AVB's New System

It's August 27th 2013. We're beginning to find our position more fortuitous as the this window edges closer to its' conclusion. It has to be one of the few that we've seemed to call for a close prior to its' deadline next Monday. When AVB announced that our summer targets, set before the close of last season, would remain the same despite the lack of Champions League football it was easier to find the pessimism in his words than to dig out the optimism.

We're probably a player short of where we want to be. We've been incredibly pragmatic in our approach this summer and signed off the deals we're usually being stringed out over the summer for in plenty of time. Gareth Bale is still a Tottenham Hotspur player. I'd stuck to my guns for a lot of this summer, remaining in confidence he would stay up until last week when a move seemed imminent. You consciously take the decision, usually, to turn more than a blind eye to the back pages but they have a way of weaselling into your subconscious. Planting a seed of doubt. Levy has Madrid tied around his finger. He has Gareth Bale on the end of a fishing line and is ever so tentatively dipping him into the sea. We've got one of the World's biggest clubs eating out of our hands, whether they can see that or not I don't know.

So with a new season brought a new system. AVB is slowly turning the screw towards his ideal of a 4-3-3. We're certainly more aesthetically pleasing on the eye. Despite only scoring twice in our opening two fixtures of the Premier League, we've been solid. We're 5 points better off now than at this stage last season and look good value for it. Paulinho has been one acquisition that's brought an armoury of traits that we've not so much lacked but haven't been accustom to at Spurs previously. He's fit the bill of a 'complete midfielder'. My initial perception of him was that he was more of a defensively driven player. He'd break-up play and let others do the offensive work. But that was naive. His offensive work is his defensive work. He wins the ball high up the pitch then looks to be very direct. He'll bring the ball forward and isn't afraid to have a shot.

Against Swansea, we seemed to play more of a 4-1-4-1, with Paulinho and Dembele sitting behind Soldado looking to win possession in the opponents third of the pitch. We pressed them, barely allowing them to cross the half way line. The holding player in Capoue, sitting slightly deeper than Dembele & Paulinho, ensured we could crowd out any breaks through the centre. His Sandro-like presence gave Jan and Daws next to nothing to do for the majority of the 90. Swansea looked to sit deep & hit long to Michu, inevitable after pockets of space were rarer than gold dust. This pressing game allowing the infamous high-line imposed by AVB to fend off much of Swansea's attacking threat.

We've so far conceded the fewest shots on goal in the PL this season (at 12). With a seemingly fair understanding and the wealth of strength we have in the middle, teams look to go out wide countering any direct threat. Rose has looked a little suspect defensively and seems to lack patience in a challenge when battling one-vs-one against the opposition winger. I'd be generally satisfied if Rose was first choice this year but not fuelled with overwhelming confidence. I do think Walcott would get the better of him on Sunday. We haven't got out of 2nd gear as yet but have 6 points from 6. Our playing staff looked settled into a slightly amended system from last year that isn't built around Gareth Bale. So, in terms of a mini transition I was expecting us to be a victim of in these early days, I'm delighted.

It's clear we still need that number 10. That magician behind Soldado. I can't see the 4-1-4-1 being the system we base our season around but the beauty of the strength in depth we have at our disposal thus far is that we can be flexible depending on the opposition. I am a fan of Sigurdsson, but think we may need someone who can think that one step ahead & get that one final ball spot on. In Soldado we have a forward renowned for seizing chances. He feeds off of them. If he's given the service, he'll score the goals. I'd be more inclined to sit Holtby there and see if he can recreate the success he had at Schalke. Him & Huntelaar enjoyed a fantastic understanding. Maybe this is Carroll's opportunity to step up and fulfil the faith we have in him.

