'You're not singing Maribor'
Well done to everyone who turned up and sang for ninety minutes up in the top corner of the Shelf, Block J. It made such a difference on the night and it proved that there are plenty of like-minded individuals who desire the same match-day experience, to sing continuously without complacency no matter what is happening on the pitch but to also be reactive and proactive at the same time (for example, singing after the Lloris/Naughton mistake and into half-time). The reaction from the rest of the ground wasn't as relentless in response, but perhaps others that witnessed it and couldn't start a song in their block might wish to be part of 1882 next time round.
Stick or twist?
Our gaffer admits that the system we played last night works and that it isn't too different from our normal system, yet I can't help but think that we'll settle back to what we know (away from) home on Sunday against City.
We'll play how we want
Tottenham 3 Maribor 1
Middle ground, discovered and conquered. Although it remains to be seen if we plant a flag and set up camp or move onto more familiar territory. Andre Villas-Boas, with new hair cut and new formation. On paper, a more traditional 442 with both Defoe and Adebayor in the starting line-up. In actuality, it was not too dissimilar to the usual 451 variant but with key differences. Adebayor's inclusion gave us a more refined shape and purpose. The link up play he provided for midfield to attack was imperative to the flow and fluidity of our movement. It rejuvenated us. Sure, with two forwards you can argue it's still a 442 even if one of the forwards is deep-lying and not too dissimilar to the role Dempsey has in the side. Adebayor sacrificing time up front, taking markers with him and freeing Defoe's predatory instincts. Call it what you want on paper, but out on the pitch it worked wonders.
Turn up Tottenham
Another European night at the Lane. Mid-week, under the flood lights. Who cares who the opponent is when everyone is there to see Tottenham? Or hope to see Tottenham, at the very least some reminiscence of what we expect on these types of occasions. Whether Tottenham perform is another question altogether. We've yet to do so convincingly this season at White Hart Lane.
Reading between the lines and reading too much
Tom Huddlestone quotes tinged with ambiguity.
"We're
probably harder to beat and maybe not as open (under Villas-Boas). He's
come in and been very organised, the lads know what session we're going
to do before we go out to train.
A lot of it is on rigid team shape,
whereas under previous regimes the initiative has been given to the
players to express themselves. Under this manager it's more his ideas
and we stick to them.
There have been a couple of games recently
where we've needed to create more but I think that will come in time. It
is hard for the fans. They've watched some good football over the last
three or four years, maybe in a gung-ho style. But they've just got to
be patient."
You might immediately find yourself gravitating towards the 'expression' part of the above.
Nothing will be kicked out because nobody is doing any kicking
You'll have seen the reports already concerning the SBL (Society of Black Lawyers) who are seeking to set up a union for black players and their threat directed at Tottenham concerning the use of the Y word. They plan to report the club to the police if the club / The FA fail to make zero tolerance stand against it by the 20th November. They're going to have monitors in attendance to observe and report.
Can't decided whether I'm offended by the fact the SBL refereed to us as 'Tottenham FC' or laugh how they've chosen the 20th instead of waiting until the 25th when West Ham United visit White Hart Lane where they're will be plenty of audio for their monitors to report on. The ilk of audio that carries the ugly potency of intent. But I guess actual vile racism isn't on the agenda. Just publicity. Shades of Baddiel.
Block J, White Hart Lane
Tonight we play Maribor at The Lane. The 1882 movement will be up in Block J of the Shelf stand.
We expect a night of fantastic atmosphere in a battle of noise with the passionate Slovenian support.
We hope to match them song for song in an attempt to drive the team forward to a victory we desperately need if we’re going to make it out of the group stages of the Europa League.
To sub or not to sub
Honest thoughts on the Defoe substitution?
The player was hardly involved in the game, whether he was isolated because of the lack of creativity and vision from midfield or his inability to drop deep and attempt to play others into forward positions to support him, the fact remains...he was hardly involved.
Echo
In its purest form as a Tottenham supporter we should value and treasure our traditions to play fanciful attractive football. Beautiful free flowing expressive football. This hasn't always led to success but the lack of backbone is something we accepted as a trait to our personality. In recent years a strong spine has meant that we've been able to complement the fluidity with bullish belief and have taken massive steps forward. Our expectations have risen. The pressure of wanting to be successful can be troublesome when the performance doesn't match the new founded ambition.
Because it's not right, it doesn't make it wrong
Tottenham 0 Wigan 1 (drafted on Saturday night)
Expectancy
What do we expect? A backlash after our cup exit? Hardly relevant to matters of the league, as disappointing as it was to lose the tie so late on in the evening. Opponents should always feel like they're facing a backlash when visiting. Doesn't always play out that way. Today, at White Hart Lane, we await that elusive target of complete game domination. Bossing the tempo, pulling the strings in midfield and attacking with relentless energy down the flanks. Whether we're capable of doing so is the reason we tune in and turn up every other week in hope.
First world problems
Tuesday to Friday evening. Just under four days worth of being on the outside looking in but not being able to see much because the curtains are drawn. What I do know are scraps that I've picked up simply from the quick browse or glance to a television. I've hardly been on the moon. Travel and work combined with ridiculously early starts thanks to my daughter deciding that 4am wake up screams is the new fad. In amongst all the unavoidable life obstacles and sleep deprivation I've also had to deal with this little olde blog and migrating it from one platform to a more polished newer version. And here it is. I hope you like it.