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

The Spurs go marching on!

Here we go into October, Harry Redknapp Barclays Manager of the month for September, Tottenham now sitting in 6th Place and the Gooners are15th in the league.   That's enough to keep a smile on a true Spurs fan for the next 2 weeks.

Let's rewind a back to the beginning of the season.  Spurs where deemed not good enough by the pundits to make the Champions League and Arsenal were still considered to be potential title contenders?  I am not sitting here now after 7 games and thinking that's it job done, bring on Barcelona next season.  I am just taking the opportunity to say, don't doubt what Harry can achieve.  Harry Redknapp as used his knowledge and common sense to get the club back from the brink, when Harry took over the team we were actually worse off than Arsenal are now, he was shrewd in the transfer market and just kept things simple.

At the beginning of the season it was true to say, there was a lot of uncertainty on certain players and we had an injury list that just seemed to go on.  Harry and Levy stuck to there guns on Modric and Harry persuaded Levy to take on Parker, probably the best signing so far of the current season along with Aguero.  Parker is a no nonsense player who can break up the play in the middle of the park and plays the easy ball.  His work rate is phenomenal.  At the end of the Arsenal game, it's my belief that he only came off the field as he just could not move any more, he had worked so hard on and off the ball that his body could take no more.

The game against Arsenal was a clear indication that Tottenham have turned the corner against our biggest rivals.  I don't think we played as well as we did against Liverpool or the 1st half against Wolves, but we showed grit and determination to get the result.  Arsenal had a good amount of possession as they always do, but with exception of the goal and the 1st half opportunity for Gervinho, they never really looked as potent as last year.  Van Persie could not really get involved in the game, Walcott went walkies again as he does on the big stage and although they packed the middle of the park and should of over run Tottenham, they never did.

Tottenham created more of the clear cut chances and 2-1 probably flattered Arsenal, on a better day and the Arsenal keeper not being at the top of his game that day, it could have been 4 or 5 goals.  I thought there was some chances that if we hadn't tried to place the ball in the net and just take swing at it,  the Arsenal keeper probably would not have stood a chance.  Spurs at the back were organised and played really well, we were not looking to play offside trap as Spurs are well aware that it only takes one time to get the line wrong and Arsenal would probably have finished that opportunity.  Modric and Parker were consistent in the middle and Bale caused problems as he has done this season, I am sure that there are cars that would love to have a gear like Bales, he makes it look as if players are not even trying to run as he paces past them.  VDV showed his creativity and his goal scoring ability and that he can't really track back after 60 minutes.  But he was bought in to create and score and is already proving to be a legend.  Then the front two in Adebayor and Defoe showed why they have to be paired together, Defoe has shown this season that he is willing to work off the ball and Adebayor created the goal for VDV and had his chances to finish the Gunners.  My prediction is that will come at the Emirates now.

A special mention has to go to Kyle Walker, what is it with young Spurs players scoring at the lane against Arsenal?  It's becoming a habit.  Kyle worked his socks off and had only one thing in his mind when he took the shot on, hit it as hard as I can and get on target.  A lot more footballers should take a leaf out of his book.  A young player with a bright future as with a lot of other players at the lane, Rose, Livermore, Townsend and the list goes on.  If you look at the photo with Walker celebrating with Modric it looks as though the Lino might have had a different bet or was a Gooner?

The big test comes after the internationals, Parker and Walker to get us over the line for England and then comes Newcastle away from home.  If anyone had said at the beginning of the season that Newcastle would be fourth in the league and unbeaten I would have probably laughed.

Bring on Newcastle and lets carry the Spurs marching on.

COYS

The Return of Ricketts

Oh how Tottenham have turned the table upside down.  3 league wins on the back of 2 league defeats and Tottenham are suddenly in 6th place with a game in hand.  Everything is suddenly gone from doom and gloom at the lane to everything is rosie.

Wigan 1 v 2 Spurs

We played exceptionally well at Wigan in the first half and then decided to have a nap in the second half.  We were probably slightly lucky to hold onto a the 2-1 win and the sending off will have definitely helped Tottenham's cause.

Again Spurs started brightly and were pretty much not playable in the first half, similar to that of the Liverpool game.  Decent flowing football, Bale looking unplayable and the whole team working together.  Two changes to the squad in Sandro coming into the middle and VDV starting up front.  Both looking very comfortable in the positions they were asked to play in, although I still think Modric is a waste out wide on the right.  Sandro and Parker certainly looked like a comfortable combination in the middle of the park and they are two players who really cover the pitch well.  Maybe some life after Modric in the future?

