The Sunderland fan on the train has low expectations but he’s loyal and a long way from home on a cold Sunday afternoon. Spurs have more points, better players and better prospects but he has his devotion to his club, a precious commodity these days for any fan as far as I’m concerned, so he expresses this in the time-honoured fashion: ‘Where were you when you were s**t?’
I guess this is what success means. Regular readers will know that whilst I’m unreservedly extracting every last Higgs boson of pleasure from the current run and this terrific team, I’m still pondering on what being successful feels like. It’s just that it’s been so long. 44 years on from my first match, I’m being accused of being a gloryhunter. The price of fame.
It’s odd. Spurs fans are often told they are fickle. We’ve had a reputation in the past of getting on the team’s back very early if things are not going well. This goes back to when I was a teenager. I don’t think we are any worse than the other Premier league teams who have been in the top division for a while and we’re a lot better than many, but even our detractors would have to acknowledge that we have stuck around. My kids are in their mid twenties now. They’ve been coming since they were little and they’ve not been there for the glory.
A ‘before and after’ victory. The ‘before’ was a first half reminiscent of so many sticky and listless afternoons during the dark days of old. Struggling to get going, no tempo, an absence of pace or inventiveness. Good players passing to shadows.And the surest sign of the old days – dull. Spurs and dull. These days it goes together like Ant and Ball or Cannon and Dec. How far have we come when we’re concerned about 45 minutes where we are superior and make a few chances, yet we know it’s not us because it’s not flowing?
Then ‘after’. A change of emphasis in the formation, add the commitment and determination of every last one of them, the talent’s already there and we are transformed. A shame there was only a single goal to show for our dominance but don’t let those late wobbles fool you: this was a decent victory and there were real and lasting positives in the manner in which we overcame adversity.
In these pages I’ve debated the pros and cons of our midfield set-up ever since TOMM began. Whatever the merits of playing two wide men, that’s what the whole team are used to. In the first half, it took us a while to escape the clutches of Sunderland’s packed and hardworking midfield but when we did knock a few short balls, they looked up to stretch the play and saw only empty grass. When we tried something, the ball was overhit – Modric to Lennon, Lennon to Walker, it looked the same but it wasn’t quite working.
When Lennon departed, we looked forlorn and bedraggled. Luka wasted on the left, Rafa couldn’t get on the ball, Parker deep. Pav on and had a good chance that he didn’t commit to, Manu good touches but nothing in the box. Crosses sailing over the far post. Sunderland had the best chance, a low cross that flashed across the box, but they had no ambition and Gallas had young Wickham in his pocket. Following the evidence from the Stoke match last week I predicted that the high balls would rain down. Gallas gave away a stone and 4 or 5 inches but showed that a clever old ‘un has the drop on a good young ‘un. Apart from one free-kick conceded, he was the master. This season as last, it takes Gallas five or six matches to become match fit. He’s ready – a fine game.
The 4-4-1-1 with Bale and Lennon as attacking wide men has worked well. In the long run, I’ve discussed and advocated the merits of trying Parker and Sandro as two defensive midfielders with Modric central in front of them, Bale and Rafa and leaving out Lennon, despite his strong performances this year. Harry demonstrated the value of this set-up, at least as an alternative, in the second, tactical changes that brought us the three points and he deserves the credit. Although Parker did plenty of the fetching and carrying from deep, Sandro stayed back, Rafa and Luka could play in a more central position, leaving space out wide for Walker and BAE to provide width. Parker went further forward predominantly while Manu had a more roving commission up front. I understand why Pav came on, 2 up front because Sunderland were so cautious, but paradoxically it made us less incisive because we’re not used to playing that way.
Sandro had a good first half an hour – he saw this as an opportunity and was determined to make the most of it. Like the others, he tailed away as the half concluded. He then produced a storming second half until he went off near the end, exhausted after several lung-busting runs and feeling the effects of Thursday. This rock allowed the others freedom to get forward. When he lost the ball, he had but one thing on his mind, to get it back. He’s top class, born to that position.
Now we were cooking. These changes ignited the tempo. Rafa hit left foot pingers all over the place, Luka and Parker kept the ball moving and the full-backs were more than willing to help. We would have had more if Benny had been a fraction more accurate but Sunderland made it hard to penetrate their massed ranks.
