The talk of North London is who is the better player/signing?

The two players on everyone's lips in around North London and between the Tottenham and Arsenal fans around the Globe is Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen, who is the better player?

I think firstly we need to take a look at the stats on the players from 2010 to 2013 with their previous clubs:

	Mesut Ozil	Christian Eriksen
Club	Real Madrid	Ajax
Apperances	105	113
Goals	19	25

The above indicates that they are very similar, both have the ability to contribute a lot in a season, neither individual is injury prone and this will please both North London clubs.  In the past both clubs have certainly had the creative individual in the squad but keeping them fit has certainly been a challenge.  Both players have won league titles with their previous clubs Ozil (1) and Eriksen (3), they have both played in the Champions League and made the headlines for the world to see.  Ozil has so far contributed more in the major competitions for his country but Germany currently have a much stronger squad as it stands.

Mesut Ozil has been compared with Zinedine Zidane where as Christian Eriksen has been compared with Michael Laudrup, these are certainly tough acts to follow and only time will tell if either player lives up to these expectations.  Ironic that Zidane probably had a say in Ozil's departure at Real Madrid so does the great Zidane not believe Ozil can live up to the expectations?

Being a Tottenham fan it's difficult to not be biased and I can appreciate Mesut Ozil's ability's and what he brings to the game but 42.5m for him and Christian Eriksen's fee to be in the region of 11.5m, you have to believe that Tottenham have got a real bargain.  Yes Eriksen only had 1 year on his contract but Arsenal could have got Eriksen for this fee so Arsenal fans can't argue about this fact.

Both players made their Premier League debuts this weekend and both were hugely influential and contributed an assist for their new clubs.  Currently nothing can separate these two players.

I for one am hoping for Christian Eriksen to prove to the world that he played at Ajax to learn and grow with a fantastic club to achieve success and that Ozil needs Galacticos around him to achieve anything.

This season is certainly looking like it's going to be a good one for both North London clubs and the talk is not just going to be about who finishes higher but also who is better Ozil or Eriksen.

For me it will be Eriksen.

COYS

Already eventful at WHL

Only in July and the football season has not even started and yet it seems very exciting for Spurs fans.  A whole lot of uncertainty during the Euro's but for Spurs fans sake I think that benefited Daniel Levy, he had the opportunity to assess his options and not make any rash decisions. We are still unclear why Daniel Levy let Harry Redknapp go after what can only be concluded as successful era, however what he is trying to achieve now is making the Tottenham fans forget the past and look to the Future.

Daniel Levy and the board knew that after the Euro's the pressure would be on to announce Harry Redknapp's successor and ensure it was someone that excited the fans.  I don't believe that he has failed with his decision but only time will tell. 

André Villas-Boas

The appointment of AVB is a bold move after his rather premature dismissal at Chelsea, but makes a statement that says the next manager needs to be at Spurs for the long term.  The biggest challenge for Daniel Levy is that AVB will need to produce results and achieve a minimum of 5th position in the Premier League to retain his job and keep the White Hart Lane faithful happy.

AVB comes with a history and it is very mixed, most followers of the Premier League will know of his time at Chelsea and probably agree that he didn't deserve to be treated in the manner that he was.  Unfortunately for AVB he inherited an aged team that had little or no respect for him and a former world class striker who wasn't and still hasn't lived up to the price tag from his move from Liverpool.  But reflecting back on his time at Porto it couldn't be so very different, appointed in June 2010 after a successful time at Académica he won his first trophy within two months of taking the role, winning the Portuguese Super Cup.  AVB then went on to go undefeated in the Portuguese league and winning the title by more than 20 points, not only had he achieved all of this in his first season but he then secured the UEFA Europa League.  These are the reasons Abramovich pursued and ensured he employed Villas-Boas, unfortunatly for AVB he never truly received the backing from Abramovich but Chelsea's loss could well be Tottenham's gain.  AVB is certainly correct in saying he laid the foundations for Chelsea's Champions League success and the groundings for Roberto's change in fortune.  His career at Spurs could well define the rest of his life in football management.

Steffen Freund

A change in back room personnel was always going to happen at White Hart Lane and another bold appointment in Steffen Freund, he is considered a fans favourite and has always showed the desire and passion outwardly on the football field, it will be interesting to see if he is the same type of coach on match days.  He has been successful for the German U16 team in a coaching capacity so we can only wait and see what Steffen will bring to the table.

Signings

Spurs have been quick off the mark this season which is rather rare considering Harry's mentality on transfers, a clever signing in Sigurðsson and what will probably be considered as a coup in Vertonghen.  A number of players are continually linked at Tottenham but you get the feeling from Daniel it's all about the future.

