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

Bale claims Adam went out to injure him, again.

Charlie Adam. Many adjectives spring to mind at the thought of this particular overpaid Scot; I'm still struggling to find a positive one. Adam did little to change the opinions of many, doing his best to ensure Bale will go some-way to starting the season in hospital - a player that Adam wouldn't be fit to lace the boots of, even if found grovelling on his knees, hands together and teary eyed, pleading. I sincerely hope this player experiences a decline that mimics that of former club Rangers and he finds himself where he belongs, 2 divisions below the countries top division - if I'm being kind.

But Bale has spoken out and with true grit and honesty seeping evidently through as he gives the blunt picture of what we've all come to expect of Charlie Adam.

Bale: "I’ve had no apology from him[Adam] and I don’t really want one from him to be honest. That’s what kind of person he is. "Before he snapped all my ankle ­ligaments. I was out for 3 months. One player told me he went out to do the same thing to me again. “From what I’ve seen of him on the pitch, I think he’s a bit of a coward. Seriously, I haven’t ever done anything to him. He’s obviously come for me twice now – and he’s got me twice."


Little will feel Bale is being unreasonable. Those that do will be the minority of Liverpool fans that support the player because of the badge he wears on the front of his shirt; much like the imbeciles caught publicly supporting Terry outside court. I've heard many say they hope to see him pick up a nasty injury when facing us as a result of a challenge. But we're better than that. I don't want us to sink to his level. If he suffers an unfortunate leg break arising from a 50-50 challenge then, well, I guess these things happen.


Regards.

The Liverpool Pain.

So after a rather unconvincing draw against LA, we found ourselves playing 'familiar' opposition in terms of Liverpool. They too had found themselves sunning it up in the US with the game likely to have given both FSG and Levy a publicity erection. I use the word familiar tentatively as the sides barely wetted the mouth, let alone anything else, as a mix of youth, fringe and a few first team players started under the heat of the Baltimore sun; but of course this was more than to be expected. 


In truth, the game didn't give much too much away. Liverpool kept the ball well in patches with Spurs' pressure catching them in possession on occasion. The game lacked any real cut chances. Lennon having our best chance with the goal wider open than Pompey's exit door, the ball bouncing just out of reach from his size 3 boots with the winger managing to scramble the ball back onto the post. Turning off at that point would've been the best move. The game dried out quicker than the pitch that was being played on but, of course, hindsight's a wonderful thing.


If I were to take a positive out of a fairly flat and lifeless game it would be that, defensively, we looked more comfortable. We had numbers back and, bar a few lapses in concentration, looked solid. Although I do feel that we remain vulnerable to a nippy winger but the more we practice the better we'll become, I have faith. What did grind my gears a little was the fact we opted to go long on occasion, despite having 5 in midfield. I'm unsure as to weather the heat and the dodgy pitch played some part in this but it's not something I'm keen seeing.


After sweating enough water to ensure a small country never goes thirsty again, we now have a trip to New York to face the Redbulls. The US trip has proven to be a good workout for the squad as our season opener away in Newcastle edges nearer. I know, I can't believe I quoted Family Guy either.


Regards.

Lukaku talks Tottenham

January is never an easy time to bring in a top player; Villa did well. Our search for a striker hasn't materialised with Redknapp claiming Forlan's wages would be a stumbling block in any prospective deal. Suarez seems set on mid-table side Liverpool and Fabiano is still sitting on Sevilla's bench. One player that has entertained a move to a Premier League side is 17 year-old prodigy Romelu Lukaku and has hinted Tottenham, along with other sides, as a potential destination.

"Chelsea and Arsenal tried to sign me when I was 13, 14," he said.

"Chelsea is my favourite team. I have always said it and I have never hidden it. But it is not because Chelsea is my favourite team that I have to go there.

"There is also Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. These big five are very interesting. Tottenham are also a good club.

"As a young kid you dream of playing in every big team. It is not because Chelsea is my favourite team that I have to specifically go there.

