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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v PAOK

November 29th, 2011 Posted in Europa League, Match Previews
Nov, 29 2011
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THFC1882 welcomes back guest writer Mike Hooley with a preview of Wednesday’s Europa League game:

So, Tottenham Hotspur play a European tie on a Wednesday once again, in what all Spurs fans hope will be a prelude of things to come next season.

However, the fantastic current league run – nine wins and a draw since the Manchester City defeat – is put to one side this week with the return fixture against the Greek outfit PAOK Salonika, current Group A leaders. Spurs sit third, a point behind PAOK and Rubin Kazan after the 1-0 loss last time out in Russia.

The group is finely poised heading into the penultimate round of games – but a home win should virtually guarantee Spurs safe passage into the last 32, with the away game versus Shamrock Rovers to come. A draw could well spell the end of the road though, while a defeat almost certainly would, so it will be intriguing to see Harry Redknapp’s line-up.

So what kind of team can we expect? In the away match which kick-started our Europa League campaign, Redknapp made ten changes from the previous league match, and with several injury worries in the first team squad it is likely to be another young side, although we could well see a little more experience, at least on the bench, this time.

Following the heroics in his last match and the virtual disappearance of former number one Huerelho Gomes, Carlo Cudicini is likely to start between the sticks. I can see no reason why William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong won’t again be the centre-back pairing, alongside at least one younger full-back, as in previous ties. The seemingly disgruntled Vedran Corluka needs a run out and should play at right-back, with Ryan Fredericks on standby. Exciting-looking left-winger Andros Townsend is again likely to play out of position at left-back.

In midfield, young duo Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll should take up the central challenge again, with Steven Pienaar on the left and Iago Falque given another opportunity from the other flank (in the probable absence of Gio Dos Santos with a groin strain).

Up front, we would normally expect to see Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko, but the latest team news this afternoon suggests both Pavlyuchenko (knee) and Dos Santos are extremely doubtful. This opens the door for young Harry Kane, who was on the bench on Saturday – and had a clear penalty wrongly denied him in Salonkia – to play, possibly alongside Defoe, his groin problem is seemingly not deemed a risk.

As for the Greeks, their league form is patchy to say the least, with just one victory in their last four league outings and a 0-0 draw at home to third-bottom Kerkyra last weekend, which sees them lie in fifth position in the Greek super league. They certainly do not concede many goals though – just ten in 11 games this season – and Spurs will have to play well to win this one.

While Spurs were toiling at Rubin Kazan, PAOK won 1-3 at Shamrock Rovers, where two goals from striker Dimitris Salpingidis helped seal a rather more convincing three points than the narrow 2-1 home win PAOK had over the Irish minnows – who admittedly put up a spirited showing at White Hart Lane, where they led early in the second half.

I usually predict cautiously in an effort not to tempt fate, and tomorrow night I fancy a narrow Spurs victory, 1-0 or 2-1, particularly with a few more experienced players likely to be on the bench – possibly Luka Modric for example, now recovered from illness after missing the weekend’s game, and perhaps Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale, to add some thrust down the wide areas, if required.

It’s possible that one or more of the first-team players could start this time, given the group situation and the fact it’s a home tie, but I would expect a starting line-up something like the below, with reinforcements at the ready:

Possilbe line-up: Cudicini; Corluka, Gallas, Bassong, Townsend; Falque, Livermore, Carroll, Pienaar; Defoe, Kane.

COYS

Mike Hooley ( @mjhooley on Twitter )

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Match Report: WBA 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

November 27th, 2011 Posted in Match Reports, Premier League
Nov, 27 2011
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THFC1882 present a writing debut from Twitters @Brettsayid reporting on yesterday’s match:

West Bromwich Albion 1 (Mulumbu 10 ) Tottenham Hotspur 3 ( Adebayor 26 , 90, Defoe 81 )

Line ups : WBA – Foster , Reid , Olsson, Mcauley , Shorey , Brunt , Mulumbu , Morrison , Thomas , Gera ( sub , Cox ) Long ( sub , odemwinge )

Spurs – Friedel , Walker , Kaboul , King, BAE , Lennon , Sandro (sub, Livermore), Parker , Bale , Adebayor , Defoe .

With our two creative players unavailable for our game today at the Hawthorns ( Modric – virus , van der Vaart – hamstring ) Spurs came away with three very hard earned points and deserved them for putting in a 90 minute shift .
The first half was not very comfortable although Spurs did play there attacking build up style open game that we are accustomed to witnessing this season so far .
The first ten mins of the game saw West Brom take the game to us and Brad Friedel was soon to be picking the ball out of his net , when Mulumbu drifted in-between two defenders to head home the opening goal of the game , Steven Reid delivered the perfect cross for any team mate to nod home , even Darren Bent would have finished this one.
Spurs were struggling a little in midfield, Sandro looked very late and sluggish with his reading of the game and he paid the price, picking up a yellow card on 21 minutes for a clumsy challenge. Aaron Lennon was very static up till this point of the match and it took Kyle Walker to smash the ball against the advertising boards to send the message across, it worked too. Lennon then after some very well worked build up play on the right cut inside the penalty area and forced his way infront of left back Shorey to earn Spurs a penalty.
Adebayor stepped forward to take the pen for spurs and had a slice of luck when keeper Ben Foster dived to his right to parry the effort but he was able to get to the rebound first and poke home to level the scores .
Spurs were still working on winning the midfield battle and Sandro was again in the thick of controversy, he tackled a player from behind which led to a free kick to the Baggies, and also saw the second booking of the game, luckily for us it wasn’t for Sandro but that of goal scorer Mulumbu who waved an imaginary card to try and have our man removed from the field of play. Such a cowardly act was shared by the WBA boo boys and ref Kevin Friend was being accused of being a cheat and ” don’t know what your doing ” chants . Jermain Defoe tried hard to get involved in the game and had an effort blocked before half time, as van der Vaart’s replacement he really needed to do better, which was to come .

