The Guardian's Premiership preview No.18

[green_nigel]

There comes a time in life when talent and potential has to be realised. For Martin Jol's young side, this is it.

Guardian Unlimited writers' prediction: 5th Odds: 100-1

Like Ronseal Quick Drying Woodstain, Goals Galore!, the official DVD of Tottenham's 2006-07 season, does exactly what it says on the tin. Every one of Spurs' 114 league and cup goals is spliced and diced into 85 minutes of thrilling action, but - tellingly - there's nearly as many that zip past Paul Robinson at the other end.

So when people pose the obvious question about Spurs this season - how can they make the great leap forward from fifth to fourth? - there's an obvious answer: defend better. Last season they conceded 54 goals in 38 Premiership games; only Charlton, Watford, Fulham, West Ham and Middlesbrough were more porous.

The return of Ledley King, tentatively scheduled for September, and the signing of Younes Kaboul, who crosses the Channel accompanied by a symphony of superlatives, will certainly make a huge difference, but the back four will need help.

Last season, Spurs conceded more goals from outside the box than any other Premiership team; that's the fault of their goalkeeper and central midfielders, not their defenders.

And midfield is the place where Spurs certainly need to find a little more - especially from Didier Zokora and Jermaine Jenas, who has replaced Owen Hargreaves as the favourite boo-boy of the 'he's-shit-he-is' brigade. That's certainly not beyond either player.

Zokora, who only started to flower last spring, has been flying in pre-season, where Spurs have won all seven of their matches, while Jenas is fast becoming the box-to-box player that Spurs crave. Right now, much of his best work is done without the ball: blocking, chasing, harrying. ProZone stats show that he runs between 13-16km a game, more than almost any player in the Premier League.

Now Jenas needs to improve his passing, up his goal tally - his return of eight goals from 34 games last season was so-so but no more - and really impose himself on matches.

The same applies to many of Spurs' squad. Aaron Lennon's Roadrunner pace regularly thrills them at the Lane but his crosses rarely evade the first defender. Jermain Defoe has the bling-bling attitude but hasn't kicked on during the last two years. Steed Malbranque still isn't the player he was before he fell out with Chris Coleman. So it goes.

Still, there is much to encourage Spurs fans ahead of the new season. Few teams in the Premiership have a stronger pack of forwards than Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane, Darren Bent and Defoe, while the squad is stronger and deeper than any time in recent memory. It's a measure of their progress that they will start the Premiership with talent like Bent, Defoe, King, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gareth Bale on the bench or the treatment table.

Indeed, with the players they've got, it's not that outlandish to suggest that - given luck and a discovery of a drug that thumps up mental toughness - Spurs could maintain a title challenge past Christmas.

They won't, of course: the institutionalised that'll-do-ism is too ingrained for now. Last season when it came to the crunch, Spurs wilted: they won just four points from a possible 24 against the big four, reached two semi-finals but couldn't kick on.

Remember, though, that this team is still incredibly young - Robinson at 27 is likely to be the oldest player against Sunderland on Saturday - and there is still time for them to change. Right now there are hints of David O'Leary's Leeds' babes, who, for a brief and unlikely spell, challenged for the title and the Champions League. But there comes a point in life when potential and talent has to be realised. Spurs fans and football romantics will hope it will be this season. Cynics will need more convincing.

Ins: Gareth Bale (Southampton - £5m), Darren Bent (Charlton - £16.5m), Younes Kaboul (Auxerre - £7.5m), Adel Taarabt (Lens - undisclosed), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Hertha Berlin - undisclosed).

Outs: Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria - undisclosed), Mark Yeates (Colchester - undisclosed).

[robbiek]

I agree with this journo that Spurs need to find some steel in midfield. Other people on this forum have been arguing for a long time that we lack a real leader -- a tough nut -- in the middle of the park.

I don't think Spurs wilted because of an "it'll do" attitude; I think they wilted because of a lack of confidence and self-belief -- something that a leader on the pitch can instill.

