LEEDS v SPURS

[Geez]

LEEDS 1 - 3 SPURS Defoe (3)
Becchio

Spurs: Gomes; Corluka, Bassong, Dawson, Bale; Bentley, Jenas, Huddlestone, Kranjcar; Crouch, Defoe.
Subs: Alnwick, Dervite, Modric, Palacios, Rose, Dean Parrett and Ryan Fredericks.

Harry Redknapp makes three changes from Saturday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham. Sebastien Bassong is back in place of Ledley King to partner Michael Dawson, Jermaine Jenas starts in midfield for Wilson Palacios and Niko Kranjcar gets the nod ahead of Luka Modric. Academy players Dean Parrett and Ryan Fredericks, a First Year trainee and right winger for the Under-18s, are both on the bench.

Leeds: Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor, Michalik, Hughes, Howson, Doyle, Johnson, Snodgrass, Beckford, Becchio.
Subs: Alan Martin, Crowe, Grella, Robinson, Somma, Hatfield, White.

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[Legacy]

Ryan Fredericks? That's a new one on me.

[ricardo_archibald]

Quite a strong attacking line up, I like the look of it. Hope that does not leave too many holes in midfield though (without the defensive qualities of Palacios).

COYS!!

[Stelladrinker]

This Fredericks. Striker?

[18Klinsmann]

This Fredericks. Striker?

Winger, and a pacy one at that I hear. Lets hope we go four up so we can get a glimpse.

[littlemandefoe]

Ryan attended Mount Grace School in Potters Bar, where he was the district 100m and triple jump champion four years in succession.

sounds as though he may be quick?

[DC_Boy]

glad to see we don't have luka in CM as some were suggesting

[Geez]

Ryan Fredericks (Winger) (http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/first_year/ryanfredericks.html)
(http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/first_year/ryanfredericks.html)

[DC_Boy]

we look just about strong enough - so I'll go for a win - without any real conviction

[Geez]

2 - 1 to Spurs

And I'm usually a pessimist

[avonspurs]

Ryan Fredericks (Winger) (http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/first_year/ryanfredericks.html)
(http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/first_year/ryanfredericks.html)

Damn, just looked at his profile...born in 1992, FFS!!! Makes me feel soooo old!!! :-(

[JoeT]

We're leaving Modric and Palacious, our two best midfielders, on the bench. Don't like this lineup.

[whitelightwhiteheat]

Fredericks must be on the bench as our attacking option though surely, with all the other midfielders on the bench and no striker options?!

Would have thought Harry Kane might be the one to fill that sub position, but he is still young.

[dcarney75]

Bloody hell - wasn't even born when Gazza was at the club.

[pistolP]

Poor Defoe, two good chances missed

[pistolP]

We are getting chances but not taking it. Is it going to be one those nights for us?

[pistolP]

Defoe pass

[pistolP]

Defoe

[pistolP]

1-0 Defoe Spurs

[pistolP]

Good save Gomes

[fletch666]

Nice one Defoe, good run and cross from Bentley and as i type an awesome save from the Octopus!

[pistolP]

Under pressure

[fletch666]

Bentley does seem to be growing in confidence from game to game which is good to see as I never thought he'd get there after some of the shocking displays last year

[pistolP]

We can get hold of the ball since we scored

[pistolP]

All Leeds

[pistolP]

1-1

[fletch666]

balls

[pistolP]

Not suprised, we are mentally weak

[KingKeano]

Leeds are putting us under pressure and we don't seem to have an answer?
And what changes could be made as jenas and thudd aren't playing that bad?
Maybe modric on for kranky?

[elDiablo]

why......................................
why do we control a game until we score, and then BANG.....crumble like a sand castle

why do our players not communicate....numerous times one leaves a ball for another and then we are in trouble.....

why does jenas play pretty decent, and then surrender posession so easily to allow them to attack......

And one other thing.....is it just me or does snodgrass look like a decent player, and potentially the 9 year solution to our left?

I dont want to be a pessimist, but you know we will struggle when we miss so many good chances......

Come on.....

[JoeT]

Just our luck; they score from a linesman's error in giving a corner instead of a goal kick.