In the second half we decided to take it too comfortably and in the Prem this cannot be done.  You concede a soft goal and all of a sudden, we take a different approach mentally.  We were fortunate that Wigan had a player sent off and we could see out the game.  That made my prediction spot on.

Tottenham Hotspurs V Shamrock Rovers - Thursday 29th Sept - KO: 8pm, Channel 5

Shamrock felt it was harsh to be drawn against Tottenham in the Europa League, but for most Spurs fans, I think we saw that coming.  Shamrock were comfortably turned over in their first game and much will be expected of Tottenham to do the same.

Harry will have one eye on the prestigious North London Derby and bragging rights again.  He will not risk Bale or Adebayor and a few of the other first team players to ensure we can come flying out the blocks at the lane.  In some ways this will give Shamrock a confidence boost ahead of tomorrow.

I expect that Spurs will probably play Sandro and Parker tomorrow and the majority of the back line to ensure a good spine.  Where will he go upfront?  I am not sure, maybe Kane and Dos Santos to start with, Defoe (Hopefully recovered from illness) on the bench if required.  Pav could well be just warming the bench again.

The Return of Ricketts

Then the other added spice to the game is the return of Rohan Ricketts, an ex Spurs and Arsenal player with a point to prove.  He made one appearance for Arsenal and then moved to Spurs, he didn't play in his first season but the season to follow he was a regular in the side, even talks of an England Call up!  The he fell of the radar and since then has played for more teams than I have had hot dinners.  Rohan has really never filled his potential and will be looking to cause an upset and pretend he was always an Arsenal player (as they all do).

Our first 3 points will come tomorrow in my opinion.

Team Selection

Cudicini, Walker, Bassong, Kaboul, Ekotto, Falque, Sandro, Parker, Lennon, Kane, Dos Santos

Prediction

3-0 to Spurs of course

COYS

Stoke & Wigan Preview

 Stoke V Spurs

Well I was partially right about Tuesday result.  I predicted a draw and penalty's but sometimes my heart rules my head, I believe that the youngsters got some good game time and some more experience under their belts.  I think we can safely say that Pav and Gomes will be lucky to be around come February.  I am slightly disappointed because Gomes has showed signs of brilliance, and I sometimes wonder if he just needs to see a motivation coach and his mind trained to believe in himself.  Well with regards to Pav, he has had his chances and it seems that his heart is no longer at the club, cash in while we can and buy Adebayor.

Wigan V Tottenham

A difficult one to call, ever since our little and large showing in the 9-1 win against Wigan, we haven't had a great time against Wigan.  Spurs didn't score a goal against Wigan last season, that is something to aim for this season.  We can put back on that little a large show this weekend, with Adebayor and Defoe scoring 5 in 2 games, surely only more goals can come this weekend.  I expect additional creativity from VDV this weekend with Kranjcar out injured and hopefully King will be fit to play, King seems to be the lucky charm at present.  Defoe has a great record against Wigan, scoring 10 goals and I am fully aware that 5 came in one game, expect another this weekend.

Wigan have not had the best of starts, you would expect a few more points having had to play the 3 new boys in the league in the first 3 games of the season.  A draw with Norwich and Swansea and then a win against QPR, convincingly beaten by Man City like most teams, except Fulham and then defeats against Palace and Everton.  They are not going to be a team full of confidence and will probably be a bit cagey at the start of the Spurs game.  This is where Tottenham will need to exploit early on in the game, as the game goes on with the scores still level, confidence and results last season will only make Wigan more confident.  Rodallega will be a huge loss for Wigan in the coming weeks.

Team Prediction:

Friedal, Walker, Kaboul, King, Ekotto, VDV, Modric, Parker, Bale, Defoe & Adebayor.


Predicted Result:

2-1 Spurs - Last minute winner me thinks.

COYS

Answers to the questions from the Liverpool blog:

Who was credited with scoring goals for each side in the 2-1 victory last season? Skrtel

Where did Redknapp join Liverpool from? Bournemouth

True or false, John Barnes wore a Spurs shirt in a certain charity match? True

Who scored from the penalty spot against Liverpool in the 2-0 win? Modric

What year did Spurs and Liverpool last meet in the Charity Shield? 1982

Which player played for Spurs and Liverpool in the early 90's and was capped 3 times by England? Paul Stewart

Excuses, excuses and more excuses

Here we are 5 games into the season and the excuses have well and truly started.  Only Ferguson so far who has not need to make any yet!