I hope this self belief -- and maybe even one inspirational figure (Berbatov? Boateng?) -- emerges this season.

One or two wins against the big four early in the season could work wonders for our confidence.

[Crabby]

Think that is a great article and sums us up nicely. Hope the mentality that Jol speaks about is starting to penetrate the minds of our existing players and hope the new lads bring that with them. Can't wait!!

[spursLA]

I don't think Spurs wilted because of an "it'll do" attitude; I think they wilted because of a lack of confidence and self-belief

I think Spurs wilted because of an overdose of games and a thin squad. Daws played over 50 (?) games and suffered for it, Lennon the same. And I'm pretty sure there was some dodgy refereeing in one of those cup semi-finals.

[ShelfSide18]

I really despise this 'Spurs wilted/bottled it' thing. It's complete rubbish. With a bit of luck at key moments we would have progressed further in cups and you can hardly say we wilted under pressure in the league with our late season run in. We needed to get into Europe and a long way off the spots we went on a ridiculous late run of form. Bottled it my arse.

[yanno]

I'm really loathe to quote Frank Arnensen, but I seem to remember one of his first comments on joining us was how surprized he was looking round the training ground the morning after we'd lost a match. His comments were along the lines of "at PSV, the players wouldn't be laughing and joking, they'd be angry and looking to put it right".
I think we've come a long way since then, and Jol has talked endlessly of a "winning mentality" - even banging on about it in pre-season friendlies!!!
But I think he's right. It was great to see Jenas in South Africa actually shouting at other players when they'd made a poor decision, and encouraging them to do better. He's a senior pro at Spurs now, and he should step up - as they all should. Get the mindset right, and have a little Lady Luck smiling on us at key moments, and we have the chance of our best season in decades.

[green_nigel]

Regarding the wilting and "it'll do" attitude - this doesn't just apply to last season, remember. Spurs have a history of underachieving and lacking that extra mental "X Factor" to see us through to major success.

This isn't the first time I've seen accusation's of the "it'll do" attitude at Spurs. This doesn't mean only on the pitch - it also applies to the management and boardroom. Some clubs DEMAND success. And, while it's just rumor, I've read that in past administrations this hunger for success hasn't been evident at Tottenham. (Please don't ask me where I read this as i can't remember. But it's likely it was in the sports pages of a newspaper.)

ENIC has made decisive and positive steps this transfer season, so if that's taken as a signal of intent, one imagines the board is trying to shift that attitude. But it will take time. This year? Hard to tell.

[asher]

I think that the midfield is pivotal for us this season. No one questions our quality up front and on paper our defence but this season we really need Jenas,Lennon and Zokora to step up. I'm hoping Taarbt is going to be the relevation of the season as boy can he play although still very raw hence overplaying at times. Although we have strengthened thru the summer so have the likes of City, Everton, West Ham, Newcastle and Villa therefore we will be under more pressure from those teams who were behind us last season.

[jackhealy]

I agree that the stuff about us wilting or lacking a winning mentality is largely mistaken. We certainly lost some games, but it was not for the want of trying. We just weren't good enough on those occasions or were unlucky and got anomalous results.
We improved immensely late on in the season, and if we can start where we left off, incorporating some of our new players to improve the defence, we should make a flying start to the season.

[DiscoD1882]

Finally a well worded, well written artical that doesnt just dismiss the notion that we can callenge for the title sometime soon. This guy actually sounds like he has taken some time to indepthly review our team rather than just follow the journalistic pack! He makes some valid arguments.

[ricardo_archibald]

Indeed, with the players they've got, it's not that outlandish to suggest that - given luck and a discovery of a drug that thumps up mental toughness - Spurs could maintain a title challenge past Christmas.

The Key is 'Mental Toughness' if we show this against Sunderland and never given in like we did against West Spam then we will competing with a Top 4 place...

