Match Thread: Preston vs Tottenham Hotspur

[Neil_Vaughan]

Talk about the game in here before, during and after.

[Gino Ginelli]

A nice run out for the second tier players. I want to see Naughton, Bentley, Gio, Pav etc etc ripping it up and showing their worth.

3-0 Spurs.

[olly27]

Central defence will be interesting...imagine Corluka, Hudd or ekotto pick up an injury now..isn't worth thinking about.

Want to see Bentley, GIO, Naughton and Pav stat.

[GQCoolest]

Hoping the lineup is:

Gomes (get him ready for Burnley)

Naughton-Corluka (I guess, who else?)-Dawson-BAE (no real cover here)

Bentley----Hudd---Jenas----Gio

--------Pav----Keane(would like to see him get on goal scoring form)


Edit: Apparently Kranjcar is cup tied, didn't even consider that

[irishspur]

Hoping the lineup is:

Gomes (get him ready for Burnley)

Naughton-Corluka (I guess, who else?)-Dawson-BAE (no real cover here)

Bentley----Hudd---Jenas----Gio

--------Pav----Keane(would like to see him get on goal scoring form)


Edit: Apparently Kranjcar is cup tied, didn't even consider that

Yep id go along with that, maybe hutton for bae, isent bale back aswell?

[GQCoolest]

If Bale is back then I certainly start him over BAE. Can't really afford for BAE to get injured.

[olly27]

Pav is out with an achilles problem, Kranjcar is cup tied.

My line up:

Gomes

Hutton
Corluka
Dawson
Naughton

Bentley
Hudd
Jenas
Bale

GDS - free role

Crouch

Keep Ekotto, Keane,Defoe, Lennon and Palacios fresh for Saturday.

Naughton can play LB as well, altough I would he say he will start at RB. Dawson will need to get as many minutes on the pitch as possible.

[Chewy]

I'd go with;

Gomes

Naughton
Dawson
Corluka
Bale (played 90mins vs QPR)

Bentley
Jenas
Huddlestone
Rose

Gio

Crouch

subs: Walker, Bassong, Hutton, Palacios, Lennon, Keane, Defoe


Spurs win - don't care what the score line is but the first clean sheet of the season would be nice.

[earl warwick]

A nice run out for the second tier players. I want to see Naughton, Bentley, Gio, Pav etc etc ripping it up and showing their worth.

3-0 Spurs.

Pav's out with an achilles. Where are you getting 3 nil from? Preston have an impressive home record and could easily win this, since we will be struggling to find 2 CBs.

[Gino Ginelli]

Pav's out with an achilles. Where are you getting 3 nil from? Preston have an impressive home record and could easily win this, since we will be struggling to find 2 CBs.

Blind optimism...

[deadleyledley]

A nice run out for the second tier players. I want to see Naughton, Bentley, Gio, Pav etc etc ripping it up and showing their worth. 3-0 Spurs.

spot on.
dawson will get some match practice in and hopefully he wont get injured in the 60 mins that he will play. hopefully gio,pav,naughton,bentley, and the rest can put in a good strong appearance and break into the first team against burnley on saturday.

[deadleyledley]

the team that i would like to see. 4-4-2
gomes
naughton daws corluka bale
bentley jj kranjcar gio
pav crouch

[gomessi]

Gomes


Hutton Corluka Dawson Bale??


Bentley JJ Hudd


GDS

Keane Crouch

[TURKISH]

If the following are fit.

Gomes
Dawson (CAPTAIN!)
Charlie
Bale
Hutton

Rose
JJ
Bentley
Gio

Crouch
JD/Keane whoever I'm not fussed.

[gomessi]

Id you want radio commentary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2005/10/12/live_commentaries_feature.shtml

[choda]

Peter Crouch will start. No, no, don't thank me.

[gomessi]

Team News
PNE: Lonergan, Mawene, Shumulikoski, Chilvers, Carter, Jones, Wallace, Parkin, Hart, Nolan, Elliott. Subs: Chaplow, Brown, Henderson, Mellor, Smyth, McLaughlin, Proctor.

Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Bale, Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, Palacios, Crouch, Giovani, Defoe, Dawson.

Subs: Lennon, Keane, Walker, Naughton, Corluka, Rose, Devite

[gomessi]

Gomes

Hutton Hudd Dawson Bale??

Bentley JJ Palacios GDS

Defoe Crouch

[gomessi]

on 5 live

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/fivelive/

[gomessi]

cant find a stream

[StevenYTID]

Huddlestone at Center Back?

