***Match Ratings v Norwich***

[ShelfSide18]

Modric 8.5 pulled the strings all night long, would love to know how many touches he had tonight - lovely ball for Bale's second, plays the game the way it should be played. Thrilling.

I'm not sure about touches, but if you look at pass completion stats Modric was 87/79, but interestingly VDV was 93/78 - that's incredible amounts to be seeing away from home.

Sandro was 57/49, Parker 69/66.

We had quite a lot of the ball!

 

[Mr Pink]

I'm not sure about touches, but if you look at pass completion stats Modric was 87/79, but interestingly VDV was 93/78 - that's incredible amounts to be seeing away from home.

Sandro was 57/49, Parker 69/66.

We had quite a lot of the ball!

Jesus, away from home that's pretty incredible :grin:

 

[stemark44]

Absolutely spot on and I'm pretty certain that Harry will go this way for quite a lot of games now, certainly it will be the blue print away from home and perhaps some of the bigger games at home.

You mean the blueprint that 90% of Spurs fans have been calling for the past 4 months.

 

[Kalim]

Friedel - 6 - solid

Walker - 7 v. good game, crossing and shots however were mixed in success
Gallas - 6 - good game
Kaboul - 7 - brilliant
BAE - 6.5 - good passing range, brilliant cross for an offside Ade

Parker - 6.5- got around, one mistake which was a bit silly
Sandro - 6.5- solid, however Norwich should of made more out of his first half failed interception
Modric - 6.5- great after a shaky start

Van der Vaart - 7 - always moving, did well today
Adebayor - 6.5 - great movement for Bale's goal, overall did well
Bale - 7.5 - MOTM - always a threat

---------------

Rose - 6 - solid
Kranjcar - 6 moved the ball well for the 5 mins he was on for
Livermore - N/A

What were you watching it on? your mobile phone?

 

[stemark44]

VDV and Bale are the 2 most important players in our team.

 

[Mr Pink]

BC, just contrasting Ekotto and Walker tonight for a second, I thought both found themselves in plenty of space at varying times but the latter put in a couple of fantastic crosses first half, one in particular which was whipped in on a plate for Ade, but there was actually a brillant defensive header that denied that cross getting the finish it so deserved.

Benny was actually a tad wasteful second half when he had squared the ball in acres of space when we had about four players in their box, and it alluded them all...well somebody on the back stick retrieved it but a glorious opportunity was missed there.

He still had a good game though, as you say seeing lots of the ball and he was threatening for sure. I'm a Benny lover :wink: but I thought Walker eclipsed him tonight.

I thought Walker defended very well tonight when he had to.

 

[Mr Pink]

You mean the blueprint that 90% of Spurs fans have been calling for the past 4 months.

That's the one...

 

[Kalim]

dont get the love for walker - he had a little defending to do, but thats sort of his job. most of his touches were on attack, and it wasnt impressive. he either pulled up outside the box and made a poor cross or went outside and didnt even get it in.

He had to run the whole right side, as our attack and defense, and showed immense stamina as well as speed, reminding me of Roberto Carlos in his heyday. I know this was 1 match, but shows what he is capable of.

 

[stemark44]

Lets start at the end. I listened to Redknapp's post match interview and it went something like:

Q: How many positions did Gareth Bale play tonight ?

HR: Yeah...I basically gave Gareth and Rafa free roles tonight, and said whoever's nearest to defend that channel and if they couldn't get over there one of the others (Modric, Parker, Sandro) will shuffle across.

I've finally figured Redknapp out. He's a born again hippy. He's probably telling Sandra to burn her bra as we speak, the next time the camera pans on him on the touchline he'll be wearing flares and Kevin will be sitting behind him holding a big chillum.

There were times, long times (me loved you long times) when this freedom resulted in complete domination of the ball - Parker 66, Modric 79, Sandro 49, Bale 46, VDV 78 - I don't think I've ever seen stats like these away from home.

But....and there is, inevitably a but, that freedom was, even in a game we dominated for just about 75 of the ninety minutes, held together by the sheer determined discipline of Sandro. I've never known a team be so in control of a game still look so oddly vulnerable. This is because the freedom is generally extended to all.

