During the first half interval my section of the stadium was enjoying so much euphoria, after giving the team such a rapturous ovation as they left the field. It is amazing to recall that we were suggesting that the watching Sven Goran Erikson might call Dean Richards and Ledley King into his England squad for next week's crucial game against Greece. Apart from his goal, Richards was having a heroic debut at the back, and Ledley was close behind him, not just beating the opposition, but having the confidence to play the ball around them, as he cleared the danger.
On the other hand, Man Utd looked inept in defence. The debate about Jaap Stam's departure (surely not for football reasons) rose, as his veteran replacement Blanc did not look up to the pace of the Premiership. I even questioned Ferguson's wisdom in replacing the injured Nicky Butt with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Wasn't this going to unbalance the visitors? To the contrary.......Sir Alex has seen it all before, but even he must have been amazed at how Spurs were simply blown away in scene two of this drama. First half hero Richards was a helpless observer as the reds ripped us up down the flanks. The TV coverage confirm that Ledley has much to learn as he gave too much room the likes of Van Nistelrooy.
But, let us not criticise the 11 men that played so well in the first half. Rather, we must question Hoddle's failure to respond tactically to the grand master strokes from the other dug-out. After Mauricio Taricco suffered in a crunching tackle from Andy Cole, he never looked the same, and hindsight tells us that the speed of Thelwell would have countered the forays of Silvestre and Solskjaer down the Man Utd left flank. Simon Davies would surely have added vigour to the ailing midfield, that often surrendered their territory completely to Scholes and Veron, leaving the defence so exposed.
Ramon Vega was sighted enjoying his day off from Watford duties driving to the ground. ITV sports presenter Russ Williams declared in the programme that he played occasionally as a centre half, but was more of a Vega than an England. Well, Spurs were "more of a Vega" yesterday, as they proved to be a threat at both ends, so maybe the club should invite some more reliable veterans to visit for the next game or two.
The Hoddle route to Spurs' Eldorado begins to waver, as the need for points becomes more urgent. By the time we play our next league game on October 15th against Derby, we could be in the relegation zone. However, I have seen enough to remain convinced that Glenn will patch us up before Christmas, but there will be thrills on the way, as we follow the Lilywhite road.
