Season 2012-13

Goodbye Luka. Remember The Good Times

/ Alan / 22 Comments

Luka, goodbye and good luck. I’ll only remember the good times, and they were rich, plentiful and sweet.

The finest midfielder to wear the shirt since Gascoigne, on his day he made the team hum with energy and purpose. He was the link between defence and attack, taking the ball from the toes of the back four and looking up, always looking up. In his mind’s eye he saw not what was happening but what could happen. Pass and move, the ball had barely left his foot before he was gone into space, finding some where before there was none. Available and ready, pass and move.

Loutish uncouth opponents clattered in, lured by the thin, bony frame,but they arrived and he was gone, riding the challenges and away. Pass and move. The Tottenham way. This was his home. Many looked his way, we made eye contact and began a 4 year love affair that sadly ended as all affairs do but the ecstatic pleasure will last until I’m old and grey.

When he played, Tottenham played. He dictated the shape and pace of the whole game. He oiled the cogs and powered the engine. He demanded attention so his team-mates had more time and space. They made a run, knowing Luka would find them. Too often he paused at the edge of the box, instinct compelling him to roll the ball into channels, only to find others on a different wavelength. But when it worked, Spurs sang a song of joy. Flowing, easy movement as natural as breathing yet breathtaking given the ferocious pace and physicality of the modern game. Too late now but watch him from pitch level. We spectators merely have to sit, not worry about a bouncing ball or stalking defenders, but he sees gaps where you see massed ranks of defenders, he sees opportunities where you see only threats.

Every great player has their trademark, something which makes them stand out from the rest. Luka could pass short into the channels or take half a team out of the match with a sweeping diagonal stretching 50 yards. He buzzed around the edge of the box or drove us onwards  from deep. But I will always fondly recall the way he took a ball under pressure, often his own half and with his back to the onrushing tacklers, and with a dip of the shoulder send them one way as he went the other into clean, fresh air.

For many the undignified end to his time at Spurs has tarnished his reputation. Whilst I have no wish to either ignore his refusal to play or make excuses for him, frankly it didn’t much matter. Sorely peeved after his move to Chelsea was vetoed last season, he knuckled down and gave his best. This summer, he was always going to leave and everyone knew it. Pointless to play him for just 2 games if we are rebuilding the team, although goodness knows we missed his creativity. If he went on strike as is rumoured, we probably saved a few bob on his salary. We can’t begrudge him a move to one of the two most famous and illustrious club sides in the world, and he had the good grace to shun Chelsea and United.

Even so, this isn’t the way to remember him. Players come and go, only we the fans are constant, lasting, loyal. And what do we have if we don’t have good memories, golden exuberance that balances out the drudgery and pain. That’s what supporting a club is all about, the precious moments that linger for a lifetime. Ask yourself this – when you tell your wide-eyed children or grandchildren about this wonderful game,  this great club and its heroes, what story will you spin? Majestic players who left the crowd spellbound, or contract negotiations?

Some say Luka Modric is not all that. Over-rated. Ineffective. Never mind show me your medals, show me your stats. Where are the goals? Where are the assists?  He should have scored more, of course he should, a man with his sublime touch couldn’t connect cleanly, I can’t understand that. But he played deep, he made the pass to the man who made the pass yet that’s discounted. He lifted the side when times were rough. Miserable and wretched stats, the curse of the modern game where there’s no need to make up your own mind, to have an opinion, to even watch the match, just count.

Let’s therefore expunge the memory of the Tottenham greats. Let’s rid ourselves of the others who don’t match these standards, starting with another midfielder who only played in 20 minutes spells, who couldn’t kick a dead ball for toffee, who scored only 16 times in over 220 appearances, who tired as the game went on. Ossie Ardiles, a peerless maestro who ran the game in those 20 minute spells and picked up a World Cup winners medal along the way.

