- May 26, 2004
- 4,780
- 2,108
Just like AVB, I’m not happy with three games in six days, but I have taken an executive decision to include all three games in this week’s edition of Good Week/Bad Week.
Good Week
Jermain Defoe
Four goals this week, six in three starts, can the little man do much more? Should he start on Saturday?
He’s now 5th in the Spurs all time goal scorers but JD does not get the credit he deserves. Lots of people focus on what he doesn’t do, his failings, but what he does do is do goals. His business is goals and business is booming.
What we do know about Defoe is that he is a form player. He goes on these bursts and with the games coming thick and fast, we all hope his form continues.
Lewis Holtby
Really pleased Holtby is making an impression. Whenever I’ve watched him and he’s tried something that’s not come off, I’ve always got the feeling that it’s because others aren’t quite up to the speed of the German’s thinking.
Some assists, some second assists, good link up with Defoe and Lamela, and with Christian Eriksen’s move impressing a change in our preferred setup from having a holding midfielder to having a no.10, that will only benefit Holtby.
The Defence
Three clean sheets, one goal in nine games, the best defensive record in Europe. I don’t think anyone has grasped just how impressive that is.
Hugo Lloris
Good, or lucky? While he was penalised against Norwich and a yellow card was about right, if the ref had penalised our French no.1 then it would have been a red, and the game would have been very different.
However, it wasn’t given, and I think the Frenchman got it spot on (just). With our high line we need a keeper exactly like Lloris, and he is having to do more sweeping up in and around his box than actual shot stopping at the moment. Fortunately for us, he is excellent at commanding his area.
Paulinho
It’s amazing that, with so many teams needing midfield reinforcements, we faced such little competition for little Paul. A box to box midfielder, strong, tough, good tackler, runs from deep into the box and some nice flicks, including the impressive last-gasp back heel winner at Cardiff.
Bad Week
Younes Kaboul
Hobbled off against Tromso, and if fit obviously not risked at Villa Park. Let’s hope it is just precaution, with two games a week being the norm until potentially the new year, rather than a sign that the big man is irrecoverable broken.
Moussa Dembele
A touch harsh, but the fact Paulinho has scored more goals than Moussa for Spurs already is something the Belgian should think about. He has so much ability, so much skill, if he can up his goal tally it is only going to help Spurs.
Good Week
Jermain Defoe
Four goals this week, six in three starts, can the little man do much more? Should he start on Saturday?
He’s now 5th in the Spurs all time goal scorers but JD does not get the credit he deserves. Lots of people focus on what he doesn’t do, his failings, but what he does do is do goals. His business is goals and business is booming.
What we do know about Defoe is that he is a form player. He goes on these bursts and with the games coming thick and fast, we all hope his form continues.
Lewis Holtby
Really pleased Holtby is making an impression. Whenever I’ve watched him and he’s tried something that’s not come off, I’ve always got the feeling that it’s because others aren’t quite up to the speed of the German’s thinking.
Some assists, some second assists, good link up with Defoe and Lamela, and with Christian Eriksen’s move impressing a change in our preferred setup from having a holding midfielder to having a no.10, that will only benefit Holtby.
The Defence
Three clean sheets, one goal in nine games, the best defensive record in Europe. I don’t think anyone has grasped just how impressive that is.
Hugo Lloris
Good, or lucky? While he was penalised against Norwich and a yellow card was about right, if the ref had penalised our French no.1 then it would have been a red, and the game would have been very different.
However, it wasn’t given, and I think the Frenchman got it spot on (just). With our high line we need a keeper exactly like Lloris, and he is having to do more sweeping up in and around his box than actual shot stopping at the moment. Fortunately for us, he is excellent at commanding his area.
Paulinho
It’s amazing that, with so many teams needing midfield reinforcements, we faced such little competition for little Paul. A box to box midfielder, strong, tough, good tackler, runs from deep into the box and some nice flicks, including the impressive last-gasp back heel winner at Cardiff.
Bad Week
Younes Kaboul
Hobbled off against Tromso, and if fit obviously not risked at Villa Park. Let’s hope it is just precaution, with two games a week being the norm until potentially the new year, rather than a sign that the big man is irrecoverable broken.
Moussa Dembele
A touch harsh, but the fact Paulinho has scored more goals than Moussa for Spurs already is something the Belgian should think about. He has so much ability, so much skill, if he can up his goal tally it is only going to help Spurs.