Half time – WBA 1 Spurs 1

The second half started with no changes although Bale and Lennon did exchange wings, this proved to be a very influential move. Kyle walker and Bale worked up a great understanding and it brought both wingers into the game more, it also saw our midfielders Sandro and Parker overpower the opposition and drive us on to win the game.
Spurs had at least 8 chances to score in the second period , even Sandro having an effort on goal. Jermain Defoe, Adebayor, Parker all taking aim but notably Adebayor missing the easier of the chances, although Ben Foster was there when called upon when the opposition needed him. There was one excellent build up in play started with Bale driving inside the right wing laying it into Adebayor who exchanged a one two with Defoe but the finish was lame and straight to the keepers palms. Chris Brunt picked up a yellow for chopping down Bale who went on a marauding run through the middle of the park and both strikers were on runs and awaiting a goalscoring opportunity.

Jake Livermore came on for Sandro who really had run his cause, and had done very well in the second half. Jake was very comfortable to sit and break up play which lead to Scotty Parker driving us on and looking every bit the boss as he has since putting on the Spurs shirt.
It took until the 81st minute for Spurs to secure the game with a great finish by Defoe from the edge of the box, which beat Foster to the bottom of his right corner.
West Brom bought on Odemwingie for Shane Long who gave Younus and Ledders a good game but not enough to put them out of there stride.

Spurs then allowed the home side to come onto them and played a good counter attacking game . Defoe and Bale both could and should have finished the game off, however in injury time Bale broke down the right and unselfishly lay the ball inside to Adebayor to net the winner and lead Spurs into a tenth unbeaten game streak, nine being wins . How good it is to be a Spurs fan right now .

Man of the match – Scott Parker

COYS!

Brett

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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

November 19th, 2011 Posted in Match Previews, Premier League
Nov, 19 2011
1 Comment »

THFC1882 present another guest blog. It’s Rob again with his preview of Monday nights return to action

Monday 21st November 2011, White Hart Lane. 8pm Kick off Live on Sky Sports 1HD & 1

Another International break is over and we can get back to the important domestic business once again. What an International break it has been for Tottenham Hotspur’s  players though! They obviously took their confidence from our league run onto the international stage as there were Man of the Match performances from Super Scotty Parker and Kyle Walker (on his debut no less) for England, Modric for Croatia as they qualified for Euro 2012 and Bale for Wales. Even Corluka scored! If this was an Orange advertisement it would probably say the future is bright, the future is Spurs! The only down side was van der Vaart limping off for Holland with a hamstring strain.

On Monday night we welcome Aston Villa to the Lane, for what is usually an entertaining game between the 2 sides. I can still remember the 4 all draw against them four years ago when we came back from 4-1 down to claim a draw with a last gasp Kaboul equaliser. We have, in fact, only lost one of our last eleven games against the West Midlands club at home and we are undefeated in the last five league games against them, winning three of them. Last season we did the double over them as both result were 2-1 in our favour or as I like to call it Rafa Van Der Vaart 4 Marc Albrighton 2 as both got all their respective teams goals.

Within Villa’s ranks they have two old Spurs boys and one that is also on loan from us, Alan Hutton, Darren Bent and Jermaine Jenas. The latter is unable to play for them due to the Premier League rules preventing loaned players playing against their parent club. Bent and Hutton will take their place in the opposition’s line-up and I am sure they will get a good reception from the Tottenham faithful even though they have both been very vocal about their time at Spurs and, in particular under Harry Redkanpp, since they have left. Many still feel that Bent didn’t get a fair crack of the whip whilst with us, especially under Harry, and how useful would it have been to have him still in the squad last season, as he has always scored goals wherever he has been, including ourselves when given the opportunity. We also have to thank them for helping Kyle Walker develop quicker whilst he was on loan last year and I am sure Kyle views his time at Villa Park as an important phase in his career. Villa are currently sitting 8th in the league and whilst they haven’t quite clicked yet under their new manager Alex McLeish, who was installed after his predecessor Gerard Houllier was forced to give up the post with heart problems, he certainly has installed more steel into the side as they have only lost twice form their eleven games this season. They made a good acquisition in the summer by getting Shay Given to replace a certain Brad Fiedel and Gabby Agbonlahor is seemingly back to his scintillating best. If he has recovered in time to play from the hamstring injury that he picked up on England duty he will be their main threat to us. One player with bags of talent that Villa signed in the summer is Charles N’Zogbia. Whilst at Wigan he showed how good he can be, but up until now he has not repeated that form for his new club. If he does on Monday then Kyle Walker will be in for a tough night. Sillian Petrov is also in good form and loves to shoot from long range so we will have to be wary of that threat.