With Ossie as with Luka, remember them for what did rather than what they did not. They conjured magnificent creations of joy and wonder on the pitch. Luka, thanks for memories. I’m glad my children could see in their lifetime a midfield player as good as you. They understand. I wish I could have seen you, for one last time, not to change your mind but just to say, I miss you. Good luck, goodbye.

A Work In Progress, and Progress Is Slow

/ Alan / 22 Comments

Bright start, on top early, turning to complete domination as the first half progresses. Creating a steady stream of chances that cry out for a finish, a mere touch but the crosses find only fresh air. Playing well after the break but gradually tire as the other lot come into it more. Defensive calamities suddenly appear where before there was calm and serenity. This week was worse because we went ahead but it’s becoming a habit.

Different formations and new beginnings but by the finish there was a depressing familiarity about this performance with two standout features. One, a stream of crosses and four good inside the box chances that were created by football with an easy, natural rhythm, but they were missed. Two, defensive shambles precisely at the time when we should be shutting the game down dead.

I tend towards a philosophical approach at this point in the season. Depends on how you see it. Undeniably there was plenty of good football. We passed our way through the West Brom team on many occasions. Movement was intelligent, the energy and purpose beyond reproach. Our untroubled defence coped easily with our opponents who did not manage a shot until right at the end of the opening half. Sandro and Livermore were strong in centre midfield, breaking up any attempts to come close. We missed the chances but the time to really worry is when we don’t make them in the first place.

On the other hand, this match was ours for the taking – we earned it – yet it drifted away with some tired, weak-minded defending. As soon as the pressure was on, we looked vulnerable. As the second half wore on, Sandro was visibly wilting after 70 minutes, Rafa was excellently creative for an hour, then was gone, whilst Bale and Lennon struggled to get into the game at all.

The introduction of Lukaku changed everything. ‘He came from Stamford Bridge, he’s bigger than a fridge,’ sang the Baggies. They have a real player on their hands, at least for the season. He’s fearsomely muscular and athletic. Immediately he tore into our defence, Gallas’s years of nouse melting away in the face of this mighty raw talent. Thunder and lightning around the ground was a portent of doom. I’m fully aware of Dawson’s shortcomings but what he brings to the pitch outweighs any problems and it’s hard to escape the conclusion that he could have handled this better.

Friedel made a series of excellent saves to keep us first in the game and then ahead, once Benny’s fluky effort bounced in past Foster, stranded by the deflection. One in particular, low to his left, was top class. Panic ensured as easy clearances were missed. The mantra of possession was quickly forgotten as West Brom pushed forward in numbers.

Even so, it looked as if we got away with it, enjoying a few precious boring minutes of dull possession with about 5 to go. Then a few corners, two off the line before the Baggies deliriously celebrated their equaliser. We failed to not only clear the crosses, we left their big men unmarked deep in our territory. Inexcusable.

On the way home, there was plenty of time for reflection in the North Circular car park. The RAC travel app, it’s not accurate and that’s all I can bring myself to say about it, although other language was used yesterday evening. Two matches in and there’s room to be philosophical. I’m wary of judgements at this point but although there was a lot to admire, I remain sourly disappointed. At the back, we fell apart under pressure – that will be noticed. Up front, as the crosses sizzled in, Defoe and others hung back. What’s the point? If the plan is to cross, the edge of the 6 yard box is the first and only place to be.

The chances fell to Sandro, Vertonghen, VDV and Lennon, to Bale in the second half after a sumptuous diagonal from Rafa. Wrong foot, not strikers – it showed but if we are playing with one up front, the midfield has to take this kind of chance. Our efforts were dreadful – Foster didn’t have to save any of those 5. Manu offered a focus but there is an inherent problem with one up front in our current formation. Bale and Lennon offer width but there’s nothing to aim for in the middle. If we are to set up chances using these wide players rather than through-balls, this has to change. Lennon looks speedy and bouncy, but he’s not sharp in the area. Much better than he was, but still not sharp enough.

