled out 3rd, I've been saying for a while that as long as Benitez's here it's an open battle for 3rd and 4th. Even as somebody that doesn't rate AVB, I think he's done remarkably well so far as Spurs manager given the fact he had to deal with losing 2 key players and injuries to a host of key players. I know he came under heavy criticism after the 5-2 against Arsenal (from me included) but he has managed to mix things up a bit and get the best out of Bale. Spurs might make top 4 or they might narrowly but either way I think AVB deserves credit for how he's handled things. If the footballing gods are there, then Spurs would probably get 3rd and Arsenal 4th. Chelsea's superior head to head record against both is the only thing keeping us above both for the time being, but the fight is all gone, no real belief or desire. Arsenal apart from a month blip, have shown character which deserves a top 4 place. Sadly you don't always get what you deserve in football though.
I don't understand why you don't rate AVB District. What did he do wrong at Chelsea that the other coaches didn't? Was he given long enough? No he wasn't? Were you in the top six? Yes you were. Why don't you rate him?
If there were footballing gods it would be us and Everton as 3rd and 4th I was mainly sceptical because I thought Chelsea wouldn't keep dropping silly points and Abramovich would also spend in January. Ba was a good signing but I expected more as whilst you don't have a permanent manager he tends to have a big say in the signings. Now I think it's up to us to prove we can get 3rd by putting on the kind of form that gets us regular, more comfortable victories against lower league oppnents whilst also picking up more points against the best. That's a difficult thing for us to pull off in a short period but sometimes things can just click into place and what the team has been working hard towards all season will just become easy. We have a realistic chance now, as outsiders, but we're still brittle in terms of squad depth so a bit of bad luck could quickly erase our chances. I think we're all feeling the pressure of the end of the season now as fans. Instead of the exciting sprint finish, it's an agonising, almost blind tip-toe to the finish, hoping to avoid the potholes. I can't wait for the end of the season
Chelsea have Middlesborough and WBA approaching and neither will be easy for them. Everton are inconsistent and a win tomorrow will make it too difficult for them to catch us. City lost to Saints but beat Chelsea,that could be because Chelsea are ****e. The dark horses in all this are our effing neighbours. City are inconsistent but maybe that win today means they've turned the corner. I'm keeping my gob shut about next Sunday. We shall see what we shall see but I'm nervous. They beat us 5-2,yaych.
Like most Chav's, their owner included,they wouldn't know a good manager if they fell over one,the mad russian just want's a trophy,every season,he should have realised by now even if you spend alot it's not possible.
I'm just beginning to come to terms with how difficult March is going to be, after tonight's game against West Ham here are our next 5 fixtures: Tottenham v Arsenal Sun 3 Mar Tottenham v Inter Milan Thu 7 Mar Liverpool v Tottenham Sun 10 Mar Inter Milan v Tottenham Thu 14 Mar Tottenham v Fulham Sat 16 Mar That's 5 difficult fixtures in a 2 week period. Arsenal also have difficult games in these two weeks but have to play one less. Chelsea play 5 (decidedly easier) games, meaning they will be able to rest important players. If we make it through this period without suffering from serious fatigue to our key players I will be astounded. The annoying thing is after the Fulham game we then have a two week break before our next match, why on earth couldn't they spread these games out a little EDIT: Answer: International Break
2 weeks off at that time in the season could be a big benefit though. If we are on a roll it could be a hinderance also
Unfortunately it's not even a two week break, as our players will be jetting off to all corners of the globe to train and play two games for their country.
Its the same for all the with the Int break, as for March, it doesn't stop there, have a look at April!, Everton, Chelsea and City plus EL if we progess of course, thats the one that will shape our season.
Love the headline...El Cashico! http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...d-carlos-tevez-settle-el-cashico-8508521.html
Any pretence that Laudrup won't be on the first plane to Madrid should they come calling this summer is ****ing farcical
David Moyes claiming that Fellaini needs more protection by refs.......!! Now Fellaini is a decent player, but has never come across as a shy, shrinking violet unable to take care of himself. Whenever I have seen him, he is not slow to put his weight about - and leave the odd foot or elbow in. Think there might be a few bemused faces amongst his PL opponents at this claim.