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Villa (H) - Van der Vaart Strikes Again....and Again

Krafty

Well-Known Member
May 26, 2004
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What a signing he has proved to be. A proven international, scoring plenty of goals for his country and appearing in the World Cup in South Africa. He’s scored in the Champions League, played for one of the most successful teams in Europe and is fast becoming the focal point of our attack. And his missus is stunning.

But enough about Peter Crouch, Rafael Van der Vaart is fast becoming a White Hart Lane legend. Showing drive and ambition to get into goal scoring positions, coupled with sublime technique, an unexpected work rate and desire to succeed, the Dutch man is the signing of the season. No doubt pleased to be playing regularly again, and receiving the top billing that he never enjoyed at Real Madrid, the only question is where do you play him? Answer – wherever he wants.

Pre-match, I had concerns about this game. Villa had found a bit of form. They are set up to be very effective on the break, with pace and direct running on the wings, and even Emile Heskey had found his goal scoring boots. Our line up was full of quality but another new centre back partnership belied the fact we have the third best defensive record in the league.

The media loves to blow the ‘continental hangover’ out of all proportion. I do not believe playing two games a week at this early stage of the season is too taxing for our large squad. Lacklustre performances have been the problem, undoubtedly hindered by differing systems and personnel. Having seen our starting eleven my concerns did not ease, and the opening twenty minutes indicated it would be a tough afternoon.

Our tendency to switch off at times this season was again exploited when Seb Bassong was robbed by Heskey, who crossed for Albrighton to tap in at the far post. I felt Hutton could have done more to stop the youngster from getting to the ball. Villa continued to cause us troubles with the pace of their breaks, but Gomes never had a real save to make all game.

Going forward we always look a threat and we were reaping particular benefits from the flanks. Pavlyuchenko should have hit the target form a Modric cross, and then went close from a Bale ball in. Hutton was bombing forward with aplomb, afforded space by Van der Vaart floating inside. Our goal came from another ball into the box, this time Pavlyuchenko delivering a peach of a ball for Crouch to knock back across goal, and Van der Vaart getting forward to nod in at the far post. The timing, just before the half time whistle, could not have been more perfect.

For so long we have cried out for a goal scoring midfielder and it now appears that in the ex-Ajax man we have someone who can contribute plenty, which is particularly fortunate because our strikers are not proving so prolific. Pavlyuchenko came off at half time for Lennon and we enjoyed even more success on the flanks. The diminutive England winger saw a goal bound effort blocked, while Crouch should have done better with a header from a corner as our aerial superiority in attack was reaffirmed.

Van der Vaart again ran on to a Crouch knock down but could not connect properly, but after a Villa cross had agonisingly missed everyone for the visitors Van der Vaart made a carbon copy move into the box as Crouch out jumped the Villa defence again. Time seemed to slow as the Dutchman feinted past a diving Dunne before volleying into the back of the net.

Fifteen minutes remained but a clumsy challenge by Collins on a rejuvenated Lennon could have resulted in a red card that would surely have killed off the game. As it was, despite plenty of effort Villa never conjured a real chance as our back line look more assured.

Van der Vaart was the headline maker in the paper. He has quickly become a darling of not just the Tottenham fans but the fourth estate as well. Hopefully he can continue his excellent form while a few others find theirs. Despite a slightly disappointing start to the season, we find ourselves joint fourth and only three points behind big spending City in second. Of course, you could argue we have had some relatively easy fixtures and could be in an even better position, but there is a long way to go and hopefully the team will continue to improve as the season progresses.
 

stemark44

Well-Known Member
Mar 17, 2005
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It's great to finally have a player who can terrorise the defences of teams like United,Chelsea and Arsenal.
 

Zammo

Well-Known Member
Aug 19, 2005
994
281
I didn't think Hutton was to blame for their goal. Other than bring the player down or knock it in himself I don't see what he could have done.

Watching their goal on replay I think you can see Huddlestone's lack of CB experience as he just stands on the penalty spot like a spare part. He obviously isn't sure what he needs to do to contribute to the defensive situation and ultimately chokes and neither stops the cross nor gets to the goal line to block a potential shot.

I think had we seen a regular CB in that situation we would have seen them take decisive action. No criticism of Tom though, he was doing his best in an unfamiliar position.
 

Mr Pink

SC Supporter
Aug 25, 2010
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If we are talking about fault for the goal it was really Bassong even if Hudd and Hutton didn't react well enough to the threat. I don't think anybody saw that coming...Heskey easily out muscled him off the ball and Bassong had more than a decent opportunity to clear his lines.

Lovely summary of the game though from the OP.
 

Kendall

Well-Known Member
Feb 8, 2007
38,502
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When he smashed that volley against Twente that the keeper tipped over and he jumped up and grabbed his shirt it really showed me just how passionate he is for the game. He plays like every kid wants to play like and I am loving it.
 

Krafty

Well-Known Member
May 26, 2004
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Its easy to go a bit OTT, but it just seems the right player at the right time for all sorts of reasons. The squad as a whole is still young and didn't have that real, truly top class player. That meant it was a lot easier for the team to accept VdV because he was not taking anyone's spotlight, there wasnt any egos. Rafael obviously loves being the main man, the focal point, and it brings the best out of him, especially after being stuck in the shadows of so many galaticos at Real.

It might even allow other players to blossom because it eases the pressure on them. We were very reliant on Bale to perform before VdV arrived, now Bale doesnt have to carry the expectations to do something every game, Lennon might be able to find a bit of form because the pressure is lowered, and the strikers might free up because they do not have to worry about scoring every game to keep their place.
 

Mr Pink

SC Supporter
Aug 25, 2010
54,770
99,331
Its easy to go a bit OTT, but it just seems the right player at the right time for all sorts of reasons. The squad as a whole is still young and didn't have that real, truly top class player. That meant it was a lot easier for the team to accept VdV because he was not taking anyone's spotlight, there wasnt any egos. Rafael obviously loves being the main man, the focal point, and it brings the best out of him, especially after being stuck in the shadows of so many galaticos at Real.

It might even allow other players to blossom because it eases the pressure on them. We were very reliant on Bale to perform before VdV arrived, now Bale doesnt have to carry the expectations to do something every game, Lennon might be able to find a bit of form because the pressure is lowered, and the strikers might free up because they do not have to worry about scoring every game to keep their place.

Agreed, its just feels such a win win sitution for both us and VDV personally...could it be match made in heaven? I think so!
 

Archibald&Crooks

Aegina Expat
Admin
Feb 1, 2005
55,533
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Guys, to see other match reports just click on the Match Reports Forum which is a sub-forum in Spurs Chat.

You'll see the link at the top of the main menu page of Spurs Chat.
 

guate

Well-Known Member
May 12, 2005
3,270
1,486
Excellent article Krafy....inspiring read for all the Spurs faithfull.

Question, what happened to Ally Gold ?
 

guate

Well-Known Member
May 12, 2005
3,270
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His legacy is in safe hands, don't worry guys you're all doing an good job.
 
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