[KingKeano]

Leeds are putting us under pressure and we don't seem to have an answer?
And what changes could be made as jenas and thudd aren't playing that bad?
Maybe modric on for kranky?

[Maske2g]

For god sake, we batter a team for forty minutes, the midfield stops working, Bale starts showing how bad a defender he is, and it's 1-1.

Can people stop calling Defoe a great finisher in the press, so that he can start scoring easy chances again.

CAn Bale play left wing, where he will be mustard, and can someone give Jenas and Huddlestone some bumbles to liven them up a bit. Lazy f*cks.

[pistolP]

why......................................
why do we control a game until we score, and then BANG.....crumble like a sand castle

why do our players not communicate....numerous times one leaves a ball for another and then we are in trouble.....

why does jenas play pretty decent, and then surrender posession so easily to allow them to attack......

And one other thing.....is it just me or does snodgrass look like a decent player, and potentially the 9 year solution to our left?

I dont want to be a pessimist, but you know we will struggle when we miss so many good chances......

Come on.....

We will do well to get a win tonight, finger crossed

[KingKeano]

Maske2g ---- ummmmm bumbles??????

[SpurredOn]

We need to show some mental toughness in the second half, you just know that Leeds will throw the kitchen sink at us when they come out. We need to finish this in the next 45 mins - extra time doesn't bear thinking about..

[pistolP]

[quote=Maske2g;1708316]For god sake, we batter a team for forty minutes, the midfield stops working, Bale starts showing how bad a defender he is, and it's 1-1.

Can people stop calling Defoe a great finisher in the press, so that he can start scoring easy chances again.

CAn Bale play left wing, where he will be mustard, and can someone give Jenas and Huddlestone some bumbles to liven them up a bit. Lazy f*cks.[/quote


I agree, Defoe has been one of our problem upfront together with Crouch

[aylespur]

Agree with pistol we are such a mentally weak team. Look good until we go in front yet find it impossible to hold a lead.

[Geez]

As Wallace might say "It's a cracking game for a neutral Gromit" :roll:

[jolsnogross]

That was a terrible non-decision for their offside goal. But we can't say it hasn't been coming. Since we scored, we've just been lumping it forward and it's been coming back almost as quickly. But they come back at us by passing and getting it out wide, we clear and lump. Such a weak response to going ahead and we need the central midfielders and strikers to hold the ball and get a passing move going.

And Bale has been told that his right winger is left-footed, so keeps setting his body shape up to prevent him from going inside (on to his left foot). Therefore, the Leeds winger keeps skinning him on the outside and getting to the by-line. Bale's too naive or inexperienced to reassess his instinct or instructions and shape up to him as though he was two-footed. It's madness to keep giving him the outside.

"There's a brittleness about Spurs" says the guy on Setanta. "They never seem to have confidence unless they're 3 up". He's right.

[Geez]

What a bunch of negative so and so's

It's a cup game

COYS

[Roscilous]

In a way im glad that the equaliser happened just before half time rather than afterwards. Hopefully Harry will have got them motivated for the second half. Im confident we will score again, just need to hope we can stop them doing the same!

[aylespur]

Perhaps we are all growing tired of throwing leads away?

[pistolP]

Our Strikers never ever seen to hold up the ball upfront for a few seconds

[pistolP]

i am really getting annoyed with Defoe for not passing other players

[ero1x]

What a bunch of negative so and so's

It's a cup game

COYS


:clap::clap::clap::clap:

[gloryglory]

So much negativity ... we're playing mostly well, especially going forward, and we're unlucky not to be in front. Defoe is out of sorts finishing-wise but our central midfielders and strikers are all over them. Bentley has been terrific too, and our main problem is the nervy skipper.

[pistolP]

So much negativity ... we're playing mostly well, especially going forward, and we're unlucky not to be in front. Defoe is out of sorts finishing-wise but our central midfielders and strikers are all over them. Bentley has been terrific too, and our main problem is the nervy skipper.

Our strikers are not all over them, we are playing well but they are a few negatives

[vuzp]

another poor game so far by the ref and linesmen
no red card in the first half and some very poor offside calls
and off course the keeper is superman

[pistolP]

We will not win tonight but please suprise me

[jolsnogross]

and off course the keeper is superman

I'm starting to think that's a myth. We just keep hitting and heading our efforts on target straight at keepers.