What are the other Top 5 teams excuse for their poor start or recent games?

Manchester City

Started really well, then a draw against Fulham and the excuses start coming out.  Mancini apparently misquoted in saying they don't have enough players in the middle of the park.  A few injuries and all of a sudden, is he implying he needs the money men to spend more?  No it's to do with players not being ready to play, Hargreaves in particular, his had enough rest and could at least manage 45 minutes!  I think he needs to look to the younger players and started at developing from within City.  This is what their rivals do really well.  I think Man City will pick themselves up, but a weakness has been seen and it will be exploited.

Chelsea

Well the 1st big game for Villas-Boas and he has complained to the Refs Chief about the referee's and linesman.  Didn't look at why his team could convert the 20 plus chances they had? Oh and that Torres miss!  The officials have the hardest job in the game and if you look at the replays closely, we are only talking about a fraction both times, that the players are offside.  From my understanding the benefit of the doubt is suppose to be going to the attacker if it's not that clear cut.  If the players can't play the line more accurately or can't defend better then maybe they should reconsider there tactics.  Chelsea will be there or there abouts at the end of the season but the officials won't win the games for them.

Liverpool

Big cracks in the side that have spent big to bring back success.  In my blog previewing the Spurs V Liverpool game, I spoke about a number of big money signings with a lot to prove, the time is ticking.  Dalglish is another manager that is looking to blame the officials and although he kept tight lipped about them after the Spurs game, I am sure he still partially blames the officials.  They have a very good striker in Suarez but I am not convinced on Carroll, Adams has the makings of a good player and Henderson is still really unknown.  Dalglish has his work cut out to get this team working together and needs Gerrard back to lead the team.

Arsenal

We have all heard the excuses, Arsenal had to sell Fabregas and Wenger could not find the players to fill the roles.  Yet he found enough Strikers!  He now has a lot of striking talent, yet no spine, he has put faith in a creative midfielder and a German defender who quite frankly is ordinary.  What is the point of Benayoun?  Wenger is facing his toughest challenge yet, his saving grace may end up being Ramsey and Wiltshire, if he can get them both fit and get to the transfer window in a half decent league placing, he may keep his job and push on.


Tottenham

The only excuse all along has been the transfer saga of Modric for their poor displays against the Manchester clubs.  Now look at the team with Levy standing firm over the transfer of Modric and the window shut, 2 league wins on the bounce.  I think that the signings of Adebayor and Parker have contributed to the teams success and it has shown intent from Spurs.  A team not to be written off. 



Well lets hope the excuses can now stop and the Managers start taking responsibility for their own mistakes.  I very much doubt it, but this is what makes the Premier League the most exciting in the world and why anyone can beat anyone.

Spurs 4 - 0 Liverpool, Hospitality & Stoke

What a fantastic result on Saturday, I predicted a 3-1 win and I talked with regards to a tough game, but I was wrong.


Hospitality at the Lane


Lets start with the day in general for me.  It all started at 11am at the lane, meeting clients to take them up to the Bill Nicholson Suite for the hospitality experience.  We were greeted with Champagne and had a designated table with our match day programmes on the table, fitting it had Adebayor on the front page.  (He might get his name on the back page soon as well?)

The party included fans from Spurs, Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal, Watford & one coming across for the football experience.  A bit of banter from the Liverpool fan and suggestions of myself experiencing sour grapes at the end of the game.  The Arsenal fan was very quiet, might have been due to the fact of the Arsenal loss the day before, made the day very much more pleasurable for me after the win, 2 points ahead with a game in hand.  As usual some good banter from the Arsenal fan throughout the day.

At around 11:30am a parade of the Spurs legends.  The introduction of Pat Jennings, Cliff Jones, Alan Mullery, Martin Chivers, David Howells and a few others.  A chance to grab a photo with Pat Jennings and Cliff Jones and a few autographs as well.

Then came the food, a well presented 4 course meal and the hospitality team were fantastic.  In between the courses an opportunity to try and obtain the answers to the 6 quiz questions, which from memory were:

Who was credited with scoring goals for each side in the 2-1 victory last season?