It's likely that Tottenham will secure the services of Adebayor and this will be considered a bargain for less than 10m.  He will always give you 15-20 goals a season but Tottenham will need to find an alternative for the away games.

What Next?

This is unknown, but Spurs could return to a team that if you score 3 we will score 4 or with the experience at the back and strong leadership Champions League football could well come back to the Lane in 2013.

COYS

Is it Doom and Gloom at Spurs?

Here we are with 10 games of the season remaining, sitting 3rd in the Premier League and an FA Cup Quarter Final to look forward to.  Yet all I hear about is doom and gloom at White Hart Lane, if someone had predicted the above with 10 games to go, most fans would happily have accepted without a doubt.  I think that Spurs have gone through the emotions this season, we had a low to start, on a high until late Feb and now we are at a low point.  It has certainly been a roller coaster of a season.  I honestly believe that we will finish on a high. 

Regardless of the England distraction with Harry and Arsenal only a point away, this Tottenham team is well equipped to deal with the pressures.  The driving point of the remainder of the season will be the FA Cup, a win against Bolton will only inspire the players to give another 10%.  Every player wants to play in a Cup Final at Wembley, some players have already experienced this, but there will certainly be a drive from the players to succeed this season in this competition.  With the competition for a chance to play at Wembley, this will only help our league form.

There is concern about the squad depth for the remainder of the season but I don't believe we need to worry.  Ledley King has proven that he can play every weekend, Gallas is coming back from injury and Nelson has started to get some game time.  Probably the biggest area of weakness is the right side of Midfield with Lennon injured, I think that VDV is ready for this challenge if Harry was to give it to him.  We are all aware he struggles defensively but I think he has proven in games this season he can play in this position.  I think we need to go back to basics, flat 4-4-2 formation, Bale out left delivering into the box, Modric creating and driving from the middle, Parker holding and VDV taking the right side of the midfield.  Then we have 3 strikers who are hungry for goals, Saha has an incentive to play well and that's another season in the top flight with Champions League Football next season, Defoe is aiming for his last chance to probably play for England in a European competition and Adebayor needs to make his point if he wants Spurs or any other club to sign him.  We have a number of young players in the back ground that have also had a good season and will be looking to make a name for themselves for the remainder of the season.  I really don't think we have anything to be concerned about.

Should we really be worried about Arsenal?  I don't think so.

Arsenals Fixtures                                                      Spurs Fixtures

Everton (A)                                                              Stoke (H)
Aston Villa (H)                                                         Chelsea (A)
QPR (A)                                                                  Swansea (H)
Man City (H)                                                            Sunderland (A)
Wolverhampton (A)                                                  Norwich (H)
Wigan (H)                                                                Bolton (A)
Chelsea (H)                                                              QPR (A)
Stoke (A)                                                                 Blackburn (H)
Norwich (H)                                                             Aston Villa (A)
WBA (A)                                                                 Fulham (H)

You can see from the above that neither side has an easy run of fixtures.  I think that Spurs fixtures are more favourable but with the relegation battles this season, it will make to an interesting end to the season.

I can't fault the team this year, they have given the Spurs fans a season so far to be proud of.  We have played attractive football and produced arguably the best games of football in the Premier League.

My prediction to the Bolton game this weekend is a 3-1 win and the doom and gloom will be lifted.

COYS

Has Harry really said we are challenging?

All the pundits and news sites are talking about how Harry sees Tottenham are challengers for the title.  I don't actually think that I have actually heard those words from Harry himself, I think the reporters and pundits have asked the question and Harry has not actually answered them with a straight Yes or No.  The conclusion is that Harry is saying that Spurs are title challengers.

Well let's look at the facts Tottenham have won 10 of the last 11 games, unbeaten in the last 11 league games.  Only defeats in the league were the first two games of the season against both Manchester clubs.

Spurs have had eight different goal scorers.  Spurs strikers have scored 19 goals between them, Adebayor with seven goals and Defoe and VDV with 6 each.  Bale has 5 goals, Lennon (2) and Modric, Walker and Kaboul have 1 goal each.  Currently Spurs have had 227 shots and supplied 100 crosses, this would be any strikers dream.

The other fact is Spurs are currently sitting 3rd on 31 points with a game in hand.  That game in hand if it was won would put Spurs 4 points behind Manchester City and put Spurs into second place.

Spurs next 2 games are Stoke away and Sunderland at home.  We owe Stoke for knocking us out the Carling Cup and Sunderland will prove a tougher test now O'Neil is in charge but I think this will still be another 6 points for Spurs.  After these 2 games we then have Chelsea at home, will this be the game Harry really considers Tottenham as contenders, I think the pundits and reporters will, but for me it will be after the January transfer window.  This will be the biggest test for Spurs keeping hold of the current squad.