Bale leaving wouldn't be the hole in our midfield as it would've been 3 months ago. Levy's ensured that either way, Spurs will have emerged stronger. We seem on another levels to where we've been before. Last season seems a mere platform. The difference in quality in the squad this season is evident. We've a leaner squad. Despite bringing in a £26m forward, there doesn't seem to be that aura weighed to his shoulders that we're solely relying on just him to bring us goals. Chadli, Townsend and Paulinho are all goalscorers. Not for the first time, but the future looks pleasing. We've lost the 1st season uncertainty of AVB anchoring us down. That air of uncertainty was diminished as we finished on 72 points. Bale forever seems further out the door by the day yet we find ourselves more optimistic than we probably ever have.

It's a funny old game.

Regards,
Ben - You can follow me on Twitter here

What £86m could be spent on.

A couple of dodgy reprints from previous articles, a lack of official word and a few nutters on Twitter have ensured that we're slowly being brainwashed to the fact that Bale won't be in a Spurs shirt come September. It's propaganda I tell ya. It's times like this when I imagine simpler times. Imagine a transfer window without the net. An ITK would spot something on Ceefax who'd then tell their neighbour, who'd tell a friend, who'd tell his cousin and so on. By the time the rumour reached Europe we'd find ourselves mid-way through the season and gleefully singing 'mind the gap'.

But still, should Levy smell an £86m cheque and give in to his basic instincts - here's what he could do with it:

• Give Baldini a bonus for the great work he's done this window.
• Enjoy flights to Spain on BA instead of EasyJet (this including return journeys as well)
• Increase the wages of Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker and Jake Livermore to warn away potential suitors interested in their signature.
• Subsidise the bottles of Carlsberg in White Hart Lane to allow a drop in price from £3.30 to £3.20.
• Bring back David Pleat as club ambassador.
• Pay off Uefa to let us into the Champions League
• Save the Antwerp Arms
• Pay PSV to take Gomes back to Holland
• Give Ledley King a new set of knees
• Re-open Rudolph's but only allow those with a fake ID to enter.
• Invest in our own scouts so we no longer have to use Liverpool's. 
• Start his own Spurs based paper company
• Fill the Emirates with thousands of blow up sex dolls for every seat they fail to sell
• Smother ITK's in their sleep
• Ban anyone from the internet that has "Full time yummy mummy xx" on their Facebook profile as their full time job.
• Give Abramovich a Moonpig thank you card for AVB - No Tesco shit.
• Allocate more stewards at WHL to ensure everyone is seated for 90 minutes during games.
• Give Chick King the money to expand 
• Buy back Gareth Bale 

On a serious note, I struggle to see Bale leaving this summer both practically and emotionally. I wouldn't have a breakdown if he would, I'd just feel we'd have contradicted ourselves massively if he does. If Madrid come in with offers over £100m then it's hard to see a bid being rejected. Although, with the publicity surrounding the prospective move, I think Levy will reject any first offer that comes our way to make a point. There's also the fact that brand Bale is worth a lot more than we probably anticipate - apparently Barca have already made back the transfer fee they spent on Neymar in shirt sales worldwide, the player has yet to have a training session with the squad.

Regards,
Ben - You can follow me on Twitter here

Stat Attack! Liverpool v Spurs

I rarely blog on match-days. Maybe it's the superstitions, maybe it's because the mix of nerves and anticipation gives me a foggy mind. Clear and level thinking is an art at the best of times. Of course, much of today's pre-match reaction from the finest 'experts' in football analysis will jump on to the Suarez v Bale hype. Both have hit mesmerising form of late. A prolonged period of consistency inevitably leads to jumping up the footballing perception of many and into the "best in the league" category. I won't lie, I do feel one of these will win the POTY award. My gut feeling being that of the Uruguayan.

Courtesy of the fantastic @Squawka_Sports (well worth a follow) , here is a statistical look at how Bale and Suarez have faired against one another this season.

• Suarez has scored every 114 minutes in the EPL this season, Bale has scored every 131 minutes.
• Suarez has scored with 18% of his efforts on goal, Bale has scored with 17%
• Suarez has won 32% of his take-ons in the EPL this season, Bale has won 44%
• Suarez has had more shots on target than any other EPL player (94), Bale is 2nd (76).

