*** SPURS v MAN CITY *** Official Match Thread

[BoringOldFan]

I was at the game and it looked to me that it was done because Lennon couldn't help out Chimbonda enough when Corluka and Petrov combined down that side. City had a lot of possession in the second half, and switched from their first half tactic of attacking Lee.

Petrov even switched wings in the first half to have a go at Leapy, obviously identified as a weak link by Sven. Lee did have a tough time against their no. 37 (Utuhru?) as well.

So I think Boateng was brought on to add some steel to the right side. Shame really because Lennon still looked like he had some running in him - even if his crosses weren't finding the target often.

 

[Has1978]

I was there today, Jenas did have his moments, but he also spent a lot of the time standing around on the centre circle, not getting involved with play. A typical Jenas performance in that there was some of the brilliant (some great balls, tackles and interceptions) with the ridiculous (awful passing at times including at least twice when a simple one would put a forward through on goal; drifting out of the game for 10 minute spells at a time).

I thought we lost the midfield battle in general. The lack of support and passing options was dismaying, leading to long ball attacks (which is horrible to watch). Thank goodness for the quality of our forwards.

Berbatov, Malbranque, Dawson (kind of), Kaboul (apart from his long balls) and Lee (very solid) came out of the game with real credit.

The central midfield simply doesn't seem to cut it. It's heartbreaking to see no one really wanting the ball. It's just like watching England (a lack of confidence in basic technique) and a lack of balls to actually try stuff.

 

[Dibby]

I thought Lennon's crosses were actually very good today but for some reason we either had no one in the box or those that were there wouldn't move for the ball.


Lennon seems to improved quite alot since last year.

 

[FITZ]

Agree with BOF

We were starting to get overun in midfield. Glad to see that Ramos sees and acts early to how the game is going.

 

[Steady_nethercott]

I was there and Lennon was grabbing hold of his foot at the end of the second half, so maybe injured

 

[DC_Boy]

I think I've said enough in defence of JJ today - so I simply say I disagree Has and point you to all the posts I and others have made in his defence

I'll readily agree that our CM could be improved by a Roberts/Mackay style leader and enforcer - but that wouldn't mean replacing JJ - it'd be Zoko on the bench before JJ

of course if we get in aHodd/Gazza magic man too - then it's the bench for JJ too

But at the moment he's the best we've got

What I will add is that for the first half City effectively played 4-5-1 so it was n susrprise our mid struggled against their numerical superirity

the downside of 4-5-1 was of course they didn't look that likely to score

 

[wizgell]

Glad to see that others agree. Also good to see peoples explanations and I have to say I agree with all of them upon reflection :lol: Although if it were to protect Chimbonda, personally Tainio would have been a better change. Boateng looks scared when he plays out wide. Defoe should have come on much earlier too.

 

[DC_Boy]

it was a bit strange - but perectly understandable too - prince is simply a lot bigger and tougher than lennon and can play a bit too and sometimes you need a bit of beef (or the German equivalent out there

 

[Dibby]

Would have liked to have seen Taarabt come in but obviously he wasn't even on the bench. We should look to offer at least 3 more sub appearances to him this season IMO.

 

[Has1978]

fair play about the 4-5-1 comment and i appreciate this makes the task tougher particularly when your partner is far from the most complete footballer. but for me jenas didn't make himself available enough when there were plenty of opportunities to do so.a simple "out" for a midfielder or defender under pressure.

his passing was variable i thought as well. i don't wish to sound harsh but i really feel he could be so much more.

i actually stick up for him more than most (you're welcome to read any of my posts on him). but there was a distinct lack of creativity from our central midfield today. and this wasn't the first time.

as i've said many times jenas is like the boxer with the great punch, stamina and decent technique - but not the aggressive ballsy demeanour and the self belief to go out there and just do it. however, i think that 6 months under gus may well change him from the nearly man to, hopefully, the man.

 

[Real_madyidd]

Would have liked to have seen Taarabt come in but obviously he wasn't even on the bench. We should look to offer at least 3 more sub appearances to him this season IMO.

Why? What makes you think he would have done anything to help?

Why do you think he should get more games? Why 3?

Come on, tell us what you know!