"I will see. It is something for my father and agent. There are so many clubs and big teams. For a young player sometimes you have to relax for a while and focus on your own team. I'm very happy with the situation at Anderlecht. I have the support of the club and other players. It is my environment and I've grown up here."

It would be hard to see us bringing a boy of this calibre to the Lane, especially as, despite his age, he'd command a substantial transfer fee and I'm sure Chelsea or Arsenal would infringe to scupper any move we'd make. Lukaku has knocked in 13 goals in just 20 games this season and has been playing first team football since the age of 16. Wow.

There's just over a week left of this window and we need to ensure we bring in a striker that could really push us back into the top four.

Regards.

Time's running out

So it's firm in stone that Liverpool are after Luis Suarez and Sky have reported that they're already well under way trying to get a deal sorted. If this deal does go through it would be a real opportunity lost. With Babel now involved in negotiations it would appear adamant that the club's will agree a deal then the decision will hang over Suarez whether he wants to move to a club that have taken huge backward strides and are destined for a mid-table finish.

Open ya pockets Levy! We need a striker, the United game once more proved that, with Crouch squandering a chance that even 'Arry probably would've backed his misses to score. On current position and ambition, Liverpool would be unable to compete with us; we have a fairly young squad with a very promising future ahead, although these days money talks and Liverpool may be able to offer a stronger financial incentive that ourselves.

At 23, Suarez has his best years ahead of him. If we'd taken more of our chances then our chance of actually winning the league would look a lot promising then where they sit now. With Liverpool seemingly closing in, time is running out for 'Arry to make a move for the Uruguayan and letting the player move to Anfield could prove decisive in whether we'll be playing Champions League football next season or not.

It's not often goal hungry strikers are let go in January and it's unlikely we'd get another player of Suarez's quality this term, so this move is a must.

Regards.

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.

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.

The infamous Beach Ball speaks out!

You've all seen it and we've all had a laugh. Too bad Rafa or any of the Kop couldn't see the funny side, maybe it's because Liverpool have now lost half of their games this year. Premier League? Your havin' a laugh.


I'm sure the fan that caused the wide spread controversy has had the back of his head clipped a couple of times and some very nasty letters have come through the post. I know I'd send a strongly worded letter of disapproval to the fan if Bent had scored that against us, and after I'd found out who the bloke is as well.


But anyway, I was flicking through the back pages of the NOTW this cold morning and came across what you may consider a 'unique' article and thought it may provide an interesting 2 minute read. So here it is below...

The title read: I was so pumped.
"After diverting Darren Bent's shot into his own net, the red Liverpool beach ball admitted: 'I feel a bit deflated and I think I may have blown our title chances. I've never felt as flat as this since I suffered a puncture on Southport beach. Someone told me afterwards that I have become the first beach ball to score in the North East since Mick Quinn but I'm still not happy. I was really pumped up for this game but when the goal went in I just wanted to bury my head in the sand.'

To make matters worse, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce named the beach ball as Man Of The Match. The ball added: 'I was really floating when I got the chance to go on the pitch but now all that talk of Liverpool winning the title looks like hot air. But there is an up-side to all this. After the game my agent rang to say City have made a £30m bid for me.'"

I must admit. I did chuckle once or twice.

On a more important note, well done to the boys yesterday. It was never going to be an easy game in Portsmouth but we played well with a touch of luck and grounded out the win. Now to get Jermain's ban overturned, somehow..

Regards.

My report: Spurs 2 - 1 Liverpool

A warm day in North London saw everyone's eyes on the front two combination. With Harry deciding to go with Robbie and Jermaine up top. Defoe played well for England, and Robbie seemingly isn't allowed to start next to the regulars on the bench, so unless we were to play three up front, it made sense.

We started off typically Tottenham, a lot of energy but fairly sloppy in possession. Lennon, Modric and Hudd illustrating moments of good football- but that was to be expected.

Robbie continued his usual role that consisted of a lot of pointing, shouting and arm waving. The lad has a point to prove and chucking away three decent opportunities won't help him, or Spurs.