We will see....exciting...I can't wait !!!

[littleAaronlennon]

Totally agree with the comment about us being the current Leeds of the late nineties, as we also have massive potential but need to show it on a more consisent basis if we are to sustain any kind of challenge to the top four. Intresting thing is about that Guardian article is if we do threaten to show a title challenge past christmas, we might have a chance of doing something this season condersing past the end of February with the excepation of Liverpool at home last day of the season the run in looks extremely promising bearing in mind we don't have to play any of the big four.

[Chimbo!]

Jenas has got to step forward this season and take responsibilty for leading our midfield cos we have a leader in our defence in Daws, Keano leads the front now its our midfield that needs a determined vocal leader. JJ is the man to do it, lets hope he accepts the challenge.

[StuckinPoland]

Remember the last time we went to Sunderland? We drew 1-1 because there was a mistake at the back and they equalised with a few minutes left. Finding ways to snatch a draw in the face of victory has become something that's represented Tottenham ever since I can remember. When the going gets really tough, we aren't good enough.

Maybe we were closer to 4th at the end of 2005/2006 but the Carrick situation set us back a bit. Now, even though the stats say that we're further away from 4th, we have a lot more pressure on us to achieve a sustained assault on what we crave right now - a place in the Champions League.

To make a statement to the League and even more importantly, a statement to ourselves, we HAVE to win on Saturday. A draw wouldn't be the end of the world. But it would show that we haven't made progress in the areas that we need to.

The top 4, maybe with the exception of Liverpool, are almost guaranteed to win at Sunderland. With it being Keane's first game doesn't make it easier and the cameras being there only adds to the pressure. If we want to be part of that group, 3 points on Saturday are vital.

They have my support. And we have the quality to sh*t on Sunderland's team. But do we have the guts required? Not just for Saturday, but for the season in general?

14.45 will represent a lot to the fate of Tottenham Hotspur Version 2007/08.

COYS !!! Shove it up Keane's b******s !!!

[BigStu]

Had we not had such a bad first 10 games last season we would have been up challenging for forth. We were only 9 points away as it was. I agree with alot of what this guy has to say especially the bit about our defence. But losing a key player for a season would hurt any body - the scum without Scholes were nowhere near Chelsea 2yrs ago. And last year when Chelsea lost Terry they arguably lost the league. King being there should and could make the difference not only with his ability but with the fact that Jenas and Zokora will know that if they make a mistake he'll start yelling at them. Do we need a leader - we already have one.

Can we get fourth - confidence starts with the fans...

COYS

[If**kinglovespurs]

I seem to remember everyone saying last season (and agreeing btw) that Jenas had to step up. His injuries certainly did not help but this season he can be under no illusions.......he HAS to start fulfilling his potential. The lad is capable of producing some wonderful pieces of skill but at the same time makes stupid errors or decisions........normally in the final third. The fact that he runs more than almost any other player in the league is a massive testament to him and extremely beneficial to the team. If only he can cut out those silly errors, then the talent that Robson, Eriksson, Mclaren and Platt could all see will be realised. I really want Janas to become the player his talent suggests but I have to say I give it 50/50 to whether he will make it. I would not be surprised either way what happens.

[will8587]

Great article up to this point:

They won't, of course: the institutionalised that'll-do-ism is too ingrained for now. Last season when it came to the crunch, Spurs wilted: they won just four points from a possible 24 against the big four, reached two semi-finals but couldn't kick on.


Seemed kind of out of place. Poor grammar (wrong usage of the colon), but without being too picky, I don't really agree with the statements.

We didn't "wilt" at the end of the season; we were playing some of our best football in the later months. Our worst spells were at the beginning of the season and through late December to February. We never gave ourselves a chance to "come to the crunch". Because of our poor start, we were always fighting to regain our place in the standings.

Besides that, we really must improve against the top 4. If we want to win any silverware, we're going to have to beat them at some point.

