Mr Blue – Spurs Web – Tottenham Hotspur Football News https://www.spurs-web.com Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:28:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 Would you end the season now? https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/season-2/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/season-2/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:28:51 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=23010 Imagine if you will, the ghost of the late great Bill Nic, came to you and offered you the chance to end the season how it stands right now. Would you take the easy option and the Champions League football that goes with it or would you see the season out and risk it all? We’re currently […]

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Imagine if you will, the ghost of the late great Bill Nic, came to you and offered you the chance to end the season how it stands right now. Would you take the easy option and the Champions League football that goes with it or would you see the season out and risk it all?

We’re currently having our greatest BPL season to date, one in which may shape the future of the club as we know it and help us become a true footballing force. A squad full of young talent, world class players, some of the best training facilities in Europe and a new stadium on the way, surely the final piece of the jigsaw is just the allure of Champions League football.

So with this in mind, surely ending the season now would help achieve this. But is Champions League simply enough? Yes a few years back, we probably would have bitten your hand off for this offer, but with only ever really seeing our teams push for the title once, which ended after Defoe came inches from sending us top came late January 2012; is this not our best chance to not only push for the title again, but maybe actually win it?

I think without seeming like a deluded or biased Spurs fan, we’ve been the best team in the league this season, something I don’t see changing anytime soon. We have the best defense, an unusually high goal difference and are probably the hardest team to beat thus far. If it wasn’t simply for a lack of potency in front of goal at times, we would probably be a couple points clear, at the very least.

So the question is, what would you do?

If you look at the squad as a whole and the way the rest of the Premier League have been competing this season, you’d probably say ‘No thanks Mr Nic’ and fall back to sleep, but is it that simple.

Many would argue that this transfer window we should have strengthened. Instead we decided to remove the fringe from the squad and trust the rest. It was a similar situation in 2012, where our only additions saw the experienced Saha and Nielsen arrive at the club, something which clearly didn’t work out, instead of buying players who could of taken us that extra step. A player like Berahino could have been this step, adding much needed goals to a side who needs to stop drawing games if they are truly going to compete, plus being a suitable replacement for Kane, in the event of an injury.

We have a lot of games coming up and the risk of maybe an injury or two, we may see our season slip away and will be starring in videos next to Stevie G, all summer.

However, is what Poch said in fact true? Bringing in some new players may upset the apple cart, with some maybe losing confidence. Personally I think he’s right and believe it sends the message to everyone associated with the club, that you have the managers trust. They’ve taken us this far, so why not let them see out the task? Yes there’s risks and yes it’s a gamble, but it’s no different when you sign a 20M plus player, everything’s a risk and a gamble, let’s just pray this one wins!

Probably the biggest question most of us are asking, is can we get over that line, do we have what it takes? Most Champions are not just made out of thin air, they are already champions, they know how to win. I spoke about a major plus for our side is the fact it has so much potential, but could this also be the chink in our armour? As a whole, the team’s experience is very low, with our star performers still eligible for the under 21s. We don’t have the likes of Yaya to call upon and push us that extra mile, someone who has won it all and knows how to do it again.

Currently I only see one winner of the league this season and that’s Man City. Arsenal, though may have won the league in the past, lack that killer instinct and experience, with Leicester’s bubble on the brink of bursting. Realistically, City have the only means of securing the title, something we should have looked to change in the transfer window. But with chances of us signing a player like Yaya or Rooney, being very slim, I doubt we can point a blame here.

One thing I do believe may give us the edge however, is our performances over all fronts this season. We’ve had no problems whatsoever this season rotating the team and performing to the same level each week and with the likes of City in a competition that boasts a much higher caliber of opponent, it may be the distraction we need to turtle this hare race.

Yes, eventually we may play much harder opposition ourselves, the likes of Dortmund spring to mind and may have to use a much stronger starting eleven to compete, but with Arsenal facing Barcelona and City featuring in the Capital One Cup final as well as the Champions League, we may have forced ourselves into front runners before it will even matter.

Hopefully by now many of you have shunned Mr Nic away and have decided, we can achieve more this year. But let’s now imagine the worst and consider not finishing in the top four this season. The repercussions of this failure could prove detrimental to the future of the club.

Most of our squad have already gained potential suitors from around the globe, as well as a manager who probably could get any job he likes. In what way could we blame a player like Lloris, calling quits on his time at Spurs and any other player with their ambitions not being met. It’s not as if previous players have left the club and failed in their attempts.

Tottenhams flaw over the course of the Premier League has been the constant switching of regimes and philosophies, whether it’s sacking managers or clearing out the squad. We need consistency, which has seen the likes of United and Arsenal flourish, something I doubt we can convince Mauricio, Hugo and Harry to do if the club has to settle for Europa for years to come.