I thought Sandro was the vital cog in what turned out to be a well oiled performance against very, very poor opposition. Whilst everyone else was floating beautifully like clouds and doin' there thing man, Sandro was the swan's legs. The fellas discipline and engine is phenomenal, and without him there tonight, I'm positive that game would have ended up in an open end to end affair like so many did last year.

That said our passing was at times fantastic to watch, and I was very impressed that this side tends not to shrink when it goes a goal up, but often seems to grow. I don't know how much of tonight was down to Norwich's failings, but we are clearly a talented team that is a joy to watch at times.

Ratings:

Friedel 6.5 - Didn't have a lot to do but fumbled another one tonight, flapped at one and Kaboul was amazed he didn't come and get the dolly on his six yard line.

Walker 7 - He'll never have an easier game yet really didn't make the most of several great positions in acres of space. He defended OK, used his pace well to get in a couple of good tackles but didn't make the most of the space (and of course freedom man) he had at times. The kids got a good engine and I like his tenacity but he lacks finesse or intelligence.

Gallas 7 - Good game

Kaboul 7.5 - Very good game

Ekotto 8 - I couldn't understand him being taken off. Defensively he's a bit fucking casual, but in this game it was virtually irrelevant as he was playing as RM for most of the game and doing a really good job, seeing shitloads of ball and getting forward well. I thought he was playing really well and I don't think we were better as an offensive unit, or at ball retaining when he went off.

Parker 7.5 - Very good game

Sandro 8.5 - The only player who doesn't buy into the free love concept. He was outstanding tonight, one of his best performances in a spurs shirt, because he also showed some really nice touches in possession too.

Modric 8 - Good game offensively but defensively poor at times. Just stands there sometimes watching players walk past him. I think this is why Redknapp is no longer playing him cm in a cm 2.

VDV 8 - Man this fella sees so much ball. Second game running he's only been bettered by one pass by Modric. A couple of the passes he played tonight were superb (Adebayor clean through eg) and he has the extra bit of vision and ability to pull off that vision with an incisive pass.

Adebayor 7.5 - I was actually not bowled over by his first 45 minutes. I thought he wasn't working hard enough and was careless at times. But he worked harder second half and put in a good shift.

Bale 8.5 - Offensively he is having his best and most consistent season. He's seeing a lot more of the ball in games every week, which is an improvement, but I still wish he'd show a bit more desire to defend and help out his fb. It didn't matter so much tonight, but it does usually.


Redknapp 7 - With freedom comes responsibility. Only Sandro and maybe Parker dig it. If we could get everyone digging it we'd be genuine contenders, but this was still a performance with plenty to enjoy. A bit like watching a Brazil performance from the early eighties. And yet more evidence that Redknapp does do tactics, even if that tactic is to not do tactics.

I can't believe that you were amazed that Ekotto was replaced,he had very little to do defensively and had yards of space ahead of him that he totally wasted with crap final balls.

You are wrong about Walker too,he was very good tonight.


I think people are marking Adebayor way too high,I know it's been a long time since we have had a striker who actually runs now and again and works the flanks...................but we should expect that at the very least.

In Pav,Defoe,Crouch,Keane and Berbatov,we have had some of the laziest strikers in world football playing for us for the past few years so I suppose some of you are still a bit newfangled with Ade.
He did very little of any use other than slipping a ball to Bale that had got lost between his legs.
He won a few throw ins and corners but to be honest I want a striker to lead the line and score goals and not one who hands the responsibility to someone else.
I want a striker who gets in where it hurts,who fights to get in front of defenders and who is lethal in the box.
I don't want what Fernando Torres has become for the past 2 years.

 

[fortworthspur]

He had to run the whole right side, as our attack and defense, and showed immense stamina as well as speed, reminding me of Roberto Carlos in his heyday. I know this was 1 match, but shows what he is capable of.

I agree he had no right winger in front of him. This is exactly why he had so many touches, though I dont agree he did much with them. So yes, I appreciate his effort, but I dont think he was spectacular.

 

[Kalim]

I agree he had no right winger in front of him. This is exactly why he had so many touches, though I dont agree he did much with them. So yes, I appreciate his effort, but I dont think he was spectacular.

your right not spectacular, but you gota admit he put in a shift, as did everyone else to be fair.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I can't believe that you were amazed that Ekotto was replaced,he had very little to do defensively and had yards of space ahead of him that he totally wasted with crap final balls.