[SimonSpur]

It is approaching squeaky-bum time, and the longer we go pummeling them without scoring, the more nervous I get.

We really do not need extra-time either, with Villa coming up at the weekend.

COYS!

[SimonSpur]

Yes! Defoe!

That was a cracking cross from Bentley!

[pistolP]

Defeo 1-0 Spurs

[elDiablo]

at last........
now lets see if we can cope with the pressure!!

Please prove me wrong Tottenham

[That Guy]

We will not win tonight but please suprise me

We're the better side and now winning. :shake:

Bentley has been excellent. Really glad to see him doing well recently.

[pistolP]

Watch us mess up again(pardon my negativity fellow Spurs) just nervous

[mdharris]

bentley's playing well. he looks confident, demanding the ball.

[Floyd]

2-1

15 min to go.....

Put on on your seatbelts !!!!!!!

C.O.Y.S

[socalspur]

Now keep the pressure on. Keep the ball and keep attacking. Go Spurs. If we let up again....

[aylespur]

Well played Bentley about time you turned up!!!

[That Guy]

Watch us mess up again(pardon my negativity fellow Spurs) just nervous

Understandable! But negativity will get you nowhere!

[pistolP]

We're the better side and now winning. :shake:

Bentley has been excellent. Really glad to see him doing well recently.

I always tell my children not never to be rude others, i will just ignore you.

[gloryglory]

The thing about Bentley - and I do rate him - is he plays badly when he lacks confidence, but he also has a tendency towards overconfidence. A hard one to manage - Defoe is the same.

Huddlestone, by the way, just oozes class with every touch. I like him more each week.

[pistolP]

Bentley is putting a good shift tonight

[pistolP]

Come on Spurs, we need to hold on, show that mental strenght that has been lacking.

[ero1x]

If Bentley plays like he's been playing since his return it's fair to say we may get all our money back on him in the summer!

Only joking.... He's now starting to look a bit like the player we all wanted him to be!!

[pistolP]

Bentley Man of the Match

[pistolP]

4 minutes added time

[pistolP]

3-1 Defeo

[That Guy]

Get in there!!!!

[elDiablo]

phew......1 minute of relaxtion.......cheers boys....

well done defoe

[jolsnogross]

That's the way to play a 1 goal lead. very very good 2nd half

[fletch666]

Yeah, get in Defoe!

[pistolP]

All over

[elDiablo]

has defoe scored a hatrick in every club competition he has taken part in? Possible another record?

Any statto's out there?

[SimonSpur]

Well done Jermain!

It says a lot about Bentley's performance tonight that despite Defoe scoring a hat-trick, Bentley was a clear Man of the Match.

Leeds may be only League One opposition, but a performance like that can do wonders for a confidence player like Bentley. Great timing, especially with Lennon out for at least a few more weeks.

[2bearis2do]

Well done lads, good performance. Deserved result.
Defoe hat-trick, but Bentley my MOM
Nice to see him get into a groove and prove many of us doubters wrong, he just needs to do it regularly now.

[Hrvatska Heroes]

bentley was great - good to see him taking his chance while Lennon is out. Defoe SHOULD have scored more but so glad he got all three. gomes did well and although our performance wasn't great, we showed determination at the end. Well done lads. COYS!

[gloryglory]

Thank god for that. Great game, very good performance as a team and some fine individual displays.

Make no mistake, this was a hell of a tough tie. If it seemed like we should have won comfortably, that is only a measure of how well we played. We controlled the ball all night long, with Huddlestone in particular calm and assured, always picking the right pass and making it. Jenas alongside him did his bit too to make sure we almost always kept the ball, and Crouch winning everything all night helped us a lot too.

Out wide, we look a totally different side with Bentley and Bale in. Don't get me wrong, we are more dangerous with Lennon, but we've missed a Plan B in his absence and now we have one. The quality of crosses coming in was something else, and with those two in we really see the benefit of having Crouch in the team.

And Defoe - plenty seem to be getting on his back today and there were a few chances he could or probably should have taken. He irritated me a few times today too, but you can't really argue with a hat trick and that's why he keeps his place and he rarely gets substituted.

Bring on Bolton - another tough place to go, but after Chelsea we must now have as good a chance as anyone.