Goal Placement

It's difficult to compare two players that, naturally, do not fit into the same category of player. At the start of the season, we'd have classed one as a centre-forward and one as a left-winger. It's almost a reflection of the work AVB has put in to ensure spurs are a far more flexible outlook this season, adapting to the various attributes of players and fitting them into a system depending on the various opposition thrown in front of them. I'd mentioned how fluid Spurs looked vs. Inter here.

Bale only emerged from under the rock he'd been hiding under in November and since then has kicked on to become the heart beat of the side. Harry toyed, briefly, with the idea of giving Bale a free-role but there was little organisation and preparation riding alongside it.

It's evident that AVB has worked on Bale's strengths and slowly moulded him into the number 10 that his attributes on paper would see him best suited to. He looks better suited and more comfortable further up the pitch, a far-cry of the player that attempted a similar role last season.

Both Liverpool and Spurs are hitting form at the right time of the year. Both sides fair very evenly when it falls down to numbers. For a Spurs fan, whether you're looking up or down at the EPL table falls down to your philosophical outlook on life. I'm naturally a glass half empty kind of guy so will hope for 2nd but, naturally, expect it to come to the final day for 4th spot.

A lot of these games can fall down to mental resilience. I've spent much time promoting the concept that the Spurs of this season (especially post-Everton) has looked one of the more resilient sides I've ever had the pleasure to witness. We're building on the belief that we can visit any ground and claim three points. Naturally, I felt the 2-1 win at Anfield a few seasons back was a huge stepping stone. We've broken down the psychological brick wall that had been built so high, attributed to the many defeats away at Anfield. We've yet to experience defeat to Liverpool for a few years now but, this season, it may fall as a surprise to notice that both them and ourselves compare very similarly when it comes down to numbers on paper.

Stats don't tell the whole story. Naivety comes to mind if you think they do. Liverpool are hitting some great form but have only managed one victory over a side in the top 10 - an arguable Swansea reserve side. Therefore, for them, this game will prove a great challenge not only on paper, but psychologically as well. A victory here could see them build the momentum to do the unlikely and push for a genuine top 4/5 spot. The players will be hungry for this, having been starved of it for so long.

This a difficult game to call that could honestly fall either way. We're a far stronger unit than the Spurs side that played Liverpool at White Hart Lane. I'd almost felt astonished as to how poor we were yet delighted we'd ground out 3 points. With Lennon likely to be missing, I'd favour us setting up 4-3-3. Holtby, Dembele & Parker in behind Sigurdsson, Bale & Defoe. Keeping the game tight and compact may help to cut-off the supply from Gerrard & Coutinho to Suarez & Sturridge. We should encourage pressing their midfield and look to break on the counter. Smothering Gerrard will be key. We seem confident in playing a high, yet rigid, line and feel we may approach the game a similar way to the Arsenal fixture.

As mentioned I could see this falling either way. I'd always want the players to set out for a victory but hindsight may tell me that a point wouldn't be the worst result. Those with ambitions for second would see this as another 'must-win'. I don't knock that and I admire the bravery for putting your heart on the line in such a manner. We've 10 fixtures remaining, 10 cup finals, and yet anything can still change in 2 games.

Regards,
Ben - You can follow me on Twitter here

Dangers.

We sailed away from France after stealing a draw in Lyon which gave us a smug 3-2 win on aggregate. Friedel reportedly fighting his way past the stewards to join in the celebrations with us in the stands. He loved it just as much as we did. What was more surprising than actually seeing Spurs manage to hold their nerve to qualify was seeing us score two important goals on 90+ minutes. We've finally moulded/in the process of moulding a side that plays the game for over 90 minutes. We've sought to eliminate the anguish of late defeats and disappointment that the past has presented on so many occasions.

We have the ability. We have the players. Will it be too much to ask for a squad that hasn't even had a year together to break back into the Champions League and/or finish above the neighbours that have looked below themselves at us for so many years? Confidence and self-belief is key. This is one key we mustn't misplace any time soon. Mentally we know that Arsenal can prove fragile, but they've shown they can push on just enough to scramble over the finish line.  They've almost become experts at doing marginally enough. A far-cry from regular league challengers.