So with this in mind, are we now calling Mr Nic back and begging him to ask the question again? Are we now content this season to finishing third/fourth and clutching at the chance to play Champions League football?

Or would pushing onwards, taking the risk and not settling for third or fourth, be the better incentive all round for the club? As stated already, we are not far from being one of the forces of world football and with the knowledge that Tottenham actually competed for the league and didn’t fall short, because of what some may call the Tottenham curse, wouldn’t this take us there?

Though we may not win the league, settling for third or fourth probably won’t give us much advantage, next season. Though we may be playing Champions League football, players will probably still opt to play for the likes of Chelsea, United and Liverpool, simply because they can offer what we can’t and that’s stupid amounts of money in wages.

With a stadium on the cards, we are unlikely to match the £100k plus wage demands, which a top draw player will want, but the knowledge that Tottenham competed or maybe even won the BPL, may give us that edge.

Look at Athletico as the perfect example. A summer of losing Costa, Luis and Courtois prior to a season of winning the league and being seconds away from lifting Europe’s crown jewel, the Champions League. Simply put, they lost their star players as they couldn’t match the wage demands that Chelsea and others could offer. Even the likes of Dortmund, after falling short in the Champions League final couldn’t sustain their squad, losing out to the German powerhouse, Bayern.

We are certainly financially better off than both of these clubs, with the added bonus of being London based, and the allure of the greatest league in the world. But realistically what hope do we have in stopping the yearly raids time and time again, similar to every morning on Clash of Clans, without becoming a consistent title contender.

Could you imagine actually entering a season with people believing we have a chance to compete for the title, or even better, a squad in which has the aim to do so?

But then again, after so many years of heartache, can we really go through it again?

The memories of food poisoning, both Messi & Robben missing penalties to eliminate Chelsea from Europe, throwing away a 13 point gap, can we risk it again? For crying out loud, our last game of the season is away at Newcastle! Wouldn’t it just be the Spurs thing to do and see Townsend somehow ruining our season?

The term spursy often gets thrown around, meaning to consistently and inevitably fail to live up to expectations and with so much riding on this season, could we be blamed to settle and take Bill Nics offer? Or do we trust in Poch, trust in the squad and maybe start to believe that this may actually be our bloody year?

Personally I’d say no and maybe just ask Bill how he was and what he thought about the current Spurs side, maybe what he would do if he was me. But then again I would probably shit my pants because there’s a ghost in my room and run out screaming.

Whatever happens, first, fourth or god forbid, fifth again, let’s just enjoy the journey, COYS!!

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The Broken Compass  https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/thebrokencompass/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/thebrokencompass/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:07:55 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=22199 We have all heard the rumours, once or twice, those almost Chinese whispers, which slightly differ between Spurs fan and Spurs fan. The rumor that suggested Abramovich got lost on his way to White Hart Lane, with the hope to purchase Tottenham Hotspur and instead found who we now call, Chelski. Since his arrival, they have lifted 13 trophies, which include one Champions League and four […]

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We have all heard the rumours, once or twice, those almost Chinese whispers, which slightly differ between Spurs fan and Spurs fan. The rumor that suggested Abramovich got lost on his way to White Hart Lane, with the hope to purchase Tottenham Hotspur and instead found who we now call, Chelski.

Since his arrival, they have lifted 13 trophies, which include one Champions League and four league titles, a bitter taste if you believe the rumours to be true.

To think the players we could have signed, the size the club could have become and the glory the fans could experience and without sounding biased, we bloody deserve it. Years after years of what can only be described as a curse on the club, which has seen us miss out on Champions League football because of some fluke win in Munich and some dodgy lasagna you could have bought from asda for a £1.

We are a club who never seem to have it easy or like to do things that way either. I used the word cursed and sometimes I believe this to be true. Even as I write the pain of Pedro Mendes what should have been winner at Old Trafford makes me shudder and cringe.  The money we have all seen Abramovich supply would have been a game changer, certainly one Chelski have enjoyed.

This money has been the start of a massive change to not only English football, but the global game we all enjoy and love. No longer are philosophies built on strong youth development or promotion, now into a world that money can buy you anything and certainly in the case of our London rivals, it’s bought their success.

This philosophy has been copied all over the world since the Russian billionaires introduction in 2003, with the likes of PSG and City more recently reaping the rewards of this seemingly cowards way out.

Now without diving into much detail, Abramovich has created an almost ripple effect on football, changing more than just the fortunes or unfortunes of clubs around the country as well as the world.

But in this time where success seems to be what everyone craves, with fans deserting their hometown clubs to support teams hundreds of miles away. As Tottenham fans, would you have wanted to win that way? Is the matter in which you win the game not important? And is purely winning its own satisfaction?