The goal when it came was a sweet effort from Pav. I was in line, such a lovely feeling to turn away in celebration before it hit the net, knowing it was in. Otherwise, he didn’t do a lot, one decent shot. We should have had more – on twitter the match announcer Paul Coyte said Luka was kicking himself for the miss long after the final whistle. Rafa was well set at the edge of the box for a couple of his specials but he didn’t connect cleanly, and Manu was close twice. I’ve not checked the stats but we didn’t really make the keeper work too hard. That said, there was only one team in it.
Sitting on the Shelf means I’m close to our full-backs and wingers. We know how good Walker is but I want to tell you how focussed he is. There’s a look in eyes that would scare me if I played opposite him because of its intensity. Like Sandro, losing it means an opportunity to get stuck in. Nothing but getting it back. Brilliant.
Finally, a word of praise for Friedel. His calm understated excellence spreads to the rest of the team. A couple of good saves but his true value is in his safety. He catches where possible and when it is his, he makes it. His low save from a shot come cross late on was competent and expected but it meant so much, and if we do well this year we owe him a vast debt of gratitude.
So we’ve learned to overcome setbacks and we have a plan B. No wingers but we won, and won well. 606 on the way home, an Ar****l fan bristles at an earlier call from a triumphant Spur. He was wrong to write them off but she really got the hump. Showing that they don’t know the game, she wrongly said we haven’t won anything since their last trophy. She sounded as though she was a lot younger than me so she knows nothing but success. She needs some perspective. She was really edgy – I reckon that’s a sure sign of what success feels like.
TOTTENHAM ON MY MIND 
Hi Alan. That was an interesting read. I just wondered what your thoughts were on possible replacements for Bale and Lennon? I would like to see Sandro keep his place for Thursday, I know that leaves Modders out wide but that’s only on paper as he is given licence to move around midfield anyhow, as are the others. And perhaps give either Townsend or Falque a chance as a direct replacement for Lennon, this would add a little more pace to the side.
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It’s an odd choice for Spurs in replacing Lennon and Bale. Putting Modric and VDV on the wings lets Sandro in the side and gives them more steel and grit in the middle. But, it also leaves them with two “wingers” who have neither the positions (Modric) or the desire (VDV) to track back against opposing wings and fullbacks. Seems like that would be a recipe for disaster against Chelsea.
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Yep, a tough one for Thursday.
We should not be blind to Chelsea’s attacking prowess but I’d pick a side that gives them something to think about and to back our players against theirs in a match up.
If Bale is fit, I’d play Sandro instead of Lennon, he and Parker as two DMs, Bale can stifle their attacks via Sturridge on our left and Rafa and Luka will willingly work to close down in midfield. I don’t see them as wide men. This runs the risk of exposing us down the flanks but we have Sadnro and Parker to cover. It will also pin them down in the centre – they can’t release too many forward because they have to keep an eye on Luka and VDV. The Walker/Cole match up will be interesting and could be crucial. I’ll back Walker.
If Bale is not fit, Defoe would be tempting but again I’m not sure if he is fit and he could leave us just too thin in the middle. I wouldn’t go for any of the youngsters for this one, so Pienaar to do a job, although I’d acknowledge he’s not found his feet yet. less of a risk than Townsend or Rose, who could do well as left midfield but hasn’t.
Kaboul at the back and pray for Led’s knee. Gallas did very well yesterday and does well against his old clubs because he’s a bitter and vindictive individual. I mean that in a positive way.
Regards,
Al
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Pity we can’t play a 433 or 4321 formation. With Walker and Benny providing the width whilst the midfield could consist of Sandro Parker and Modric (preferably with his shooting boots on). And a mix of Van Der Vaart Defoe or Bale (if fit) if not one other and Adebayor leading the line.
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Nice piece again Alan, always a pleasure. I’m wondering if we’ll go with a 3-4-1-2 again against Chelsea, especially with no Lennon. Bale and Walker as wing backs still gives us pace to go at Chelsea’s back line. Sandro and Parker hold midfield with Sandro doing a bit of marauding. Modric central to pull the strings. That still leaves the conundrum of whether we go with two strikers or a split front 2 with VdV given licence to buzz about and cause havoc. Happy days though.
