Search This Blog

Tuesday 30 November 2010

The January Plan

With a flood of fixtures quickly approaching once more and the New Year just around the corner, Sky Sports have today reported that us and the Scousers are in for Scott Dann, the Brummy centre half. Upon reading this, it made me query who, if anyone, Spurs will move for this coming January. We have a fantastic squad list and I can only really see us making moves for players because of injuries. Roy could only dream of having at Liverpool's disposal the quality we have at White Hart Lane. Never thought I'd be saying that two or three years ago.

We have good options in midfield and in defence, although the long term stability of our back four could be thrown into question. In turn, it may be time to shift a few on as well and maybe start giving a few younger players a chance in the first team.

There's hardly a problem at Spurs and I'm surprised Harry hasn't been in hospital with the amount of selection related headaches he must incur every week, although injuries have played a small part in our season so far; but these are inevitable at any football team.

I'd be tempted to bring in a centre back and possibly a left back, to cover Assou-Ekotto. An injury to BAE would see Bale drop to left back and I'd rather keep the Welshman at left wing. With Jermain returning we should be covered up front and fingers crossed he can stay relatively injury free for the rest of the season.

Who should Spurs sign in January?

Regards.

Monday 29 November 2010

A bit of bad news.

Spurs fear that Rafael van der Vaart will be on sideline for a month after our Dutch masterclass admitted he felt his hamstring tear. The news puts a slight damper on yesterday's win, a more fortunate than comfortable one at that, as Kaboul also looks to miss the next few games as well after damaging his hip.

Should VDV be out for a month he will miss the following; Birmingham away, Twente away, Chelsea at home, Blackpool and Villa both away and Newcastle at home.

It's a blow these two will be missing for the time they are as Kaboul and Gallas had seemed to look a good partnership at the heart of our defence in the absence of King and Dawson. VDV missing will also mean a change of system to, as expected, a 4-4-2 with Defoe starting alongside Crouch or Pav.

What system would you play should Rafa be missing for a month?

Regards.

Thursday 25 November 2010

Bale nominated by FIFA.

Our Welsh prodigy has been shortlisted for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010, which is to be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich on January 10, 2011.

This just sums up the turn around in Gareth Bale's status as a footballer as only 12 months ago I'm sure the boy couldn't even dream of being nominated for such a prestigious award.

The 55 footballers nominated are:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus FC), Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea FC), Julio Cesar (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands, Manchester United FC) Defenders: Daniel Alves (Brazil, FC Barcelona), Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur), Michel Bastos (Brazil, Olympique Lyonnais), Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea FC), Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United FC), Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United FC), Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Lucio (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Maicon (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Alessandro Nesta (Italy, AC Milan), Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Gerard Pique (Spain, FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Walter Samuel (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), John Terry (England, Chelsea FC), Thiago Silva (Brazil, AC Milan), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United FC), Javier Zanetti (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale) Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Michael Essien (Ghana, Chelsea FC), Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal FC), Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC), Andres Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona), Ricardo Kaka (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea FC), Javier Mascherano (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Thomas Muller (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid C.F.), Andrea Pirlo (Italy, AC Milan), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands, F.C. Internazionale), Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona) Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Manchester United FC), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea FC), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon, F.C. Internazionale), Diego Forlán (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina, Real Madrid C.F.), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, AC Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München), Ronaldinho (Brazil, AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United FC), Carlos Tevez (Argentina, Manchester City FC), Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool FC), David Villa (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Bale deserves all the praise he's experiencing right now and so, once again, well done to the boy. If I had a penny for everytime that's been said about him..

Regards.

Save our club

I'll keep this first bit brief. It's becoming more irritating as talk of us shifting home to the scum that is East London continues to drag on. Although in reality I can't see the move prevailing, it's not a comfortable thought when our interest is reported as 'deadly serious' with the number of people wanting the move being counted on one hand.

We are Tottenham. Let's keep us in Tottenham. If David Sullivan gets his hands on it, it'll be brilliant seeing West Ham turn up in front of a half empty ground every home game in the Championship.

For as much as it'll do, please sign the SAY NO TO STRATFORD HOTSPUR PETITION HERE to keep Tottenham in Tottenham.

On a lighter note, what a brilliant performance last night; although admittedly against a side that looked as though they were only there to make up numbers. Lennon looked incredibly sharp and Luka made the midfield his own.

Kaboul, Modric and finally Crouch hammered the last nail in the Werder Bremen coffin but I'm sure they were relieved they didn't fall into the Europa League.

Please choose you Man Of The Match on the right.

Regards.

Monday 22 November 2010

Harry WILL make move for Benzema

I'm sure I'm not the only one that jumped onto talkSPORT today to read 'Arry trying his best to tarnish all the rumours about Spurs making a move for Madrid's bench warmer Benzema.