Well I say no, winning is not enough. Especially when you think about the way clubs like Chelski and City have won in recent years. Tottenham pride itself on playing the proper way, the football way, the Tottenham way. We are a club that build relationships with the players, ones that are not so easily squashed and though we have entered what many can call the financial big boys in recent years, it’s been achieved in an honest and well structured way.

It’s no surprise that Tottenham now boost the most capped England internationals ever and though Levy has sacked more managers than one person can count, it’s been a learning curve for all involved which now sees us in a position with a real future to be excited about.

Compared to Chelski, 13 titles since the Abramovich era started, we have only managed to lift one, but in terms of the pride it holds and the matter in which we lifted this trophy, I’d argue it tops the lot. We won that day with a real team performance, which saw our heroes get a chance to lift a trophy against the money grabbing superstars, we call our neighbours.

Many will argue, “you’re only saying this because you don’t have the money and you’re jealous” and to an extent they may be right. Tottenham could have done some magical things if we had the money to keep Bale and Modric, but jealous? Never.

Chelski is not a club of supporters anymore, it’s more of a tourist attraction which tilts upon the success and money the club spends. In this bleak time they currently find themselves in, it’s almost as if they, the fans, have crawled back under those caves they emerged from in 2003. But it’s only a matter of time, until a club which has been made from money, begins to spend its vast wealth again.

You could actually count the amount of current Chelsea graduates in their squad on one hand, with one of those being John Terry, compared to the nine who feature in Tottenham’s. Why bother wasting time developing your team, when not even a blip on the Abramovic billions could buy you a league winning squad.

Do you think it would feel as special seeing your £50M striker score a double against both the scum and Chelsea at White Hart Lane, or a local lad we all know has a special bond with the club?

Or how about beating Chelsea 5-3 on New Year’s day? Seeing products of our own youth, players we helped nourish and grow, tear apart a side who, after a summer of spending, looked certain to win the league. No amount of money can replicate that feeling, not even close.

So I asked the question earlier on, is winning its own satisfaction? I hope after reading this, you’ll all agree it is not. Call me old fashioned or maybe even a hopeless romantic, but I believe in the core values of football and splashing the cash, bullying clubs without it, is not one.

Plus Tottenhamski would never work.

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Five signs to consider before Liverpool https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/signs-liverpool/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/signs-liverpool/#respond Fri, 16 Oct 2015 20:00:18 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=22138 Before the comments explode with Judas, or pessimist, there are some things we need to consider before this lunchtime kick off on Saturday. On paper Tottenham do enter this tie as the in form side and in terms of injuries, Liverpool seem far worse off, especially with the likes of Benteke and Henderson missing, but […]

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Before the comments explode with Judas, or pessimist, there are some things we need to consider before this lunchtime kick off on Saturday. On paper Tottenham do enter this tie as the in form side and in terms of injuries, Liverpool seem far worse off, especially with the likes of Benteke and Henderson missing, but football is never that simple.

Sign 1: Manager of the month.

Pochettino has just won the manager of the month award for September, which is almost like the dreaded vote of confidence from the board. It tends to be a theme that teams or players implode after receiving these awards, which has already seen a City side who hadn’t conceded a singular goal during the month of August, winning four out of four league fixtures, lose two of their next three and conceding seven in the process. A mere coincidence after Pellegrini won the award, the previous month.

Sign 2: New manager syndrome.

Everyone has experienced the new manager bug, which sees teams turn their fortunes around, no matter how brief. This tends to be because players up their game to impress the new coach, with some managers making the much needed changes the old manager couldn’t see. We all remember when Harry took over and who could forget when he uttered the words “two points from eight games” more than a priest says “amen”.

The term ‘spursy’ sometimes gets thrown around and it seems relevant that we would play a Liverpool side who have just obtained the services of one of the world’s sought after managers.

Sign 3: The suspended talisman.

We have all ranted and raved about this lad at some point this year and why shouldn’t we? Eric Dier has been a rock in our midfield this season and, in essence, has been the glue which has slowly formed our working model.

His defensive knowledge and composure has been undoubtedly the key factor this season and it’s scary to think we enter difficult affair without him. To make matters worse, only Dembele seems to be the possible replacement for the Englishman and unless Tottenham dominate the game, the lack of defensive prowess in midfield could prove pivotal.

Sign 4: Five games no win.

Liverpool could create history come 2:45pm this Saturday by recording a sixth consecutive win over our beloved Spurs, which has seen Liverpool spank Tottenham 3-0 and 5-0 in their last two visits.