I'm shitting myself with worry.

[Gold7]

I'm going for 2-3 to us . I'd take any kind of win though .

[gomessi]

we havent started well

[gomessi]

preston 5 successive home wins

[gomessi]

gios shot hit the barr

[GQCoolest]

Gio off the bar.

[gomessi]

"a brilliant save by the tottenham goalkeeper"

[olly27]

Defending sounds terrible...great save from Gomes. God forbid something happens to Wilson tonight.

Anyone got any decent streams?

[gomessi]

gio gio gio gio

[TURKISH]

Ian Dowie said Gomes makes great save. Preston are a good team especially at home, so this could be tricky tie.

[gomessi]

centre backs up.

Bentley and Bale over the ball...................bentley to take it.......headed away by preston defence.

[SurreySpur]

"a brilliant save by the tottenham goalkeeper"

Are there any streams?

[gomessi]

why does hudd take free kicks!!

[GQCoolest]

Get in Crouchie!

[gomessi]

Croiuch scores

[olly27]

Any streams?

[gomessi]

"Stuck out his long leg"

"good ball from bale" speed

[denis-cro]

Nice to see Bale makes few very dangerous crosses ... glad to have him back... COYS !!!!!!!!!!!

Just hope hutton wont make any silly mistakes...:fight:

[TURKISH]

why does hudd take free kicks!!

Fvck knows I would rather let JJ take them then him.

Well in Crouchy!

[denis-cro]

gio off, Lennon on... WHY ???

[gomessi]

Shit gio has come off. Lennon on.

[TURKISH]

gio off, Lennon on... WHY ???

Injured! LOL why else?

[olly27]

Is Gio off injured?

I want Crouch to start this weeked.

[SurreySpur]

anyone got a stream?

[gomessi]

"spurs look dangerous on the break" gary speed. Listening to 5 live.

another good break by spurs......terrible miss.

[gomessi]

anyone got a stream?

No. Just listening on 5 live.

[SurreySpur]

ah ok cheers, ill stick to that then

[gomessi]

hudd is hurt.

[gomessi]

tipped over the top from gomes.

[TURKISH]

Another great save from Gomes after a shot was on its way into the top corner.

Olly: Yes gio is off injured pal, Lennon came on for him.

[gomessi]

"spurs breaking very very quickly"

"jenas plays it between 2 players"

[olly27]

If Bale does well tonight surely he will play ahead of Benny on Saturday down the left flank?

[TURKISH]

Should I do a MOTM thread tonight guys? No one will have seen the game but only highlights or radio.

I think I should but wanted to run it past you guys.

[gomessi]

sours can break with the pacy lennon.....corner.

[gomessi]

Should I do a MOTM thread tonight guys? No one will have seen the game but only highlights or radio.

I think I should but wanted to run it past you guys.

Dont do a MOTM thread turk.

[TURKISH]

If Bale does well tonight surely he will play ahead of Benny on Saturday down the left flank?

Yer i would like to see that, this could be a great time for him to get his first win during a prem game for us.

[gomessi]

Hutton fvcked up AGAIN!!!!!:angry:

[choda]

Should I do a MOTM thread tonight guys? No one will have seen the game but only highlights or radio.

I think I should but wanted to run it past you guys.

Do it to f*ck, half the people voting didn't see the full games anyway for numerous reasons. It's usually pretty accurate anyway as people normally get the jist of it from the highlights, match reports, patterns they've seen many times before etc.

[TURKISH]

Dont do a MOTM thread turk.

Its a shame because it could make a difference at the end of the season.

[gomessi]

"lennon blocked his run clearly in the penalty area"

[GQCoolest]

Defoe in! 0-2 up.

[olly27]

Hutton at it again, flipping liability.

[gomessi]

DEFOE!!!!!!!

[denis-cro]

0-2 cmon !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TURKISH]

Jermain scores again how many goals has he got this season for club and country?

[choda]

I love Defoe, I love Keano, I love Defoe, I love Keano...

2-0 Defoe. Shoots, saved, heads it in.

[choda]

Jermain scores again how many goals has he got this season for club and country?

9 I believe.

[gomessi]

2 UP

they're crap.

[gomessi]

"defoe....not to far wide"

"they cant handle lennon in the hole"

[choda]

2 UP

they're crap.

....... Lol.

[olly27]

Get in j dizzle!!!

Get another goal and the Harry should take off Wilson...and Lennon or Defoe.

