I hate the idea of throwing a game but it’s a match we can afford to drop points in if it means preserving the fitness of some players. 3 from 3 in Europa has put us in a good position and Gala away is our toughest fixture on paper anyway, a full strength side would probably struggle to win there so if there’s a game I’d back Ange on completely rotating in it’d be this one. Lankshear, Moore, Gray, Bergvall, Dorrington etc can all get starts.
A lot will depend on the fitness of Romero and Richarlison. From what Ange said after the game, it sounds like the latter will be out while the former has a chance. There's a chance Spence will be back in time for Ipswich, so I'd go for: Vs Gala: Forster Gray Radu Romero Davies Bergvall Bissouma Maddison Werner Son Moore And then for Ipswich: Gigi Spence Radu Davies Udogie Kulu Bentancur Sarr Johnson Solanke Son
Still conceding the same old goals though that is a concern tbh I get the impression every single team we have played against are aware of this and do what they must to expose it
Doubt Son will start three games in a row after returning from injury. Porro will start vs Ipswich, whether Spence is fit or not I’d imagine. Doubt Romero would be benched for Ipswich either if he’s fit, more likely rested against Gala.
Absolutely NOT. Winning there puts Spurs in a strong position in the group. Which gives the manager more flexibility in his team sheet for the Roma game (which is at home) , and for the final three group games (which come right in the midst of the Dec-Jan schedule - which strongly determines your PL fate) .
I thought my final comment was enough “RCL insurance” tbf. Especially after the palace defeat last week!
The team does not transition well in speed and numbers from attack to defence. Which by definition means the opposition will have space to move the ball to the final third. The manager has to find a balance between what he has, and say the running players into the ground you saw yesterday from Emery ball Villa. Ironically, part of the problem is in the attack. Peak Pochettino had the "DESK" attack. The collective speed/movement/creativity from those four alone kept the opposition so pinned in their final quarter that 1-2 of Dier/Dembele/Wanyama could sit back and be able to provide a decent first counter when the turnover came. The current attack by contrast has to commit many more players to attempt to break down the busparquet.
Spot on comment/analysis, and I think this is where that middle CM role is so important, but isn't yet being filled by anyone. Bissouma and Bentancur have played there most often but neither seems entirely comfortable there, especially against teams who are physically and technically strong. It leaves the defence overrun and over-exposed as soon as the opposition cross the halfway line. We need someone who reads the game superbly well, 2 steps ahead of the game reading not where the ball is, but where it will be.
I agree, but the criticism for Vicario for yesterday's goal was unwarranted. Ramsey was allowed to manhandle him without any resistance from any of our defenders, which is ludicrous. He then saved a deflection from Bentancur after Torres is allowed a free header at the near post to flick it on. Solanke should be doing Kane's old job there and someone should be shielding the keeper. We've not conceded many from set-pieces this season, so far, but we still look dodgy as **** on them. The lino also ****ed up in allowing the corner in the first place. They got it from a free-kick and the target of it was clearly offside. The ****.
It’s also only the second goal we’ve conceded from a corner all season I think? Might be wrong on that front. Vic gives me the jitters on set pieces but I do think the defenders are protecting him a bit better than the second half of last season, when it was really bad.
Just watched it back and you're right. Porro flicks it, it hits Bentancur and Vicario stops it, but it falls to the unmarked Rodgers. It went over Torres' head, who had managed to get into prime position at the near post.
The only player certainly not at fault was Vicario! He made a brilliant stop off the Bentancur deflection.
I don't think that Vic helps matters. He looks and acts flustered - which aggravates the situation and puts our defenders on edge. He's a big lad and should be able to dominate his 6 yard box better than he does. That massive flap late on against City that nearly cost us, is a good case in point. He goes all Gomes-like!
Considering how well respected Romero and VDV are for their work outside the area their work in the box often seems lacking
Not having Harry Kane or Richarlison on the near post seems to be the weakness that is getting exploited, most obviously yesterday We definitely need a midfielder with aerial presence for set pieces, both attacking and defending
He’s doesn’t help at all. Although he’s quite tall, he’s quite slender and doesn’t seem very strong. You only had to look at Martinez at the other end and how he deals with players who try to physically challenge him. I’ve said it several times already and the more I see him, the more I want the club to upgrade on him. Last dig at him from me, why is he so comfortable having a go at Bergvall and Archie Gray but never says anything to the senior defenders.
