Ratings vs Internazionale

[mpickard2087]

Totally agree. He has far more bollox than most of the rest of them and his off the ball work is second to none for the most part but I saw his performance exactly the way you've seen it. He holds on to the ball for too long, too frequently, for my liking - and on numerous occasions tonight I saw a pass on when he had it - but because he decided to hang on to it for that second or two too long he gets closed down and does his spinning thing, passes it back, and we lose momentum in terms of building plays from the midfield area. I felt it was really affecting our ability to move the ball progressively.

Obviously being away from home and trying to protect a lead in a game of this magnitude there is bound to be emphasis on keeping the ball well, and safely, but we really struggled tonight and Dembele playing out of position obviously compounded the problem.

He did play one great ball in the second half though, probably the best pass of the game.

Yeah its this. I guess at the end of the day I like to see the ball moved quickly with the minimum of touches. I appreciate that sometimes you want to take some sting out of the game and retain the ball but there are plenty of times where I think we are faffing around with it and so don't see the openings to play a progressive ball. Its not just a criticism of Parker there are others (I critique Dembele on this frequently about too many touches of the ball), its just I noticed it from him tonight and he had a number of quite good opportunities for a switch of play to a man in space and he didn't use it.

 

[Mr Pink]

Yeah its this. I guess at the end of the day I like to see the ball moved quickly with the minimum of touches. I appreciate that sometimes you want to take some sting out of the game and retain the ball but there are plenty of times where I think we are faffing around with it and so don't see the openings to play a progressive ball. Its not just a criticism of Parker there are others (I critique Dembele on this frequently about too many touches of the ball), its just I noticed it from him tonight and he had a number of quite good opportunities for a switch of play to a man in space and he didn't use it.[/quote]

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[Mr Pink]

Yeah its this. I guess at the end of the day I like to see the ball moved quickly with the minimum of touches. I appreciate that sometimes you want to take some sting out of the game and retain the ball but there are plenty of times where I think we are faffing around with it and so don't see the openings to play a progressive ball. Its not just a criticism of Parker there are others (I critique Dembele on this frequently about too many touches of the ball), its just I noticed it from him tonight and he had a number of quite good opportunities for a switch of play to a man in space and he didn't use it.

Did you see the one in the first half, which was glaring...someone out on the right in loads of space, he chose to just spin and lay it back. I know this sounds ultra critical but it what was frustrating to watch at times. For me it just seems to be that second or two too long and the opportunity for a progressive pass goes - and then only the safe pass is on. Its like he holds it and then gets closed down, manages to keep it and we still retain possession. Obviously this is fine in loads of instances, but it seems to happen too often IMO - and we lose forward thrust then.

Parker is an excellent player and I guess Dembele playing out of position, and the circumstances of the game, probably exacerbated the tendency a bit more than normal tonight - but I saw it the same as yourself

 

[minesadouble]

I can't be arsed to give scores. It was clearly an embarrassment. I actually understand what AVB was trying to do (narrow solid 4-4-2) given the players he had available and those he wanted to rest or play, etc. It actually worked a while but this line up cannot play high line or tiki-taka and we had no great pace. Funnily enough I knew deep down we'd get the goal and go through eventually but phew. I think AvB hoped Defoe and Ade would get an easy goal to kickstart their confidence.
What I object to is the irrational excessive criticism of Parker. He was excellent last season but he had luka and van to give the ball to and Lennon and bale shooting up the wings. All he had to do was act as water carrier and get out of kaboul's way.

This season he is asked to do a different job in a different system with different players. He only started in December and he's played with Dembele who is many things but he's not Modric. He has less time and space because of our compression under AVB. Yes he spins around too much but is that the runners not finding space ? When Lennon got some space versus goons, Parker found him perfectly. I can't help but think that critics of Parker may have spent more time on the xbox than the green grass because only by trying to do it yourself at a decent (or even modest) level can you know how hard it is to perform, day after day. That's what my missus says about me, anyway!

 

[jonathanhotspur]

Totally agree. He has far more bollox than most of the rest of them and his off the ball work is second to none for the most part but I saw his performance exactly the way you've seen it. He holds on to the ball for too long, too frequently, for my liking - and on numerous occasions tonight I saw a pass on when he had it - but because he decided to hang on to it for that second or two too long he gets closed down and does his spinning thing, passes it back, and we lose momentum in terms of building plays from the midfield area. I felt it was really affecting our ability to move the ball progressively.

Obviously being away from home and trying to protect a lead in a game of this magnitude there is bound to be emphasis on keeping the ball well, and safely, but we really struggled tonight and Dembele playing out of position obviously compounded the problem.

He did play one great ball in the second half though, probably the best pass of the game.

