Retrospective

[Bus-Conductor]

Finally got round to watching the whole game again last night, I just wanted to see whether my perspective changed at all from watching it live with all the emotional distraction (although I have to say, I honestly never felt that we would lose Sunday, just had one of "those" feelings. I always felt reasonably calm but the last ten minutes did see the sphincter tighten a little) that watching a game like that live can bring.

First off, I have to say, there were some fucking magnificent performances out there Sunday. I hope most of you know I don't praise too easily, I would not use that word lightly. The absoloute stand out performances were:

Woodgate, King, Jenas & Zokora.

Fucking trojans, every one of them. Constant 120 minute performances.

As I said in the ratings thread, playing Chelsea is like playing the most expensively assembled Bolton in World football. Not only can the cut you open, they are the hardest team to break down in English football. You have to win battles all over the pitch but most importantly in CM & CB.

I actually read some derogatory remarks about Zokora's performance in the ratings thread. Mugs. Go back and watch the game again. He was fucking everywhere. Apart from his constant energetic influence he made some major tackles and interceptions (such as approx mins 6.08, 21.30, 29.45, 45.33, 67.10, 80.30, 83.03, 83.19, ET24.19, ET27.20). I've listed those because they are obvious and highlight exactly what Zokora does well. he doesn't score, he often doesn't fly in to tackles but he was everywhere. Yes he gave the free kick away that they scored from, but so did Woodgate. yes he gave a couple of stray balls but so did KIng (who nearly gifted a back pass). Yes he didn't finish the great chance that he'd made with an interception and great run but he did the right thing in trying to chip Czech (who made a grea save). And Berbatov made more of a mess of his chances.
I'm only singling out Zokora as he was the only one I saw get any grief from muppets.

You could easily single out any of those fantastic four and highlight several outstanding pieces of play.

Special mention for Berbatov. Sometimes what he lacks in effort he makes up for with a moment of sublime skill. Not sunday. In many ways it was the other way round. Apart from taking the coolest cup final penalty I've ever seen he worked his nuts off. What I saw Sunday was a player giving it his all for his team mates. Not once did I see him flounce.
(was it just me or was there something vaguely Hoddlesque about Berb's appearance -socks down, tanned legs - in injury time).

Keane also worked harder than I remember.

Apart from that everyone turned up. Everyone won battles around the pitch. Not one player deserved to be subbed on performance but every player coming on contributed impressively.

And it is important we give the biggest credit where it is deserved. Mr Levy. Had the vision and Put the structure in place on which we have built this success, sanctioned the spending on which this success was built, took shit for replacing a nice but inferior manager, splashed out 8m on a risky 28yo CB whose career had been blighted with bad luck.
Who dares wins eh Danny boy ?


Hold your fucking chins up boys (and girls).
We are a good side.

 

[DJS]

Yeah it is funny what a completely different perspective you get from watching live and on tv.

I was at Wembley too and found it looked much different when I watched on the jumbo screen to watching it live.

Got the games recorded too so will be having a scan at some point!

 

[Flatters]

Because of how nervous I was throughout, I came back from the game thinking we probably didn't deserve to win. Watching it again, we most certainly did.

 

[SpurSince57]

I thought that was Zokora's best game ever for us in midfield, and by some margin. How some idiots were giving him 4s or 5s I have no idea. Perhaps they were watching without their guide dogs.

Now if only someone can persuade him that it is actually permissible to use the side of your foot when faced with an open goal… :grin:

 

[Netty]

I was not nervous throughout the game at all, I really enjoyed watching it, even when we were 1 nil down, I just knew we would win. I watched part of the game again yesterday, until my husband came home & moaned at me :lol: I was & still am very proud of our club, players & staff.

 

[TaoistMonkey]

i'm gonna download it again and take a look. like you say, massive difference watching it back.

 

[yanno]

I'm only singling out Zokora as he was the only one I saw get any grief from muppets.

OK - here's the muppet! :wink:

Before I continue, B-C, I agree with nearly everything you've written. The players were magnificent throughout, and our skill players worked like trojans. I'm pleased you noted JJ's outstanding contribution too - he got better and better throughout the 137 minutes (or whatever the ref made us play).

The one glaring omission from your summary is the contribution of Juande Ramos. I think his bold decision to reinforce the central midfield by putting the Hud on for Chimbo, and switch Lennon against Belletti leaving Hutton to patrol the right flank alone, was also key to our success. Ramos outcoached and outfoxed Grant.

Now, to Zokora. He was generally excellent. He battled and fought splendidly, and saved us on several occasions. But he made four major errors. The two freekicks he gave away on the edge of our box, which were due to reckless challenges as he tried to recover his position. And the two times when he broke clear and made a mess of it.

If that was the first time I'd ever seen Zokora play, I would be thinking we had a potentially world class player. All he needs is a bit of composure in front of goal, either to shoot more accurately or slip an easy through ball to Berba or Lennon. But we've all been watching the guy for a season and a half. I doubt any Spurs fan would have put serious money on Zokora either scoring or passing to a Spurs player when he was clean through. If Juande can teach him that kind of composure at the age of 26, then Ramos truly is a genius.