Where did Redknapp join Liverpool from?

True or false, John Barnes wore a Spurs shirt in a certain charity match?

Who scored from the penalty spot against Liverpool in the 2-0 win?

What year did Spurs and Liverpool last meet in the Charity Shield?

Which player played for Spurs and Liverpool in the early 90's and was capped 3 times by England?

This was great with everyone chipping in with the answers, the last question was the one that kept playing on my mind as it was pointing to John Scales but it wasn't the early 90's, how true I was to question it.

With the answers complete and everyone going with the same.  A very good chance for our table to win at the end of the day.

After the meal, then came the game.  I was buzzing before the experience, buzzing even more now that I had met the legends and now I was about to watch the game.  Seats were in the West Stand, Upper Tier, Block 1, situated between the half way line and the goal at the south stand.

The Game

I don't think that it could have started any better.  What I was hoping for and how we ended at the end of the Wolves game, crisp, precise passing and opening up the opposition with ease.  The football was flowing and it was a pleasure to watch Spurs, then came the most amazing goal I have witnessed at the Lane.  A Modric screamer from 20 yards into the top corner and Pepe had no chance, I was in prime location for the goal and I was quickly up out of my seat with no consideration for my client who was a Liverpool fan.  Oh well Football is Football and Business is Business, I am sure he understood.

Then came the moment that changed the game the sending off of Charlie Adams.  Only 2 challenges and booked both times a very early bath, 1 for a rugby challenge or he wanted to cuddle Modric and the other a high challenge on Scott Parker.  Probably was hoping to show the WHL faithful that we should have tried harder to sign him.  Parker was cheaper and is a far better all round player.  This now made Spurs edgy and looking slightly uncomfortable at playing against 10, probably not wanting to over commit and make any silly mistakes, patience was the key.

Bring on the 2nd half,  the changing point of the game was the 2nd sending off for Skrtel, who had a torrid time with Bale.  Probably wished he played centre back and not right back now.  Spurs now showed a bit more commitment at getting the 2nd goal and killing the game as a contest.  Up step Jermaine Defoe, who took his goal sublimely, had a lot of work to do, yet he rolled the defender and left Reina diving and trying to stop the wind of the ball rushing by.  Then Defoe had a key part to play in Adebayor's first of the game a fierce shot from the edge of the box which Reina could only parry, Adebayor lifted the ball over Reina and coolly placed into the open goal.  (That's how you do it Torres)

After the 3rd goal went in, it was Ole football.  Spurs playing one touch football and Liverpool chasing shadows, well unless your name was Andy Carroll and then you were lucky if he moved a yard all game, maybe a bit hash but echoed by the Liverpool fan.  With the game petering out and Liverpool with only one shot on target from recollection a long range effort from Downing, up step Adebayor again.  A decent cross from Ekotto to Adebayor and a perfect half volley past Reina to cap off a resounding win for Tottenham.

It was great to witness first hand the team in free flowing football.  The bite and creativity in the middle of the park from Parker and Modric.  Then the pairing of Defoe and Adebayor which now has 5 goals in 2 games.  Least I not forget the centre back pairing for King and Kaboul, who looked comfortable in everything they did.  All in all it was a perfect performance from the whole team, with Walker, Ekotto, Bale, Kranjcar and VDV coming on at Half Time all working together as a team and covering if anyone was out of position.


Back to Hospitality

Now I had to face going back to the Bill Nicholson Suite and not gloating about the win to the Liverpool and Arsenal fan.  I played it cool, inside I was ecstatic.

A buffet was now available with our post match drinks and Martin Chivers waiting to introduce us to the Squad player.  Up step Carlo Cudicini, to talk to Chivers about the game and the European game in which he kept a clean sheet on Thursday night.  With all that over the last thing to do was award the prize to the winner of the quiz.  Martin running through the answers of which our table got all the answers right, thanks to the efforts of the Arsenal & Liverpool fan and myself doubting our final answer and changing it.  The winner is..... ME, get in, could this day get any better.  Up I step on the stage to shake Cudicini's hand and accept a DVD of the greatest FA CUP games, roll on watching Gazza's free kick against the gooners.  I had my photo with Cudicini, which will be sent in the post, this had truly capped a fantastic day for me at the lane.  It surpassed all my other experiences at the lane, even the 7-2 win against Southampton.