[jolsnogross]

Who's next in the cup?

I admit, I gave up on Bentley, and I'm still not convinced. But he's making a good case for some to change their minds about him.

That was a great 2nd half. Leeds' threat was reduced to set pieces and Jenas & Hudd controlled the centre field, aided by always having a pass to Bentley and Kranjcar. We stopped pumping it long to Crouch and Defoe always looked a danger. It was a mature looking 2nd half, one where the better team earns the right to play by mixing it up and not being bullied into hiding from the ball, rushing possession, and lumping it around.

Feeling better about Villa at home this weekend. Palacios, Modric and King are likely to come back in.

[nferno]

*jumps on the newly formed bentley loving club bandwagon formed form the ashes of the bentley bashing club bandwagon.

[Roscilous]

Bolton next round.

[DiscoD1882]

I always liked Bentley :-)

[mdharris]

An enjoyable watch.

Leeds are a good side. They come out to play football. they hold onto the ball well, pass well and have a number of talented players in beckford, becchio and snodgrass.

Except for the time after we scored our first goal, we looked in comfortably control. In the final 45 mins, Gomes had hardly a save to make.

In the second half, across the field the defense looked comfortable. Snodgrass no longer got any change from Bale, who defended well and attacked better. He is really quite good at getting to the byline. His crossing does need some work however, too often its too softly lofted.

Dawson and Bassong looked good. Dawson made at least one great last ditch challenge. Bassong, who's positional sense I havent been impressed with in the past, was fine, cant remember anything spectacular, a good solid performance.

Corluka was also fine defensively, he did give the ball away once that could have proven costly, but we dealt with it okay. Decent performance. Going forward he was solid, if uninspired, he provided an outlet when necessary, and there were few problems linking with Bentley.

Until the final half hour, I wasnt too impressed with Krancjar, he came in too narrow, wasnt finding the ball. Nor was he defending well, leaving too much to do for Bale. But as the game went on, and Leeds wore out, he found more space and passed well. Not his best performance overall.

Huddlestone, again, was great- putting in challenges, making runs forward, intelligently passing the ball, shooting dangerously from distance. Jenas was full of energy and he really took the lead at the end in playing out the stoppage time, looking for the ball and driving for the corner. He's a good player, but without making too many errors on this front, his passing and vision cannot compare to Huddlestone's.

Bentley looked great. He beat his man a number of times, he put in a number of good crosses, and by staying wide and getting forward was always an attacking option. Two assists from him tonight I believe.

Defoe was bright, running well. He took his goals well and if not for a wrong offside call, could have had more. The first was a bit lucky, the second down to good movement and a good bentley cross, the third he showed his footspeed and good patience to get round Ankergen. Crouchie played well, good knockdowns.

Overall, we showed good determination with this win. It is worrying how we transformed after the first goal, from a team into control into one that was panicking and aimlessly clearing the ball. We settled down after the half, and after our second goal we didnt panic, we passed well and continued to probe. A nice evolution, let's hope we can maintain this attitude.

[Geez]

And that folks is why we bought David Bentley

However, it was a good all round team performance and I enjoyed every minute

When we are on form, we play really attractive football

And Leeds helped make it a fast flowing game

Being watched by millions of people on TV around the world will have done us no harm at all

Proud to be a Spurs fan

[ziggy]

Great performance, dominated except for that spell just before half time. Was a bit worried when Charlie went down for a minute.

[DiscoD1882]

And that folks is why we bought David Bentley

However, it was a good all round team performance and I enjoyed every minute

When we are on form, we play really attractive football

And Leeds helped make it a fast flowing game

Being watched by millions of people on TV around the world will have done us no harm at all

Proud to be a Spurs fanTotally agree,I had at least 10 txts from non spurs fans saying what a good game it was. Leeds deserve some credit. as do the (all be it a little scummy) leeds fans. :clap:

[nferno]

i'd summarise the whole leeds performance on snodgrass's little stumble in the box from a bale challenge and despite that, he stayed upright. it's nice to see a little honesty in the game, and ill always be thankful to them for humiliating manure :lol:

[alamo]

Easy to say with hindsight but congrats to Geez for maintaining positivity throughtout the whole match whilst certain doom mongers were ranting after the equaliser.

