I am itching with nerves and excitement. I am full of confidence, yet overflowing with pessimism. I can see us scoring three tonight, yet I can see us conceding four.
Is it just that I am a Spurs fan that I feel these feelings or is this the emotional rollercoaster that all fans go through before their maiden Champions League debut? Is it simply the case that the burden of being a Spurs fan amplifies all of the afore mentioned emotions? I have watched our side flounder against Wigan and fail to put WBA to the sword; yet I still have optimism against seasoned Champions League veterans Werder Bremen.
I know that we should go tonight and shut up shop. But the Lilywhite inside me knows the tradition. I've read 'The Glory Game', I know what Bill Nich would do if he were managing tonight, I know that Tottenham's European tradition is built on flair and grit.
Peter Crouch is no Martin Chivers, we don't have a Danny Blanchflower, but I still believe.
Knowing all this, as I do. Knowing that if we are beaten tonight, I will feel crushed. Knowing that the chances of a team progressing past the groups is so slim. I still believe.
It's because I am Lilywhite through-and-through and I will be in that number, if it's today or 60 years from now. Come on you spurs!
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Sunday 21 March 2010
Sunday 21st March 2010
So, as another weekend of premiership football has unfolded how has the dust settled? United go top, Chelsea drop points, Arsenal wait in the wings and Tottenham get a little breathing room. Manchester United's defeat of Liverpool this afternoon may not have been comprehensive on the scoresheet but on the field Liverpool were once again found lacking. Liverpool were largely second best all over the park, with United flexing their muscles where possible but more than happy to take the lions share of possession and secure the tie. Torres once again looked sharp, even with the last minute miss, but Gerrard looked a little lacklustre. Liverpool, having played more games than those around them, should be looking to put points on the board. Instead they picked up no points after securing such a convincing win against Lille midweek. One can't help thinking that although the Europa Cup win was a boost to the Liverpool camp, Lille do not pose the same oposition as Spurs, City or Villa. For this reason Liverpool leave me feeling slightly underwhelmed and perhaps still have alot to prove in their hunt for fourth place. United, on the other hand are looking as strong as ever and are finishing the season in their same iresistable fashion. Wayne Rooney is still largely carrying united but not on the same scale as his heroics earlier on in the season.
If United are to win the EPL this season then you can't help thinking 'Is this the worst United team to win the premier league?'. Furhtermore to this question, whoever wins the league this season, will they be the worst team to win the EPL ever? United have by far the worst team in recent memory. Similar can be said for Chelsea and Arsenal. If Arsenal do as many are predicting and pick up almost maximum points from their run in, they will probably win the league. This Arsenal team is definitely the worst team I have seen in my life time (sadly). Fabregash has carried them through so many ties this season and there ability to score last minute goals earlier on in the season was, at times, ridiculous. Also does Arsene Wenger find it slightly embarassing that so many players that he sent away are still proving purposeful for many european teams. Some of these players would surely serve to bolster the current Arsenal squad and could have perhaps secured them some much needed silverware this season. Chelsea seem to be the same team that Jose Mourinho left at the end of his tenure minus a few flair players. Having watched Chelsea this afternoon it is so apparent that one of the major things which has prevented them from unlocking teams this season is creativity. They seem to hit a brickwall in games which they would have previously broken down their opposition.
In the race for fourth, Spurs have secured two difficult wins in the last two weeks. These wins have carried them into fourth place at a time when teams around them have stuttered. However, Redknapp would have been all too aware that if Spurs are to mount an assault on fourth spot then they had to pick up the last 6 points. With tougher games featuring down the line Tottenham have to win now to be in with a shout come the end of the season. Aston Villa seem to be pulling the same old trick and bottling the final quarter of the season. Martin O'Neill has performed great managerial feats at Villa and has managed to build a good squad which are in the semi-final of the FA cup. But if he is to truly prove himself at Villa he must build a resolve within that squad which doesn't falter upon closing in on the finish line. Having said all this of course, Villa do have games in hand and the ability to make up ground. This afternoon City have beaten Italian giant killers Fulham. City are still keeping pace and like a good race horse may be saving their best for the final push. They have a huge squad and a wealth of experience which could count for so much in this congested race. Mancini must inspire this team and give them the hunger to really want this fourth spot. The hunger is of utmost importance and whichever team has this will prosper over the rest.
If United are to win the EPL this season then you can't help thinking 'Is this the worst United team to win the premier league?'. Furhtermore to this question, whoever wins the league this season, will they be the worst team to win the EPL ever? United have by far the worst team in recent memory. Similar can be said for Chelsea and Arsenal. If Arsenal do as many are predicting and pick up almost maximum points from their run in, they will probably win the league. This Arsenal team is definitely the worst team I have seen in my life time (sadly). Fabregash has carried them through so many ties this season and there ability to score last minute goals earlier on in the season was, at times, ridiculous. Also does Arsene Wenger find it slightly embarassing that so many players that he sent away are still proving purposeful for many european teams. Some of these players would surely serve to bolster the current Arsenal squad and could have perhaps secured them some much needed silverware this season. Chelsea seem to be the same team that Jose Mourinho left at the end of his tenure minus a few flair players. Having watched Chelsea this afternoon it is so apparent that one of the major things which has prevented them from unlocking teams this season is creativity. They seem to hit a brickwall in games which they would have previously broken down their opposition.
In the race for fourth, Spurs have secured two difficult wins in the last two weeks. These wins have carried them into fourth place at a time when teams around them have stuttered. However, Redknapp would have been all too aware that if Spurs are to mount an assault on fourth spot then they had to pick up the last 6 points. With tougher games featuring down the line Tottenham have to win now to be in with a shout come the end of the season. Aston Villa seem to be pulling the same old trick and bottling the final quarter of the season. Martin O'Neill has performed great managerial feats at Villa and has managed to build a good squad which are in the semi-final of the FA cup. But if he is to truly prove himself at Villa he must build a resolve within that squad which doesn't falter upon closing in on the finish line. Having said all this of course, Villa do have games in hand and the ability to make up ground. This afternoon City have beaten Italian giant killers Fulham. City are still keeping pace and like a good race horse may be saving their best for the final push. They have a huge squad and a wealth of experience which could count for so much in this congested race. Mancini must inspire this team and give them the hunger to really want this fourth spot. The hunger is of utmost importance and whichever team has this will prosper over the rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)