There’s nothing in that," said Redknapp, speaking to Drive Time. "He’s a good player, I like him, he looks a real talent. But certainly we haven’t made any enquires at all for him. There’s definitely nothing going on there at the moment."
And Redknapp admits he will have to sell some of his fringe players if he wants to add to his squad in the transfer window.
“Before we can bring anyone in, I’ve spoke with the chairman, we need to shift one or two,” he added. “It’s going to be a case of the only way we can do any business would be to let one or two go and whatever we get in we can go and invest.”

Now all Harry has stated here is that we haven't made a move at 'the moment'. Of course not, it's November. He also suggested that he'd need to shift a few; could we let Robbie go and bring in the Frenchman then? And let's be honest, how many times has Redknapp rubbished a rumour then snapped him up 5 minutes later.

You can't second guess old 'Arry, but I'd bet my next pair of tickets on us trying to bring the boy in at some point whether in January or the summer.

Regards.

Redknapp hints at transfers

So we beat Arsenal and suddenly talk of winning the league resurface; that wasn't the case after the Wigan or West Ham game this season I'm sure of that. Maybe one day, but not just yet. I guess there's no shame in aiming high but if fourth place was offered right not we'd bite your 'ands off for it.

I do struggle to find any real areas of our team that are in desperate need of strengthening. I assume that is why 'Arry only wants to 'tweak' the squad; no Benzema then?
"I am looking to bring people in this January," said Redknapp. "We need to tweak it to finish it off.
"There's one or two other bits we could do, without spending a fortune, that could make a difference to the team.
"We've a new training ground coming, the club's in good shape and we can go forward.
"Tottenham have got a title in them in the next few years. I genuinely feel that - why shouldn't I?
"It's there for someone to pull off a surprise and our win at Arsenal gives us great confidence."

It'll be interesting to see what Redknapp does this New Year. No area screams out at needing strengthening, but I guess it's useless trying to second guess 'Arry anyway.

Where would you 'tweak' the squad this January?

Regards.

Sunday 21 November 2010

' Today they play for the money. We played for the glory' Bobby Smith

Bobby Smith, top scorer in the double season with 28 goals. Up until 1961 the maximum wage meant Bobby and his team mates could only earn up to £20 a week,. As Bobby's quote brilliantly puts it the squad that brought Spurs its greatest-ever season played for glory, not like the so-called stars of today who play for their enormous wage packet. Available from http://www.philosophyfootball.com/. Strictly unofficial, sizes S-XXL

Saturday 20 November 2010

I love Tottenham

Today's game was the sort of game that made me proud to be a Spurs fan. Years of frustration mounted on our backs and, before recently, watching Arsenal pick up point after point home and away against us was something we'd just have to cope with. It was all part of the 'Tottenham package'.

The first half needs little explanation. Woeful would be an understatement of how we played. You'll never be in the game for to long when you give Arsenal the freedom of the Emirates and all we did was watch as we conceded twice in half hour. We hadn't turned up.

It was far better and a different Tottenham in the second half. A lot more pressure and every yard of space was closed down. We played more as a team. Bale and Van der Vaart worked well together to pull one back, after Defoe had nodded it on, and soon enough the tension could be felt all around the ground.

For the second, credit where it's due, Phil Dowd did well to spot the hand ball and, for once, have the bottle to give such a vital decision. I'm sure Mr. Webb would've turned a blind eye anyway. The third saw a wonderful ball swung in from Rafael Van der Vaart and was one that was almost shouting to be nipped in at the back post.

We should thank Arsenal for squandering opportunities to salvage something and thank Arsene Wenger for giving us another comedy performance on the touchline. I guess they still have the Carling Cup?
Let's hope we can build on this because, as we've seen, even with a half fit Defoe and Lennon, no Dawson or King, we can still beat anyone.

Gallas had an absolute stormer today and without him Arsenal could've finished us off 3 or 4 nil in the first half. .

Please choose your Man of the Match on the right and your thoughts on the game are welcome.

Regards.

Thursday 18 November 2010

RVP: Spurs are a top team

With Arsenal at their place just around the corner, Dutch forward Robin Van Persie has heaped praise on fellow countryman and White Hart Lane hero Rafael Van der Vaart for turning us into a 'top team'.

The player, that spends more time on the treatment table than taking part, told NUsport: "He (Van der Vaart) is a great footballer, I know the quality he has.

"I would rather have him at Arsenal. I indicated a couple of times that Rafael would be useful for Arsenal but that advice was not followed.

"I regret the fact he was not signed, but it is the right of the club, this is just my opinion.

"Now you can see the result. Spurs were a good team but now they are a top team".

Arsenal away is never a fixture that gets me to excited. I'd rather Blackburn at home again in all honesty. Expect Rafa to be given little room and for Bale to come inside more as he will enjoy little freedom down the flank.

I'd stick my money on Arsenal to beat us 2-1.

Score Predictions?

Regards.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Karim Benzema

It's been quite apparent that there has been a distinct lack of goals being scored by us this season with Crouch and Pav not finding the net as often as their salary would demand and Van der Vaart doing much of the leg-work in that area. Jermain's injury has only proved that he is our only striker that can be relied on to score consistently.

