Match Threads Watford vs Spurs - Match Thread

[ajspurs]

I bet we don’t strengthen in January.

There's absolutely no chance that I'll be expecting any business in January after that summer window.

 

[worcestersauce]

Can't help but feel that Watford are this year's Leicester, they won't win the league because other sides are stronger this year but people will keep waiting for them to fall away and they may well not do.
Gutted by today's result I wonder if we'll learn anything from it.

 

[SdB]

I think you're right, is Dier the key? He has a unique role in the team when he plays it seems. He is both a midfielder and a center half, giving us more control of the midfield rather than having 3 center halves like today.

If Dier is the key we are in trouble.

 

[malin]

It’s a fucking embarrassing term, drop it. It makes you sounds like a melt millennial that’s been supporting Spurs for all of 5 minutes

Just wanted to sense check, should I describe the following results as Spursy or does it solely apply to us?

07.04.18 - Man City 2 - 3 Man Utd
15.04.18 - Man Utd 0 - 1 West Brom

14.01.18 - Liverpool 4 - 3 Man City
22.01.18 - Swansea 1 - 0 Liverpool

29.04.18 - Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal
04.05.18 - Brighton 1 - 0 Man Utd

 

[MyNameIsNicolaBerti]

There are problems behind the scenes in this team mark my words.

What gives you that idea?

 

[shelfboy68]

We were shocking for 15 minutes, duly punished, and weren't good enough in the final 15 to turn it around again.

The fact that we edged a cagy first half and started well in the second doesn't matter now. And even then we were decent in defence but always unconvincing going forward.

Watford deserve a lot of credit and are absolutely miles better than a lot of people thought they'd be this season. But we still pissed it away and can't blame anyone but ourselves.

I would've been happy with 9 points from 12 early doors at the start of the season, but this was a bad and gutting result.

At least today served as a reminder to some who insisted that we did not need to invest during the summer and that we can still compete for the league, we are s good side but all the old problems are still there and we didn't strengthen when we should have a top four finish is possible but nothing more.

 

[fortworthspur]

someone gave a shout out to Sissoko, and its not a bad idea. Him thugging it up in the middle may have been what we needed for the last 30 minutes. Anyway, its done.

 

[Gilzeanking]

Thought Watford were pretty crap until they upped the tempo for 5 mins, then watched us crumble, Worrying how easy that was for them to only have to play for 15 mins to beat us

Key point is that we went a goal up and then chilled out , that weakening led directly to our downfall

 

[parj]

Today we were beaten by the better side. They were more hungry and more aggressive.

Our problem is 3-5-2 only works with pace in wing backs. In a 442, Davies and Trippier look so much better because in attack the play transitions play through the midfield more allowing them more time to get forward and in defence the midfield offer more protection allowing them more time to get back.

If we want to play 352 then we need to invest or give chances with the pace and engine to handle the role.

 

[fortworthspur]

Can only agree, I wasn't particularly concerned with Watford scoring for the first 50 mins, more concerned with how our attack were playing. However, Watford grew into the game, Dembele started to get tested and couldn't cope with the workload.

Poch has to see that. We all know Dembele's limitations. Unless of course Poch had his hands tied. Dier injured? Winks & Wanyama not ready yet.

I had similar thoughts when they equalized. Dier for Dembele isnt going to create more chances to regain the lead and do you trust Winks for 30 minutes in his first game back. All of which underscores what everyone is saying - we really needed to sign a quality CM this summer.

 

[Phomesy]

What we needed was a midfielder and leader who could grab a game by the scruff of the neck, drive the team forward and simply refuse to accept defeat.

It was clear after the 2nd leg against Juve and again in the FA Cup semi final.

We needed a Vieira or Keane type of player - or even an Ince. We don't have it and we didn't (couldn't or wouldn't?) go out and buy one in the summer. It's been an obvious weakness for a long time.

Levy and Poch have to take responsibility for that.

Yes but Viera and Keane are long retired. So WHO do you suggest we buy?

 

[Lifeson]

He had a full pre season and played in the US tour. He’s really got no excuse, man.

Well he went from end of PL season -> World Cup prep -> World cup -> Pre-season+US tour and now four PL games on the trot (all away games). 2 months ago he played 120 mins in WC Ro16 and took a pen in the shoot out. I imagine he plays in most if every minute of Denmark's games, he is their only real star player, he's their Zlatan or whatever. Other players who went to the WC might have had more of a luxury of getting rested in certain games like. He is also statistically (last time I checked) one of the player who runs the most KM's during a game aswell.

 

[shelfmonkey]

We didnt play very well but on the run up to their first goal, Cathcart clearly flew 2 footed into a tackle and nothing was given. They then scored and Cathcart put in the winner. Watford had a nice slice of luck there.

Maybe, but we didn't do anything to deserve any luck did we?!!

 

[dagraham]

At least today served as a reminder to some who insisted that we did not need to invest during the summer and that we can still compete for the league, we are s good side but all the old problems are still there and we didn't strengthen when we should have a top four finish is possible but nothing more.

As far as strengthening the squad goes, I’m more concerned about when we start the CL campaign. Playing twice a week in high intensity games against quality opposition and battles in the PL like today.

Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Kane looking so off the pace and Dembele unable to play twice a week regularly.

 

[wadewill]

Defoe said something which I thought was bang on, where were our leaders? We donminated that game without doing much, when they started putting us under pressure you need your leaders at the back to get stuck in and win those balls.

Toby and Jan weren’t up to it.

What worries me is that their contracts aren’t signed, maybe their heart isn’t in it at the moment

 

[spursfan77]

Massive game, win and we’re back on track, lose and all our problems will be magnified, (lack of strength in depth & stadium issues)

Unfortunately I think you’re right. That’s what signing no players does, it adds extra pressure. That’s what the media will say anyway, rightly or wrongly.

 

[shelfboy68]

As far as strengthening the squad goes, I’m more concerned about when we start the CL campaign. Playing twice a week in high intensity games against quality opposition and battles in the PL like today.

Especially with the likes of Eriksen and Kane looking so off the pace and Dembele unable to play twice a week regularly.

Totally agree but levy and poch have decided that we don't need anyone so yes I can see us struggling in the CL.

 

[worcestersauce]

At least today served as a reminder to some who insisted that we did not need to invest during the summer and that we can still compete for the league, we are s good side but all the old problems are still there and we didn't strengthen when we should have a top four finish is possible but nothing more.

It doesn't really though, we went ahead they charged back at us and we folded, I'm not sure new players would necessarily have made that difference, it shouldn't have happened with the players we had.
I'm not making any comment on the transfer window I'm just saying today didn't make the case.

 

[spursfan1991]

lads


its tottenham

 

[shelfmonkey]

Totally agree but levy and poch have decided that we don't need anyone so yes I can see us struggling in the CL.

And in my opinion they are both utterly wrong.