This was a problem last season. It’s a work in progress so my patience is holding out, but progress right now is slow. I predicted that  the fans should brace ourselves for a sticky start, and so it has proved. Things will get better, but these two matches, whilst demonstrating our potential, has ended up focussing attention on long-standing problems still to be solved.

Warm, rich applause rippled around the Lane for every second of the 26th minute, a token of our gratitude to Ledley King, one of Tottenham’s finest. A real Spur, I wish him well in retirement, although I wonder if he might feel empty without football. He doesn’t strike me as someone who will easily slip into either punditry or business, so I hope the club properly look after him.

AVB’s Reign Begins. In Defeat, Some Positives

/ Alan / 24 Comments

The better team, dominant indeed for extended periods. Friedel has a quiet afternoon. That superiority isn’t converted into goals. Sure we come close, hit the woodwork maybe, but all the flowing football means little if the chances aren’t taken. Time passes, we fade, our opponents take full advantage of rare but significant errors and we are punished, albeit with at least one excellent strike.

A cursory glance at that summary of yesterday’s game and you could be forgiven for thinking it’s the new season but the same old Tottenham. Yet there was plenty to admire in a good performance characterised by movement, pace and possession, which augers well for the months to come. Cut out the sort of unforced errors that cost us dear and invest well in the market, then we have something to look forward to.

The speculation regarding our style under Villas-Boas became substance. This is what we know.

We know that as expected, AVB’s Spurs play an intense pressing game, hunting in clusters to restrict both time and space not just for any opponent on the ball but also for any team-mate he seeks to pass to. This left a weakness on the flanks, however.

That the famed and feared high line helps to compress the space still further when we do not have possession but it was not really in evidence too much. Newcastle never stranded our defenders.

That we’re offering a 4-2-3-1 with two predominantly defensive midfielders, Sandro and Livermore yesterday, and that frequently one of them drops into the back four at the earliest sign of attacking pressure. Bale, Sigurdsson and Lennon were the three further forward, swift and eager to support lone striker Defoe. Those runs from deep created opportunities because we had numbers forward far more swiftly than last season. Our totals of attempted and successful passes in the final third were very high, double that of Newcastle.

That whatever we call the formation, flexibility is the key. Lennon and Bale swapped wings, Sandro often went forward. So did Walker, who searches with masochistic relish for any opportunity to make a lung-busting 50 or 60 yard foray forward to turn defence into attack. Benny’s caution meanwhile was conspicuous by its contrast. That whatever the formation, possession is precious. That it’s tiring – we were noticeably less effective in the final quarter and that was not just about Newcastle’s improved second half performance. We cannot afford the luxury of going behind in games in the second half.

That Sigurdsson is an important player. In that central role, he put in both hard yards and clever touches, linking up with Defoe every chance he had. He’s been given license to shoot often. That he and Rafa may not be compatible in this line-up. Rafa has less energy, although he works much harder than many Spurs fans give him credit for, but he has the passing range to unlock defences. Several times we saw his long diagonals trying to pick out a man in the box, but this was not the way with our lack of power and strength up front.

That AVB is capable of surprises. Leaving Vertonghen on the bench in favour of Gallas was most unexpected. It could also signal the fact that we will not be after another central defender in the foreseeable future.

That AVB can clearly get his message through to his players. In a very short space of time they have become comfortable with the new system. It suits their skills and physical attributes, and there was an air of confidence from front to back.

That some of AVB’s decisions will frustrate and bewilder. Bale and Lennon were less effective after they swapped wings yet we persisted with that set-up for too long.

That we need a striker. But we knew that already.

Despite the defeat, there are genuine and lasting positives to take away with us. There’s plenty to show that the formation suits us, the players are motivated and we can play attacking football without forgoing the defensive fortitude often lacking last season that will serve us well in the long  haul between now and next May. At times the movement and pace stunned the Geordie defenders.