BAE popped up with a thunderbolt from nowhere scoring his first goal for Tottenham from 30- odd yards. Robbie's chances were suddenly forgotten, by most. My word though, hell of a strike from the left back after a poor Tommy free kick.

Liverpool looked very quiet. Torres nowhere. Gerrard anonymous and Bassong looking very solid with King. But still tho, 1-0 up at the break and looking good value for it even though, in truth, it should've been at the least double that.

The second half saw reality hit us, and bleedin' hard as well. A combination of poor defending and a Johnson run saw the former south-coaster brought down by Gomes with Gerrard smashing in the equaliser from the spot. Luck, that would best describe Liverpool's equaliser.

Sebastien Bassong, what a signing this boy has been. Another set piece saw Modric stick in a pin point cross for Bassong to out jump both Johnson and Jamie to head in the resulting winner on his debut. Justice, justice and more justice.

Palacios ran riot and bossed the midfield. Lennon's build up, as usual, impressed and let's hope that final ball will come this season. A top, top performance from the boys today. The heads never went down and a very confident win from us.

A solid defence saw Torres and the rest kept quiet all game and a thoroughly deserved win. In truth we took advantage of a poor Liverpool side and played with the heart on the sleeve.

Let's just hope this can kick us up the league and for the first time in years, let's bloody stay there.

Regards.

Who would be in your first XI against Liverpool?

The season is just a couple of weeks away and with Peter Crouch looking to be one of our final signings for the summer (bar possibly a centre back) and dreams of Huntelaar remaining just that, dreams, who would you start against Liverpool on the 16th August?

In the current predicament my starting eleven would be the following: standard 4-4-2


GK-Gomes: No need to explain why, showed brilliant character to turn around his season

LB-Ekotto: Grabbed his chance in the first team with two hands when given, and we can win games when he plays.

CB's- Chimbonda and Corluka: A big talking point but if Chimbonda can reincarnate the formed he showed a few seasons back I think we should give him a go, I mean it is for only one game, isn't it?

RB- Hutton: Still unsure of Naughton and throwing him in the deep end against a team fighting for the league might be pushing him a bit at this stage of the season



LW- Keane: It may seem strange but he usually drops deep and I believe he could do a job out on the left. He works well as a playmaker.

CM's- Modric and Palacios: Unquestionable, both had good seasons last year

RM- Lennon: Need I explain?



ST's- Defoe and Crouch: I thoroughly hope this works and they can rekindle the partnership they had at Pompey. I will put my faith in Crouch.



-Gomes-

-Hutton-Chimbonda-Corluka-Ekotto-

-Lennon-Modric-Palacios-Keane-

-Crouch-Defoe-



Who would be your starting XI against Liverpool?

Regards,
Ben

Keane hates Tottenham

Ok, I do have an explanation to such an absurd title; Robbie Keane came out today and explained why he didn't celebrate his goal against Liverpool on Sunday.

"Over the years you would have seen that I never celebrate against my former clubs when I score against them, so this was no different," he said. "But as a striker its always nice to score, regardless of who it's against and despite the amount of hype around my return before the game."

Yeah, ok, that's 'fair enough' Robbie(the eyeballs roll) but how about a little thought for the 3000 Spurs fans that travelled up to a near enough meaningless game at the other end of the country?(lets be honest, we weren't going to win)

Ok yeah, right, you were there for 6 months, and to be honest, barely got through a whole game. We splash out the best part of £15m to bring you here and, despite some very mediocre performances, we stood by you and made you our leader. We accepted the fact that you left for a 'bigger club' and welcomed you back to your comfort zone when you career looked at an end.

Then we see a rare goal from you and you can't even pay the respect to the die hard Spurs fans that have splashed out their money to watch you play and who pay your wages then you cant even celebrate with them when you score our last goal of the season.

So yeah, thanks Robbie, keep your the respect for you previous employer but remember where your home is now. Show some respect.

P.S We still love you.

Regards,

Ben

(Picture Copyright of Tottenhamhotspur.com)