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Match Threads Spurs vs Cardiff City - Match Thread

mpickard2087

Patient Zero
Jun 13, 2008
21,886
32,513
Pochettino is doing a very fine job considering what he's been dealt in a shambles of a transfer window yet again. He knows full well he hasn't got the squad to achieve anything greater than scraping top 4 and I think he's fully focused on just getting results to achieve that goal again. It's not going to be easy to likely finish above Arsenal and Man Utd.

Do I think he should have been braver in using Onomah and the rest of the youth? Yes. But we don't know the ins and outs and we don't have the full picture.

Until baldy opens his wallet we are going nowhere but slowly backwards i'm afraid.

Obviously there have been difficulties to contend with at the start of the season, but I don't think Poch escapes all scrutiny. Whatever the shape, whoever is playing, this doesn't look a particularly well coached group at the moment. Our attacking structures in the final third don't look great, possession play building out from the back and through midfield is ropey, our pressing game is non-existent, game after game we look open rather than that nice compactness we're accustomed to, and the defence looks disorganised half the time. Throw in a susceptibility at set pieces as well.

Of course it's not all bad, and that we're near the top of the tale despite a run of pretty unconvincing performances shows the residual talent we have, both in the players and Poch himself, and maybe he is even working something pretty miraculous to keep us in the hunt...... But there are a lot of factors and aspects that are within the Coach's control where we are falling considerably below the standards we have set (and what I see some other clubs doing, particularly with their possession play and constructing attacks) in previous seasons, and would expect us to be performing better.
 
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WiganSpur

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
15,974
32,682
Obviously there have been difficulties to contend with at the start of the season, but I don't think Poch escapes all scrutiny. Whatever the shape, whoever is playing, this doesn't look a particularly well coached group at the moment. Our attacking structures in the final third don't look great, possession play building out from the back and through midfield is ropey, our pressing game is non-existent, and the defence looks disorganised half the time. Throw in a susceptibility at set pieces as well.

Of course it's not all bad, and that we're near the top of the tale despite a run of pretty unconvincing performances shows the residual talent we have, both in the players and Poch himself, and maybe he is even working something pretty miraculous to keep us in the hunt...... But there are a lot of factors and aspects that are within the Coach's control where we are falling considerably below the standards we have set (and what I see some other clubs doing, particularly with their possession play and constructing attacks) in previous seasons, and would expect us to be performing better.
You have a point about the set pieces I think. That has been very disappointing and there isn't an excuse for that. And as i've said I think he should maybe be more proactive with the youth players in midfield.

In most of the other aspects there is something not quite right but I'm really not sure it's his fault. It's either that he's demanding maximum effort and not getting it because of the mental and physical fatigue or it's that he's under advice from experts in medical science and recovery to be careful. I don't think it's a coincidence that Lamela, Aurier and Lucas have looked sharp so far this season compared to the other first team players.

As i've said, the circumstances have been testing throwing the off field issues with Lloris into the mix too. I still think he's doing the best he can and a very good job overall.

Should these mitigating factors no longer play a part in future then of course I will judge him much more harshly. I've previously been very critical of the lack of intensity in previous seasons because there weren't as many mitigating factors. This season though I think things are a bit different and we ought to be patient.
 

Japhet

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2010
19,232
57,392
Obviously there have been difficulties to contend with at the start of the season, but I don't think Poch escapes all scrutiny. Whatever the shape, whoever is playing, this doesn't look a particularly well coached group at the moment. Our attacking structures in the final third don't look great, possession play building out from the back and through midfield is ropey, our pressing game is non-existent, game after game we look open rather than that nice compactness we're accustomed to, and the defence looks disorganised half the time. Throw in a susceptibility at set pieces as well.

Of course it's not all bad, and that we're near the top of the tale despite a run of pretty unconvincing performances shows the residual talent we have, both in the players and Poch himself, and maybe he is even working something pretty miraculous to keep us in the hunt...... But there are a lot of factors and aspects that are within the Coach's control where we are falling considerably below the standards we have set (and what I see some other clubs doing, particularly with their possession play and constructing attacks) in previous seasons, and would expect us to be performing better.


Other teams have had plenty of time to work us out and are now exploiting weaknesses. It's Poch's job to keep things evolving.
 

shelfboy68

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2008
14,566
19,651
Obviously there have been difficulties to contend with at the start of the season, but I don't think Poch escapes all scrutiny. Whatever the shape, whoever is playing, this doesn't look a particularly well coached group at the moment. Our attacking structures in the final third don't look great, possession play building out from the back and through midfield is ropey, our pressing game is non-existent, game after game we look open rather than that nice compactness we're accustomed to, and the defence looks disorganised half the time. Throw in a susceptibility at set pieces as well.