Having anther striking option would not necessarily have won this match,

Sandro Tweeted This Self-Portrait On Friday – “I miss play for my team.”

although it might well have done so, but it will win games in the future if we play like this. Defoe did well yesterday, using his brain rather than shooting on sight, or even when he can’t see anything but the centre half’s backside in front of him. He took up excellent positions, moving into the channels in tune with his team-mates. He certainly applied himself for the whole game even though he had some quiet patches where we did not find him. But we need more. We know that, AVB knows that and so does Daniel Levy. Expect business this week – maybe the defeat will hurry things along.

Last season we did not see the best of Newcastle against Spurs and for the first half that’s the way it carried on. Their back four was easily isolated as we made full use of the space in front of them. Siggy, Bale and Walker galloped into the gaps. Lennon had the beating of his full-back. Because we could pull the ball back into the space in front of their defensive line, the lack of an authentic centre forward wasn’t so apparent. Lennon set up Bale beautifully but he hit the bar, while earlier a  better choice of final ball could have produced a goal. JD hit the post after a brisk, flowing move, starting from deep.

Friedel had little to do despite the Geordie’s much vaunted striking duo and Krul was much the busier keeper. Sandro and Livermore were booked by the over fussy referee. Hearty congratulations to Jake for his England cap. He was too enthusiastic today – he must learn than you can press without tackling. Today his timing was off.

Newcastle were better organised in the second half and their resilience and team-work born from a season together proved its worth as the game went on. The same can’t said for their off-field organisation. With Pardew in the stands, his efforts to communicate with the bench turned to farce. We found out that the radio doesn’t work and no one in Newcastle has a mobile so the coaching staff waited patiently in line to take messages downstairs like Roman centruions along Hadrian’s Wall.

In the end, despite our overall superiority, one mistake and one example of being taken for mugs won the match. Walker’s poor header was picked up by a proper striker, who did nothing throughout except turn and plant his one opportunity firmly in the far corner. That’s what proper strikers do, after all.

Defoe and Spurs deserved the equaliser. After our incisive, clean play, this was a messy one, with first Defoe’s header then his follow up hitting defenders, the keeper and the post before going in. The shame was, we couldn’t hang on. We gifted Newscastle  penalty winner. We were tiring and they had used the space we left on the wings well, something AVB will have to address, but Ben Arfa played us for mugs, darting for a gap between VDV and Lennon. We fell for it and he toppled, a clear but avoidable penalty. A disappointing end when we deserved more from the game but there’s plenty of good things to take away. I’ve predicted a stuttering start then improvement in the longer run. Let’s hope that ‘it’s a long season’ gives us something to anticipated rather than dread.

Tottenham Hotspur Season Preview 2012-13. Take the Long View

/ Alan / 20 Comments

Pre-season previews used to be easy. Analyse the players, add the manager’s likely tactics, stir in a liberal dose of unsubstantiated optimism masquerading as hitherto unfilled potential and there you have it. Swift appraisal of a few rivals, think of a possible final finishing position then go two places higher and pretend you know what you are talking about.

These days, you can’t even work out when the season starts, let alone predict what will happen when it does. The fixture list says it’s this coming Saturday but a more accurate date is when the transfer window closes, because it’s then and only then that Spurs will begin to build a team in earnest. As for the manager, we know more about his inability to handle an aging and vindictive squad minus any support from the club owner than we do about his prospects for our team. Indications are that he gets on with the players and comes over well at press conferences. Frankly not the most solid foundation for this crucial season to come.

So all I feel able to predict with any confidence, and this blog is nothing if not honest with my small but gallant band of readers, is that the opening weeks of the season will be fraught with tension on and off the pitch. Villas Boas has a good number of fine footballers at his disposal and it will be fascinating to see what he does with them. Expect retaining possession as an absolute imperative and demands for more effort to ensure we have ample protection when we lose it. There’s pace throughout the side to plug any gaps and swiftly turn defence into attack. Anticipate counter-attacking and goals from midfield. What the hell, let’s go all the whole hog and add goals from set-pieces too. Eye-witness accounts on the US tour suggest we’ve been practicing but this may be a rumour on a par with sightings of a yeti in Bruce Grove.

