Tottenham Hotspur - Official thread

[EJG1980]

Not a good performance last night! While we did well to draw level I think the most disappointing thing was that after we made it 2-2, Basel pretty much dominated the rest of the match. We should have taken advantage of that momentum change but we couldn't get the ball off Basel for the rest of the match (and when we did we invariably passed it straight back to them).

Barring a weird result like a 3-3 or 4-4 draw, we've got to go to Basel and win now, which is going to be very tough but at least it's doable and a better position than if we were one or two goals behind still. We're going to have to play a hell of a lot better though.

Now of course we can all **** ourselves over Bale's fitness! AVB said he doesn't think it's as bad as it looked and is very hopeful that Bale will only miss two games and should be back to face Man City. You never know though, until they do a scan, it's gonna be a nervous wait. Also gutted to see Lennon have to go off injured again so soon after coming back.

Edit:


As these stats prove (which are in no way influenced by sample size or quality of opposition) we win just as much without Bale and actually score more goals when he isn't playing. Take your time Gaz, no rush, you're just holding us back anyway

[Kit]

Just seen the Bale injury. Not as bad as the screen cap would have you believe. I think he'll be back very soon.

[EJG1980]

Yeah, AVB said basically the same thing. If he's right about him being back in time to face Man City I'll be happy with that. The nerves will be jangling until they get the scan done and confirm it one way or another though.

Update: Phew! Assuming all goes well both Bale and Lennon should only miss the league match against Everton this weekend and the away match against Basel.

[fallenangle]

I don't see the return Basel match as being anything more than Spurs had to do to start with. We have to beat them, away from home admittedly, but isn't that what we had to do anyway?

The first leg was a poor performance; the number of time Spurs players dwelt on the ball in dangerous positions and were mugged made me shout at the TV. In many ways Basel mirrored Spurs own best game, their small right winger was doing to Assou-Ekotto just what Lennon usually does to opposition left backs and same sort of thing was happening on the other wing too.

Basel are beatable even without Lennon, Bale and Defoe but it is going to take a very disciplined and committed performance.

Must beat Everton this weekend but why are we being made to play so soon after the Basel match when we've already played a game more than most of the other top six?

[EJG1980]

Brown trousers supply running low, preparing the large cork and extra strength superglue.

Arsenal's game in hand is against Everton* so hopefully the blues can get at least a point at the Emirates to help us stay ahead by the skin of our teeth. I think we'll do it though, Chelsea and Arsenal won't be perfect until the end of the season, plenty of twists and turns to come. It'll be tighter than a camel's arse in a sandstorm, but we'll make top four.

FA - We just played the normal Europa League schedule, Thursday then Sunday. Those around us had games postponed due to the cups. Our turn to benefit next week after the Basel match when we get over a week break before we play Man City.

*Apart from the fact that it's against Norwich Come on Chrissy Hughton!

[Kit]

Not making it easy for themselves, are they Spurs?

Really want them to get the fourth champions league spot but it's looking like it's going to come down to the last game.

Think you'll do well if you make it there with Andre Villas-Boas - best name in the league btw!

[EJG1980]

Not making it easy for themselves, are they Spurs?

That's clearly the most rhetorical question ever

[Kit]

he he

Had a brief look at the AVB memes.

This one made me smile.

[EJG1980]

I tend to stay away from trying to get a rise from Arsenal fans about stuff like that, far too easy for them to turn it around!

"Ha ha, you haven't won anything for 8 years!"

"Well you haven't won the league title for 52 years, the FA Cup for 22, or even finished above us for 17!"

"Er, well, you see... er... Pft, you trophy obsessed glory hunter!"

[fallenangle]

I'm most worried about Spurs final place in the Premiership coming down to goal difference. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are by far better than Spurs, I think it was +12 better in both cases even before the games this past weekend. That can't change much now, barring a miracle. Spurs have to do it on points.

[EJG1980]

Yeah, all our victories this season have usually been by a single goal, occasionally two, thrashings are not our forte. It's definitely an area where both Chelsea and Arsenal are ahead of us. I think the only time we've won by more than two goals in the league was the 4-0 win away at Aston Villa.

[EJG1980]

Not making it easy for themselves, are they Spurs?

This is gonna be a very reusable quote

Extra time awaits, with ten men. If we can just somehow get one goal and sneak ahead on away goals..... whatever happens, very lucky we've got the weekend off, it's knackering just watching this let alone playing it!

[Kieran76]

Some genius defending by Spurs.

[bwi]

hmmm adebayor

[EJG1980]

Still no penalty shoot out win since 1994. Utterly gutted