In recent decades, the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea were always fixtures which would have fans hugging the pillow, waiting for the trauma to be over. But just as Tottenham begin to become competitive in each of these fixtures, it seems Liverpool have become the sole members of clubs we cannot beat.

Sign 5: Spurs unbeaten in seven.

Maybe not a sign of the apocalypse, but an all too familiar scene in terms of our club. Yesterday over a Tottenham Facebook page, some idiot posted Tottenham are unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season, which is as bad as a commentator ushering the words, he never misses a penalty. Now this may only be superstition, but all good runs come to an end at some point and with all the previous signs to consider, is Saturday’s 12:45pm kick off the end of ours? Let me no your own thoughts.

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Only the sun can make the flower blossom  https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/sun-flower-blossom/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/sun-flower-blossom/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:13:18 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=22049 Tottenham may have been called a lot of things down the years, ranging from the leagues greatest underachievers to just outright bottle jobs, but I ask you to now imagine us as more of a nourishing flower. There’s no doubt the club is currently going through a period of rebuilding and remodeling, which is similar to a flower which has not yet or is […]

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Tottenham may have been called a lot of things down the years, ranging from the leagues greatest underachievers to just outright bottle jobs, but I ask you to now imagine us as more of a nourishing flower.

There’s no doubt the club is currently going through a period of rebuilding and remodeling, which is similar to a flower which has not yet or is not ready to blossom.

Just as a flower needs certain elements to grow, Tottenham are also yet to blossom into a club they strive to be, which will look to compete with the likes of United and Chelsea on a yearly basis.

Tottenham have spent the last two seasons, since Potch’s arrival, rebuilding the team and this summer they may have added the acquisition which can help this flower finally flourish.

On August 28th, Tottenham added the South Korean international Son Heung-Min to their ranks and since his arrival he has been a breath of fresh air to a club crying out for a striker to help with the Harry Kane burden.

Son has scored three in the five goals he has featured in so far, securing victory in each of the games he started and judging from what I have seen I am expecting a lot more from this recently turned 23 year old.

He has brought with him, not only a smile which is warming to see from a footballer, but also he has added that much needed flair and quality we have lacked since the departure of Bale. Now he is somewhat off the standard of the Welshman, but in terms of what our club has to offer, as well as many throughout Europe, he has the potential to become a club legend.

His style of play reminds me of another South Korean footballer who played in the premier league, who went by the name of Park Ji-Sung. He has the same tenacious attitude to hunt down the ball and keep running until his feet bleed but add in the ability to score goals and create chances through his skill and not just his running, it’s almost as if we have the Park 2.0.

I would definitely argue if Fergie was still in management he would have snapped this player up a lot sooner than we did and he is definitely a player we may have to fend interest from in future transfer windows.

Just as Lee Young-Pyo before him, Son has bought over the Korean invasion of fans and though this may be great Daniel Levy’s pocket, it’s also having an effect on everything around him. His presence and that of the fans he has brought with him, this sea of smiling happy faces, has become almost infectious and has started to bring the party atmosphere back to White Hart Lane, something we have missed in recent years.

This yearn to do better, because we expect better has taking the enjoyment from the stadium from times but after the 4-1 thrashing of City last weekend and 1-0 victory over Palace in the previous week, you can see the enjoyment and atmosphere returning and though some fans may lose some seats to tourism, I say long may the Son party continue. I do however draw the line at steak and dog pies being served at halftime.

He has certainly won over the fans with his performances so far and if he continues in the vein of form he is currently in, could he be the missing piece of to our jigsaw?

At the start of this article I compared Tottenham to a nourishing flower and just as the flower looks to the sun to grow, we now look to our own to do the same.

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So what did we learn? https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/learn/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/learn/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2015 20:17:49 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21991 After a somewhat forgettable North London Derby on Wednesday night, which saw our beloved Tottenham succumb to what can only be described as some sort of sign of the apocalypse, after Flamini scored twice, it’s left a lot of us with questions. Now personally when I originally saw the draw, it didn’t bring the usual excitement a North London Derby has to offer. More so […]

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After a somewhat forgettable North London Derby on Wednesday night, which saw our beloved Tottenham succumb to what can only be described as some sort of sign of the apocalypse, after Flamini scored twice, it’s left a lot of us with questions.

Now personally when I originally saw the draw, it didn’t bring the usual excitement a North London Derby has to offer. More so it seemed to be a distraction of what the club may achieve this season. It was never going to offer a game in which both teams pitched their best elevens against one another, but rather instead a host of changes, which took the magic out of the affair.

But what did we learn?

There were a few things I would take from this tie, but I think the one that categorically tops the rest is that Fazio should never put on a Spurs shirt ever again. A player who barely made an impression last season, put the final nail in his self built coffin after another horrendous performance which saw him assist the second goal.

