Tottenham Hotspur still have slim hopes of reaching the Europa League this season, but with only two games now remaining in the 2019/20 calendar, it means manager Jose Mourinho simply has to take six points from both Leicester City this Sunday, and then Crystal Palace in a weeks time, if we are to have a European adventure in 2020/21.
Unbeaten in four, with back to back victories, should give us some confidence of achieving just that, and Harry Kane will certainly be in good spirits having crashed through the 200 goals marker – but we all know our play is far from perfect and massive questions remain about performances.
Leicester...
Win
Draw
Lose
Whatever does happen with the chase for Europe, we all know it’s mainly about taking some form, momentum and confidence into next season to try and put what has been a massively difficult, and extremely poor year, completely behind us.
Sensible strengthening to really freshen up the group and what many hope will be a major defensive rebuild would put us on the right track again, but until then, all eyes to the fourth placed Foxes as anything other than a win, simply won’t be good enough.
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Jod – on Hojbjerg I must admit I did read some of the same as yourself – but is it fair critique or is it sour grapes because he wants to go and been clear about this?! Also they seemed to criticise him especially in terms of goals and assists, etc even creativity yet as I understand it we’re after him to be our main DMC – so I don’t understand the criticism – DMC’s are not there to be creative and assist and score – they are there to defend and do all that entails and keep it simple generally and lay it off regularly to the more attacking players in the team!
Anyway if he does come it should be because JM rates him and wants him so I would welcome him no problem! Ancelotti is a top class manager and wants him quite badly from the looks of things – wonder why?! Hasenhuttl wants him to stay and was there captain – how bad can he be when several Prem manager’s including 2 world class one’s in JM and CA are clearly wanting his services from the look/sound of things?! Not to mention he’s discounted in price because of his contract situation and being at a lesser club on top which is a bonus also given our financial constraints at the moment!
Hi EJ. Portugeezer!
“DMC’s are not there to be creative and assist and score – they are there to defend and do all that entails and keep it simple generally and lay it off regularly to the more attacking players in the team!”
For me, there, you have just perfectly described Harry Winks. 🙂
P.S. As I thought but did not write as was not 100% certain – having just re-checked it was indeed Ralph who made him captain at Southampton!
There were rumours that Arse were interested also but because of his desire to come to us apparently they did not pursue/follow it up! 4 year’s finishing above them, etc so no reason not to believe he would prefer us to them!
Interesting stat just read – Hojbjerg has won possession in the middle third more times than any other player in the Premier League this season (181).
This is exactly the kind of thing a proper DMC does and what we need in CM but anyway let’s wait and see what happens as it’s not sounding too good at the moment with those bloody scouser’s all over him lol!
EJ, I wasn’t knocking your opinion on transfers, in or out. Just responding by putting up my own opinions.
I have seen the TW play out a thousand times and occasionally I have followed the hype myself on certain players that we have been associated with. Berahino, Grealish etc, etc. And, this was because I liked those and certain other players. But where are they?
It’s more than obvious to me that the vast majority of rumours, whether they be from so called ITK’s, pundits, former players or even from the players own mouths, that 95% of all talk is either rubbish (and known to be rubbish by those spouting it) or won’t happen even if there is a glimmer of truth to it. And what I nearly always see from us supporters when we talk up certain players as possible Spurs players, that there is no coincidence that so many of those players are the very same ones that the media etc are gossiping about in relation to our club at any given time.
Of course when I say 95% that is just a way of saying the vast majority. It’s not scientific. 🙂
I don’t scout players from other clubs. I didn’t follow Sessegnon week in and week out when at Fulham. I haven’t been keeping a dossier on Max Aarons at Norwich or watching every move that Hojbjerg makes at the Saints. So, I don’t know what these guys are truly capable of. I do have an opinion on what I have seen but only from when they have played against Spurs or from a few minutes on MotD. This is not enough reason for me to covet them for Spurs.
I will know much better the high profile players at the top clubs because I do watch them more regularly and of course I will see them play at major tournaments such as the WC. And the top players just stand out for us all to see. But I still don’t really have much of a clue about even them being right for Spurs . And my brain just doesn’t have enough room in it to care too much about who may or may not be the next Spurs sensation that never happens. And that includes some players that we already have! Sessegnon, Ndombele, Clarke and Fernandes for example.
But the ones at Spurs that I will stick up for. I watch them closely and with a critical eye. And if I like what I see then I will happily and easily support them as one of ours…. Winks, Dier, Davies etc… And those that are not at Spurs, well I don’t give too much thought to them until they are on the same field as THFC.
When they are a Spur is when I care about them. And even those that I say I wouldn’t fancy at the club but turn up there anyway. Then they will get my support. It’s that simple for me. I support the club and I can’t help who plays for it. So they all get the benefit of any previous doubts I may have had about them.
I will criticise when I want to but on the whole I know I have no choice but to go with it come what may. With or without Harry Kane, Jose or Levy. With or without Winks, Davies, Sissoko or Aurier etc. But that’s just me and my thoughts…
( By the way, all of those players, including HK and others such as Hugo, Modric, Bale, Eriksen, VDV, Berbatov, Keane, Defoe blah blah… have been singled out by many THFC supporters, as not good enough for Spurs, when already at Spurs …… And, many more.