[choda]

Another Carling Cup run on the way.

Can we get to the final again? And who'd want to play us the way we perform in this competition.

[gomessi]

man u 0 wolves 0

fabio sent off

[TURKISH]

9 I believe.

I've always rated him but I must say he looks like he has matured in his all round game. I never believed he was one dimensional but since his move to pompey he has really come on leaps and bounds.

Crouch looks useful if we can play around him than we can be a dangerous team. We just need Keano to get some consistency going, because he was sensational before he left us.

[TURKISH]

man u 0 wolves 0

fabio sent off

Lets hope wolves knick it.

[choda]

Get in j dizzle!!!

Get another goal and the Harry should take off Wilson...and Lennon or Defoe.

He's putting the snizzle in the dizzle mother f*cker.

[gomessi]

I love Defoe, I love Keano, I love Defoe, I love Keano...

2-0 Defoe. Shoots, saved, heads it in.

NO NO NO.

You love Keane :fight:

[Rojoknapp]

Half time now please :glare:

[choda]

Lets hope wolves knick it.

They said they would attack anyway. They have a better chance now for sure.

[gomessi]

I've always rated him but I must say he looks like he has matured in his all round game. I never believed he was one dimensional but since his move to pompey he has really come on leaps and bounds.

Crouch looks useful if we can play around him than we can be a dangerous team. We just need Keano to get some consistency going, because he was sensational before he left us.

Agree with this.

[choda]

NO NO NO.

You love Keane :fight:

Okaaaay. J Dizzle has been nanreal this year. Get him the chances and he score.

[olly27]

I really would like to see Crouch start against Burnley and definitely against Bolton.

[TURKISH]

He's putting the snizzle in the dizzle mother f*cker.

http://i33.tinypic.com/261nols.jpg

[irishspur]

So far so good, Hopefully charlie for daws and dervite for palacios in the second half, once we are safe.

[TURKISH]

Some half time entertainment.:santaclaus:

http://i38.tinypic.com/21opugy.jpg

[Rojoknapp]

Hahaha - the woman at the Hull Everton game says it's a training session for Everton :lol:

Poor old Hull :tongue_smilie:

[choda]

I've always rated him but I must say he looks like he has matured in his all round game. I never believed he was one dimensional but since his move to pompey he has really come on leaps and bounds.

Crouch looks useful if we can play around him than we can be a dangerous team. We just need Keano to get some consistency going, because he was sensational before he left us.

He's a proper player now, top class near world class. And don't worry about Keano, people are overeacting he's still very important to our play, still been class and he'll start scoring again. Crouch is a very good player to have for back up or impact sub, but as you say we have to use him properly and not start lumping aimless balls.

[gomessi]

Moneybags losing

[gomessi]

Hahaha - the woman at the Hull Everton game says it's a training session for Everton :lol:

Poor old Hull :tongue_smilie:

Hull shuuld just give up.

[Rojoknapp]

News?! Politics?!

I don't care if it's half time. MORE FOOTBALL. :angry:

[olly27]

Keane is very important to us - all things considered. But I think Crouch desreves to start at the moment and he has impressed me quite a bit to be honest.

[choda]

News?! Politics?!

I don't care if it's half time. MORE FOOTBALL. :angry:

Have you seen the south park episode when Cartman has measles or chicken pox and he's at the computer and he shouts at his mother, 'Moooom, more HOTCAKES!'

Hilario.

[gomessi]

sol really is a deluded ****.

Notts chief excutive just said sol "has one eye on a world cup spot"

[choda]

Hull shuuld just give up.

I think Phil Brown is the next Adi Boothroyd? They've shocking since January, shocking. They're focked.

[Rojoknapp]

F*CK OFF PRESTON. Just give up and f*ck off.

[TURKISH]

What a save from Gomes!!!!

[Rojoknapp]

I would have said no motm poll, but I really want to vote for Gomes, sounds like he's having a cracker.

[TURKISH]

I would have said no motm poll, but I really want to vote for Gomes, sounds like he's having a cracker.

Yep I might do one, if people want to vote they can vote. I've been listening to the game on the radio and soccer saturday, and he has been raved about.

[GQCoolest]

0-3 Crouch from Lennon, done and dusted.

[irishspur]

Goooooooaaaaaalllllll crouchy

[Rojoknapp]

Pav's out with an achilles. Where are you getting 3 nil from? Preston have an impressive home record and could easily win this, since we will be struggling to find 2 CBs.

Come again?