However, carelessly we approach the season with only a single striker, one who can’t play on his own up front. Injury and Olympic duty deprive us of the core of our midfield even without filling that Modric-sized hole. Don’t get too close to the edge – last time I looked it goes almost to the earth’s core. Our goalie appears indestructible but can’t go on forever. Then there’s the need for back-up in several positions, notably full-back and striker, as we must rotate during a long and busy season. Our first match is away to Newcastle, settled and ready to develop last season’s success. Harry’s media are waiting to pounce. They sense weakness like hyenas pursuing a wounded wildebeest – a hair out of place in Scott Parker’s immaculate 50s coiffure and Spurs become a Crisis Club, let alone two defeats before August is out.

Earlier this summer I wondered if the purchases of Sigurdsson and Vertonghen signalled a significant policy change, not just in terms of buying players before 23.59.59 on deadline day but also a greater flexibility in our prudent but constraining salary structure. Siggy spurned Liverpool and his managerial mentor, whilst Bale signed without the dreaded protracted and public negotiation period. I even broke my golden rule on TOMM and accepted information about a player signing in advance of an offical announcement. Levy had somehow managed to sort out Abebayor… we’re still waiting.

Whilst Levy and AVB seek long-term value, we must brace ourselves for our traditional early season curtain-raiser – a frantic search for quality players set against a backdrop of ITK-fuelled fan apoplexy. I’m sure that substantial funds are available – Levy must surely be willing to back his new manager to a considerable extent if not quite to the hilt – and the marketplace is tough, but we should be more prepared by now. In Levy’s defence, the men we chase are much in demand. Top-class strikers and central midfielders are in short supply and come at a real premium. No wonder they, their agents and their current employers wait to see if a better offer comes in. Higher salary, higher percentage cut, higher transfer fee. No Champions League for them if they choose N17. Don’t forget it’s often the player and the selling club who wait until the window is about to close rather than Levy playing poker for the sake of it.

That said, for the right player if 10k a week and a few million over the top is the price to pay to pull out a plum, then it’s money well spent as far as I’m concerned. Push the boat out, Dan. Think of the TV money. Luka’s lucre. Think what a difference a few good men will make.

The Bleedin’ Obvious

Last month I was optimistic that AVB represented a good fit with Tottenham Hotspur. He’s ambitious, clear-thinking and will provide that extra touch of organisation that would have given us the edge at the end of last season. But in the end it’s down to players and we have some very good ones, who like our boss are on the up and determined to succeed. Young, with no entrenched ideas or notions above their station, I trust they will be biddable to the gaffer’s ideas.

That’s why I believe that we can look forward to a decent season after a stuttering start. We’ve changed the manager but can build on what we already have rather than undertake time-consuming and expensive team rebuilding. Bale, Walker, Sandro and Kaboul are top quality players with plenty still to come. Parker and Van der Vaart are top quality who despite their success what more. Lennon, Huddlestone and Assou Ekotto will do for me, while Vertonghen and Sigurdsson are good buys. Then we’re back to signings and strikers again.

Livermore is Our Leader?

Begins and ends here. Get it right and everything spins smoothly on its axis. A decent centre midfielder has to tackle hard, get forward into the box to shoot before dropping back to shore up the back four. They must have the touch of an angel to keep possession, the hide of an ox to fend off the elbows-out late challenges. Run all day yet maintain a clear head. Anticipate the danger and be there before it happens. We don’t ask for much.

This is Sandro’s year, when he becomes a world-renowned defensive midfielder. He really does have the lot. Maybe we should be grateful that he was injured for much of last term because it’s prevented clubs from seeing just how could he can be, so no transfer bids. And while we’re talking about injuries, Parker needs a rest. It’s a shame it’s imposed on us but last season his performances tailed away a little, so come March we might be grateful that his season begins in late September.