With that all over and kicked out at 4:30pm, it was the walk back to the tube and homeward bound.

Stoke V Spurs - Carling Cup

Spurs are back in action tonight in the League Cup.  Harry thinks Gomes wants out, but he will play tonight, Modric deserves more money and we want to win the cup.  A much changed team again tonight but still a cracking chance of progressing.

My team Selection for Stoke: Gomes, Ekotto, Kaboul, Bassong, Walker, Krancjaer, Sandro, Livermore, Townsend, Pav & Van Der Vaart.

Prediction: 1-1 and Spurs to win on Pens.

COYS

Feel free to answer the quiz questions below and I will put the answers on my next blog.

Spurs V Liverpool - Hospitality at the Lane

Tomorrow sees Tottenham V Liverpool at the lane.  Our last home game at the lane was a game that all Spurs fans would like to forget in a hurry. 

I am lucky enough to be able to take some clients along for some White Hart Lane Hospitality in the Bill Nicholson Suite tomorrow and I don't think I will end up disappointed and I hope they enjoy the experience.  I think tomorrow will bring our first points at the lane.

Since Man City we have played Wolves away from home which resulted in a 2-0 win and a trip to Greece to face PAOK which was a very good result, from a very young team.


What can we expect from Spurs?


Harry has been very clever in his preparation for tomorrow's game.  He got a very good win at Wolves last weekend and then took the kids to Greece to grind out a well earned draw.  He would have also had the opportunity to run the rule over a few of the youngsters and fringe players.

He has now had another week for the players to have come together and the Modric saga to finally of gone quiet.  The only major disappointment is the loss of Michael Dawson, a consistently strong central defender and will be a huge loss, oh and VDV being omitted from the Europa League squad lets hope that doesn't impact the team.  Professionalism is critical.

I think Tottenham will be up for tomorrow and will be wanting to put on a good performance for the White Hart Lane faithful.

I hope that Harry sticks with the same formation for Liverpool.  I would be inclined to go with Defoe and Adebayor up front.  Van Der Vaart on the Right of the Midfield, Modric & Parker in the Middle and Bale out left.  Maybe a little harsh on Kranjcar but he made some mistakes last weekend that better teams will have punished Spurs.  If VDV is fit his contribution is critical to Spurs and that showed last season.

What can Spurs expect tomorrow from Liverpool?

Liverpool spent big in the pre-season bringing in:

Adams - A player who Tottenham tried to bring in at the last minute of the January transfer window.  No doubt about the fact that he was Blackpool's star player last year.  Consistently providing assists and scoring goals, also broke into the Scotland team.

Henderson - A promising young British player, a lot to live up to with the price that Liverpool paid for him.

Downing - A consistent left sided midfielder, provides a number or assists and scores the occasional goal.  Another player Spurs tracked for quite a while.  Also recently broke back into the English fold.

Enrique - A full back that played 119 times for Newcastle between 2007-2011.  He had mixed seasons at Newcastle but showed enough quality to fill an area of weakness for Liverpool in recent years.  A player that is very pacey and will work the touchline.

Coates - An unknown quantity, , played 55 times for Nacional and scored 8 goals.  Worked his way through the age groups and was regarded as a leader.  Remains to be seen what Coates will produce, I am sure Suarez will have had an influence on this deal.

Bellamy - A player that always gives 100% and probably feels he has unfinished business with Liverpool.  His last few seasons have not exactly set the world on fire but looking at previous performances he seems to have found his hunger for the game again.

If you include that fact that Liverpool also bought in Suarez and Carroll in January, this is a very new look Liverpool team that will be wanting to bring back the glory days and a league title.  They now are trailing United in the titles and this was one of two bragging right Liverpool always had.  Dalglish will want to get back on level terms.

Liverpool's start to the season has been very mixed a draw with Sunderland at Anfield, a win at the Emirates against Arsenal, a win against Bolton at home and then a loss away to Stoke.  How much can we read into these results?  Arsenal have had a terrible start and not looked good, Bolton and Sunderland haven't looked great and Stoke haven't lost.

I think Livepool are still coming together as a squad and they will be pushing top 6.  Nothing for Spurs to fear tomorrow.

My team suggestion:

Friedal, Walker, King, Kaboul, Ekotto, Van Der Vaart, Parker, Modric, Bale, Adebayor & Defoe.