Whilst the International break was in full swing the news broke about Harry Redknapps impending court date. Whatever the outcome of that trial may be the talking about it is best left to the future and all I hope for is that Harry has recovered enough from his operation to take back the reins and be on the side lines on Monday night. Apart from the possible enforced absence of Rafa, who Joe Jordan rates as having a 75% chance of playing and Corluka who has an ankle problem, the rest of the side will be the same that took to the field at Craven Cottage two weeks ago, as all our other international players reported back fit. So I would imagine that Jermain Defoe will get his chance to shine in the side as I hope they won’t take a chance on Rafa, considering his problems this season with hamstring injuries. That means once again the spine of the team will be King Ledley, Scott Parker and Adebayor. Of course losing Van Der Vaart is a massive blow, especially in the form that he is in, but the squad is much stronger this year. Defoe would get in most teams first eleven and is himself in good form and we still have Modric, Bale and Lennon to be the creative force of the team as well as score some goals as they have been doing recently. Unfortunately Michael Dawson has suffered another setback in his recovery from his Achilles injury and could need another operation to clear up the problem which would keep him out long-term. Tom Huddlestone won’t be back until around Christmas and William Gallas is still recovering from a calf muscle strain he suffered on his own comeback from injury.

Prediction

Aston Villa are in a transitional period and in truth, whilst they are a difficult opponent, they aren’t anything special (famous last words) and I can see Spurs continuing their best ever start to a Premier league campaign and making it eight wins from nine games. Villa’s run of only two victories from their last nine games and the fact they haven’t won away from home this season back this up. Spurs have a real chance here to continue their momentum into a very winnable stretch of games leading up to the new year, with us only playing one other top four side, Chelsea, during this period. It won’t be a stroll in the park but I am going for the same score as in our previous 2 games and a 3-1 victory. Of course my little boy will be predicting his usual ten all draw!

COYS

Rob (follow Rob on Twitter: @essexlad13)

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Match Report: Fulham 1 – 3 Spurs

November 6th, 2011 Posted in Match Reports, Premier League
Nov, 06 2011
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THFC1882 present Ciaran Griggs guest report:

“When is a win not a win?”

So yet another Sunday afternoon Spurs fixture and yet another fixture that 12 months ago would have struck fear into the heart of any Spurs fan. This particular writer has been accused of being overly optimistic towards Spurs results and performances this season. So let’s examine this for a second. I was born in 1982, I started following Spurs as a young Irish lad in 1990. I came to England in 1992 post the FA Cup victory. Since then, I’ve had my peaks and troughs as a fan. We nearly went down, we nearly got thrown out of the FA Cup, we had Venables, Sugar and Graham. We had Klinsmann, Ginola and Sheringham. We had Berti, Tremazzani and Doherty. We’ve had our ups-and-downs. I watched Arsenal and Chelsea overtake us in terms of the “London Hierarchy”. So, when we win, it’s amazing. When we have a season where we are, arguably, playing better football than both of those, I am going to be very optimistic. Optimism is what drives this sport, it’s the hope of the unexpected, the impossible, that drives us on!

So how does this translate to what we did today? Fulham had an early blow with Johnson out of the squad having picked up an injury in Fulham’s midweek Europe League tie. We had, on the other hand, risked none of the starting XI, naming an unchanged side from the QPR victory last weekend. So as the teams lined up, we had two 4-4-2 formations going against each other. Fulham had only one recognised winger in Duff, where Spurs had slightly more width through Bale and Lennon. Defensively, both teams managed to name consistent line-ups. In attack, Dembele and Zamora (no EPL goals for Spurs) were competing with Ade and VDV.

The game started out with both teams feeling each other out. After a tentative start, Spurs settled into a decent passing rhythm, with Parker again instrumental, whilst Modric was relatively quiet. Fulham had a decent chance with Murphy’s excellent corner headed on towards goal at speed. Friedel belied his years and got down sharply to make a decent stop at his near post. Shortly after this, Adebayor picked up the ball in a deep position in the Spurs midfield. Spraying the ball to our right, Spurs fans watched on as Walker ate up the ground to nick the ball past the labouring Riise. He showed excellent composure to halt, take stock and play the ball back to Lennon (wrong way round, right?). Lennon played the ball across and after a deflection it fell to Bale on the left. Bale, with no clear shooting angle, played a percentage drive across the goal which deflected over Baird into the waiting Fulham goal.