Meanwhile, with Sandro still playing for Brazil and having never trained with AVB, we have a problem. Hud is a fine player but I suspect he’s too slow for his manager’s liking, especially as he’s still getting match fit after almost a year out. He may well have to adapt or be on his way out. So how about Jenas as our saviour? Give him one job to do in front of the back four rather than expect him to get into the box as well and we might get more from him. Now who would have thought it possible? On his side is the fact that he’s fit and still here.

Livermore was a great success last season and he will look forward to the extra responsibility that will surely be thrust upon him in the next month or so. He works hard, looks for the ball constantly and has feet quick enough to keep the ball circulating. Above all, he will not shirk his duties. I’m so out of touch, I did not realise until today that he could play for England this week. Good luck to him.

The Spine

Kaboul and Vertonghen could develop into an excellent partnership in the centre of our defence. Kaboul was many fans’ player of the season last time around – cut out some impetuous challenges and not get caught going too tight on his marker and he’s ready for the big time. From what little I’ve seen of Vertonghen, he’s fast and can cover well. He’s also burning to play for Spurs.

Also, Dawson will fit alongside both these men, their pace and that of our full-backs making up for the problem he has in that respect. He’s learned to cope with that well but defending is a team responsibility and if he plays, others can work with him. He’s wonderful in the box and a real leader. My only doubt is whether he will be able to come back from two serious leg injuries in a relatively short space of time. Caulker makes four. Gallas if fit is back-up but they may well let him go.

Without becoming a negative team, I wonder if Spurs’ defence may be our making this season. Certainly we will be better organised and less cavalier, with the midfield dropping back more readily than under Harry.

Going into the season with our current goalkeeping line-up is fraught with peril. Friedel was a rock last term, an inspired piece of business from HR. However, he can’t keep that bounce in his legs forever and injuries take longer to heal as you get on a bit (ain’t that the truth!). Cudicini was an able deputy but also has time against him, and goodness knows how Gomes’ fragile mental state has coped with a year of being humiliatingly ignored. Sometimes the new guy means a fresh start but surely for Gomes that has to be at another club.

Goals From Midfield

Bale could be the perfect left-sided player for AVB. Maybe he’ll find a home further forward. I’m not sure how VDV and Siggy will fit together but I’m looking forward to finding out. Certainly we should expect double figures from all of them. Have to, really – no strikers you see. Lennon has worked hard on his game but he’s not an all-rounder and may struggle with extra defensive work.

JD is no all-rounder either and again may suffer if he’s expected to hold up the ball and bring others into the game as well as score a few. Chances will come his way, however, with not only such attacking talents but also BAE and Walker flying forward.

Best of the Rest

Spurs’ policy of loaning out young players is paying dividends. Caulker returns a seasoned pro at Premier League and Olympic level. Kane has promise, perhaps better as coming from deep not the 40s centre forward he resembles. However, otherwise it’s hard to see the young men stepping into battle just yet. I was impressed with Tom Carroll and we should see him in the Europa League. Naughton and Rose will offer much-needed back-up at full-back where Benny and Walker were played into the ground last time but Rose still can’t find a position that truly suits him and in places the cover is as thin as the hair on my head.

I can’t see a future here for Bentley, Bassong or Dos Santos.

TOMM

Refreshed after the break, I’ve paid frankly no attention to the friendlies but I’m looking forward to the new season as always. And as always, my hopes for the season are that we are contenders. That big teams worry about playing us. That we have a real go at every competition, including the Europa League. It’s essential that we reinforce that spine with strikers and a centre midfielder as a priority, or else it will all go to waste. You want a number? You do? OK then – 5th.

More of the same from me this coming season – impassioned, reasoned debate about all aspects of the club and reflections on every match. I’ll also begin a series looking back at some of the significant moments and turning points in our recent history plus some profiles on players who served the club well but do not get the attention they deserve, true Unsung Heroes.

Look forward to your company.