When he arrived at the club, many thought we had sorted out the lack of leadership we so sought after, especially with the pedigree he boosted in Spain. But enough is enough and this Argentinian disaster has to go.

However though I could blame Fazio all day long for that performance, I think another shout out needs to go to the man who thinks he can dethrone our current captain. Michel Vorm made an absolute clanger for the first goal and should have been able to parry the shot to safety or at least away from rushing Flamini (still cannot believe he scored).

I also believe the second was not much better, though a wonder strike, I feel Lloris would have saved it. All in all his game is nowhere near as consistent or to the standard of Hugo and though it’s nice to have an experienced keeper in the wings, he will never be the number one at this club.

Many may not agree with me here, but I think we have also learnt Chadli is bloody useless. In recent weeks he just doesn’t seem interested, which makes me doubt the mental state of Jamie Carragher after he stated in an interview he “highly rates” the player. Wednesday night he spent most of the game following Eriksen around, offering the team very little width or option on the ball.

I’ve always had an issue with Chadli, he would do nothing for most of the game until one minute he would score and it would be like all was forgotten. But as the goals are now drying up, his true attributes are shining through, a lazy player, who seems scared to use the physical presence at his disposal. He ain’t no Gareth Bale and never will be.

The last negative, well if you can call it a negative, comes in the form of our current player of the season, Erik Dier. He looked as tired as Gemma Collins walking up stairs in Wednesday’s fixture, basically he looked bloody shattered. Though I don’t think he had that bad of a game, there were a few times where Arteta and Flamini where too often winning the midfielder battles, as well as the lackluster effort into stopping Chamberlain for the first goal.

Personally I would have rested him, but with no one in line to replace him, there will always be a need for him to start which may have an affect in his overall season.

Now it’s not all doom and gloom even with the scoreline in mind. There were some positives to learn, mainly coming from fan favorite, Danny Rose and his need to play. Rose who was playing for his place Wednesday night, put in a Man of the Match performance, which saw him cause all sorts of havoc to a fragile Arsenal backline.

His constant desire to keep driving forward, as well as back, made him a real handful, which saw him pick up one assist, as well as hand out two yellow cards to Arsenal men Debuchy and Flamini. I firmly believe he has done enough to topple Davies from the starting left back spot and take back what has always been his.

I would like to end this with a massive shout out to the fans at the game Wednesday night. Now I may have only been watching from the comfort of my own home, but even I could tell atmosphere was electric, especially in the half which spurred the team onto an equaliser and almost win. It was clear the visiting immigrants didn’t stand a chance.

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A Butterflies wing https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/butterflies-wing/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/butterflies-wing/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2015 15:56:56 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21839 Scientists say a butterfly flapping its wings can change the world, some say it can create a hurricane thousands of miles away and for Tottenham fans this happened October 23rd, the day Harry Kane scored his first professional hat-trick. A player who many thought would eventually languish into the lower leagues, has become a future […]

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Scientists say a butterfly flapping its wings can change the world, some say it can create a hurricane thousands of miles away and for Tottenham fans this happened October 23rd, the day Harry Kane scored his first professional hat-trick. A player who many thought would eventually languish into the lower leagues, has become a future club legend.

One of our own, the hurricane, a player who last season was scoring for fun and was growing from strength to strength each week, has failed to score in his last seven competitive matches for club and country.

Haters want to dub him a one season wonder, with fans fearing the local lad may crumble under the sea of expectation now upon him. The miss against Everton on the weekend showed maybe a lack of confidence that wouldn’t enter his mind last season, watching the replays back it almost looks like he seconds guesses himself.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Mr Levy started investing in some wind turbines to get the Hurricane going again, unlikely though as this is Levy were talking about.

But even with the headlines depicting a fall of form, I have actually been impressed on Kane’s performances so far. He has led the line brilliantly, adding nuisance to his already impressive resume. He is looking, to me, like the complete package but as we know, a striker can run, link up the play and assist all day long. What sets him apart from the rest is his goals, something I pray he finds again soon.

Most football fans dread the international break, with players playing through or picking up injuries which can ruin a team’s season. However with England making the trip to the Pritchard sized island of San Marino, this could be the perfect chance for Kane to start scoring.

Football is about confidence, it’s the reason Mahrez is scoring for fun thus far this season and the reason Torres couldn’t score with Daniel Lloyd. Hopefully Kane will be giving the opportunity to start this Saturday and find that scoring touch once again.

On the other hand though, a rest may have been good for Kane. He has barely missed a minute of football since cementing his Tottenham place last November, in which time hardly having a break. We all think it’s easy being a footballer, slating individuals who need a rest, but not all rest is physical. Sometimes players need a mental rest, a break away from all the press and fame, something I doubt Kane will be granted anytime soon.

