- May 17, 2004
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Perhaps you should watch a re-run of Berbatov firing the ball straight at Cudicini in the dying seconds at the Lane when he had all the time in the world (or at least all the time a top-class finisher should need) to place it beyond his reach. Or maybe against the Barcodes at the Lane the season before last when Ghaly cut the ball back to him and he got it tangled up in his feet. Or the CC SF first leg, when we should have been 4-0 up and the Scum dead and buried by the time he went off if he and Defoe hadn't screwed up several good chances.
But by all means slag off Bent. You were willing him to fail before he'd even concluded the deal last summer, so why change your tune now?
I don't will any of our players to fail. I just don't happen to think he is in the same class as Berbatov and therefore it is perfectly reasonable for me to disagree when people say it doesn't matter if Berbatov leaves because Bent can take over. I suspect I am not alone in that view. Berbatov's contribution goes far beyond his goals in terms of his link up play. Just like the great Alan Gilzean who we both remember. Bent's contribution pretty much relates to his goals - he adds not a great deal to our team shape.
I was indeed against the deal last summer but if he surprises me and scores 30 goals next season I will be delighted. I will equally be delighted if Zokora suddenly becomes a top class midfielder and the answer to all our DM needs. But I must admit to being sceptical on both counts.
In fact my observation about Bent missing that opportunity in the NL derby ( in fact he missed 2 chances within a few minutes of each other ) was simply to point out that he might have had that confidence boost of a vital goal and it could have kick started his spurs career and silenced the " what a waste of money " chants from the Scum fans.. Contrary to what you might think I was willing him to put the ball into the net at that moment , just as I was willing Zokora to score the winner when clean through in the final against the mercenaries . Sadly neither succeeded.