B-C, I'm sure you'll come back fighting. Zokora fought like a lion and generally had an excellent game. But he made big mistakes at key moments. I still think Ramos will go out and buy an upgrade on Zoko in the summer.

 

[Stoof]

I must admit at the time I held a grumbling grudge for Zokora after he gave away the freekick for one of a few mistimed tackles.

But I did as you did BC, and to be fair on watching it again - they were the exceptions to the rule that he was pretty good.

Good post all in all - and it really does help watching it again. Some of our stuff was fantastic.

 

[worcestersauce]

I still haven't seen it on tele yet, didn't get home in time for the sky highlights and didn't know ITV was showing it at midnight:evil:

 

[themanwhofellasleep]

I thought everyone played pretty well. Playing against Chelsea is frustrating because they don't play an open game, and I thought our creative players were relatively subdued - not because they played badly, but because that's what Chelsea do to teams.

It's funny that Bus Conductor mentions Berbatov, because I thought that this was a game that really highlighted the greatness of Robbie Keane. Berbatov had some great touches, but Keane was everywhere. Running at goal, linking up play, and he was absolutely fantastic in the channels, making mincemeat of the full-backs.

Zokora did have a great game, in terms of effort and energy. I still think he gives away too many free-kicks, but that's a small complaint when you consider the game he had.

 

[SpurSince57]

Keane also constantly harassed Mikel and prevented him from having any real influence on the game.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

OK - here's the muppet! :wink:

Before I continue, B-C, I agree with nearly everything you've written. The players were magnificent throughout, and our skill players worked like trojans. I'm pleased you noted JJ's outstanding contribution too - he got better and better throughout the 137 minutes (or whatever the ref made us play).

The one glaring omission from your summary is the contribution of Juande Ramos. I think his bold decision to reinforce the central midfield by putting the Hud on for Chimbo, and switch Lennon against Belletti leaving Hutton to patrol the right flank alone, was also key to our success. Ramos outcoached and outfoxed Grant.

Now, to Zokora. He was generally excellent. He battled and fought splendidly, and saved us on several occasions. But he made four major errors. The two freekicks he gave away on the edge of our box, which were due to reckless challenges as he tried to recover his position. And the two times when he broke clear and made a mess of it.

If that was the first time I'd ever seen Zokora play, I would be thinking we had a potentially world class player. All he needs is a bit of composure in front of goal, either to shoot more accurately or slip an easy through ball to Berba or Lennon. But we've all been watching the guy for a season and a half. I doubt any Spurs fan would have put serious money on Zokora either scoring or passing to a Spurs player when he was clean through. If Juande can teach him that kind of composure at the age of 26, then Ramos truly is a genius.

B-C, I'm sure you'll come back fighting. Zokora fought like a lion and generally had an excellent game. But he made big mistakes at key moments. I still think Ramos will go out and buy an upgrade on Zoko in the summer.

Yes, I didn't mention Ramos, but I did in my original ratings thread. You know I wanted Ramos from the get go and when Ramosgate blew up I posted the only thing that levy should feel sorry about isnot persuading Ramos to join there and then.

Ramos out thought Grant, but to be honest I had a feeling he would.

I had argued long and hard with Joey about the influence a manager can have on a team. Ramos took about 5 minutes to prove that theory.

Zokora only made one real major error and that wasthe free kick that they scored from. But he was trying to apply pressure which did prevent Drogba from shooting. Woodgate gave an even more needless one away in the same spot 5 mins previously. But as I pointed out, all the other players made similar errors, including King who nearly gifted them a goal, and headed straight to Cole in injury time. Woodgate actually allowed himself to be turned a couple of times by drogba. Berbatov wasted a clean through completely.

Then you look at Zokora's positive contribution. He created those two chances himself with clever interceptions. He made a vital tackle on Lampard in the box, he continuously broke up play and positioned himself intelligently. And for me he did the right thing when clean through. He tried to dummy Czech into going down and chip it up. He did make a mess of the rebound but he's not a finisher is he ? That's not why he's there. Try comparing Zokora's performance with the 28mil Essien or 120K per week Lampard. Stands up pretty well eh ?

I have always said Zokora can be improved upon. But only by a very top drawer player.But that goes for several of our squad in equal measure.

I didn't mention Robinson either. Easily could have. Despite having little to do He was at fault for the goal, did his mandatory flap at a couple of crosses but also made a great reflex save from Kalou.

 

[Bowlesinho]

My Liverpool supporting mate who went to the game with me summed it up best.

Half Time: That Zokora's a good player, breaking up play, I like him a lot.

Full Time: That Zokora's a good player, needs to learn to shoot.

AET: That Zokora's a good player, He'd be quality if he could pass and/or shoot.

 

[Flatters]

I was most annoyed with Zoko Pops for not scoring, and then not being able put Lennon through. He did have an awesome game overall though.

 

[llamafarmer]

I don't always agree with you BC, but that's pretty spot on.

Zokora wasn't perfect, because imo his couple of mistakes were pretty big ones, but the rest of his game was excellent. Not quite motm, but still outstanding.

