Mate, I'll admit I'm still not entirely convinced by AVB but that doesn't stop me seeing huge potential in his methods and also like you, the 12 match unbeaten run doesn’t hide the negatives, but we're on such a great run that in many ways it disguises problems, yet right I'm not too worried, just happy we're in such a great position. If we manage to keep hold of our current squad, this summer will tell us if Villas Boas is aware of the issues within the team, as if he is then the summer signings will reflect that, and thats when IMO we will truly know if Villas Boas knows how to manage us to real success, or help us build a team for the title.
You cannot win every game with a swagger. United and City just win games, they haven't played particularly well in lots of them, they just get the result in a similar fashion to we are atm. As long as our key players produce in the key moments of the match, that'll do for now. Togetherness, desire, and confidence, traits missing from many a Spurs team, can make up for technical shortfalls.
you could even argue that in general we have looked better than city this season, but they've ground out results to the tune of 5pts more than us.
I wouldn't blame Sneezey entirely either, but, i think he has a habit of going to ground too early, as you say Aaron didn't have to work to go by, and Bale could have too as the keeper had committed himself, seen it a few other times through the season aswell, he leaves himself like a beached whale.
"Sneezey" is the type of keeper that attracts criticism, so he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt, although a 1-on-1 is never easy for a keeper, to read the player, some master it, while others struggle, yet I wouldn't attack Lloris if he was poor with a 1-on-1 (which he isn't) as he's a keeper which gives confidence to the team. Sneezey (as notso calls him) doesn't inspire confidence and two examples have been him charging off his line, and attempting to punch a ball, even though his body is blocked by players and he shuts his eyes and desperately trys to punch air, if he was switched on he would read the situation better. Thankfully we don't have that idiot in goal for us!
"I'll admit I'm still not entirely convinced by AVB but that doesn't stop me seeing huge potential in his methods and also like you" The hypothesis I have been running all season is that the current state of play is all to do with the squad, and nothing to do with AVB. Certain events to come will confirm or refute this (with a confirmation having serious implications for the near past) . So at the very least we commend the squad for being at the same position they were exactly 12 months ago, despite losing the creative threat of Modric and VDV. And AVB for not bring the disharmony his Chelsky reign suggested would happen. Which bodes very well indeed for getting a Modric-esque replacement +/- NEW STRIKER.
I've said all along that I'll wait until the end of the season before I judge him 100%. So far I like his way. Many posters said that he didn't have a plan B and so they didn't want him here but we could all be eating our words soon. Hugging players as I've seen him do? I really don't think it's wise to get too familiar. A manager should keep a professional distance.
Having lost Modric and vdV, it's creditable that he's matched last season's results at this stage, with every reason to think that the overall points total over 38 games will be exceeded. He's benefited from Bale's heroics but he deserves credit for playing him more centrally and showing a degree of flexibility in formation and tactics, especially to exploit Bale's strengths, which his predecessor didn't. He's also benefited from the contributions of two good signings in Vertonghen and Dembele. Vertonghen has helped give the defence some real solidity and resilience. Last season the defence fell apart at crucial times. Walker, King and Gallas were alll exposed as weak links around February/March time. Not conceding goals regularly is a major step forward this season. The defence plays as a unit and is organised. AVB must deserve some credit for that.
I think organisation is the key word there. Something our defence has lacked for a very long time. Yes, a step up in the quality of players has helped, but somebody, presumably AVB, has got them playing as a unit.