After that, the game meandered into mediocrity for much of the rest of the first half. The midfield battle ensued, with our width actually counteracting our ability to control the game and Fulham having the better of the possession. Spurs, as on many occasions this season, weathered the storm however and towards the end of the first half, demonstrated the qualities that have many pushing us for 3rd/4th place this season. We picked up the ball in the middle and Bale, receiving a ball slightly off the ground, performed an audacious back-heel flick to Lennon, pitching up on the left. Lennon turned his defender inside and out before dispatching the ball past Schwarzer for a 2-0 lead. The half-time whistle blew and a 2-0 lead was crystallised. During the half-time discussion, I won 2 games of pool so maintained a signficiant level of optimism going into the second half. Also, being a regular at my local, my glass never dipped below half full. An omen? Perhaps…

So the second half began and Spurs continued to match/dominate their opponents. Er, no. Spurs looked extremely tentative in the early stages, allowing themselves to be dominated by a resolute Fulham side. The pressure led to a Fulham corner in the 57th minute. An excellent delivery from a corner resulted in King heading against Kaboul’s back under pressure from Hangeland. The ball rebounded into the Spurs net. 1 own goal each and Spurs lead reduced to a slender 1-0 advantage. For the nervous Spurs fan, look away now…Spurs continued to bow under the pressure, sitting back, apparently looking to hold onto a 2-1 away victory at a typically tough ground. This resulted in an excess of Fulham pressure. Fulham had several chances to equalise during the half. After a passage of passing play late on, Dempsey rounded his compatriot Friedel, only to see his shot deflected around the post by our glorious leader, the ever magnificent Ledley King. Fulham continued to press and late on, had a significant penalty shout turned down. The ball dropped in the box and as Kyle Walker fell, the ball became trapped under his arms. For this writer, no intent was supplied by Walker and short of having no arms, Walker could not have avoided the contact. The referee had little choice with the decision, with the melee of players ensuring that his view was occluded and no real decision could be reached.

Spurs took some heart from the goal-line heroics. 12 months ago, this would have been signal for collapse. Now, however, it’s a signal that we need to finish our oppoents. Against the run of play, Spurs broke upfield and the quiet Adebayor hooked a ball back into play that late substitute Defoe ran onto and gleefully drove into the net via a deflection. 3-1 to Spurs and Fulham’s resistance was duly broken. 3 points to Spurs.

Conclusions to be drawn from the game? We didn’t play well. We allowed Fulham too much time in the midfield and we conceded far too much possession. BUT, we scored 3 goals away from home and we beat a decent Fulham side 3-1. We won our 7th game in 8 outings in the Premier League. Our wingers played significant parts, again. Yet again though, we made our subs too late and we had to fight for our victory. Last season, we fought and lost. This season, we fight and we win. Let’s stay positive Spurs, the future looks decent…

Lastly, a note to our stricken manager. Get well soon chap, we have our thoughts on your style and delivery but no Spurs fan can argue with the results. Today, we flirted with an ex and we realised that what we have now is much better. NEVER. GO. BACK.

The Spurs go marchin’ on.

COYS

Ciaran (@LordFIMM on Twitter)

 

 

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Match Report: Rubin Kazan 1 – 0 Spurs

November 3rd, 2011 Posted in Europa League, Match Reports
Nov, 03 2011
3 Comments »

Spurs: Cudicini; Fredericks; Gallas (Parrett); Bassong; Townsend; Falque; Livermore; Carroll; Pienaar; Pavlyuchenko (Kane); Defoe

Tonights game at Central Stadium was always going to be tough for Spurs, no matter which team had been picked. Rubin Kazan have some experienced heads from Russian League and European football and they showed it with a commanding performance against a Spurs team that had a mix of youth and experience. Some of the youngsters will take some vital learnings away from this game that could well stand them in good stead for their futures. The majority of the more experienced players will want to forget this match quickly.

Carlo Cudicini is one player who can hold his head up high after a fine performance but even he couldn’t have done anything about Natcho’s superb 56th minute free kick. Were it not for Cudicini, with at least three top draw saves, Natcho would have had another and Rubin could have had four or five.

It had all started pretty well for Spurs. Jake Livermore showed his intentions to take no prisoners early on by pulling down a pitch invader with only minutes on the clock. This set the early tone with Spurs controlling the ball, Carroll and Livermore in particular looking impressive under a lot of pressure from Rubin. As the game wore on Carroll tired but at times he looked every bit the future replacement for Luka Modric that this blog and many others have hailed him to be. He was always keen to get the ball, dropping into space and looking to keep things moving with quick passing and movement. Unfortunately, as predicted in this blogs match preview, Spurs lacked creativity and cutting edge in the final third with the ball rarely getting near Defoe or Pavlyuchenko. Steven Pienaar just coming back from injury worked hard and put a lot of effort in but is clearly not match sharp. He was too easily muscled off the ball and his passing too loose. Or as many have said, he’s just not very good. He’ll get the benefit of the doubt for now.

After Spurs initial control of the ball, Rubin began to impose their will on the game. The Russian side were clearly aware of Spurs weaknesses at full back – two young wingers playing out of position, while Kyle Naughton is playing well at Norwich on loan?? Hmmm?? – and began to take advantage of this situation. Natcho and Noboa started to find the wide men with increasing regularity and Cudicini along with the returning Gallas – shame that he had to go off after 71 minutes and it’s to be hoped it’s not anything serious -  had to work hard to clear the danger on a number of occassions. As the first half wore on, it seemed a Kazan goal was inevitable and Kevin Bond will have been happy to see his side come in level at the break.

It was obvious though that unless Spurs could find a way to get Defoe into the game and Pavlyuchenko motivated enough to try that it was going to continue to be an uphill struggle. And a struggle it was as neither front man ever got into the game, with Spurs failing to register a shot on target. This was despite the occassional piece of skill from Falque, a player who can on the whole be pleased with his contribution tonight.