As a Spurs fan I would be more than happy with a top four finish and finishing above the Gooners, I think the pressures are more on Man City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.  Although Spurs have never truly challenged for the title neither have City but both have come on leaps and bounds during the last 3 seasons.  This current squad is the best that has been seen by the Spurs faithful for some time and everyone is loving the style of play that Harry has deployed.  As Lennon keeps tweeting #keeptherungoing.

Then when April comes around and we are still in the mix, I think all Spurs fans and Harry will truly believe.  Spurs just need to keep playing the current standard of football and grinding out the wins, even when we have not played well.

I think as it stands in the back of everyones minds Harry believes, the players believe and the Spurs faithful are also starting to believe.

COYS

Tottenham V QPR

No one can disguise the fact that no one really knows what is going to happen in the Premier League.  Last weekend we had some very strange results and then today Arsenal scored five past Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs face QPR next, a team that have mixed fortunes this season, I was lucky enough to watch them against Chelsea last weekend and if Chelsea had 11 players on the pitch, it would have never stayed that way.  In fairness it should have been at least 1-1, you have to question how Anelka could not put the ball anywhere else, except straight at the keeper from 6 yards out.

Spurs get the opportunity to welcome back Adel Taarabt back to the lane.  Not exactly sparked the Premier League to life since his entrance back, shows that honestly QPR should have cashed in on him on the summer as really he is just a Championship player.  Adel looked miffed last week at being substituted and dumb founded at why he wasn't allowed to take the penalty against Chelsea.  Not exactly a team player.

A player that looked half decent last week was Wright-Phillips, a player who I think that Spurs should have taken a punt on.  Wright-Phillips always gives 110% for any club he plays for and just wants to play football, a wise investment by QPR.  Not sure he will really trouble Ekotto and he could find himself tracking back and trying to double up on Bale tomorrow.

I no way think that tomorrow will be a walk over by any means, but if Tottenham show up like they did against Liverpool you can expect a minimum of 3 goals from Spurs.  London derby's are always a hard one to call, Spurs need to show QPR some respect and get at them early, an early goal from Spurs will dictate the direction of the game. 

Spurs have Gallas and Pienaar back in contention for the squad.  Pienaar has never really showed the form that he had for Everton and has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch.  Gallas was an absolute rock last season and will be a welcome addition back to the squad, I think that Kaboul has showed that he can step up but needs Gallas, King or Dawson just to give him a bit more confidence.

I expect the team to be Friedal, Walker, Kaboul, Bassong, Ekotto, Bale, Modric, Parker, Lennon, VDV & Adebayor. 

Adebayor will be looking to get back amongst the goals this weekend, Lennon will be looking to make the right hand side his own again as this is the position that is up for the most debate, can VDV play there with Defoe up front, does Modric play wide and Sandro and Parker play in the middle.  A question that can only be answered by the form of players and the Manager himself.  VDV is in fine form and will be looking to add to his tally.

My prediction for tomorrow is 3-0 to Spurs of course.

COYS

The Best League In The World

What a weekend of football.  We had the Manchester upset, Chelsea seeing red, Newcastle grinding a win out and Norwich stealing a draw at Anfield.

This is what makes the Premier League the most exciting in the world.  Starting with the games on Saturday, I would have had Bolton, Wolves, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Liverpool all to win. 

Only Newcastle delivered, Newcastle showed that they are ready to fight for a top half finish and maybe more.  Defensively they look solid, they have steal and creativity in the middle of the park and forwards that are not afraid to get in the mix.  Not a great performance at home but they picked up the 3 points and still are unbeaten in the league.

West Brom beat Aston Villa, this really should have been a Villa win.  On paper the Villa team has the attacking talent and have bolstered the defence in the transfer window.  Some will argue that the sending off changed the game but ultimately West Brom looked the better team and deserved the win.

Wolves, well what can I say about Wolves?  I expected a bit more from Mick's team, I would have had this as a home win, but Wolves have done this all season at home.  Started poorly and then get back into the game or not quite in some cases.  Swansea have showed they are ready to fight to stay in the league and not here to make up the numbers.  When they get into the lead, they now need to learn how to grind out the result.

Bolton and Sunderland, two teams not having the best of times and not a great game by all accounts but why can't Bolton win at home?  Last year Coyle had a team that looked the business and always looked a difficult team to beat and the Reebok Stadium was a fortress.  This year I thought that Coyle had bought wisely and would be pushing for more than a mid table finish.  I really can't work out what the issues are at Bolton!  Sunderland got the 3pts and fair play to Bruce, everyone knocks him down but then he gets back up again.