Looking forward to tomorrow, watch out for my tweets live from the WHL.  @sphillips82

My Prediction: I could go with the same score line as the last few years but lets add 1 more to that 3-1 Spurs.

COYS

Spurs win and What's next?

Wolves 0 - 2 Spurs

Fantastic result for Spurs this weekend, a much needed confidence boost and more importantly some points on the board.

Lets start from the beginning Spurs looked nervous, lacked confidence and players looked as if they didn't quite know where the other players were going to be.  A few mistakes that probably gifted Wolves into good areas of the pitch.

Lucky Spurs had Brad Friedal on hand to make a very good save and Wolves lacked the ability to finish or produce the final ball in the 1st half.  The game could have been totally different.  This gave Spurs the ability to grow into the game and an opportunity for the players to get to grips on their roles and responsibilities. 

In the 2nd half Spurs still looked nervous but then Spurs had that extra bit of class to produce the final ball and finish the opportunities.  Adebayor showed why Harry wanted him in the Spurs team, Adebayor calmly took the ball around the keeper and calmly slotted into the net, for his goal.  A player who has now scored on his debut for Arsenal, City and Spurs, hopefully plenty more goals to come.  Defoe looked more comfortable in a 2 man attack and showed why Harry thinks he has a big season ahead, always looking to link with Adebayor and for his goal he made a very good run and knew what he needed to do get the ball into the back of the net, Shoot across goal and keep it on target.  Hopefully this will be a partnership that can grow in games to come and fire Spurs up the table.

In those last 20 minutes, Wolves looked like they were chasing shadows and Spurs looked like a team full of confidence.  Amazing what 2 goals can do for you, Spurs now need to take that confidence into the coming games and produce the last 20 minutes from the start of games.

It has to be said that Scott Parker seemed to want to be involved in everything which is a huge positive for Spurs and Ledley King looked as if he hadn't been away, Ledley has to be admired for his ability and confidence he brings to the team in every game he plays.

What's next?

A trip to PAOK in the Europa League and then Liverpool at home.  PAOK should certainly be an opportunity for Harry to play Pav, Dos Santos, Livermore, Bassong and Gomes.  Maybe the likes of Falque should be given an opportunity as well?  I think Harry is right to consider leaving behind players he expects to play on Sunday against Liverpool.  Travel on Tuesday to Greece, Play on Thursday, Travel back Friday and then play on Sunday certainly would take it's toll on most players.

You may think I am not interested in the Europa League, but I would certainly like to win the Europa League but also would like Champions League football again.  Spurs have a squad of players and we are not talking about a team of kids, we have strength in depth to put out international players for the Europa League who have a point to prove.

I am predicting a 2-1 win at PAOK and my prediction for Liverpool will be blogged on Friday.

COYS

Wolves V Spurs - Win, Lose or Draw

Wolves a team that have 2 wins and a draw to their name this season.  Wolves started the season with a 2-1 win over Blackburn away from home, followed with a 2-0 home win against Fulham, as many Spurs fans will be aware it will be hard to break down a Fulham side home or away under Martin Jol.  Then a bore draw at Aston Villa, Wolves will be happy just to pick up some more away points.

Spurs couldn't have faced a harder start to the league season.  A match with Everton that was postponed due to the riots.  A 3-0 loss away from home against Manchester United, which is not a true reflection on the game.  Then a 5-1 loss at home to Manchester City, lets forget this happened.

What can we expect this weekend?

Well lets put this into perspective, Spurs have lost to 1st Place in the League and 2nd Place in the league, Manchester United Premier League Champions and Champions League Finalists last year.  A team that have added good young English players and Spanish young goalkeeper, a team that never really performed to their full potential last year.  Very worrying for the rest of the Premier League and Europe.  Then Manchester City who have bought a team of superstars and they just keep adding to it.  Manchester City's sole intention?  To buy the Premier League.  With the array of talent that Man City now possess this is entirely possible, but not this season.

Wolves have played teams that are not full of superstars, teams that could be considered as mid table or will be fighting for relegation come the end of the season.  Fair play to Wolves, you can only beat what is front of you.  They do have in the favour 3 good results this season and a good record against Spurs in the Premier League over the last few seasons.  They will be buoyed by this.

