Rafa's a goner.

So Andre finally got his desperately needed Sig after stealing him from beneath the noses of the Scousers. One can't but help and think that AVB had discussed transfers and possibly had a deal agreed with Levy largely prior to it becoming "officially official." Thankfully the attention surrounding the position of top dog regarding our managerial situation didn't escalate into a saga. Now we have to wait another month and half to finally wrap up the Vertonghen deal and for Modric to leave; bit of ITK there.

Closely joining the news that Sigurdsson had joined our ranks was news that Spurs had submitted an offer for the Brazilian Oscar. Initially I wrote this off as "garbage," "modern day lazy journalism" and "moronic." I don't claim that this deal will definitely go through but it appears to have gathered pace and has some substance behind it, from what I've heard. My problem with this news is where does this leave our beautiful Dutch man in Rafa.

With Sig and Rafa already commanding identical spots on the pitch, Oscar would only add further competition for this attacking midfielder role. It's fair to say that speculation surrounding Rafa's immediate future has been thrown into dismay and the Dutchman himself has done little to dampen it. He's already flirted with the prospect of moving back to Germany and has said he'd be open to finishing his career in Holland. This has come after he claimed last year he'd happily finish his career at Spurs. Oh how the mind wonders.

Rafa's sale would also fit snug in line along the clear intent from Levy to develop players and "nurture young talent" whilst also largely emphasising the importance of "future progress." It does play on the heart strings a little with me. It's evident that Van der vaart loves the club; of course I use that word lightly. But he never fails to give his all when on a football pitch. He appreciates the fortunate position he's in and I'm sure he anticipates what the near future holds for him.

Good players come and go but the cockerel on the shirt will forever remain.

Regards.

Spurs star 'Working Hard To Be Back For Milan Game'

With a makeshift side yesterday that saw (or didn't see) Bale, Modric and Rafa all missing, we did well to grind out a result. Now our focus is on the San Siro on Tuesday with Milan awaiting us.

It's clear that with any one of these players back, our chances of stealing a half decent result in Italy would be far more likely. Redknapp has lately admitted Bale could play some part in our second visit to the San Siro this season and Rafael van der Vaart has kept us updated on his progress.

On his official twitter page, rafvdvaart, he tweeted: Hi guys, missed yesterday but working hard to be back for the Milan game. Thanks for all your support!

Oh the joys of twitter. Rafa looks set to have a late fitness test with every Spurs supporter having every finger and toe crossed that he'd at least make the squad for the trip to Milan.

Please follow us on twitter! Select the link on the right or simply select: http://twitter.com/#!/InsideN17.

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.

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.

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.