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Thanks Martin, much appreciated.
I think 3-4-1-2 is too much of a risk. We were chasing the game at Stoke and had to risk it. Chelsea’s strikers will take us apart. Also, our 3 against their 1 (Drogba) is a waste of a player and it leaves space wide for them to exploit when their cautious 4-3-3 changes to attack when they have the ball. That makes 3 against 3, odds I don’t favour. Our full backs in a 4 have the pace to both attack and drop back to cover Mata and Sturridge, and with Parker and Sandro central, they can defend and turn defence into attack. When one goes up, the other stays back. They are different players but both have the drive to up the tempo and set opponents n the back foot.
A problem but it’s a good one to have. Thursday will be a real tactical battle.
regards,
Al
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Plain and simple, Modric must play center midfield with Parker! It is totally insane to bring in Sandro and put Modric out wide. All of Modric’s talents are wasted and Sandro has few talents when it comes to running things from the middle. He is simply a good destroyer and a terrible creater. We looked so bad in the center of the park yesterday appert from the times that Modric drifted in.
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Get Krankjar on the pitch if Bale isn’t fit! The left wing is his position and I think he deserves his chance. We could possibly move walker up to left wing and bring on Corluka or Kaboul in his place, in order to supply some pace into the attack.
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Since yesterday afternoon, when I close my eyes I see Van De Vaart “pinging” (nice word Alan) it all over the park like a dream, ping, ping out wide, slide rule pass, goal, one-two ping move first time ping, slide rule, come deep pass short move one two slide rule/ping out wide. Not well expressed but hopefully you get the picture. He was outrageous at times second half.
Lots of possible perms for Thursday. My only real problem with leaving Waker essentially to cover the right is not Cole, but Mata, who is a very tricky customer or rather Cole/Mata. Nonetheless, walker could do it with the midfield being alive and covering:
I think a midfield 3 against Chelsea is the way to go, if, as I think we would with Parker-Sandro-Modric, we are to beat them well. Let VDV just roam between the lines and let them worry about him.
4-3-1-1-1 its the new pensylvania 6500. I may have jumped my personal tactical a shark, but really want us to eat their midfield three up.
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Mnnnnn! Walker on the right wing, lol
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Would nobody be tempted to simply replace Lennon with Niko?
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No Niko has no pace and we will need that against Chelsea
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Giving the team for Thursday a rigid or usual formation can be a bit too restrictive.
But I’d like to see Sandro and Parker in front of the back four but with both having one eye on the flanks when the full backs get forward (especially our right). In front of them I’d give Bale, Modric and Rafa licence to do what they want, and have Adebayor the lone striker. A 4-2-3-1 if you like, but with plenty of flexibility.
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Me too.
I would be so happy if Bale is fit (and raring to go). My dislike of Chelsea is reaching new levels as this game approaches. I am torn between wanting Terry to be injured and wanting him to play and get totally exposed. I think I’d go for the former given how little cover they have at the back…
Will be watching it with my three Chelsea supporting brothers. How I’d love a victory.
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I actually hate the blue scum more than the scum, and I also have a lot of blue scum fans in the family.
It will make my Christmas if we can beat them.
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May all your dreams come true.
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I think King will be fit for the game, so if Redknapp wants to play a 4-4-2, he could simply move Walker to RM and put Kaboul at RB where his penchant for ball watching might be less damaging.
Although I think we’ve really got to start giving Sandro the responsibility in midfield. Big clubs will be offering big money very soon. If he’s playing more regularly, he’ll be less inclined to want a move. If we can somehow fit Parker, Sandro, Modric, VdV, Bale and Adebayor in the team, we should do it. Lennon has been playing pretty well recently, but his injury record is awful; can’t be relied upon.
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I’m a huge Sandro fan. Play him.
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Brilliant article Alan, great stuff. I heard there’s been a tremendous fire in the A*****al trophy room…. damage has been estimated at £2.76p!!! … the old ‘uns are the best!! Merry Christmas !
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