Rubin’s breakthrough came after a clumsy and unnecessary tackle by Bassong on the edge of the box gave away a free kick. Not only did that tackle earn him and a complaining Defoe yellow cards it presented the impressive Natcho – allegedly being watched by a number of Premier League clubs – the chance to hit the free kick. He didn’t so much hit it, as caress it over the wall and into the net as Cudicini could do nothing but watch from the other side of goal.

From that point Kazan tried to press their advantage while Spurs seemed a bit shell shocked. Kazan had more chances but again Cudicini was the hero keeping them at bay. As the half wore on, Spurs showed some attacking intent but still lacked a final ball or moment of magic. It’s at times like these when reality strikes, and no matter how impressive some of the youngsters are, there is no substitute for the world class abilities of a van der Vaart or Modric to provide a wonder goal or unlock a defence.

Spurs may well have lost their first Europa League tie this season and some of the performances were below par, Bassong, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko I’m mainly looking at you, but it must be stressed that there were many positives to take from this. Rubin Kazan are no mugs, two years ago they beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp and have two decent Champions League campaigns behind them. In Bocchetti, Navas, Karadeniz, Kasaev, Noboa and especially Natcho they have some excellent players with vast experience. That Spurs youth and second string have beaten them at home and narrowly lost in a tough atmosphere and freezing conditions is no shame. The experience of an away trip like this one, is something that you just can’t buy as a professional and players like Tom Carroll will grow from this despite the result. Ryan Fredericks and Andros Townsend may well have been played out of position but as wingers this will stand them in good stead and help them understand what a full back has to do to stop them. Jake Livermore continues to grow and take responsibility and his versatility may well see him become a vital squad member for years to come.  Spurs still have two games left, away to Shamrock and home to PAOK to settle qualification for the Round of 32 and there is no reason to doubt that the Lilywhites will do so.

COYS

Stuart

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Match Report: Spurs 1 – 0 Rubin Kazan

October 20th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Europa League, Match Reports
Oct, 20 2011
6 Comments »

Spurs line-up: Gomes; Walker; Livermore; Bassong; Rose; Lennon (Modric); Sandro(Kaboul); Carroll; Dos Santos(Assou-Ekotto); Defoe: Pavlyuchenko

‘From Russia with love’

Roman Pavlyuchenko reclaimed his SuperPav tag, even if only for tonight, with a rocket-like free kick that was enough to claim the win for Spurs. Only 24,058 were at The Lane and in all honesty there was little to convince those that stayed home to fork out for PAOK’s visit next month. Spurs were on top for the first half but lacked any real cutting edge, which continued throughout.

Rubin offered little real threat either in the first period and no one could argue that Spurs had just about edged it and deservedly lead at the break. Pavlyuchenko’s strike came after a run by Danny Rose, raiding from left back, was halted illegally. As Pav lined up the kick, based on his previous from dead balls this season, those around me in the Park Lane got ready to duck. However the Russian showed what he is capable of from 20 yards as he leathered the ball into the postage stamp, leaving the keeper with no chance. Spurs other full back, Kyle Walker, played a key role in covering the keepers line of sight but the ferocity of the shot meant he’d have had no chance anyway.

Pav’s celebration was a joyous one although it would be easy for a cynic to think that he was also happy to have impressed a rich Russian club who may offer him a way home.

Jermain Defoe – who was otherwise anonymous  – and Pavlyuchenko both had efforts that went close while Spurs makeshift back four performed admirably in ensuring Gomes had a quiet 45 minutes.

After the break Rubin came more into the game as Spurs tempo dropped. Spurs attacking threat wasn’t helped by a lack of width. Twenty minutes into the game Lennon and Dos Santos had switched wings and this continued into the second half. This led to both always cutting inside and narrowing the pitch. This clearly didn’t help young Tom Carroll. He showed the occasional glimpse of his talent but was too often wasteful in possession. No doubt the boy can pass but he was far too keen to go for the showbiz when easier options were available.

After his quiet first half Gomes seemed to want to liven things up by having a couple of nerve shattering (mine, not his) comedy moments but to his credit also pulled off a couple of good saves. As the half wore on Rubin seemed more and more likely to equalise. Harry Redknapp clearly felt this also and made the right move in bringing Kaboul and Modric on for the tiring Lennon and Sandro, both coming back from injury. Kabouls introduction allowed Jake Livermore to resume more familiar duties in midfield alongside Modric. Kaboul justified his growing reputation with three or four crucial blocks and tackles. It was in fact a good night for all of the Spurs defence, Walker was again strong and Bassong had arguably his best game of the season. Rose did well at left back, while Assou-Ekotto was cool as ice after coming on for Dos Santos who had a quiet game.

Redknapp will undoubtedly be happy with the 3 points and a clean sheet against the strongest team in the group. He’ll also be happy that Spurs seem to have developed a knack of getting points from games where the team isn’t firing on all cylinders. However, the Spurs faithful are demanding, wins are great but we want a bit more excitement to go with them! Daniel Levy might also want more thrills and spills to get ticket sales flowing for future Europa League nights!