[green_nigel]

We didn't "wilt" at the end of the season; we were playing some of our best football in the later months. Our worst spells were at the beginning of the season and through late December to February. We never gave ourselves a chance to "come to the crunch". Because of our poor start, we were always fighting to regain our place in the standings.



He isn't referring to the end of the season. We wilted when it came to the crunch, i.e. against the top four and in the cup competitions (Chelsea, Arsenal, Sevilla).

[madaboutspurs]

I agree with this journohe was SPOT ON! and most of you. tho
I feel this season will be so much harder then a lot fans may think! They should wake up smell coffee, I hope we do finish 5<SUP>th</SUP> at least and win any of major trophies I would be running up down lane naked singing my heart out!!! COME ON YOU SPURS!!

[tingy98]

I think it’s fair to say that this is the first decent season preview I’ve read and I’ve been finally tempted to add my two pence worth.
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What I’ve seen in pre-season is the different forms of attack….. Quick early balls threaded through with blistering pace and accuracy. I believe that we also possess greater threat with our set pieces now and have physical presence in them. We have variety and unpredictability now – not the usual down the left flank to Lee.
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Hopefully I will never see JJ delivering a ball that repeatedly fails to past the first defender. The like of Bale and Taarabt will provide good crosses as well as shooting intent from outside the box. Kaboul also has shown he has a good long distance shot. I’ve seen improvements in JJ but I truly believe that he’s becoming an “untouchable”.
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From being at the Orient game where we played 3 strikers (Bent/Berbs/Keane), we were seriously cluttered and narrow. I believe the system can work against certain opposition but JJ needs to be dropped with Zokora/Hudd/Teemu providing steel and cover along with quality passing!! JJ is too slow to react, takes too many touches, almost afraid of a first time pass living in fear of the boo boys. I’d love to see how Boateng will push and develop JJ.
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I truly believe that the additions to the squad will add an extra unknown quality to our team and push us further. Competition and cover is present in every position…. Solving the left side of midfield would be nice in an ideal world but I don’t think it’s an issue now with the solution being our striking power (Keane/Bent) and the potential in Bale. I haven’t even started on how Lennon will have developed/matured.
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In my eyes attack is the best form of defence and it’s not exactly like our defence is weak now!!
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I really think that the boys will push Arsenal all the way…. I know they have youthful talent but this is their first real season where they’re under real pressure and the spot light. We’ve been the same building and learning for a couple of years now!! Let’s hope the loss of Henry will have the same consequences as us losing Carrick.
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It’s just going to be a really exciting season…. Can’t wait!!
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COYS

[sussexyid]

I think thats about the best preview of us Ive seen this season. We are team full of potential but other than Berba, King and Keane, nobody is the finished article. If lennon starts whippin in Bekham like crosses, if Dawson starts being the first to the crosses, if Zoko, Jenas or Hudd become the dominant players I think they can be... etc etc You get the point anyway, if everyone hits potential then we will be flying this season. And for many more to come!! :beer:

[Sam]

agree good article, hit the nail on the head.

Like arsnl we have to turn potential into the real thing now. Players like Lennon and Dawson still need developing, however players like Jenas, Robbo, Zakora, Keane, Defoe really have to step up this year and show that they are the real deal and true talents of the game.

[StevieJ]

Remember the last time we went to Sunderland? We drew 1-1 because there was a mistake at the back and they equalised with a few minutes left. Finding ways to snatch a draw in the face of victory has become something that's represented Tottenham ever since I can remember. When the going gets really tough, we aren't good enough.

Maybe we were closer to 4th at the end of 2005/2006 but the Carrick situation set us back a bit. Now, even though the stats say that we're further away from 4th, we have a lot more pressure on us to achieve a sustained assault on what we crave right now - a place in the Champions League.

To make a statement to the League and even more importantly, a statement to ourselves, we HAVE to win on Saturday. A draw wouldn't be the end of the world. But it would show that we haven't made progress in the areas that we need to.