Liverpool and Norwich, surely a Liverpool win is the only result, nope Norwich steal a point and then could have stolen all 3 and then could have left with none if it was not for Ruddy.  Liverpool have showed class at times this season and probably deserved more against United last weekend.    But then on the face of the millions that they have spent, they are quite ordinary and have a lot to learn still, if they are to finish teams off like Norwich. 

Bring on Super Sunday.  The Manchester derby, a London Derby, two North London clubs still wanting to show they can still mix it with the big boys and Fulham trying to show they can perform after Europe.

Wow what a day.  Manchester City blew away Manchester United, you don't score SIX at Old Trafford that's surly not allowed?  City showed they want to win the league and although they are stuttering in Europe, I think the main aim for Mancini is the league.  He wants to turn the tide in Manchester.  I don't think it would have been six if eleven United players had been on the pitch. But that's football and the United youngsters need to learn.

Arsenal and Spurs both achieved good results that keeps them in the mix.  Everton overcome a Fulham side who will be expecting more from their team.  Is Europe a drain on them, the teams that can rotate the squad seem to be managing this a lot better.

Then the last game of the day had everything that epitomises the Premier League.  It had a goal, sendings off but most of all it had PASSION.  A QPR team that was playing to get a result and not to be turned over.  They were going to get into Chelsea's face and wind them up and it worked a treat.  The goal was soft, but they will take it, Helguson you could argued fouled Luiz before Luiz fouled him in the area but I thought it was still soft.  The 1st sending off was really soft and I think both players were pulling and grappling with each other but Drogba has not got a leg to stand on.  QPR showed grit to come through and deserved the win, Chelsea need to learn not to throw the toys out the pram when someone gets in your face.  I think the new Chelsea boss will have had a wake up call as anyone can beat anyone in this league. 

This weekend was a great advert for the Premier League and showed that we love our Football more than anyone else in the world.  If only this could be transferred into the National Team.

Great result for my team this weekend, Spurs held onto 5th and have a game in hand.   Bring on QPR and another London derby.  Just bring on another Premier League weekend.

COYS

Newcastle V Tottenham Preview

Internationals are out the way and the Premier League starts back up again this weekend.  About time too, the England team do what they always do, get themselves in a good position and then throw it all a way.  Ok, ok yes we have qualified for the European Championships but at a price.  Capello got nervous took off Bent and threw Rooney up front by himself, where he was going to get no service.  Bring on the inevitable and all of a sudden we are already on the back foot next year.  Well lets worry about that at the end of the season.

Newcastle V Tottenham

Tottenham's next game of the season is Newcastle United away, a team that are 4th in the league and have shown the credentials so far of being in the mix at the end of the season.  There record this season is 4 wins and 3 draws.  Wins against Sunderland and Wolves away, Fulham and Blackburn at home.  Draws with Arsenal, QPR and Aston Villa.  I certainly would like to think that Tottenham will be providing Newcastle with a firmer test on Sunday.

Newcastle this season have showed a lot more resilience, not conceding more than 1 goal in against any opposition in the Premier League.  Only Nottingham Forest have scored more that 1 against Newcastle this season and that was in the Cup.  Demba Ba has started to show the form that was expected after his signing from West Ham United.  Ba is a player that showed promise at West Ham and then it faded and I am sure it will be the same at Newcastle.

Tottenham will be looking to build on their recent good form.  Beating Wolves, Wigan, Liverpool and Arsenal.  Only losses have come against the Manchester clubs.  Concern for the weekend is if Adebayor is going to be fit, a player that has showed why Tottenham were so adamant to get him this season.  He shows a class that was missed at Tottenham last season and makes a big difference when he is in the side.  The trouble may well be how we shape up against Newcastle of Adebayor isn't fit.  Do we go with Modric out on the right with Sandro (If fit) and Parker in the middle or Pav up front with Defoe and VDV out wide on the right.  VDV showed his biggest weakness in the last game against Arsenal and this his ability to defend.  We need to be able to ensure that we can defend and break at the weekend.  Maybe it's an option for Livermore or Townsend to play, Bale could play on the right with Townsend on the Left or Livermore in the middle with Parker and Modric on the right?  I hope that Adebayor is fit because it will make Harry's choices easy for the weekend.

Tottenham have not had the best of time at St James Park, we were lucky to get a draw at St James Park last season with Lennon scoring at the death.  Before that we lost 4 in a row at their place. 

I think this will be an interesting game and much will depend on the Tottenham team that plays.  History sees this as a win for Newcastle or a draw.  I on the other hand think that Spurs will win by the odd goal.

Team Prediction:

Friedal, Ekotto, Kaboul, King, Walker, Bale, Parker, Sandro, Modric, VDV, Adebayor

Score Prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Tottenham

COYS