G.B.U.
Two nil down, four two up...never in doubt right?
Spurs go marching into the 4th round of the FA Cup after a spirited comeback at the Lane against a Burnley side that took a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes. It's can be quite forced to find positives or even negatives from a mid-week Cup replay where both coaches have had to rotate to retain freshness for the games ahead. An understudy at a West End play might take to the stage admirably but the main lead is the one that will always offer the more complete performance. However, this being Spurs and what with us loving a variety of long running narratives it's fairly easy to list those pros and cons - even if most of us had to experience the game via the consumption of live tweeting and radio.
The Good
Not that long ago I heard the word 'crisis' whispered by some. Considering Mauricio Pochettino has had to deal with an inherited mess, implement his methods gradually and awaken our home territory slumber, I think we can all agree his impact is genuine. Just when you thought he was sacrificing the cup, his motley crew of Spurs fringe players glued together by some of the more trusted first teamers gave us an example of the professionalism he's instilled in the squad. Heads up, never down.
Danny Rose (pushed up to left-wing) and Andros Townsend were effective and involved. Both players struggle to impress some of the fans who don't value them in the same way they do Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason are. So kudos when they keep their critics at bay.
Paulinho starts, scores and assists. If ever there existed a reason for Spurs to release commemorative DVD.
The Bad
Jan Vertonghen and Younes Kaboul, like two strangers on a train arguing over the semantics of murder. In this case, the killing field at the heart of our defence as Burnley took a 1-0 lead.
The Ugly
Emmanuel Adebayor was recently concerned with witchcraft but spare a thought for Roberto Soldado who appears to be so cursed he belongs in folklore from the Brothers Grimm rather than a happy ending Disney version. Five yards out, he only needs to side foot it in. Yet you imagine that the split second it takes him to somehow inconceivably strike the bar, it plays out far longer in his head. Lying on a therapists couch, asking 'What should I do? Hit it gentle? With venom? Toe-poke? Side of the boot?'
When he comes out of this state of eternal anxiety he guides the ball inexplicably upwards.The sound of the ball cracking the woodwork masking the sound of his broken heart.
This is a player that once scored goals but has somehow managed to block out the natural, simplistic ooze of confidence that's required to do so. Still, the home supporters never stopping supporting him in song. He also assisted twice. Heads up Roberto, you still played your part.
Onwards THFC.