I didn't see the game tonight but I know exactly what you boys are talking about and it drives me cuckoo. In the sixth minute of the game against Liverpool, Sturridge got in for a 1v1 because of this stupid spinning top routine.

 

[mpickard2087]

Did you see the one in the first half, which was glaring...someone out on the right in loads of space, he chose to just spin and lay it back. I know this sounds ultra critical but it what was frustrating to watch at times. For me it just seems to be that second or two too long and the opportunity for a progressive pass goes - and then only the safe pass is on. Its like he holds it and then gets closed down, manages to keep it and we still retain possession. Obviously this is fine in loads of instances, but it seems to happen too often IMO - and we lose forward thrust then.

Parker is an excellent player and I guess Dembele playing out of position, and the circumstances of the game, probably exacerbated the tendency a bit more than normal tonight - but I saw it the same as yourself

Yes. He kinda looked up, must have seen the pass was on, and chose to spin round 180degrees and lay it back left to someone with two or three men in close proximity.

Watched the game with my old man, he launched the remote at the TV when it happened

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I dont think there was a MOTM, they all needed a bollocking, the best player was probably sig as he was tracking back better than anyone tbh after the first goal. he was good and efficient. Ade had a better performance than his usual stints and he deserve shout for good play and constant pressing.

Naughton was arguably our best passer in terms of vision despite being shite, becuase he was the only player in our team with vision, constantly the right flank was free but no one was finding the players in space. instead we clogged a small area with small passes which isnt necessarily bad but with no movement was absolutely dire. i found it strange that only the lb was the only player able to switch the play or able to make a decent forward pass to put the defence under pressure whereas the rest of the team was happy with doing the sidewards routine

I can only remember Naughton switching the play once. I don't remember him playing a single incisive pass. I don't actually remember anyone playing an incisive pass. Except Parker, whose incisive pass came after carrying the ball forward.

Sigurdsson was OK. but I can't honestly see how the contribution of the two could compare. He saw about half the ball Parker did, didn't do anything special and certainly didn't have to cover the ground Parker did.

 

[theShiznit]

WHile Parker may have a high pass completion, the quality of those passes was utter shite, often too hard for it to be controlled properly, again behind the player or in area where the players run would have to stop. There best point that detials this was a brillaint run and he had lennon in front of him, lennon was about to attack the fullback and he passes behind in which lennon had to run back and stopped the counter

Having passing stats dont mean alot as the quality of each pass is key, as a playmaker it amazes me when top footballers dont put enough weight behind the ball for slow at the correct point

Parker's passes are so often to players under more pressure than him, it's getting tiresome, there is absolutely no thought in his play, just like a puppy playing with a ball, unfortunately this puppy's no longer cute and Christmas is a distant memory so i'm 'bout ready to take a hammer to it...

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Parker's passes are so often to players under more pressure than him, it's getting tiresome, there is absolutely no thought in his play, just like a puppy playing with a ball, unfortunately this puppy's no longer cute and Christmas is a distant memory so i'm 'bout ready to take a hammer to it...

Which of our Pirlo-esque CM's would you like to see replace Parker on Sunday ?

 

[theShiznit]

Which of our Pirlo-esque CM's would you like to see replace Parker on Sunday ?

Don't get me wrong, we're not overly burdened with magicians in midfield, But some of the adulation Parker gets just for 'putting in a shift' is OTT.

He is just so slow to spot a pass, invariably passes backwards or turns away from decent options before getting his head up and seeing nothing on poking it to anyone, irrespective of what pressure they are under.
Also lately has taken to surging runs into a group of three opposing players with little/no support before realising he's forgot his paddles (yes that be the shit creak he's stumbled up) Not even egg chasers do that!
But it is exaggerated at the moment by having a lot of players who are slow witted and take forever to spot a pass and when they do finally see it by then it is too late to make it. so have to take another few touches.
It's frustrating as hell when you can see a little first time touch forward or great easy option to open up play which is spurned by this reluctance to even contemplate a pass before 3-4 touches. (main culprits; Adebayor, Parker, Dembele) That's why many saw Holtby as a breath of fresh air when he first played with an apparent ease in seeing early passes and playing first time balls, but he looks about as Fit as Huddlestone's (less fit) brother ATM. and seems to be struggling to adapt for what ever reason.

What options are there for CM?

That's for the manager/coach to decide. But I for one would not be unhappy to see Parker given a break from 1st team duties.

 

[ethanedwards]

Well it was working earlier in the season when they had 10 goals in 11 games together.

This was just Defoe's purple patch, he has one every two years or so.

 

[kcmei]

i fear the day when dembele will give up slightly due to influence of those around him

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Don't get me wrong, we're not overly burdened with magicians in midfield, But some of the adulation Parker gets just for 'putting in a shift' is OTT.