Hopefully our recent additions of Son and N’Jie, will provide Kane with some support, maybe easing the pressure off his shoulders, allowing him to focus on his game. It’s no easy feat at such a young age to be the superstar of such a major club.

There is nothing in the glance of a caterpillar that would suggest it will become a butterfly, just as the first glance of Harry Kane wouldn’t suggest a world class striker. But just as a caterpillar, awakens from its cocoon with wings ready to change the world, Harry Kane awoke last year and is by no means done changing it. COYS!

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Is Deli Alli the answer? https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/deli-alli-answer/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/deli-alli-answer/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:31:02 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21820 Tottenham may have been knocking on the door of the leagues elite in recent years, but each year we seem to be left with something missing. In 2014 it was a goalscorer after Bales departure, enter Harry Kane, in others years it’s been a solid keeper, enter Lloris and last season it was a solid […]

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Tottenham may have been knocking on the door of the leagues elite in recent years, but each year we seem to be left with something missing. In 2014 it was a goalscorer after Bales departure, enter Harry Kane, in others years it’s been a solid keeper, enter Lloris and last season it was a solid defense, which saw us leak 53 goals the same as relegated Burnley. But after a summer of defensive improvement, or shall I say hopeful defensive improvement, we seem to again lack goals.

Now I am certain the inclusion of Son and N’Jie will help in the aid are current shortness of goals, as well as support Harry Kane and I am also certain once Kane gets his first goal we will yet again see the Hurricane, but down the years we have lacked that so called goal scoring midfielder.
Now we had Jenas who would pop up with 7/8 each year from CM, even Van Der Vaart from a more attacking role added double figures, but I’m talking about a player who can emulate the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Toure, by scoring close to 20 each year. A player who can support your top strikers goal scoring tally, hopefully pushing us to the next stage.

It’s not an easy player to find in football, but have we found him. Deli Alli may have played League One football last season, but at 18 to score 16 league goals, is nothing to turn your nose up at. Often described as the future Frank Lampard, from what I have seen so far he has some very similar traits.

He is not scared with the ball at his feet, just ask Kroos and Modric. He ain’t afraid of attacking the box or joining the attacks when possible and he certainly isn’t afraid of shooting. Alli could certainly be the Harry Kane of last season, which may seem like a bold statement, but no one thought Kane could do it, so why not Alli.

Now Ryan Mason has shown glimpses of the traits mentioned since he arrived on the scene last season, but after the Everton game it’s clear he is far from the standard we need.Two great chances to win the game, Mason who has only scored one league goal for the club (a tally Alli has already reached), has found himself in this position time and time again, without the composure to finish the chance.

Against United last season he had a similar chance to his first half effort on Saturday, which that time he squandered over the bar, which may have proved to be a crucial two points dropped last year. Now I’m not blaming Mason for last season, but he certainly will not be adding goals to his repertuar anytime soon and should stick to ball winning, that’s just my opinion.

Just because his name is Deli, it doesn’t mean he has to be a sub his whole life. Apologies for that cheesy pun, but it’s true, Alli has to play. Mason and Bentalab where never eased into the team, they got given a start and the rest is history. The next two games we face a dreadful Sunderland side and a newly found expressive Palace side, which could see Alli’s exploits of attacking the area from deep and supporting attacking phases very useful, especially if the game offers the same counter attacking possibilities as last weekend.

The fans have been screaming for Alli to start and if I’m honest, with the additions of Son and N’Jie and hopefully the swift return of Eriksen, there is no reason why Alli cannot cement one of the central midfield positions as his own. The next debate will be who should partner Alli, but that’s a piece of writing in progress.

Now I have had my say, what are your thoughts on our promising English youngster. Is it all too quick to young, or is this lad the real deal?

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Did Pochettino’s managerial immaturity cost us victory https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/pochettinos-managerial-immaturity-cost-victory/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/pochettinos-managerial-immaturity-cost-victory/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2015 07:50:13 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21567 Now I don’t no many people who can sit here say that after two league games they can be happy with one point, but in truth didn’t we all see this coming. We have spent the whole summer waiting for signings that haven’t come and though I feel we have played well in spells, we […]

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Now I don’t no many people who can sit here say that after two league games they can be happy with one point, but in truth didn’t we all see this coming. We have spent the whole summer waiting for signings that haven’t come and though I feel we have played well in spells, we have definitely lacked a killer touch, something Walker helped United with on the opening day.

