Spurs became the first team to go through to this year’s fifth round of the FA Cup, thanks to Rafa van der Vaart’s 42nd minute goal, but Watford and their connections can hold their heads high, thanks to a performance that made them look like the pedigree team from the Premier League and made Tottenham look like the Championship strugglers. On this performance, one wonders why Sean Dyche’s Watford are sitting in 18th place in the lower league. Harry Redknapp made the dash from Southwark Crown Court to pick the team, but perhaps he left his inspiration behind. Spurs fielded a stronger team than I expected, but perhaps Harry and his team knew what a tough contest lay ahead.......... ....more...
Here is an article written (on 24.01.12) for Spurs Odyssey by a qualified refereeing expert, who must remain nameless:-
The views of the average Spurs fan on Howard Webb are well known. It is natural that fans view incidents from a biased perspective. Hopefully here I can redress some of the balance both for Webb and referees in general.
Firstly, fans need to accept that they are biased. It doesn't mean they're wrong but if you cannot recognise your own bias then there is no hope of sensible discussion. Secondly most fans don't know the laws. They have an idea, more or less, but the details are, understandably, not always fully understood. I don't think there is a problem with that, as long as fans again recognise shortfalls in their knowledge.
The problem for referees comes partly in the fact that fans have long memories - at least in terms of when they are wronged. Dodgy decisions in their favour or against the opposition tend not to linger in the memory and thus the vitriol directed to those who 'wrong' a club is not matched in praise of those who make equally questionable decisions in their favour. That's the nature of being a supporter.
Having come back from a seemingly certain losing position to level the scores at 2-2, in a drama-filled second half at The Etihad, Jermain Defoe missed a “Gazza-like” golden opportunity at the back post after Gareth Bale’s cross, before Ledley King committed a suicidal foul upon substitute Mario Balotelli in the very last of four minutes of added time to concede a penalty that Balotelli put away with a nonchalant hesitation in his run-up to deceive Brad Friedel. Not many Spurs fans in the stadium were aware, but TV viewers were very much aware that Balotelli should have been sent off for stamping on Scott Parker’s head earlier in the game. Balotelli only came on after 65 minutes, and did get booked for a foul on Assou-Ekotto, so he had a rather eventful day.
City fans don’t care about how they have come to be in this position of favourites for the title, or any mischievous antics of their £200,000 a week stars. They are crowing about this win and their position at the top of the league. I have to say though that they did not look like a title winning side, being fallible at the back, and susceptible, in particular when Jermain Defoe got a quick goal back, after Spurs had gone two down. To a certain degree, the “nasty days” are back at Man City, as there were elements of hostility towards Spurs fans as we left the stadium. Maybe Moss Side has simply moved a little...............more...
Leicester always give Spurs a hard game and had the better of the play in the game at the Lodge earlier in the season when Spurs equalised late on to earn a 3-3 draw. The two matches provided 16 goals with the second half today featuring 7 as the game opened up. Stewart's position today did not work as he expected to have the time than he is used to in defence which City denied. I thought at first that Inglethorpe was going to play with three at the back and use wing backs. Lameiras was also not given the space to work and had to be replaced as he was not strong enough to hold off the City players.
The win sees Spurs move above Leicester into third place by one point with City having a game in hand. Next week Spurs go to second placed Reading for an 11.30am kick-off for another tough game.......... Read Ray Lo's full report here...
Spurs Odyssey Match Report - Spurs v Wolves - 14.01.12
Spurs have been talked up big time by the press this week, and after this result, they will love the opportunity to pull them down again. The “failed to take joint top spot” headlines have been fully deployed already. There were potential holes to be picked in the Spurs performance though, such as “failed to defend corner properly”, “Dawson not at his best” (perhaps it was one too much, too soon for Michael), “Parker not firing on all cylinders” (perhaps he came back too early), “Bale’s shooting awful” (no excuse there) etc. I could go on, but there is also an argument that Adebayor’s disallowed goal for offside in the first half, was in fact legal, and it remains a fact that we are secure in third place, with Chelsea still 6 points behind. That’s still something for the cockerel to crow about!.........more........
Spurs Odyssey Match Report - Spurs v Everton - 11.01.12
There was so, so much to admire about our beloved Tottenham last night. The team was without key players such as Ledley King, Scott Parker and Sandro, and Jake Livermore had to be drafted in to play the anchor midfield role against an experienced Everton side. Jake has now played 1299 minutes for Spurs this season in all competitions, and has gained valuable experience at the top level. He did not let us down, and I have heard plenty of people suggest that he should be the Spurs man of the match. There is plenty of competition for that spot though, as Rafa van der Vaart offered a masterclass of stylish slick passing and creative football, whilst “Benny” Assou-Ekotto scored a so, so stunning 30 yard strike that will be up there when our goal of the season is decided. In scoring, “Benny” effectively wrapped up the game for Spurs, who took full advantage of their long-standing game in hand to go level on points with Manchester United, and just three behind Manchester City, who we play on 22nd January. A Premier League title challenge really is on the cards, you know!........more........