He is just so slow to spot a pass, invariably passes backwards or turns away from decent options before getting his head up and seeing nothing on poking it to anyone, irrespective of what pressure they are under.
Also lately has taken to surging runs into a group of three opposing players with little/no support before realising he's forgot his paddles (yes that be the shit creak he's stumbled up) Not even egg chasers do that!
But it is exaggerated at the moment by having a lot of players who are slow witted and take forever to spot a pass and when they do finally see it by then it is too late to make it. so have to take another few touches.
It's frustrating as hell when you can see a little first time touch forward or great easy option to open up play which is spurned by this reluctance to even contemplate a pass before 3-4 touches. (main culprits; Adebayor, Parker, Dembele) That's why many saw Holtby as a breath of fresh air when he first played with an apparent ease in seeing early passes and playing first time balls, but he looks about as Fit as Huddlestone's (less fit) brother ATM. and seems to be struggling to adapt for what ever reason.

What options are there for CM?

That's for the manager/coach to decide. But I for one would not be unhappy to see Parker given a break from 1st team duties.

Honestly, I know Parker has some limitations but I can't think of a single player at our club I'd rather have in our CM right now. I think we've actually been better for him being there last couple of months.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

i fear the day when dembele will give up slightly due to influence of those around him

He gave up slightly tonight for the first two goals.

 

[OmarsComing]

Defoe - Second game in a row where I'm not going to rate. A pretty disgraceful effort. My own opinion is that anyone who sings his song should be taken out the back of the stand and shot, the guy deserves no praise or affection whatsoever. A massive fucking ****.

/Crying with laughter

 

[kcmei]

im sick and tired of players who only show up when things are going their way. The real value of a footballer is judged by how they endure and rise up to difficult situations and force things to happen when things aren't going their way

 

[Cooperfield]

Friedel - 4
Walker - 4
Gallas - 3
Vertonghen - 5
Naughton - 4
Dembele - 5
Parker - 6
Livermore - 4
Sigurdsson -5
Defoe -3
Adebayor - 4
SUBS:
Lennon - 5
Holtby - 4
Caulker - 5

 

[Flashspur]

I have to say some of the scores are harsh but 5's seem about right for many. I blame AVB's tactics. Suicidal would be a good description. The high line was foolhardy. Gallas and Friedal completely not match fit. Holtby the same. Livermore and Parker could not hold the ball. Why not throw Carrol in if he wanted to nick an early goal. We lost posession so much it was like a passing out parade with Inter waltzing away from us.

Friedel 6 - A great save at the end from Cassano. Stuck on his line. Lloris and him are chalk and cheese.
Walker 5 - Master of stupid fouls in dangerous places. Kyle take a bow!
Gallas 5 - Playing the high line and an offside trap with someone who isnt match fit or very fast. Criminal. You should be ashamed Mr Boas.
Vertoghen 6 - One of the better players on the night which isnt saying much.
Naughton 5 - Not match fit. Hasnt played enough. Looked sluggish and a yard slow which he isnt really.
Parker 6 - Can't pass to save his life on the strength of this game. He isnt that bad but struggled and was poor. Still chased down people valiantly.
Livermore 5 - Not as bad as people think but seemed out of sorts. He was under constant pressure and again seemed sluggish and not match fit.
Siggurdson 6 - Worked hard. Tried to make things happen. But you cant shine a turd and we were turd for long periods.
Dembele 7 - MotM. Worked hard and played at times like a man posessed. Wanted it bad.
Ade 6 - Worked hard and put in a shift but was easily mastered by Inter because they had so much posession and our service to him was poor.
Defoe 5 - A goal scorer who didnt do much else as there were no goals out there for him.

Holtby 5 - Struggled with the pace of the game. Again does not look match fit like Friedal, Gallas, Naughton, Livermore etc. all. Improved in extra time.
Lennon 5.5 - Poor but then backs were to the wall.
Caulker 5 - Did not look confident and seemed ill at ease.

AVB 4 - Poor tactically. He may try to put a shine on it but everything was wrong. The 4-4-2. The high line. Parker and Jake in the middle. Dembele on the right FFS? Ade and Defoe together. Kane would have done more than Defoe as he does hold up the ball. For Christs sake Andre we need to bounce back in our next game!

 

[AngerManagement]

Friedel - 5

Walker - 4

Gallas - 4

Vertonghen - 6

Naughton - 4

Dembele - 8

Parker - 5

Livermore - 5

Sigurdsson - 7

Defoe - 4

Adebayor - 6


SUBS:

Lennon - 6

Holtby - 4

Caulker - 5

 

[Spurs1960]

This was just Defoe's purple patch, he has one every two years or so.

So when it works ignore it and when it doesn't say it never has! Logical.