I have spoken openly already about Spurs need for a striker, more so to take the pressure off Kane. Now we may have finally made this addition but something is still missing. Both games so far, the starting line-up has almost picked itself, other than the obvious debates over the right back slot and which central midfielders should play. But pardon my French what the f**k is going on with our F**king bench.

I have looked at this in the first two games and almost laughed. It lacks impotence, someone who can really change a game. Now without placing blame for our solitary point this season, Pochettino’s substitutions have been costly.

I laughed when Mason was bought on whilst a goal down at Old Trafford in the hope he may actually change the game, but the decision to take him off on the weekend had me gobsmacked. Probably one of our best performers on the day, he was the focal point of everything we did on Saturday, getting into the penalty area whenever possible and was very unlucky not to score, something we lacked at United.

He was replaced by a very questionable Bentelab, who at the moment can barely string a pass together, let alone help defend a two goal led. Toby (I can’t say his surname, let alone try and spell it) spoke out in the papers recently about our need for a defensive minded midfielder and to be honest he’s right. Losing players like Capoue and Stambouli may seem like obvious decisions but when leading a game these are the perfect players to bring on, not an Algerian playmaker.

This may have been in a key turning point in the game but the main game changer came in the first substitution, bringing on Lamela for Harry Kane.
Now I am still unsure why Kane was taking of, some saying injury, some saying his job was done and he was being given a rest, but this was the start to our demise. Kane led the line brilliantly against Stoke and even though he didn’t score, his persistent running and hold up play made it difficult for Stoke to gain any rhythm. The moment he left the field we lost our shape, something Chadli could not replicate, as let’s face it, he is not a striker and never will be, so why make the change.

Just because we have subs, it doesn’t mean we have to use them, something I’m sure all the football manager enthusiasts reading can agree with. Making these two subs changed the dynamic for us completely, something I believe a more experienced manager would have known. The best form of defense has always been a strong attack, which until Kane’s departure is exactly what we had.

However if the rumors of Kane being injured are true then a like for like change is needed, something which was not in place. Potch stated he is not worried about the lack of strikers, which tells me he is either blissfully unaware of what’s happening or his inexperience is creeping through. Even a youth team striker would have made the difference, someone who knows his position and can focus on playing there, not someone who is drawn out which leaves us inviting pressure. The ignorance not to have a recoginsed striker on the bench has definitely cost us which may be vital points lost come the end of the season.

Now I will finish by stating, even though it may seem different, I am in fact a massive fan of Potchettino but at 43, he still has a lot to learn. You would never see Mourinho or Sir Alex start a season with one Striker in his squad. These clubs may have more funds to play with than us, but with the recent news of a bid for Berahino just being rejected, it makes you think what have we been doing all summer. Hopefully we won’t lose any more points before the transfer window shuts and add some players to squad.

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Kane can’t be a lone ranger forever https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/kane-lone-ranger/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/kane-lone-ranger/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2015 20:16:05 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21441 My first article on this site, I spoke about who Tottenham should add to their strike force for the upcoming season. Now a few weeks have passed and it seems we are no closer to finding this solution. If you’re a betting man then you’ll know the odds on favourite to sign for the club […]

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My first article on this site, I spoke about who Tottenham should add to their strike force for the upcoming season. Now a few weeks have passed and it seems we are no closer to finding this solution.

If you’re a betting man then you’ll know the odds on favourite to sign for the club is Saido Berahino, even more likely since WBA signing of Salomon Rondon, but is this the man Spurs will sign?

If like me your checking the internet every other hour, hoping for something to change, then your probably know we are linked with near enough every striker in football at the moment.

But who will it be. The list of names below have frequently popped up since Pochettino announcement of a potential signing on Saturday and I will look to discuss who best fits our needs.

Saido Berahino – West Brom

Charlie Austin – QPR

Javier Hernandez – Man United

Clinton N’Jie – Lyon

Breel Embolo – Basel

I wrote in my original article that Tottenham need to sign at least one striker, hopefully two and suggested Javier Hernandez and Berahino at the time. But at this rate I’d take Teddy Sheringham out of retirement.

So what can we expect from the list of names above.

In terms of the last two I can’t really make a judgement and I doubt many fans could, but as long as one of the first three are signed, then I’m a happy chappy.

My current ideal choice would be Berianho and Austin, with Berahino being a must buy and Hernandez an alternative for Austin. This may be the more costly option, one Levy is unlikely to take, but one that offers the most benefits.

After watching the City game, its clear there is more to Berahino’s game then just goals, which will make him a ideal fit for Potch’s side. He played the majority of the game on the wing and showed his ability with some excellent crosses and surprising defensive work, with one goal saving tackle on Kolorov in the second half. Because of this adaptability, Berahino will be prime to fill the up for grabs right wing position after Moussa started their on Saturday, as well as offer support for Harry Kane.