You are wrong about Walker too,he was very good tonight.


I think people are marking Adebayor way too high,I know it's been a long time since we have had a striker who actually runs now and again and works the flanks...................but we should expect that at the very least.

In Pav,Defoe,Crouch,Keane and Berbatov,we have had some of the laziest strikers in world football playing for us for the past few years so I suppose some of you are still a bit newfangled with Ade.
He did very little of any use other than slipping a ball to Bale that had got lost between his legs.
He won a few throw ins and corners but to be honest I want a striker to lead the line and score goals and not one who hands the responsibility to someone else.
I want a striker who gets in where it hurts,who fights to get in front of defenders and who is lethal in the box.
I don't want what Fernando Torres has become for the past 2 years.

Defensively neither Ekotto or Walker really had too much to do, and ultimately neither of them actually played a killer ball or cross (although Ekotto did only for SAdebayor to have strayed stupidly offside before slotting it home) and though both saw similar amounts of the ball, Ekotto was far more proficient with it, Walker actually gave the ball away 26 times. That's more than Defoe will see it in three games. Ekotto only gave it away 10.

When he's not defending Ekotto is very comfortable on the ball and gets involved in the little interchanges.

I thought he was having a good game tonight, but either way, don't really understand the logic of replacing him with Rose.

 

[Mr Pink]

I agree he had no right winger in front of him. This is exactly why he had so many touches, though I dont agree he did much with them. So yes, I appreciate his effort, but I dont think he was spectacular.

A couple of great crosses first half, had there not been a great defensive header for one one of them he would of been getting a lot more praise in terms of end product...fine lines sometimes, but I certainly noticed those crosses first half, they were excellent.

 

[Mr Pink]

Defensively neither Ekotto or Walker really had too much to do, and ultimately neither of them actually played a killer ball or cross (although Ekotto did only for SAdebayor to have strayed stupidly offside before slotting it home) and though both saw similar amounts of the ball, Ekotto was far more proficient with it, Walker actually gave the ball away 26 times. That's more than Defoe will see it in three games. Ekotto only gave it away 10.

When he's not defending Ekotto is very comfortable on the ball and gets involved in the little interchanges.

I thought he was having a good game tonight, but either way, don't really understand the logic of replacing him with Rose.

You see I see that completely differently...Ekotto should of released the ball quicker IMO, you could see Ade pointing to the space and then went to move and Benny hesitated for a split second...

 

[Paolo10]

And BC gives Walker a 7 after that fucking big spiel that was as funny as the Gillingham player ripping his ballbag.

7? Seriously?

 

[bananafish]

I think Harry takes a really different approach to attacking versus defending players...it's like he has two diametrical categories in his mind, one skillful/technical/attacking, the other physical/hardworking/defensive. Remember the way he bollocked Sandro last season for getting forward? And he has had an obsession with Parker for a long time, emphasizing his discipline, responsibility, and leadership more than anything else.

Without these two and their stamina, I don't think we can give nearly as much freedom to the attackers. Certainly Modric can't be set as free as Harry says he wants him to be.

Part of this is also due to some of our attacking players' own desire to do whatever they want. VdV is "just not going to defend, man...not my thing". Bale is pretty crap at tackling. I think other managers would take a harder line on this or at least include a "grunt work attacker" (eg. Benitez with Kuyt, Ferguson with Park, Moyes with everyone) but Harry is a bit of a softie with silky midfielders.

More critically I think the purposeful roaming is to address some of the problems we had last season. Bale was too often peripheral to our play because he'd get trapped out wide and lose the ball too easily. Everyone knew what he was going to do - rush down the field, cross, header, lose the ball. Same for Lennon. Our wingers were so wide and direct we'd be left open in the center without even getting our wingers on the ball.

Clearly, they had to start drifting inside more, and moving less predictably. This has benefited both their individual form and also the team's so that we no longer rely on one attacking weapon (the cross from out wide into the box). Adebayor has been critical in this regard since his lateral movement is so good.

Obviously there is a range between super-rigid and free-flowing flowery football, and we don't always strike the balance right, but I am glad we are at least trying for more movement. When it clicks, we are a joy to watch in attack.