My Prediction

Spurs to WIN 3-1, I think that both teams will start very nervously.  Spurs will be wanting to ensure they pick up some points this weekend and Wolves will be apprehensive with the way that Spurs may play, probably expecting Spurs to come flying out the traps.

I think that the new signings of Adebayor and Parker will bring something different to the team.  2 players that will be looking to prove a point.  Modric will be out to prove a point as well, especially as Chelsea have said they probably would not come back for him in January and he will be out to show him why they should.  Defoe will be looking to get some goals to his name, after being over looked for both England games and he showed last season he can score at Molineux.  I am expecting a bounce back and the first 3 points of the season.

My team prediction: Friedal, Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Ekotto, Lennon, Parker, Modric, Bale, Adebayor, Defoe.

COYS

Should Spurs have bought in another Striker?

The transfer window for the Spurs faithful ended up being a very subdued event.  On transfer deadline day normally one of the most exciting days of the year ended very early in the day, after a mid afternoon signing of Scott Parker.

Spurs bought in 3 recognised players during the window all very experienced in the Premier League.  Brad Friedal, Emmanual Adebayor and Scott Parker.

Brad Friedal who has played 25 times for Liverpool, 287 times for Blackburn Rovers and 114 times for Aston Villa.  Brad will provide a bit of stability in an area where in previous seasons it's been either in an excellent performance from the keepers or mediocre, never any consistency.

Emmanual Adebayor a striker who played 105 times for Spurs biggest rivals (Arsenal) scoring 46 goals, Manchester City playing 34 times and scoring 14 goals and then out on loan at Real Madrid playing 14 times and scoring 5 goals.  Adebayor will be liked and disliked across the Tottenham faithful, I personally think that he could be want Spurs need and could spark Defoe back into some goal scoring form.

Scott Parker a competitive Midfielder who has played for Charlton 128 times, Chelsea 15 times, Newcastle 55 times and West Ham 113 times.  Scott will bring something to Tottenhams midfield that has been lacking in recent seasons, a player who is willing to break up the play at any cost and is very good at getting to that second ball.  Parker and Modric (If he can get his head straight) should be an ideal midfield pairing.

Spurs let a number of so called fringe players go during the window in Peter Crouch (12m) Wilson Palacios (8m), Allan Hutton (4m), Robbie Keane (3.5m), Jermaine Jenas (Loan) and David Bentley (Loan).

The question being asked with Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch now leaving Spurs and only the loan signing of Emmanuel Adebayor, should Spurs have signed another striker?  With Van Der Vaart also being injured for up to 6 weeks, have Spurs left themselves short?

I personally think not.  Spurs should now revert to a 4-4-2 formation with Adebayor either partnered with Defoe or Pavlachenko.  Defoe should have a season with a flurry of goals, he will also be looking to make the European Championships, as it could be his last chance.  Looking at his record Defoe tends to have a couple of seasons of scoring just under the double figures and then he seems to get close to or above the 20 goal mark.  Pavlyuchenko is a player who has the ability to be a top scorer in any league in the world, his goals on the last day of the season against Birmingham were top class.  He is a player who just needs some confidence.

I attended a pre-season friendly between MK Dons and Spurs Select XI and Pavlachenko looked a player who was playing with confidence, scoring 2 goals and actually working around the pitch.  Defoe on the other hand seemed like a player who lacked in confidence on that day.  I think Pavlyuchenko's issues could be down to the fact it was always Defoe, Crouch or VDV before him.  Maybe it's time for Harry to show some confidence in Pavlachenko?

Then comes the question what happens if we get injuries or suspensions and why did Spurs not sign another Striker?  I hope it's because he has seen enough or been informed by Tim Sherwood that the youngsters in Harry Kane and a new signing in Souleymane Coulibaly have the ability to step up into the Premier League.  Harry Kane has showed great promise in pre-season and scored a number of goals, when he came on at the Dons he scored 2 goals in less than 15 minutes, nothing special just about being in the right place at the right time.  Then Coulibaly has been deemed the next Drogba, a youngster with great ability and has an eye for goal.  Scoring 9 goals in 4 games at the 2011 Fifa U17 World Cup, of which a Hat-Trick was scored against Brazil.  The good thing about these players are that they are unknown quantity in the Premier League and they will be out to prove they are ready for the big time.

I think that its about time that Spurs and Harry showed some faith in the youngsters and I don't think that we needed that panic buy striker on deadline day.

COYS