I have read on here and the forum that Dier is just plain rubbish. But I believe that he has a great talent. Either way, the men at THFC say Hey Eric, stay and play! So all of us will just have love it (him) or lump it … Haha!
Up the Spurs and all who sail in her!
No worries HT – good read as always!
Of course you’re right – nobody should get very/fully wrapped up in the speculation because it rarely comes to much, but there are occasions when it does and it’s all part and parcel of being a fan and also having something to discuss and offer opinion’s about, etc!
On Winks I would actually like to see him play more regularly with a proper DMC behind him covering and letting him move forwards more and help in the transition – even JM saw this role for him when he first took over and played Dier as the DMC partnered with Winks taking up the other double pivot role in CM to spread the play to the attacker’s, etc!
N’Dombele also should play this kind of role given his talent but so far has not found the fitness necessary to help himself develop anywhere near full enough in the Prem, etc!
Anyway let’s wait and see what happens – not long now for the merry go round to start and for plenty to opine about and be up for discussion further, etc – LOL!
Anyway, I have criticised our current manager on here more so than any other before him. But I have said more than enough to make my point…
And, , the bottom line for me is that just as with most of our players I can recognise his certain talents. And as with certain players, his football may not be so pretty on the eye. And of course I have a few years of my previous bias against him and his general footballing philosophy. But, he is not the Chelsea or MU manager anymore and so like those who don’t rate Dier (even though Jose does and the last couple of England managers have)…. I will have to lump him (I mean support him), for now.
So, after all my boring this and boring that, I will concede that he is our man now and that he does have us winning right now. And so, he get’s my (begrudging) support. As does Aurier and all the rest.
It’s only fair….
As someone who has always admired Mourinho’s track record, I will be the first to say that the game against Leicester wasn’t fun to watch. It was a lesson in pragmatism more than anything.
I just goes to show that you don’t need to dominate possession to win games convincingly. Leicester had 79% possession, more than 80% in the second half, but only very rarely threatened and were on the losing end of a rather unflattering score.
I just think that having favoured MP’s philosophy for 5 years without it delivering any silverware (however pleasing to the eye), I just think that Jose, although arguably diametrically opposed in style, may bring something different to the club. A no-nonsense, rudely effective way of playing the game, and if that does bring silverware, we’ll have seen both ends of the spectrum as fans, which very few fan bases can say. Of course, for that, Mourinho has to win something. Time will tell.
El Jefe – In my experience when fans are upset about a player leaving they start criticising the player’s disloyalty and the owner’s “lack of ambition”. All these Southampton fans were interested in was how much they could get for him.
BS …. I think you summed up our present situation perfectly …. Jose may bring trophies to The Lane, but it wasn’t fun to watch. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out among Spurs Supporters as time goes on. I’m sure the result will be endless arguments.
I am going to write something that will upset some…I hate the word “DEADWOOD” used describe a a pro-footballer, esp one at our club, surely there must be a better word to use for a player in somebodies opinion that is not required, I may have used that word myself at some time, so for that I am full of regret and sorry.
HT….how old are you? lol! having seen the TW shenanigans a 1000 times lol! I thought I was getting on, lol!
Also totally agree with your comment describing a DM, I am so with you there, I also believe that Winks has that type of player in him and that if I am right JM will bring it out of him, Winks is starting to have that, in JM’s own words, C&%T attitude in him.
To be honest, as I have said before, if we win trophies I couldn’t give 2 hoots how it is done, style of play etc, because bragging rights exceed everything.
We have finished for the 5th time above that lot down the road, so the word chuffed comes into being. COYS
Roy keane said some time ago… when Man Utd played spurs, Alex Fergie said to the players…. DOn’t worry lads its only tottenham fancy dans.., give them some tough treatment and they will fold. How many times have we seen this happen over the last 25 years..
Thats what we need now some grit and toughness, looks like Jose has got through to the players… nice boys don’t win titles. Now look at the record over last 5 yrs. Improved play but… not enough to win PL / semi finals in LCup / FA Cup / and CL Final. So IMO jose can win us silverware and I think he will surprise us with the quality of play on the way to winning these cups and PL. COYS 🙂
PY. Don’t you know it’s rude to ask an old tart like me, his age…
But if you insist. I’m over 20 and under 80!
HT, I wasn’t trying to upset an old tart, mind quite tasty lol!
Your age mate is irrelevant as am in same bracket, a pair of old tarts lol! COYS
HT re defensive midfielder. I can’t agree with your assessment on H Winks. As I Said earlier he doesn’t bring enough either defensively or offensively to convince me that he is a top player. He plays a lot of nothing balls often side ways and backwards. I usually see the player who passes to him immediately get it back again. He has been caught out wrong sided and is often seen scrabbling to get back pulling at the player and giving away silly fouls. There are no last gasp tackles he is no Scott Parker. Sorry not for me.