COYS

Stuart Watts

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A reflection on Newcastle 2 – Spurs 2

October 19th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Match Reports, Premier League
Oct, 19 2011
5 Comments »

THFC1882 present Gareth Johnson’s reflections on Spurs draw at Newcastle:

They say time is a healer, hence me writing this review having had a small period of reflection. We nearly had them. It was nearly the perfect victory. It nearly made me smug. It just about devastated me. While before the game I would have taken a point, to lose a goal in the dying minutes to Shola Ameobi just devastated me. Shola said after the match it was a “1 in 50″ shot .. He was being kind to himself, it was a 1 in 500 at least!

I must admit, as the teams took to the pitch, I didn’t think this purple strip would be a strip that would go down in memory as a winning shirt. I have loved all the shirts we have worn in victory at SJP but this didn’t have the same fuzzy feeling. So it proved. In the end it was probably a fair result .. But who said results had to be fair? Certainly not us three Geordies sitting high in the stand a SJP. Indeed, I was in row Y, there was, quite literally, nee one behind me. That’s a bit of Geordie for you, “nee”! The cockney also present, it wasn’t fair on him either.

To the game and the briefest of reviews. Rafa scored. So did Ba. Defoe scored. So did Ameobi. 2-2. We may have lost. We didn’t. Onward and upwards.

On my thoughts, should you desire them, I worried from the start. I sat next two equally nervous Geordies and one cockney who was so confused that he was in the away end, at SJP, with three Geordies next to him, he moved. I was even more worried when Gareth Bale lined up on the right. It may be a radical idea Mr Redknapp .. But playing a player in their natural position may actually benefit the team. Possibly. Then Luka on the left. Now OK, we may have used him there in the past, but alongside Parker in the centre, he has looked unstoppable. So, when on form, move him. Great work. Rafa and Ade rated 50/50 for the game. Now I thought that usually meant they were doubtful but clearly, Harry does sums and 50/50 is 100%. So they were guaranteed to play and so they did. And here was me starting to like the bloke.

To be fair to the team, injuries disrupted them, Bale got a kick early doors and Ledley departed from his farewell tour after 30 mins. If only a music mogul could reform Ledley’s knee in the same way they have reformed Steps, The Stone Roses and Backstreet boys the world would be a better place. So as I sat, telling all that would listen, “I can see my office from here” in the style of an Aussie drinking beer, I prayed to God for a victory. To be fair, one is so high up in the away end at SJP that you do not need to look to the heavens, just over to the right a bit will do.  To be fair to the big man, it was a ludicrous prayer and not worthy of his attention but he did bless me with a draw and a chance to go to White Hart Lane and trash the Geordies when their good form eventually drops off a cliff.

Of much encouragement was the fact that, once again, we didn’t played brilliantly but got a result. I thought we failed to get out of second gear against Arsenal and we did the same against Newcastle. Those games yielded four points. A good sign picking up points when not playing particularly well and something that will serve us well over the course of a season. With Blackburn away and QPR at home next in the league, I would like to get to the end of October with around the 17-19 point mark. That would be progress and our poor start to the season out of the way. I would like us to blast some of these teams away as goal difference will be important, but chugging along picking up points is never a bad thing.

Of much interest in the next few games is Rafa v Defoe. There is also likely to be more on Harry to England .. Stayed tuned to this website for more musing on those subjects in the come weeks.

Auf wiedersen pet .. As us Geordies says aal the time, like.

COYS

Gareth Johnson ( @GMMJohnson on Twitter )

You can follow this blog on Twitter @THFC1882dotcom

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Match Preview: Spurs v Rubin Kazan

October 18th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Europa League, Match Previews
Oct, 18 2011
2 Comments »

Thursday 20th October 2011. White Hart Lane. Kick off 8.05pm. Channel 5.

Thursday night sees a top of the table clash in Group A of the Europa League. Visitors Rubin Kazan like Spurs have taken four points from their opening two games of the Group stages and are sure to provide the Lilywhites toughest test yet in the competition.

The Tatarstan club have over the last couple of seasons been more used to playing in the Champions League group stages but fell to Lyon in the playoffs this year. Rubin of course are the team who shocked Barcelona with a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp in 2009 and this should prove warning enough for Spurs. It should be noted however that the team has changed somewhat since then and that they are only 6th in the Russian Premier League this season. Still it would be foolish for Harry Redknapp to underestimate the opponents and this game may see a stronger Spurs line up than previous Europa matches.

Rubin’s forwards are likely to provide a big threat. Obafemi Martins – who should of course be remembered for his goal that beat Arsenal in last seasons League Cup Final – along with Paraguayan Nelson Haedo Valdez are the most likely candidates. In midfield Brazilian Carlos Eduardo is one to watch out for. He was highly rated at Hoffenheim and surprised many by choosing to go to Russia when bigger clubs in Europe where showing an interest. At the back Kazan are not to be taken lightly either. Former Real Madrid youth teamer Cesar Navas forms a strong central partnership with Italian international Salvatore Bocchetti, while Christian Ansaldi is a dangerous attacking full back.