[nayimfrom50]

Great from bentley. But the real test will be how he and charlie cope with young on the counterattack on Saturday. We have to pass well enough high up the pitch or villa will murder us down the right. Huge game but quality performance tonight

[peteblue]

The lads did well tonight and probably the best I have seen them perform for a long time, Bentley silenced a few critics with a superb display, Defoe was electric and should have got more than three, but still not complaning, all the lads were fantastic tonight and itm just goes to show how good we can play on our day. Bring on Bolton in the next round.

[2dareis2do]

Bolton will be a big test but thought we looked good value tonight. Glad to see Bentley being voted man of the match. Will probably end up being sub when Lennon comes back but will be interesting to see how he gets on at the weekend.

[kicked]

Personally, it was almost a case of same old same old. I thought we were gonna throw it away again.
I know it was FA cup and all that but why oh why do the media keep raving about Leeds as if they are still a top side? 5 years ago, yes they were but they are Division 1 now with a couple of good players. The reason they won at Manure is cos Manure suffered a bit of the Defoes and were a bit shocking when normally they are more clinical! (I hate Leeds by the way!)
Anyway....our forwards need to be more clinical in front of goal. Maybe thats why we got In Eider? Defoe got a hatrick scoring harder chances than the ones he missed!!! (Against a division 1 side)
Also, why is it when Spurs play and have to defend they always always clear it to the opposing player??? So many times this season that has happened!
Anyway...rant over. At least we won!
David Bentley....welcome to THFC (again). Please try and stay this time! Very good performance. So was Hudd's in the second half!
Did we use a substitute today??? I didn't notice??

[johnjoedayid]

thank fuck 4 that thought i was gonna have kittens going in da 2nd half delighted 4 bentley deserved mom no 1 has mentioned jenas givin ball away that led 2 corner that led 2 goal not good enough i cringe everytime he gets da ball should have defo got dm in will not be confident if anthing happens wilson god for bid

[fletch666]

Personally, it was almost a case of same old same old. I thought we were gonna throw it away again.
I know it was FA cup and all that but why oh why do the media keep raving about Leeds as if they are still a top side? 5 years ago, yes they were but they are Division 1 now with a couple of good players. The reason they won at Manure is cos Manure suffered a bit of the Defoes and were a bit shocking when normally they are more clinical! (I hate Leeds by the way!)
Anyway....our forwards need to be more clinical in front of goal. Maybe thats why we got In Eider? Defoe got a hatrick scoring harder chances than the ones he missed!!! (Against a division 1 side)
Also, why is it when Spurs play and have to defend they always always clear it to the opposing player??? So many times this season that has happened!
Anyway...rant over. At least we won!
David Bentley....welcome to THFC (again). Please try and stay this time! Very good performance. So was Hudd's in the second half!
Did we use a substitute today??? I didn't notice??

It's cos they played in the Chumpions league for a couple of seasons, same with newcastle. The press have a hard on for them as they've both got the best fans in the country tm Sky Sports But enough of my hatred of those 2 teams in particular. A good win all round, with some cracking performances from bentley and Defoe. Thought Jenas and thudd combined well for all bar the last 5 mins of the first half when the whole team fell asleep.

[DC_Boy]

Fantastic game, fantastic performance, fantastic result.

That's the proudest I've been of spurs all season.

So much was against us including once again the decisons, leeds goal onside,defoe's goal v pool offside - oh sorry forgot webb was refereeing.

some leeds fans think they're a bigger club than us, which must make them one of the biggest clubs in England, so what a night eh :smile:

I was there when they did us 2-1 in 72 - and when we did 'em 1-0 in 82 and 2-0 in 99

who's the daddy - why it's us of course

really, really luv it :smile:

[spurs_viola]

Sigh of relief from Harry after the final whistle said quite a lot. Good to have kept the lead and increased it for a change, against one of the "determined" (ie limited quality) teams. It was notable how our players were very careful about keeping the ball in the opp's third of the pitch esp near the corners - a lot of drumming in must have gone on at half-time.