 

[DC_Boy]

fair play about the 4-5-1 comment and i appreciate this makes the task tougher particularly when your partner is far from the most complete footballer. but for me jenas didn't make himself available enough when there were plenty of opportunities to do so.a simple "out" for a midfielder or defender under pressure.

his passing was variable i thought as well. i don't wish to sound harsh but i really feel he could be so much more.

i actually stick up for him more than most (you're welcome to read any of my posts on him). but there was a distinct lack of creativity from our central midfield today. and this wasn't the first time.

as i've said many times jenas is like the boxer with the great punch, stamina and decent technique - but not the aggressive ballsy demeanour and the self belief to go out there and just do it. however, i think that 6 months under gus may well change him from the nearly man to, hopefully, the man.

;-) Has78 and fair play for your comments

Most of us know that JJ is neither a robbo/Mackay or a Hodd/Gazza - he's a modern fottballer/atlete who gets up and down - he also scores and makes goals but great footballer he will never be - but he's still better than anyone else atm - when we buy someone(s) better then fine replace him -

but atm I'm soooooo grateful we have him - it's hypothetical but I'm convinced we'd still be unbeaten under Ramos had JJ been available last Sunday

 

[gooch]

i just wanna say that darren bent offers us absolutely nothing up front. cant beat a man, cant win a header, cant hold it up, cant pass or shoot. at least defoe is dynamic. bent has got problems and i'm surprised he stayed on so long.

 

[Rupstoh]

;-) Has78 and fair play for your comments

Most of us know that JJ is neither a robbo/Mackay or a Hodd/Gazza - he's a modern fottballer/atlete who gets up and down - he also scores and makes goals but great footballer he will never be - but he's still better than anyone else atm - when we buy someone(s) better then fine replace him -

but atm I'm soooooo grateful we have him - it's hypothetical but I'm convinced we'd still be unbeaten under Ramos had JJ been available last Sunday

I damn know that he sooo didn't earn the yardage. Eek

 

[Rupstoh]

i just wanna say that darren bent offers us absolutely nothing up front. cant beat a man, cant win a header, cant hold it up, cant pass or shoot. at least defoe is dynamic. bent has got problems and i'm surprised he stayed on so long.

bent is a goal scorer, stay positive gooch.

 

[Michey]

i just wanna say that darren bent offers us absolutely nothing up front. cant beat a man, cant win a header, cant hold it up, cant pass or shoot. at least defoe is dynamic. bent has got problems and i'm surprised he stayed on so long.

He also had a chance to set up Jenas for an easy goal but he took the shoot from a shitty angle instead :evil:

 

[Yid-ol]

Was anyone else impressed with City? I thought seeing as they were without arguably their 2 most important players and don't have a top quality striker, they did very well. If they had a quality striker they'd be a very good side.

and we beat them with afew of our main players out! kinda shows everyone where we should be in the league.... King, Bale and keane all didnt play in the game

 

[SpurSince57]

i just wanna say that darren bent offers us absolutely nothing up front. cant beat a man, cant win a header, cant hold it up, cant pass or shoot. at least defoe is dynamic. bent has got problems and i'm surprised he stayed on so long.

This must be why he has a markedly higher successful pass percentage than Defoe and has put 3 out of 6 on-target shots away, as opposed to Defoe's 1 from 7 (including a penalty). He's also been winning plenty of headers.

He also had a chance to set up Jenas for an easy goal but he took the shoot from a shitty angle instead :evil:

Defoe would of course have crossed, as he habitually does.

 

[speccy_spur]

and we beat them with afew of our main players out! kinda shows everyone where we should be in the league.... King, Bale and king all didnt play in the game

Mmm, two Kings in the team - what a lovely thought.... Know what you meant ('Keane' and 'King' so alike!).:wink:

Thought we huffed & puffed to a hard won 3 points today. All credit to most of the lads for sticking with it, and especially to JD for coming on and proving a point to his nemesis Sven. Daws and Kaboul seemed to have a little understanding going this time, and, apart from his awful attempts at long passes, Kaboul looked solid and no-nonsense for a change. Another good effort from Steed, my player of the season to date. Must keep pushing on to get the magic 40+ points now!

 

[Yid-ol]

just seen the horro tackle on lee, was lucky Lee half jumped when he came in or else that could easly have been a leg breaker!

hope Defoe gets a crack next game, looked livley when he came on