Of course it's not all bad, and that we're near the top of the tale despite a run of pretty unconvincing performances shows the residual talent we have, both in the players and Poch himself, and maybe he is even working something pretty miraculous to keep us in the hunt...... But there are a lot of factors and aspects that are within the Coach's control where we are falling considerably below the standards we have set (and what I see some other clubs doing, particularly with their possession play and constructing attacks) in previous seasons, and would expect us to be performing better.
We do look a bit of a mess at times in most game's that I have seen but we are still third for now which is no mean feat considering how disjointed we have been, just hope Utd don't come looking for him certainly he will get the backing he requires
 

Gassin's finest

C'est diabolique
May 12, 2010
37,355
87,831
You know that saying "you only play what's in front of you?"

Well we played a shit team, in appalling weather, in front of a muted crowd, with key players missing. The game was won with that early goal, and it never got going after that.

You're always going to get shit games. As long as you win them it doesn't matter.
 

shelfboy68

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2008
14,566
19,651
You know that saying "you only play what's in front of you?"

Well we played a shit team, in appalling weather, in front of a muted crowd, with key players missing. The game was won with that early goal, and it never got going after that.

You're always going to get shit games. As long as you win them it doesn't matter.
Yes it was a shit game but everyone is happy with a win and that is the important thing here.
 

StevePil

Well-Known Member
Dec 30, 2006
2,963
3,735
Just home from the match and that was a big 3 points, not the greatest performance from some (Son in particular) but we could have won much more comfortable if we took our chances again, Moura missed a sitter and there was a couple of last minute clearances from Cardiff, they had some good chances and were always in the game as we didnt finish them off. Thankfully we held on but it should have been more comfortable.

Son needs a rest, I hope he is not away on international duty these next 2 weeks, he badly needs a rest as was one of the worst players on pitch today, kept trying flicks and they didn't come off. Best player was Winks without a doubt, was so calm on the ball and looked very good, great to have him back

Rose played well too, shame about injury at the end.

Given our injuries and the team tiredness, it was a great 3 points.

I cant wait to get back to Tottenham though as that Wembley atmosphere is so poor, you just cant get it going no matter how hard you try, Cardiff fans were good today and mocking us for most of the game and the spurs fans just sit there in silence....poor from the crowd
 

shelfboy68

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2008
14,566
19,651
Eddie Howe would be a great option if Poch walks away.
He would fit the profile that ENIC like which is developing players rather than asking for top quality which a high profile manager would insist on so yes on that score he would be ideal for them.
 

Blackrat1299

Well-Known Member
Jan 8, 2006
5,368
6,404
Another positive is that when the PL resumes in two weeks time, our injured players will return fully rested and fresh. Well, at least those that have recovered from their injuries by then.

But it will be the turn of the players playing internationals to be worn out/injured
 

buckley

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2012
2,595
6,073
So it turns out MR Warnoch is annoyed with Kanes reaction to the red card .
Well I think ralls was lucky not to be chinned by Harry.
I remember Warnock calling for one of his players to break an opponents leg the man is a complete wanker and if he is offended by Harry then I am so so pleased.
Any man who talks about the opposition the way he does deserves nil credit arsehole of the first degree.he is the master of snide nasty remarks about opponents
 

rossdapep

Well-Known Member
Aug 25, 2011
21,907
78,647
So it turns out MR Warnoch is annoyed with Kanes reaction to the red card .
Well I think ralls was lucky not to be chinned by Harry.
I remember Warnock calling for one of his players to break an opponents leg the man is a complete wanker and if he is offended by Harry then I am so so pleased.
Any man who talks about the opposition the way he does deserves nil credit arsehole of the first degree.he is the master of snide nasty remarks about opponents
Couldn't be sure, so someone may be able to enlighten, but did I hear him say "Well done, t**t" over and over? Was it aimed at the ref? Kane? or Ralls for breaking Lucas?
 

Phomesy

Well-Known Member
Aug 20, 2013
9,188
14,102
So it turns out MR Warnoch is annoyed with Kanes reaction to the red card .
Well I think ralls was lucky not to be chinned by Harry.
I remember Warnock calling for one of his players to break an opponents leg the man is a complete wanker and if he is offended by Harry then I am so so pleased.
Any man who talks about the opposition the way he does deserves nil credit arsehole of the first degree.he is the master of snide nasty remarks about opponents

I don't understand anyone questioning that red. All he needed to do was commit a foul and take a yellow to stop Moura. Ralls CHOSE to pretty much scissor tackle the bloke. It was dangerous, reckless, unnecessary and violent. It's not 1978 - that shit don't fly anymore.
 

luRRka

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2008
3,502
15,158
Couldn't be sure, so someone may be able to enlighten, but did I hear him say "Well done, t**t" over and over? Was it aimed at the ref? Kane? or Ralls for breaking Lucas?
He said "harry, fucking well done you twat, fucking well done you twat"

He was asked about it after the match and said "theres about 10 of them out there. I wouldn't say that [twat], it would be twit wouldn't it?" Not quite sure what hes getting at here though. Maybe saying twit is the plural of twats or just lying to save face. Maybe I'm being dim.

 
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