The problem, I suppose, is when it doesn't click. "Just farkin run about" can rely more on confidence than preparation. (Is it any wonder we look so buoyant after taking the lead?) But against some tougher teams, we may have to become more tactically disciplined.

 

[jonathanhotspur]

Defensively neither Ekotto or Walker really had too much to do, and ultimately neither of them actually played a killer ball or cross (although Ekotto did only for SAdebayor to have strayed stupidly offside before slotting it home) and though both saw similar amounts of the ball, Ekotto was far more proficient with it, Walker actually gave the ball away 26 times. That's more than Defoe will see it in three games. Ekotto only gave it away 10.

When he's not defending Ekotto is very comfortable on the ball and gets involved in the little interchanges.

I thought he was having a good game tonight, but either way, don't really understand the logic of replacing him with Rose.

I thought Walker's use of the ball in the first half left a lot to be desired.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

You see I see that completely differently...Ekotto should of released the ball quicker IMO, you could see Ade pointing to the space and then went to move and Benny hesitated for a split second...

On the replay Adebayor looked even more offside to start with I thought, and checked himself. Didn't he ? It was certainly closer than Walker got to actually finding one all night.

I'm really not seeing that performance as outstanding by Walker. Gave the ball away an enormous amount, defended well when asked a couple of times - is this exceptional ? - and didn't put a single meaningful pass or ball into the box despite having half of Carrow Road to himself.

 

[stemark44]

Defensively neither Ekotto or Walker really had too much to do, and ultimately neither of them actually played a killer ball or cross (although Ekotto did only for SAdebayor to have strayed stupidly offside before slotting it home) and though both saw similar amounts of the ball, Ekotto was far more proficient with it, Walker actually gave the ball away 26 times. That's more than Defoe will see it in three games. Ekotto only gave it away 10.

When he's not defending Ekotto is very comfortable on the ball and gets involved in the little interchanges.

I thought he was having a good game tonight, but either way, don't really understand the logic of replacing him with Rose.

I think the manager felt that Rose might actually produce a few decent crosses.He was wrong, it didn't happen.
Even though I don't think Ekotto was very good tonight,I actually thought the manager should have taken a few of our more important players off when we went up 2-0.
Bale,Modric and VDV should have been replaced with Kranjcar,Livermore and Pav.
We can't keep asking the same players to carry our season all the time,we need to rotate.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I think Harry takes a really different approach to attacking versus defending players...it's like he has two diametrical categories in his mind, one skillful/technical/attacking, the other physical/hardworking/defensive. Remember the way he bollocked Sandro last season for getting forward? And he has had an obsession with Parker for a long time, emphasizing his discipline, responsibility, and leadership more than anything else.

Without these two and their stamina, I don't think we can give nearly as much freedom to the attackers. Certainly Modric can't be set as free as Harry says he wants him to be.

Part of this is also due to some of our attacking players' own desire to do whatever they want. VdV is "just not going to defend, man...not my thing". Bale is pretty crap at tackling. I think other managers would take a harder line on this or at least include a "grunt work attacker" (eg. Benitez with Kuyt, Ferguson with Park, Moyes with everyone) but Harry is a bit of a softie with silky midfielders.

More critically I think the purposeful roaming is to address some of the problems we had last season. Bale was too often peripheral to our play because he'd get trapped out wide and lose the ball too easily. Everyone knew what he was going to do - rush down the field, cross, header, lose the ball. Same for Lennon. Our wingers were so wide and direct we'd be left open in the center without even getting our wingers on the ball.

Clearly, they had to start drifting inside more, and moving less predictably. This has benefited both their individual form and also the team's so that we no longer rely on one attacking weapon (the cross from out wide into the box). Adebayor has been critical in this regard since his lateral movement is so good.

Obviously there is a range between super-rigid and free-flowing flowery football, and we don't always strike the balance right, but I am glad we are at least trying for more movement. When it clicks, we are a joy to watch in attack.

The problem, I suppose, is when it doesn't click. "Just farkin run about" can rely more on confidence than preparation. (Is it any wonder we look so buoyant after taking the lead?) But against some tougher teams, we may have to become more tactically disciplined.

Once again I find myself completely agreeing with Mr B Fish. Well put.