Well that isn't in the coaching manual to have two RB's in the team and then have two LB's on the bench ! I think what Poch has proved recently is that not only does he have a plan B, but he also has a plan C. I know I'm not the only one who doubted if he had a back up strategy, but it's now clear he has developed his tactical nous in recent months. That was great stuff today, terrific stuff from us in a very entertaining game. Thankfully none of this European hang-over nonsense, we confirmed today that good teams can get two great results and performances in the space of less than a week.
Great win Spurs and fair play, maybe this year will be Spurs year, they seem good enough to challenge City, but Luke seems to think the red mancs are relevant, but watch them tumble down the league table.
I haven't said that. Utd will improve on last season, but winning the league? I can't see that. Spurs' problem is that in the past two seasons, the champions have played out of their skin and results which might have been good enough only resulted in 2nd place. It could be the same again if City maintain their form rather than implode like last season.
I can live with Spurs not winning the PL if the champions in any given season are going to have to play "out of their skin" until at least week 36 to finish above us.
IMHO this week has been truly seismic. Not only for Pochettino to have the confidence to try different tactics, but for the squad to both trust in the coach and execute those tactics to the letter. I cannot wait for the Madrid 2nd leg. If Bale plays, at the moment I could see Pochettino ordering Son to man-mark him.
Luke, Spurs play eye candy football (like Utd did in the past)all of a sudden it looks like Poch's brand might have an impact, we're crap tbf but Utd fans believing they're gonna win this season's title will be disappointed. Bookmark it, Mourinho will be off in the summer because he knows Pep is the main man in Manchester. Just an opinion mate so don't flip, and once again, well done Spurs you were overdue a BIG result against us.
Blinding result! Another complete team performance, everyone was top notch and Poch yet again played a blinder with selection and tactics. Didn't expect to thump Pool like that, especially as they've been a real problem side for us over the years but I'm delighted with it. We didn't even have a DM for 80 minutes of the game and bar an excellent Hugo save (along with Harry somewhat aiding them in their goal), there wasn't an abundance of pressure on our goal despite the amount of possession Pool had. Thought Son's goal was excellent, the way he roasted the Pool defender from inside our half and got onto Harry's great pass was just brilliant. Half time was also interesting, some fella came out on the pitch, think he must have been a fan of Ossie Not seen so many surprised faces and expressions at a half time interview, pretty surreal to be honest to see such a legend of the game. Quality day, well done boys.
Back from the game. A belter. I was a bit concerned that it would be a slight let down after Tuesday but it wasn't. Hugely enjoyable. There was a tremendous atmosphere. We're getting the hang of Wembley as fans and as a team. Insanely good save from Hugo. The 3 at the back were rocks and held the fort so that the real Fantastic Four of Harry, Dele. Christian and Sonny could run riot. Riotous singing of "Mauricio Pochettino, he's magic you know?" towards the end. He really is.
I think it's the nature of his philosophy on football, the core of the way we play doesn't change too much but the formation and approach still can tweak it. It's the same with Guardiola. Today, as has been the case on a few occasions this season, we saw the line up and no one could say with any confidence what formation we were playing or who was where. You still knew what we were going to try to do though and shame on Liverpool for not spotting it. It's like he saw our game against Dortmund(our only really good one at Wembley to date) and thought "how can I give them more space in behind the defence?", he's lucky it weren't 4 or 5-0 by half-time. I said last weekend that it felt like we as fans were counting the clock down until we were no longer having to play at Wembley. I eat my words as the fool I am today. The fans were excellent from the very first and it was a pleasure to "be in that number". Also, bloody love these players. I'd written half of them off at one point or another but that man Pochettino seems to be able to find a place for virtually anyone. One thing I will say in the negative is that Pochettino should have sussed out that shower ages ago, they went unbeaten against us far too long.
We broke two hoodoos today, the Liverpool winless run and Wembley. Massive setbacks for Liverpool and Utd this weekend and I hope to deepen the gloom against Utd next week. Liverpool are at home to Huddersfield which after yesterday at trafford gives the match some spice.
Also why are Liverpool fans so deluded? Same goes for the media. Pool always get incredible hype about being title challengers/Top 4 in comparison to us. Since the 2009/2010 season - the Pool have only finished above us in the league...once. FACT.