Benzema has found himself, similar to many other stars, to be keeping the benches of Real Madrid warmer as the season goes on. A frustrating year for the forward has so far only seen him inconsistently feature in 15 appearances, with not all of those coming from starting the game. A more consistent role in the first team could bring confidence and goals with it.

Don't get me wrong, optimistic would hardly touch the surface on such an audacious move but it is clear that we should be looking to bring in another forward in January. Maybe Levy could pull off another Rafa and bring the boy in, even if it was only a loan for a short period.

What've we got to lose to try?

On a more immediate note, Kranjcar starred for Croatia again. Maybe we should stick him in the first eleven more often.

Regards.

Monday 15 November 2010

It's official. He's out for 3 months

Bitterly disappointing news came out of White Hart Lane that Tommy is likely to miss three months with an ankle injury.

I'm sure the word 'gutted' doesn't even touch the surface of how we or Tom himself must be feeling right now and this is another injury thrown onto the unwanted and depressing pile consisting of Jermain, Daws, Ledley and Aaron being just a few names below him. Soon enough we'll have a whole team there.

Jenas has come in and looked to have kicked off this season with some form but this news is a real blow. Maybe this will open up more opportunities for also Wilson and Sandro to exploit and hopefully a few players can up their game and push for this opportunity.

Who would you stick in place of Tom?

Regards.

Saturday 13 November 2010

Tottenham 6-0 Blackburn

Sorry I must've mis-read the result because our display today warranted the score line above. A stylish and a display that last season's team would've been proud of, for much of the game we were stuck in the driving seat only dropping down to 4th gear for the final moments of the game.

The scoreline suggests a closely fought encounter but the game was over at half-time, Pavlyuchenko atleast making amends for missing the penalty and a chance that even I would've had a good shout at scoring.

It was positive seeing Bale bring his European form back into the Premier League as he knocked up 2 more goals and an assist that will get the whole world talking about again. Best player in the world? Not just yet, but the boy's on for a cracking season ahead.

Crouchy finally broke his duck, although taking advantage of some sloppy defending. But hey, they all count.

Arsenal next up. Any news on Jermaine?

Regards.

Friday 12 November 2010

Score predictions for Blackburn

We know what to expect. After their shock win in Newcastle that even Joey's futile punch couldn't do anything to prevent, the Lancashire side will come to the Lane on cloud 9. They'll come at us, not let us play and hope to nick the first goal.

We didn't do much wrong against Steve Bruce's men, a slip up in defence and before we knew it we were wondering how we hadn't wrapped the game up. Asamoah Gyan must've been laughing at the final whistle.

Anyway, hopefully our strikers can actually do what they're paid to do and stick the ball in the net nice and early to ease the pressure slightly. But I can't see Blackburn laying down and watching the game go by, just as I can't see our strikers scoring nice and early. But eh, you never know.

I'll go Pav 1-0. Assuming he plays.

Score predictions please.

Regards.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Harry, you're wrong

Harry came out yesterday and lamented the boo boys that were heard after a disappointing point against Sunderland. Like most of White Hart Lane, the frustration ran right the way throughout the club and the fans, with a spare few letting their frustrations known.

I'm not one to ever jeer off my football team but let's see where they were coming from. Thousands of fans would've paid upwards of £50 to go and see that game which is hardly an easy expense to pay in these times. On top of that there's the rushing from a long day at work plus the time and money spent to get to White Hart Lane.

Secondly, we haven't won a Premier League game since we took 3 points at Craven Cottage and have dropped points at home to Wigan, Everton and Sunderland whilst losing away to West Ham. These are just a select few of games that we picked up maximum points from last season.

We should never be booing our side off. We're Spurs fans and should be used to the frustrating emotions that come with supporting the team; but Harry should be more considerate. With a very congested league table points, picked up at home will prove vital. The season's only a third of the way through and with Dawson, King and Defoe back we can still make the top 4.

Now for Blackburn.

Regards.

Monday 8 November 2010

Peter Crouch

As far as frustrating strikers go, Crouchy has fallen between Sergei Rebrov and Helder Postiga in the lillywhite. Scoring about as often as Ashley now does with Cheryl, and taking 10 attempts to knock a shot on target, for a player that tops 6 ft 7 inches the persistent fouling that his game brings is always immediately followed by a depressive sigh, and shouts of "For f*ck sake Crouch" are nowadays typical.

No heart. No passion. Never a drive to get on the end of the final ball. He even applauds us when we sing for Pavlyuchenko. Holding up the ball still seems a skill lacking in Crouch's very thin armoury as he is battled off the ball more often than not.

Ok, so he's assisted VDV with a few of his goals but I blame the immediate emergence of VDV is from his personal and extensive skill set and I'm convinced that he would've been just as successful playing with any other forward. The guys pure class.

We aren't scoring enough goals but the chances have been there. Even Harry said we had enough chances in Bolton but there was no end product for 80 minutes.

2 weeks? We need Jermaine back for Sunderland.

Regards.