Many may think differently but personally I was embarrassed during the United game. Whilst losing one nil at Old Trafford, Ryan Mason was brought on, which is almost laughable. Bringing on a player who scored one league goal last season, followed next by a winger who scored twice and then by an 18 year old making his debut, none of who are forwards. We had nothing on the bench that could change the game and I beleive Austin or Hernandez, would have been the ideal choice for this situation.

The old saying, the fox in the box comes to mind when thinking of both strikers, which would have been prefect for the late siege on the United’s goal, maybe pouncing on something that fell in the crowded penalty area.

The strikers scoring records alone and lack of need to adjust to the Premier league will be huge positives but I don’t know if signing two is a possibility.

Austin and Hernandez are not one who can lead the line by himself with a lot of QPR fans stating Austin needed a partner last season. If Potch plans to play a partner with Kane this year (Austin & Kane scored almost 40 league goals last year) then Austin is our man, but if Potch decides to stick with one up top than Berahino is the likely choice, with his ability to play out wide.

A player like Austin, Berahino and even Hernandez will most likely know they currently play second fiddle to Harry Kane, but none will want to play third fiddle to the other. Its probably not reasonable to think two of these players will sign.

So whats the other option. Buying an upcoming young striker for the third choice role, someone who won’t demand to be played each week and hopefully will cherish every chance he gets, just like our man Kane last season.

The two strikers from Basel and Lyon fit the bill, both being very quick and boosting surprisingly good scoring records. Both have also featured for their respective national sides and will offer some real pace and energy to a sometimes static team.

I would like to also add before the comments get bombarded with “what about Timo Werner”, reports have died down of late, with a deal seeming unlikely, but you never know.

Out of the three Embolo would probably be the ideal fit. The tallest of the three, plus the youngest, with the best scoring record and more league appearances. Werner and N’Jie may play in more prestigious leagues but so did Soldado and we all know what happened there.

I have had my say and I would now like to hear yours, who do you want up top. Do you think Levy should go for broke with Austin and Berahino? Is a young foreign striker the ideal fit? and how upset will you be if neither Austin or Berahino are signed?

 

 

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Building a strike force https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/building-strike-force/ https://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/building-strike-force/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:51:28 +0000 https://www.spurs-web.com/?p=21202 It’s no surprise to see Tottenham being linked with a host of players again this summer and it’s even less surprising that the current speculation revolves around a striker. Probably one of the most important signings the club will make this summer, a striker will definitely take some pressure of the shoulders of the current fan favorite and local […]

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It’s no surprise to see Tottenham being linked with a host of players again this summer and it’s even less surprising that the current speculation revolves around a striker.

Probably one of the most important signings the club will make this summer, a striker will definitely take some pressure of the shoulders of the current fan favorite and local hero, Harry Kane.

Though he may thrive upon the challenge that awaits him, there are many fears ringing around the ears of White Hart Lane. Will he or won’t he? Will he mirror his remarkable last season, or will he crumble from the increased pressure and media attention. Another fear that probably hasn’t been highlighted enough is the possibility of Kane tiring or picking up an injury throughout the season.

So with this in mind, Tottenham are desperate to add some much needed quality to their ranks, especially as Harry Kane could soon be the only recognised striker at the club. If the club is to fulfill their dreams of becoming a true premier league force, then they must first build a strike force. Let’s face it, what team has ever won anything with just one striker.

But the real question is, who, who should Tottenham sign?

If you have been following the transfer news this summer, which I’m sure the majority of you have been doing, then you’ve probably made your own preference on who the club should sign. Personally I believe Saido Berahino and Javier Hernandez are the men for us. Both have tremendous scoring records at both club and national level and will be huge assets for the upcoming season.

If you believe the reports both have been linked to the club quite heavily, with Berahino soon to be completed. But after years of rumors, I won’t be getting excited till I see someone holding a Tottenham shirt.

Though it may be unlikely that the club signs two quality strikers, the club are always likely to play a lot of football throughout the season, especially if they can rekindle last year’s cup run, so some depth in this area could prove pivotal. Also the increased competition could assure that Kane doesn’t get comfortable and performs to the highest level, similar to Danny Rose last season.

However like all transfers there are some concerns. If Pochettino looks to stick to the same formation as last season, satisfying the gaming needs of each striker will prove to be very difficult. Most games last season we played with on striker, so what are the chances that one quality striker, let alone two will sit on the bench.

Then again Harry Kane did often play in the number 10 role last season, which could mean a space for any striker we sign. But until the season starts, we cannot be sure of the managers plan. So until that day comes, I guess it’s a couple more weeks of checking whatever transfer gossip can be found.

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