The main thing is everybody fought for the man next to him, it was fucking wonderful and while Chelski were diving and niggling and whinging and whining, we dug in and earned our cup and a lot of respect with it.

Terry did a real job on Berbatov and pretty much shut him out of the game - wherever Berba was, Terry was a big, fat, burberry shadow. But as you say, Berbatov showed the gritty side of his game and kept their defence under pressure all day - especially when Keane went off and he had to work alone.

 

[Flatters]

My Liverpool supporting mate who went to the game with me summed it up best.

Half Time: That Zokora's a good player, breaking up play, I like him a lot.

Full Time: That Zokora's a good player, needs to learn to shoot.

AET: That Zokora's a good player, He'd be quality if he could pass and/or shoot.

That's exactly what I said to nicdic after the game.

 

[yanno]

Yes, I didn't mention Ramos, but I did in my original ratings thread. You know I wanted Ramos from the get go and when Ramosgate blew up I posted the only thing that levy should feel sorry about isnot persuading Ramos to join there and then.

Ramos out thought Grant, but to be honest I had a feeling he would.

I had argued long and hard with Joey about the influence a manager can have on a team. Ramos took about 5 minutes to prove that theory.

Absolutely. The rumours claim Kemsley wanted Redknapp to replace Jol, and Ashley has shown his true stupidity by appointing Keegan at the Barcodes. I think if we'd appointed either of those two, then Joey may have had a valid point about coaches having little permanent influence on teams. Juande is clearly in another league altogether.

Guillem Balague's article on Ramos is interesting:
http://www.skysports.com/experts/expert_story/0,19793,12087_3194330,00.html

He argues it's a combination of:
i) clear, simple, instructions to players;
ii) instilling confidence in them, and;
iii) the willingness to make radical tactical changes as the match progresses.

We've seen all of these from Juande, and as per the thread I began, I think Ramos is world class at reading a match and making tactical switches.

Zokora only made one real major error and that wasthe free kick that they scored from. But he was trying to apply pressure which did prevent Drogba from shooting. Woodgate gave an even more needless one away in the same spot 5 mins previously. But as I pointed out, all the other players made similar errors, including King who nearly gifted them a goal, and headed straight to Cole in injury time. Woodgate actually allowed himself to be turned a couple of times by drogba. Berbatov wasted a clean through completely.

Then you look at Zokora's positive contribution. He created those two chances himself with clever interceptions. He made a vital tackle on Lampard in the box, he continuously broke up play and positioned himself intelligently. And for me he did the right thing when clean through. He tried to dummy Czech into going down and chip it up. He did make a mess of the rebound but he's not a finisher is he ? That's not why he's there. Try comparing Zokora's performance with the 28mil Essien or 120K per week Lampard. Stands up pretty well eh ?

I have always said Zokora can be improved upon. But only by a very top drawer player.But that goes for several of our squad in equal measure.

All entirely fair. I suspect Zokora will stay with Spurs, but Ramos will clip his wings and make him a very disciplined DM and utility defender. He will be in the 16 every week, partly because he can cover for pretty much every position in defence. However, if we sign a Lucho Gonzalez class of CM in the summer, then Zoko will not be guaranteed first choice. It will also be interesting to see where Ramos ends up playing T'Hud - ie at CM or CB.

Bottom line: Zokora did fantastic work for us on Sunday, and definitely had one of his most effective ever games for us.

I didn't mention Robinson either. Easily could have. Despite having little to do He was at fault for the goal, did his mandatory flap at a couple of crosses but also made a great reflex save from Kalou.

Yup. I think Robbo has the rest of the season to prove to Ramos through his performances that he's good enough to be our goalkeeper next season. We shall see.

 

[TaoistMonkey]

I was most annoyed with Zoko Pops for not scoring, and then not being able put Lennon through. He did have an awesome game overall though.

I kinda loved it when he didn't score.

Dunno why but it put me at ease a bit and made the game more funny, especially when he was laughing. I'm sure zokora is our new freund.

Shoooooooooooooooot :-D

 

[Berbati]

Special mention for Berbatov. Sometimes what he lacks in effort he makes up for with a moment of sublime skill. Not sunday. In many ways it was the other way round. Apart from taking the coolest cup final penalty I've ever seen he worked his nuts off. What I saw Sunday was a player giving it his all for his team mates. Not once did I see him flounce.
(was it just me or was there something vaguely Hoddlesque about Berb's appearance -socks down, tanned legs - in injury time).

I agree with that analysis. Berbatov wasn't as good as he could be. A hat trick would match his ability. But there is time to show what he is capable of. Next month he is going to play better.

 

[nickspurs]

I have to say (it's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights) I did re-watch the match and I was one of those who'd been critical of Zokora. I wasn't in the 4-5 score category but I think I gave him the lowest score in the offical match thread.

I will say he did some great work in breaking up the play and generally making life hard for the Chelscum midfield. However, having seen the game again I still feel he made mistakes. He gave away too many free-kicks in dangerous areas and sent a few stray passes. A lot of this is composure on the ball and he should improve.

I stand by my opinion (note use of that word) that he wasn't in the same bracket as Woody, King & Jenas but he did a good job for us.