So what can we expect from Spurs line up? As usual, injuries mean that a few players are already out of the equation, particularly in defence. There is no reason why Carlo Cudicini won’t start in goal, and looking at availability it seems the back four will be fairly strong, in fact probably the one that finished the match against Newcastle, unless Redknapp wants to rest Assou-Ekotto in favour of Rose or Townsend. It should be hoped that if Townsend does play it isn’t at the back as he is clearly far more comfortable and effective further upfield. In midfield, it’s to be expected that Gio Dos Santos will continue on one wing with either Townsend or Bale most likely the other side. In the centre, Redknapp will have to decide how much he trusts in Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll. They seem to have shown enough in previous games that they can handle the responsibility and if given the chance could flourish and provide them with a massive boost in confidence. Up front Pavlyuchenko is likely to get another chance to stink or swim, most likely alongside Defoe again.

My Prediction

Kazan will certainly prove to be a stern test but one that Spurs should be able to pass. It won’t be a walk in the park but a 2-1 victory should be achievable.

COYS

Stuart Watts

Follow the blog on Twitter @THFC1882dotcom

 

The Odds (all odds from Oddschecker.com and correct at 2215 on 18/10/11)

Spurs win: 7-10

Draw: 13-5

Rubin win: 9-2

My prediction (Spurs 2-1 win): 7-1

First Spurs scorers:

Adebayor/Defoe: 4-1

Pavlyuchenko: 9-2

Bale/Giovani: 13-2

 

Free bets available from Freebetssport.com

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Match Report: Spurs 3 – 1 Shamrock Rovers

October 1st, 2011 Posted in Europa League, Match Reports
Oct, 01 2011
No Comments »

THFC1882′s Stuart Watts presents guest writer Ciaran Griggs match report from Thursday….

“Their best defender was the crossbar…”

Spurs: Cudicini, Walker, Corluka, Bassong, Rose, Lennon, Livermore, Carroll, Dos Santos, Defoe, Pavulychenko (Subs – Townsend for Lennon, Falque for Defoe, Kane for Rose)

Here’s one I wrote earlier. “Spurs ran out easy winners against their semi-professional opponents who, having being slightly over-awed with the occasion, limply rolled over as Spurs racked up a hatful of goals in a 9-0 win”.
Before the match, the average prediction appeared to be a 5-1 home victory with, surprisingly, us conceding a goal. Surely preposterous against such inexperienced opposition? One clever Tweeter, who shall not be named, actually predicted during the match preview that our opponents would score the opener. Dreamer? Well, hmm, actually, we DID concede the first goal! (but we won, so it’s ok, you can carry on reading).

The line-up for the match was fairly predictable with perhaps the noted exceptions of three of our first-teamers. Lennon and Defoe were included amongst a youthful line-up, with the assumption that both were getting some match fitness under their belts ahead of the North London derby on Sunday. Walker, a regular first-team right-back this season also appeared, perhaps demonstrating more of a lack of cover in the position, with Corluka switching to centre-back. Danny Rose was also back after a lengthy injury lay-off, slotting into a more attack-minded left-back role. Dos Santos continued his regular EL appearances with the diminutive Tom Carroll playing the more creative midfield role. Up front, we played our strongest non-Adebayor strikeforce with Defoe and Pavulychenko added a large dollop of experience. This was a vastly more experienced side than the team which achieved a credible 0-0 draw away to PAOK in the first group game. Coupled with our opponents being a semi-professional side, our players should have been expecting to fill their boots.

Spurs started well, with Dos Santos enjoying a more free role than on previous outings, appearing on both wings as well as in more central positions, giving the Rovers defence plenty to think about. Carroll also had a decent start to the match, finding time in the middle and spreading plenty of passes around the pitch, most often to Rose, who found himself in space on the left on a number of occasions. Defoe and Pavuylchenko were quiet until the 17th minute when Defoe, having been set free in the area applied his tradition power > finesse finish and blazed a shot at the keeper which ended up deflected onto the bar and over. A signal of intent? Rose also rattled the woodwork later in the half with an instinctive half-volley from 20-yards out. Lennon showed some flashes without ever displaying his best form. Our defence was hardly troubled by the Irish attack throughout the half and a decent half of football was brought to a close with the game still goalless, 0-0.

The second half began with lots of expectant noises from the Spurs fans. Lennon made way for Townsend, clearly a move designed to save Lennon’s fitness for Sunday afternoon’s grudge match. Spurs were left reeling however, as only 5 minutes into the newly-birthed second half, Rovers scored an unlikely goal. A stinging free-kick was saved by Cudicini but he could only parry the ball straight back into play and via a clever touch from Rice, diverting Twigg’s long-range effort into the goal! 1-0 Rovers and the away fans were in dreamland. Rovers have an annual budget of 600k EUR. A victory would have been worth 140k EUR, so Rovers were giving their all, could they hold on for 40 minutes?

Townsend was having a big impact and with Carroll continuing to impress in the middle, Townsend began to terrorise the Rovers right-back, making a series of penetrating runs down the left-wing combining pace and trickery. For this writer, Townsend was our best player on the night, and with the score at 1-0, he began to energise the Spurs team. 10 minutes after Rovers took the lead, Spurs finally responded with Dos Santos, another decent performer on the night, whipping in a cross from the left which Pavs, having left his shooting boots at home, thumped home emphatically with his head. Not content with breaking Rovers hearts, Spurs scored a second only a minute later. This time Townsend made the move down the left, belting over a cross which Defoe, after some clever movement in front of the Rovers centre-half, headed home to give Spurs the lead. 2 crosses, 2 headed goals, the memory of Peter Crouch lives on. Except we scored.