Jod – let’s wait and see – we’ll soon start finding out if for example Hoj is going to come to us or not – we can then if necessary discuss much further – no point in full blown discussion’s on player’s who are not our’s yet I guess – otherwise we’d probably be here 24/7, etc lol!
PY – no offence taken on the use of “deadwood” – was literally for want of a better term/word – maybe should have called them “surpluses” or something else, etc – I agree!
As regards finishing above Arse – I read it was 4 times now in a row but if it’s 5 – all the better LOL!
On Winks I’m more inclined to agree with ND unfortunately and would prefer to see Winks have a DMC to cover him ideally and allow him to dictate play better from the middle of the park to the attackers – in transition in other words lol!
That’s pretty much me for now over……….!
https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/st-gooners-day-some-spurs-react-to-finishing-above-arsenal-for-fourth-year-in-a-row/
PY just checked – I was right lol – it’s still only 4 year’s and not 5, 5 will be next May LOFL!
EJ…you are quite right regards 4 times, realised afterwards that the old git in me was wishful thinking.
The Deadwood term wasn’t aimed at you directly, sorry if I offended you, but I doubt it, you being a Portugeyser lol! COYS
“Jod – let’s wait and see – we’ll soon start finding out if for example Hoj is going to come to us or not – we can then if necessary discuss much further – no point in full blown discussion’s on player’s who are not our’s yet I guess – otherwise we’d probably be here 24/7, etc lol”
I do make myself chuckle sometimes lol – after this comment I deserve a bit of a dressing down after all I’ve been the main culprit of speculation on in’s and out’s on here recently and the season’s not yet over!
Apologies Jod, etc for that – I did though say “I guess” to try and cover myself a bit – not really good enough I know but there you go……..!
I was of course right at the beginning though with “let’s wait and see” lol……….! As for “we’ll soon start finding out” – again a faux pas on my part most probably – especially with Mr Levy heading negotiations LOL – I read he’s upto the usual as regards Hojbjerg and Kim Min Jae already and probably the same with the likes of Castagne/Aarons, etc – LMFAO!
Geof – at least, winning itself can be fun in itself too. We all walk away from a game happier when our team has won, don’t we?
I have only very rarely walked away from a game we’d won with a feeling of disappointment. And I have only very rarely walked away from a game we’d lost with a feeling of happiness and pride. The result matters, let’s not kid ourselves.
If we can add style to that, great. But I was personally reaching the end of my patience with beautiful style and no results. Unless you are winning in style, which very few teams can do, all other possibilities will have positives and negatives (except losing with no style, but those managers don’t tend to last long in the PL).
If Jose doesn’t win anything quickly, he’ll be gone soon enough. We all know that. So let’s give him a bit of time to implement his ideas, and see if he can deliver success. And in the meantime, try to see the positives in winning pragmatically. If nothing else, it’ll be a lesson for fans who think there is only one way to win a football match.
But BS; as I understand it, there is only one way to win a football match.
And that is, to sit deep, give up at least 70% possession of the ball, invite countless attacks from the opposition (regardless of whether they are at the top or bottom of the PL), and hopefully nick a win with a couple of speedy counters on the break. And so rely heavily on the form and fitness of your goalkeeper and two main goal scorers, to hopefully keep it up for an entire season. Maybe win a cup or two and then watch the team go backwards after the head coach has alienated a couple of your star players, the chairman and the vast majority of supporters.!
I’m joking, I’m joking!
….. Or, maybe I’m not…
HT – I you read a lot of the comments on VS, many fans want the team to go back to possession-based football, because that’s the only way to win consistently, according to them. It can be an effective tactic against certain opponents, but it’s not an universal truth. 5 years of MP has demonstrated that. And that’s the point I was trying to make.
Soaking up pressure can be an effective tactic in certain situations, but isn’t a universal truth either. Ideally, you need a manager who will mix it up and define specific game plans based on who we’re facing. And if Ben Davies is to be believed, that was lacking under MP but is now present under Jose.
I don’t think we’ll always play like we did against Leicester. But against a team like Leicester that’s so good on the counter, it was clever to play the way we did and let them have possession.
To be fair regarding your last comments, the team had started to go backwards under MP too, and it’s pretty evident that a few of our star players were alienated by MP towards the end. And the same could have been said about the Redknapp era.
Shouldn’t we just accept that all cycles eventually come to an end, and that very few managers can claim that they don’t have a “sell-by date”? I just think it’s unfair to take shots at Mourinho, when in reality, those same shots could be taken against just about any manager.
Fergie had another strategy: freshen his team up often enough so that his messages would never go stale. The players had to go so that the manager could stay.
The difference is that Fergie had a board that was willing to back him unconditionally, which no manager will ever have while ENIC owns the club.
When I said I was joking, I was. 🙂
I had already written on this very thread, that I am now prepared to see Jose do it his way… But we better had bloody win something at the end of it!
I actually said earlier in the season (before lockdown), That even with JM ‘s more pragmatic tactics that we do still have enough flair in the team to make it not so one-dimensional anyway. And I do understand what you are saying… But if get bored I’m still gonna say so… 🙂