Almost as many questions as potential answers here. For all the missed chances by Defoe, who will score the goals if he gets injured or suspended again? And how long can he continue scoring almost on his own, without the effective partner up front? Because Crouch was very poor again, and wasteful in possession or with most of his flick-ons (I counted 3 successful headers that found a teammate in the whole match and maybe a couple of progressive passes on the ground). Will we see Pav & Defoe try to build on where they left off last time they played together? Or is Pav not going to be deemed fit enough until that move to Russia finally materializes?

If Corluka gets injured, how can we be sure about Kyle Walker if he never even played in Prem League? Same about Gomes and Alnwick/whoever is No.2 now.

Next few league games will be very interesting to see as to where the team is after the Jan transfer window...

[gusrowe]

Again some negative, childish and real numpty comments tonight. On Monday it was Harry being a real arse about loaning out Hutton and Naughton .... we have no back up right back...oh no Keane is also on loan... demand we repace Harry...typical numpty Spurs supporters on this site. Hate to think the comments if we draw or dare loose to AV on Saturday.
Tough away game today.....and I mean tough. Harry chose the right team and apart from 10 minutes in the first half we were on top. At 1-1 we still played well and then had numerous chances. We should have won 4-0 thats life. Good solid performance, no substitutions,no Pavy,no Palious and no Modric.It also looks like Bentley is back.... a big bonus.
We are in the next round......unlike some other teams I could mention.
COYS support the team stop being negative.

[JimmyG2]

A few thoughts on the game which I thought we controlled well and seemed to have learnt the lessons of a couple of our last late goal concessions. Keep possession but in their half and as ateam not just as gung ho individuals.
Leeds are a good team, top of the league and used to winning, beating Man.Utd, and have some decent players.
At home on a tricky pitch you would expect them to have passages in the game where they would put pressure on us.
We limited this to a spell of about 10 minutes after Defoe had score his first when they equalised, and a couple of early chances which Gomes dealt with.
However we did not let this disrupt our control of the game in the second half and played good passing football and deservedly won quite easily.
I have copyrighted the phrase 'Spurs should have been out of sight by the 20 minute mark'.
But this is my first observation; that for several games now we have come out and started quickly and attacked and should have been 'Out of sight' etc..
Secondly I was surprised by Defoe's third goal where having watched old Jimmy Greaves videos he took the ball round the keeper to score. He rarely does this and he should try it more often. when the power shot isn't working.
Secondly we drop too deep when defending and thirdly don't come out quickly enough when the ball has been cleared.
At least five Leed's players should have been caught offside when we conceded their goal but as on other occasions last night we congregate on the six yard line instead of moving up towards the penalty spot.

Perhaps Dawson lacks the confidence to bring his back line up but Gomes is quick and alert and can cover the gap.

Lastly I am concerned about the amount of possession we concede from headers out especially by Dawson who invariably tries for distance rather than direction. I would guess that most of Dawson's defensive headers go back to our opponents.

However this is all meant as constructive criticism and I am very pleased with way we are playing, and delighted for David Bentley who seems to have pared his game down in a back to basics fashion to everyone's advantage.

[avonspurs]

Again some negative, childish and real numpty comments tonight. On Monday it was Harry being a real arse about loaning out Hutton and Naughton .... we have no back up right back...oh no Keane is also on loan... demand we repace Harry...typical numpty Spurs supporters on this site. Hate to think the comments if we draw or dare loose to AV on Saturday.
Tough away game today.....and I mean tough. Harry chose the right team and apart from 10 minutes in the first half we were on top. At 1-1 we still played well and then had numerous chances. We should have won 4-0 thats life. Good solid performance, no substitutions,no Pavy,no Palious and no Modric.It also looks like Bentley is back.... a big bonus.
We are in the next round......unlike some other teams I could mention.
COYS support the team stop being negative.

Wishful thinking, I'm afraid. There are some who, for whatever reason, have decided that HR and/or some players just cant do it. No matter how well we play, as long as HR is manager the tactics will be sh*t, as long as Crouch is playing we will be a "long-ball team", as long as Jenas is playing..... and so on and so on.

Personally, I prefer to imagine them as Le Ar*e fans, masquerading as Spurs fans. And, before anyone jumps down my throat, I'm not having a go at people being allowed to make comments about the game, players, etc; just would help if they were constructive sometimes instead of knee-jerk, negative, offensive comments... but, as I say, wishful thinking.