The past saw us more fragile than China dolls at times. Even falling to a heavy defeat in the FA Cup Semi Final last year was poor after dominating so much of the game before falling behind. Apologies for re-living that nightmare.

We enter a notoriously anxious and nervy period. The last few years has seen us exhausted of ideas around this period. Most of the players seemed as though they're already laying on a beach, soaking up a millionaire's lifestyle under the glaring sun half-way across the world. Some argue we lost 3rd place last year when we bottled a 2 goal advantage at Arsenal last year, I feel we lost it at the Etihad. Memories of the Defoe chance and Ledley's foul still fresh and lingering, unfortunately.

We've a fresh breed of confidence. A new backroom staff, new players and a renewed belief that this *again* may be the season we achieve what we've set out to do. We've kept our feet firmly on the floor. Lead has been found present in the soles of the players' footwear. Bale's been hitting just a bit of form lately, but off the pitch he's had a blunder. He spoke of Spurs being a "stronger team than Arsenal". There's been a history of this sort of bullish chat backfiring spectacularly. Of course, the idea is to rally the players to live up to this 'expectation', but at the same time it starts to place unnecessary pressure on the side. It gives our delightful neighbours the opportunity to disprove a statement that would've been laughed off 5 years ago. A dangerous game to play.

The progression of our club in the last 5 years has been overwhelming. In the period of great expenditure from Manchester City and continued investment from Abramovich in Chelsea, we've managed to ensure our own progress has not faltered. We've built a stable side, bought better (when we have done) on the whole and financially are complying with FFP. The decline of our close neighbours has almost been just as spectacular. Such is the financial incentive for players to maximise their earnings in a short career coinciding with a club that ensures positive financial figures are number one on the priority list mixes poorly on the pitch. Despite Arsenal being close to paying off the stadium and possibly having a war-chest to spend in the near future, little would've predicted that a side whom once went a whole season unbeaten would find themselves chasing the minnows that are Tottenham Hotspur for a top 4 finish. This seemingly no longer an anomaly but a formality.

Bale's interview was an interesting one. It can be seen here. I enjoyed reading little in the papers of players talking about the final third of the season and appreciated that the talking was being done with their feet. The side need to play with as little pressure on them as possible. Regardless of whether we break back into Europe's most prestigious competition, AVB has done a remarkable job. It's intriguing to see Bale talk of the new ground also. I don't expect him to play there, not in the lilywhite anyway, so I wouldn't look to much into that.

Hopefully this breed of confidence can shine for the remainder of the season. We first need to get through West Ham's Cup Final tomorrow night and push on from that. We've a tough run of fixtures awaiting us but it's the tough fixtures that have seen us play our better stuff.

Hopefully this formality will continue.

Regards,
Ben - Follow me on Twitter here.

Fans Caught Crying Over Bale's Exclusion.

It came with little surprise to see a fuss being kicked up concerning Gareth Bale's inclusion in the starting XI to face LA Galaxy the other night. The same player that has missed out on playing for Team GB because of an injury. Ironically, the same fans that deem him 'overrated' seemed to be grabbing Kleenex after Kleenex as they cry around the circumstances in which Bale is not involved in Great Britain's Olympic football team; the absolute pride and joy of the nation now apparently. I know, tragic. Despite, understandably, seemingly incredibly biased, I never felt Bale had a case to answer as to why he wasn't featuring alongside the superstars of Team GB.

Bale was injured right up until and after selection for GB's team was made; he never once actually ruled himself out of being picked despite this. It's similar to any other tournament. It's usually rare that a player is picked for a World Cup or European tournament when they are injured indefinitely during the time of selection. I struggle to understand why this particular circumstance should change for the Olympics. It's a first time people now seem upset that Bale has fully recovered, do they want him injured or what? It seems as  Kyle Walker has also gone missing under the radar, seemingly, as he too found himself missing the Olympics because of injury but started in LA also.