The top 4, maybe with the exception of Liverpool, are almost guaranteed to win at Sunderland. With it being Keane's first game doesn't make it easier and the cameras being there only adds to the pressure. If we want to be part of that group, 3 points on Saturday are vital.

They have my support. And we have the quality to sh*t on Sunderland's team. But do we have the guts required? Not just for Saturday, but for the season in general?

14.45 will represent a lot to the fate of Tottenham Hotspur Version 2007/08.

COYS !!! Shove it up Keane's b******s !!!

:clap: Couldn't have put it better

[StanSpur]

All this talk of a team wilting or being easily turned over is quite simply down to the manager. Very few clubs throughout world football consistently do well in their respective leagues, sure money helps but without the best managers money is meaningless. Take Real Madrid and to an extent Newcastle, despite having great players at times they have failed to deliver. You could think that its the players not giving the effort, however I think it's the managers not having the ability to add the mental coaching to the players.

There are a number of good football coaches in the game but to win titles it needs more, Rafa at Liverpool is a great coach and unquestionably knows football however I am not convinced he instils that "never say die" attitude in his players and hence I don't think he'll win the Premiership. Wenger and Jose have the ability to make footballers believe they are the best and this confidence is visible on the pitch, whilst Fergy convinces his team that the team is the best together but not as individuals - which works for them. That is why they win, not because the players have the most skill or ability but because they have the desire, the confidence and the determination to go out on the pitch and fight or flow to victory.

Spurs over the years have lacked the mental ability to go on and win games that they should have, snatching draws from the face of victory as they say. That is because with the exception of El Tel back in 91 we haven't had a manager that can inspire, drive and convince our players that we can be a great team. Gross, Pleat, Francis, Graham, Hoddle, Santini, all no doubt have the tactical knowledge/experience but none of them were inspiring. Hoddle being the biggest disappointment as we as fans saw him as the returning son who had the passion to drive us on, however he just couldn't manage people. This is where we see a difference with Jol, his character has captured fans of all teams in the Premiership, everyone says we have a great manager which is great to hear as hopefully that means our players are saying the same thing. He now has to really prove that he can create a winning mentality, he has the squad - undoubtedly the best we've had since Hoddle's playing days - now it is about his ability to coach the players minds to create a team that will challenge the big four. I think he can do it, now we'll see.

[Fezzer]

I agree with this journohe was SPOT ON! and most of you. tho
I feel this season will be so much harder then a lot fans may think! They should wake up smell coffee, I hope we do finish 5<SUP>th</SUP> at least and win any of major trophies I would be running up down lane naked singing my heart out!!! COME ON YOU SPURS!!

Before making quotes like this. Please descride yourself as this my have a bearing on where us fans would like us to finish. I hoping you are in your 20's fit, lovely tits, nice arse and female!!!!!!

I fear you are either a fat 20 stone hairy arse male or spotty skinny 15 year old.

[Pat Rice Spurs fan]

Having mental toughness or a winning mentality is a huge issue for us. If you compare Spurs and Arsenal, man for man, I think we beat them and often, fairly comfortably - they think Traore is a 9/10 for Christ sake! However, what they have is a mental strength where they expect to win. For example, do they come to the Lane 'hoping' for a draw, as we often do at their place? No, the expect to take at least 4 points from us each season. And it's not just us they expect to take 4 (or more) points a season from.
In the past, we seemed to hope for some points against the league's better teams and then just expect to be given points against the weaker teams - this is where we just turn up and end up getting beaten.
The good news is that in the last couple of years, we seem to be turning the corner. We still have occasional lapses to the bad old days but, generally, we're on the up. We now expect to take at least 4 points a season off the majority of mid to low table teams and something from the top ones (though this may still be a 'hope').
This season we need to show we've pushed on and believe we can take points off everyone, including the big 4.
I believe....!
Come on you Spurs!