If these lot were the second string then several of them should be knocking on Harry's door today and asking him what else they have to do to get a promotion. I felt that half a dozen players did themselves no end of good out there and put up a super effort as underdogs against ex-Champions League fodder. There has been talk of devaluing the competition, but the consolation is we get to have a good look at a few unfamiliar faces.
For the delicate petals amongst you, I realise it seems crazy that I can moan about Monday's win and celebrate last night's loss, but it's a funny old game and important as results are at the moment, that's not what this post is about. I'm talking about the mid to long term outlook, the 5 day forecast, the bigger picture. It's a picture that has shown the first team lumber disjointedly to a mixed bag of performances, mostly poor, since Harry's honeymoon period ended abruptly on December 13th. Yet last night the reserves put on a show that actually got the blood pumping in places it hasn't pumped for weeks.
Quick passing, urgency, creativity and self belief were in attendance and I felt we could drag them into extra time all the way up to the point that they killed us off. The crowd were rocking and the players had their tails up. We didn't look content to knock it around the centre circle, we didn't result to long ball after long ball out of defence, we even had something vaguely resembling a final ball. This lot look comfortably good enough to get us promoted from the Championship next season. (Alright, calm down - that was a joke!).
My verdict:
Gomes - 6The only one who stands to start on Sunday is Gomes, but it will be interesting to see who Harry goes for on Wednesday against Boro'. For me Bale is possibly the only one who has a shout (I'm not superstitious) - hard to remember he's not even 20 yet!
Better but not great, will need to improve if we are to survive - and soon. Thought he'd turned a corner before his injury, hopefully he can turn it again.
Gunter - 6
Caught out of position a few times but recovered well (except possibly for their goal!). Likes going forward, decent defender, has all the ingredients of a solid pro.
Shimbomba - 7
To be honest I find him a bit of a flapper and an uneccesary risk taker at centre half, but no cock ups this time so mustn't grumble.
Thudd - 8
Captain Cool looked composed and seemed to relish the armband. So refreshing to have a CB who can spray measured, accurate passes rather than hoof it to the other defence. Would like to see him play here more often as he starts so many good moves.
Gilberto - 4
One decent run and a couple of tidy passes I suppose, but up there as a contender for the worst player ever to wear the shirt. Loses the ball up field and refuses to break into a sweat to recover his position. Looks nervous and disinterested. Reckon that's his lot.
Bale - 7
Good passing, intelligent running and even looked strong when covering for Gilberto. If only he'd break his balls a bit more when not in possession he'd be automatic first choice ahead of my personal hate figure BAE.
O'Hara - 5
Not bad, not great. Decent enough considering he hasn't played in a while
Wilson - 7
He really is looking like the real deal. The DM we've been waiting for he injects drive and passion into our midfield. Hopefully no one else has noticed.
Gio - 8
Splendid goal with the left peg, tidy passing, kept the ball, found space, mostly avoided dead ends. Bentley and Lennon should be worried. Selling him would be a massive mistake. Could have earned a cameo on Sunday?
Obika - 7
Looks like a good prospect, strong, eager, full of running, not afraid to have a crack. Deserved a goal. Hope he isn't one of those players who need 5 chances to tuck away 1, but wondering if he's already better than Bent...
Campbell - 5
Couldn't find a key to unlock the defence, fell over quite a bit. Not a long term answer, Fergie can have him back.
Ups and downs come with the territory as a Spurs fan, and while the team has been looking decidedly shaky, it seems to me as though the squad looks quite promising.
4 comments:
Nice to see that air of optimism back in your writing.
Let's get this season over and look forward to the future with this bunch of very talented kids.
great article and I whole heartedly agree with your assessment.
I thought that in general we had quite a decent side out there once they got over the initial nerves
I think you were a bit harsh on Gilberto - he did ok last night. I thought Palacios was poor and gave the ball away very cheaply. Obika's would have had all the headlines today if his shooting had been just a bit better, but I do think he has the potential to do well. He did manage to win some headers which Bent never seems to do and he did get his shots off. I agree totally that the passing and moving was miles better than what 'the first team' seem to be serving up.
Perhaps, the one thing I will say for Gilberto is that his passing was better than anything I've seen from BAE.
It's his effort that lets him down, too many times I saw him just troting around aimlessly while the play passed him by.
Ok with the ball, diabolical without it.
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