Oh sorry, we're talking about Bale aren't we.

Spurs have recently released a statement regarding the 'issue'

For the avoidance of any doubt and on a point of absolute clarity and transparency - Gareth sustained an injury as he built up his fitness ahead of joining up with Stuart Pearce's side. MRI scan reports were sent to the FA medical team on 29 June (2012).

He was subsequently not selected on the basis of this injury and the inability to predict recovery time.

This decision was not taken lightly and made only after consultation with Team GB's medical team, who were in agreement after seeing the medical reports.

At no time was Gareth made unavailable for selection. Indeed, Gareth made clear publicly on numerous occasions his desire to compete for Team GB and was extremely disappointed on hearing the news he would not be fit to participate.

He is now focused on and determined to get fit for the season ahead and to this end we have brought out an additional member of our medical team on tour, dedicated to Gareth's recovery.

We are dismayed that some have sought to make wrongful assumptions about Gareth's particular situation and that such positive news surrounding his recovery is being highlighted in this manner. We trust that this statement now clarifies this matter once and for all.
I struggle to take any team Stuart Pearce is managing with any sort of enthusiasm and with much seriousness. But, in truth, there's no case to answer here. Scapegoats already being sort after. Let's just get the season under way please.

Regards.

"Someone might decide to 'smash' me but it doesn't bother me. I'll just get up and go again."

I have to admit to glancing through the Daily Mirror today although an interesting story did jump out at me. Our Welsh prodigy Gareth Bale has given us an insight on the key to his success this season, claiming that his old cross-country training have turned him into the Athlete today. He also added:

"Probably. I just think that if you have the chance in a game to go forward into a good area then that's the kind of sacrifice you make for your team.

"I don't think of it as a way of tiring out full-backs. I just do it until I'm tired.

"I think teams have doubled up on me, but that's a compliment in a way. I'm finding new ways to get past players in different positions - it's interesting and something I enjoy.

"If someone knocks me over I just get up, and if they keep doing it, eventually they'll get sent off.

"Someone might decide to 'smash' me but it doesn't bother me. I'll just get up and go again."

What a 12 months the boy's had, he could have his own 2010 montage and I'd never get bored of watching it. I'm not going to lie, it was also nice to see a Spurs story that didn't involve David Beckham for once. I'd like the player in but let's not let it drag and get bringing in a striker our next priority.

Regards.

Harry rubbishes Ade rumours and admits Bale sale out of his hands

'Arry has stated that reports linking us with old Arse forward Adebayor are very wide of the mark and also insisted that Spurs are not looking to sell Gareth Bale:

"Absolute nonsense," Redknapp told TalkSport.
"I've never made any enquiries for Adebayor whatsoever. I keep seeing in the papers that we're after him. I've never ever asked about him or enquired about him."

"We don't want to sell Gareth Bale," he continued.
"At the end of the day it won't be my decision, it'll be above my head but it would take an absolute fortune one day to buy him.
"For me, at this particular time, he's got to be the Footballer of the Year in this country. I can't think of anyone who's done as well as him.
"He's not a player that we would really want to sell. You've got to hang onto your best players. If Tottenham want to be a club that's always looking to get in Champions League football you can't sell those players."

Although a striker does seem to be a growing need in Spurs' attacking department, finding and signing one that would bring a real difference to Spurs doesn't seem likely in January.

Any 30 goal a season strikers mooting about?

Regards.

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.

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.

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.

Why Spurs can win on Saturday

Now I'm not the most optimistic fan you'll ever meet although casting a mind back to last season I do, like many thousands of football fans out there, believe we would have taken all three points over United weren't it not for the man in black.

Howard Webb bottled it. We know it. He knows it. But, thankfully, he will not be taking charge of Saturday's game. So, let's hope that Mr Clattenburg doesn't full to the pressure of many United 'fans' that will be seated in Old Trafford when decisions don't go their way.

