We are all happy today! At least I think we are.........at last! We seem to have waited a long time at Spurs for an all round decent performance and today most of us agree we got one. We have to go back before Sherwood before Villas-Boas probably back to Harry's time. I am thinking March 2010 when Gudjohnsen powered his way through the Stoke defence to score for us in a memorable hard fought game against Pullis's thugs. Yes four and half years ago. I am not suggesting that Everton bear any kind of resemblance to the Stoke of that period they certainly do not, but I am suggesting that today we won because of sheer hard work and character. Three names spring to mind, Kane, Mason and Bentaleb all hale from our academy and all hale to our academy if this is a sign of things to come. I don't think it's coincidence that in such a match as today all 3 were playing. Their energy and desire were I believe infectious throughout the team and for the first time for a long time we looked like a team. What a pleasure to watch a Spurs team that looked as though they could defend and a Spurs team that knew the value of fast paced football. Kane was amazing and really looks the part of a Premier League Attacker, every time he had the ball you expected something to happen and it pretty much did. On top of that Soldado got his goal, I am delighted for him, he deserves it; he has never let his head go down and has continued to try and do the right things as the fates played against him. I hope the flood gates open for him. I have criticized Pochettino on here a number of times so the least I can do is say well done to him for turning things around and making a difference. Well done SPURS.
Just hope we're not all crying again after Wednesday night. But yes, the most encouraging performance of our season so far. Looked far more like a team and decent commitment from all players.
Good post Spurf and I would agree, if it wasn't for the fact that I thought the great thing about today was that it was a real TEAM performance and all deserve credit (well, nearly all - might exclude Chiriches from that). The determination and pace was excellent today!!
I agree, it was about the team and I would not exclude Chirches, yes he made some iffy decisions but at least they were made for positive reasons. He is a bit of a strange player in that he does odd stuff but I think we should be patient because IMO he has the potential to be very good for us. Is he trying too hard to impress?
Good to win after Europa. Still a lot to work on though. Chelsea will be a reality check. I just hope we avoid our usual drubbing when we play the big sides.
Great post a totally agree. It was the Spurs of old I have grown to love watching. When they're in that mood, are playing with pace, aggression and commitment, there's very few other teams I'd rather be watching. The three names you mentioned were also my stand out players. Kane worked his socks off and is growing in stature with every game. He looks fearless right now and his size and strength is going to make defences very nervous in the future. I can only see him improving. Mason is another example of why we need to develop our youth because he's showing the kind of commitment to playing the style that Poch wants more than anyone. if only a few other "big names" would take a leaf out of his book! Bentleb, for all the remarks about being Sherwood's favourite, is a player I like. He gets stuck in and looks assured for someone so young. When I saw the team and shape, I was so much happier to see Mason and Bentaleb as the midfield pairing. I knew we had a chance with them both in the centre for the match and boy, did we play better. My only gripe (if I'm allowed just one) was the subbing of Lennon, who I thought had a great game. Lamela came on and instantly we lost that additional work rate that Aaron has always offered us in favour of some flashy, fruitless moves and loss of ball possession. I think Lennon doesn't get the credit he deserves for the sheer work-rate and commitment that he always gives and I don't think it's any coincidence that since he's been in the team more lately, performances have gone up a couple of notches. I hope Poch takes note of the one's showing more guts and fight in recent games because they're the types of player we need to push on. Also very pleased for Bobby that he's finally bagged one. For all his lack of scoring, he's never given up and has always put in the effort. If there's one of that group of seven players we bought who deserves a bit of luck, it's Soldado. Overall though, I very good week for us. May it continue. COYS!
I kept the faith with Bobby until last week and then he goes and scores....typical but he still has to continue finding the net.
Kane reminded me of that heroic day when Ronny Rosenthal made the difference. [video=youtube;gAikrPkNbE8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gAikrPkNbE8[/video]
I don't think anyone is saying that is all is well now. Bobby will probably need to score several more goals before he starts feeling confident again and we are not close to competing with Chelsea and City. However, for once, we didn't look like we were drifting and the team worked hard and was competitive against a decent team and we could more easily get behind the team. It's a small step, but a welcome one.
Chiriches had some nice touches on the ball. He is a very skillfull player - for a centre half. Needs to work on his concentration, but there is a decent player there.
I nearly had a heart attack when Chiriches slid in ona booking but fortunately Mirallas(or whover it was) hurdled it and Chiriches got injured soon after. I thought he was good for most of the match though he crosses the ball well even if there's not enough players to aim for(something we need to work on) and worked well with Lennon. Corluka MKII.
My favourite part about yesterday was that the three best players on the pitch (in my opinion) were all academy graduates - Kane, Mason and Bentaleb. Ryan and "Nabs" proved that when you have an understanding with a player whom you've played with for years, it has so many bonuses, their hard work and team ethic was just fantastic. Kane was just Kane again, determined display from a player enjoying his best football to date. I've always been a fan of Harry, I'm happy to say that I backed him even when many thought he'd never make it here, admittedly I never saw him excelling like he is now but he always had that spark about him that made me believe in his ability, as each game that passes however, I'm beginning to believe we may have a very special player in the making. It's scary to think he's still only 21 and if he continues to get the faith from Poch and his team mates, the sky could be the limit for him. It wouldn't surprise if we see the three lads handed new contracts within the next few weeks/ months, they're the future of this club.
The Standard reported we were drawing up an improved contract for Mason last week, while Kane got a five year contract back in August.
Lennon a proper educated player having a great game but he may just be being protected until fullymatch fit having played so rarely this season