Spurs fans were in full voice now and a rout was on the cards. 5 minutes after taking the lead, a clearly pumped up Defoe gathered the ball in our left-back positions and executed a run diagonally across the pitch, 72 yards in total, before releasing Dos Santos to the right of the goal. Dos Santos beat the final defender to the ball, smashing home the ball with his left foot, through the keeper and into the roof of the net. 3-1 Spurs and game over.

For the remaining 20 minutes, the game was fairly uneventful. Spurs gave some game time to both Falque and Kane, allowing Rose and Defoe to have a rest after playing matches post injury. Neither had enough time to significantly impress but valuable first-team experience was gained. On the night, Dos Santos, Townsend and Carroll all had good matches. The first two boosted our attacking options on the night, offering genuine threat. Carroll looks like he has the potential to go on and become a midfield string-puller but development physically is needed before he rivals even Luka for size.

So what should Spurs fans take from this game? Firstly, we won, a fact that sometimes seems to get sidelined amongst soundbites and player reviews. Secondly, our young players gained more valuable game time. Thirdly, the performance was an improvement on that from PAOK. Very few negatives from the match, a home victory.

Lastly, if you’ve managed to read all of this without thinking of Sunday then you’re a better man than me. And I wrote it.

COYS

Ciaran Griggs (@LordFIMM on Twitter)

Don’t forget Stuart’s preview of the NLD right here

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Match Preview: Wigan v Spurs

September 22nd, 2011 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Sep, 22 2011
5 Comments »

Premier League. Saturday 24th September 2011. DW Stadium. 3pm Kick Off.

Wigan. A team that have been struggling and scrapping around the bottom of the table for most of their Premier League life. Wigan. A team that Spurs destroyed 9-1 at White Hart Lane in 2009. Wigan. A team that Roberto Martinez has playing nice football, that many have tipped for the drop this year. Wigan. A team that took 4 points from Spurs last season.

It all sounds so typical doesn’t it? A decent footballing side that Spurs should destroy and yet last season they took 3 points away from The Lane and then held out against a spluttering strike force to claim a home point. Obviously that was a feature of last season, Spurs playing well against the lower teams yet coming up with virtually nothing to show for it. It’s no secret that at least one win over Wigan, Wolves, WBA, West Ham and Blackpool would have seen Spurs take a Champions League place comfortably. Too often last season, it was all domination and no penetration. Sounds like a recipe for rubbish porn and poor football. A great win, inspired by the debutants at Wolves followed by a fine performance against Liverpool suggests that we may be looking at a different story this year for Spurs. Will this be the case on Saturday?

Wigan news

The biggest news coming out of Wigan is the injury to probably their best player, Hugo Rodallega. His absence will be keenly felt by Roberto Martinez and his team and a lot of responsibility will fall upon Victor Moses. Wigan’s young English forward was much touted when he was at Crystal Palace and some were surprised when he chose the Latics over bigger clubs. Moses had a slow start but is now beginning to show the potential that brought him to the Premier League. Along with Moses, Wigan will look to Franco di Santo to trouble Spurs back line and James McCarthy may also have a big part to play. Ali Al-Habsi will have a big role to play if Wigan are to keep the fired up Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe at bay. The Omani keeper can be inspired but can also have lapses in concentration, any of those will be pounced upon mercilessly by Spurs attackers who are now clearly hungry for goals.

Spurs News

After the excellent performance against Liverpool at The Lane there are unlikely to be many changes although Rafa Van der Vaart may well come in for Niko Kranjcar to play from the right. Last season this caused problems, with the right back being left exposed and resulting in Spurs conceding. With Kyle Walker starting to look like a one-man right wing and Scott Parker adding more defensive responsibility in midfield then this could well work now. There are others now coming back into contention and William Gallas, Sandro along with possibly Huddlestone and Pienaar could give Redknapp some good selection problems. Luka Modric’s goal last week seemed to reinvigorate the Croatian as has his burgeoning partnership with Scott Parker. Those two should be able to dominate the Wigan midfield and get Bale and Van der Vaart/Kranjcar into the game and provide opportunities for Adebayor and Defoe. At the back, Brad Friedel is set to continue in goal. If Ledley King is able to keep up his game a week routine then Spurs new assuredness in defence should continue despite any threat that Wigan may muster. I expect Spurs to line up like this: Friedel; Walker; Kaboul; King; Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart; Parker; Modric; Bale; Adebayor; Defoe.

My prediction

For all Wigan’s pretty football, Spurs do it better and have stronger players in every position. If Redknapp can continue to keep his side motivated for these kind of games then there is no reason to believe that Spurs won’t come away with anything less than a win at the DW Stadium. I believe Adebayor and Defoe will continue their goalscoring form, the defence to continue their solidity and expect Spurs to run out 3-0 winners.

COYS

Stuart Watts ( @Studub on Twitter )

 

The Odds

Spurs win: Evens

Draw: 5-2

Wigan win: 11-4

My prediction (Spurs 3-0): 14-1

First Spurs goalscorer:

Adebayor 5-1

Defoe 6-1

Van der Vaart & Pavlyuchenko 7-1

Free bets at Freebetssport.com

 

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