The non-existance of Mr Webb at this fixture is music to the ears. Music that brings a sense of happiness to us. Although, this season, we have two players wearing the cockerel on their chest that could turn this game in faviour of us. No prizes of predicting who in the sense of our Dutch supremo Rafa and a rejuvanted young Welshman that would can cause more problems than Hicks and Gillet to a football side.

On top of these factors, the absence of Rooney can only be a good thing and hopefully the defence can handle our former miserable Bulgarian up front with Hernandez, should he take part.

Oh, and here's the goal from the last time we beat United. Courtesy of Pedro..

A big problem we could face

Some sloppy goalkeeping and just plain poor refereeing ensured that Everton left us with a point and Harry, liek the rest of us, wondering how we didn't take all three. After being in familiar territory once again, as Yakubu stumbled over Kaboul and Baines cracking in a top freekick, it was left to Rafa to save us once more. Where would we be without the guy?

After I think I counted around a 1000 penalty appeals from Crouch and not one being given, it ended as one of those days when the winner wouldn't arrive for us. But still, we've seen worse results at home this season.

Although undoubtedly premature, my early concern is will we be able to keep hold of Van der Vaart after this season? Should City continue to propel themselves towards the top of the table there is every chance we could finish 5th. Now I know this is incredibly pessimistic but should we finish outside the top 4, would Rafa or even Bale look to stay with us when the top teams in the game will be chasing them?

I am a realist, and, in all honesty, it's a breath of fresh air finally having a world class player battling for the lilywhite every week even if it is for one season.

If the worst does happen and we don't finish in the top 4 this season, do you think we'd stand good ground on keeping hold of Rafa for another season?

Regards.

Thoughts on Milan

So the first half. It looked men against boys, it was men against boys. The lack of fight, desire and general interest from our lads was incredibly frustrating. No one seemed interested to play football and, instead, we decided to just sit back and watch Inter tear us to pieces.

With nothing to lose we looked more interested in the second half. We put up a fight and did well with ten men. Gareth Bale must have endured a bitter sweet feeling as he left the field with a hattrick and revived some respect for us that was so quickly lost inside 14 minutes.

It's a shame the referee saw to only add on two extra minutes of added time. You would've thought three goals and five substitutions would have enabled more. Definition of bottle job if you ask me, next to Howard Webb that is.

But anyway, thankfully in two weeks time Van der Vaart will be back and the thought of Cudicini between the sticks it not such a terrible one.

Your thoughts?

Regards.

"He's one of the most wanted young players in the world, but we don't want to sell him"- Redknapp

Ok, so Wednesday has finally arrived but even this whole Rooney chat has casted a small cloud over this game with a lot of heads unsurprisingly turning at Harry stating we'll have an optimistic shot at trying to sign the 24 year-old United forward. In all honesty, my initial reaction was humour. Yes, I laughed. But fair play to Redknapp; he strives to push Tottenahm as much as he can and, well, I guess you never know in football.

Redknapp continued to state that he yearns to keep our Welsh prodigy Gareth Bale at the club. Although, he did concede that there seems to be just minor interest in the player when he does say that he's one of the most wanted players in the world. Well that's one thing you never thought you'd be hearing about Gareth two seasons ago that's for sure.

So, the big night tonight. I reckon we'll score the first goal and hopefully nick a point but I can't see us coming away with more.

Score predictions anyone?

Regards.

Gareth Bale and Micheal Dawson update.

I don't think explanation is required. We've had an exceptional season with every member of the player staff punching well above their weight, showing their thorough hunger and desire to do well for a club that has enjoyed such a thriving history.

Although, two exceptional characters have come on and displayed their brimming talents giving us the eagerness to look forward to seeing them next season and, without doubt, they are Gareth Bale and Micheal Dawson.

Gareth has shown excellent athleticism down our left flank and suddenly our years of struggling to identify a natural left winger seem to have ended as he has made that position his own. His pace, skill and crossing ability has brought about a new light on a player that was on the fringes of our the first team 8 months ago.

Dawson has proved an exceptional stand-in for Ledley over the last few years and should now be in contention for England. A rock at the heart of our defence that now finds himself as one of the first name's on the team sheet and a natural leader at the back.

Dawson and Bale talk after the Chelsea win:

Vicente playing for Spurs

He'd always had the drive and a top work ethic but was never the finished article, with more crosses finishing up in Park Lane than what you may call a more 'favourable' position on the pitch. The past shines a dim light on the Gareth Bale that showed immeasurable potential at Southampton.

But how the boy's a new signing, a valuable asset and the sort that now confers that feeling of genuine hope when he receives the ball; much like when a certain Aaron Lennon graces the pitch.. I'd never thought I'd say that about a Welsh footballer that's for sure. Ok, minus Ryan Giggs that is.

Bale is most definitely having his strongest and most successful season in the Premier League and, after enduring such a torrid time and catching his breath back, Michel Salgado heaped praise onto the Welshman's shoulders. Following our home win against Blackburn the former Spain international stated: "Bale is like Vicente from Valencia. He was a player who drove forward with the ball. He is a good player, with a good future and he's playing for a top team so he has a chance to be a very good player in the future."

I won't repeat the rest of what he said. He pins his defensive frailties down to cheating, it wasn't very nice. But anyway, on current form, I can't think of anyone I'd have at left wing over Bale in the Prem. How he has turned his game around under Harry is remarkable and highlights the success of Harry's man management.

Well done to the boy. Being mentioned in the same category as a top left winger from a player that has enjoyed a successful career is a glowing sign of what could come. Let's hope Gareth can keep this up for the rest of the season and drive us to retain that 4th spot.

Regards.

Our boys are back.. finally

Anyone remember Gareth Bale? Yeah, the guy that hasn't ever won a Premiership match in our colours. Not a record we like to boast around Spurs I must admit. One to be kept on the shelf I think. Well anyway, Bale got through 90 minutes after being out for, well, bloody ages.

So, finally, we have back up for BAE. Good, well it's not bad news is it. Further good news came out of the Lane today stating our Brazilian shot stopper Gomes is also back into contention for Sunday after featuring in the same game as Bale.

"Gareth was involved as he is coming back from injury and we wanted to get a game into him and one or two of the lads played, including Gomes and he was fine." Said Harry.

One word: brilliant. Having Heurelho back is a huge boost, not saying Carlo didn't have a great run of games that is though.

3 points at the Bridge Sunday would also provide a bigger smile, should the unlikely happen.
Well, no harm in hoping eh?

Regards.

Spurs curse to be lifted

Not one premiership game was won when the side included Gareth Bale. Coincidence? Well, yes. The boy was never that bad for his age but, like many Spurs 'superstars', the huge price tag slapped over his head acted as a weight affecting his performance. In all truth, a few months of patience and 'Arry nurturing and maybe he'd be ready to face the likes of Wolves next year. Well, it turns out he may just do that, but not wearing the lilywhite (and yellow) of Tottenham Hotspur.

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has declared his interest in our ever-injured and seemingly unwanted left back whom came with more potential than a young Cesc Fabregas did to Arsenal at the age of 16.

"Gareth Bale is another name we'd have to consider if he was available," he conceded to Sky Sports News

"We've certainly shown a bit of ambition with the money splashed out on the young centre-halves.
"With (Christian) Benitez coming in as well, for what was decent money, I couldn't say I've not been given support by the board - that would be ridiculous."

Although, what is Gareth Bale worth? A player that was signed for close to £10m only two years ago cannot have had his valuation bombed to much, surely. I think a loan move would benefit both suitors. A fresh start at club where staying up will be tougher than getting Southampton a buyer; the pressure on Bale will be lifted, no huge price tag- no huge expectation. Could it be possibly be true that he could return one year today and be the 'next big thing?' Probably not, no... but you never know. Although a loan move would look favourably among us Spurs fans, considering the price we'd get for him would be close to the £5m- if we're lucky. You couldn't even get a Kevin Doyle for that!

Birmingham signing Bale is a big risk, I thought they intended to win a game this season.

Regards,
Ben