[olly27]

I want Gomes back in for Saturday as well.

[irishspur]

assist from lennon

[GQCoolest]

Welbeck puts United up 1-0

[earl warwick]

Do people really vote on games they've never seen? You're relying on the view of others for who played well in the game, and anyone who has listened to a commentary whilst watching a game knows how that can be very different to their own judgement.

[TURKISH]

Do people really vote on games they've never seen? You're relying on the view of others for who played well in the game, and anyone who has listened to a commentary whilst watching a game knows how that can be very different to their own judgement.

Good point, I won't do one this week.

[earl warwick]

Come again?
Congrats on correctly predicting the winner after the game started by the way, along with 2 others. Was it the 2nd goal that particularly convinced you?

3-1.

[irishspur]

3-1, chris brown for them, fluke goal.

[TURKISH]

3.1 sounds like poor defending from Hutton again.:stupid:

[Rojoknapp]

What a stupid, pointless goal to concede.

And Earl, I predicted shortly after the game kicked off, and before I'd heard any radio commentary.

[Elthamspur]

Damn, PNE have pulled one back. What a cheek though, sky sports news interupted Dowie telling us about Crouch's goal to get Walsh to tell us about Welbecks for Utd....who cares about that game?

[olly27]

Dam - really wanted a clean sheet tonight.

[GQCoolest]

1-4 Keane.

[Rojoknapp]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

3 goal win is back :biggrin:

[irishspur]

Keanoooo finished off with the outside of his foot, nice one.

[irishspur]

What odds another 5-1?!.

[olly27]

What I would do for a 4-1 on Saturday.

[irishspur]

gol gol gol gol gol gol gol gol gol gol gol gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllll, gooooooooaaaaaallllllllll, crouchy hat-trick, BACKHEEL...

[Elthamspur]

That's gotta be Crouch's place cemented for Sat... is Harry going to drop Keane though

[Rojoknapp]

Crouch had better start on Saturday.

And I hope that Hudd is utterly ashamed; the commentator just said that he was outpaced by Neil Mellor. Oh dear. That's so cringeworthily bad.

[olly27]

Crouchy hatrick!!!

Crouch has to start on Saturday after this, he just has to.

[irishspur]

Crouchy now has 5 goals, himself and defoe have to start on saturday. End of.

[nuttyhotspurs]

5-1 thank you very much. that'll do nicely as a warm up for saturday. bring on burnley :tee:

[choda]

Do people really vote on games they've never seen? You're relying on the view of others for who played well in the game, and anyone who has listened to a commentary whilst watching a game knows how that can be very different to their own judgement.

I should hope not, but there are highlights later and if you add that to the match vidiprinter and things you've seen before you have enough to vote, just about, imo.

Half the people voting on any game will only have this much to go on as far as I can see anyway.

[Elthamspur]

Yeah you're right, it's gotta be Crouch/Defoe partnership, Keane will have to be super-sub if needed

[peterc]

Huddlestone at Center Back?

I'm shitting myself with worry.

According to the commentators, Hudds played extremely well.

[TURKISH]

Crouch had better start on Saturday.

And I hope that Hudd is utterly ashamed; the commentator just said that he was outpaced by Neil Mellor. Oh dear. That's so cringeworthily bad.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

God Hudd and Charlie are fvcking slow. They run like they have a piano on their backs.:dong:

[TURKISH]

Crouch, defoe, Gomes and bale for saturday please.

[peterc]

Good result and most importantly no serious injuries.

[olly27]

Crouchy now has 5 goals, himself and defoe have to start on saturday. End of.

Totally agree. Preston are no mugs, particularly at Deepdale.

Crouch and Defoe have to start on Saturday, so I am afraid Robbie should be on the bench as its pointless sticking him out on the left.

Will be watching the highlights later.

Turk forget a pole and give it to Crouchy - he scored a hatrick!

Sound like Bale did alright. Possible team for saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Hudd
Dawson
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

Subs: Hutton, Naughton, Kranjcar, Keane, Bentley, Rose and Cuda.

All assuming Bassong and Pav are out.

[Elthamspur]

Where are the highlights on?

[TURKISH]

Totally agree. Preston are no mugs, particularly at Deepdale.

Crouch and Defoe have to start on Saturday, so I am afraid Robbie should be on the bench as its pointless sticking him out on the left.

Will be watching the highlights later.

Turk forget a pole and give it to Crouchy - he scored a hatrick!

Sound like Bale did alright. Possible team for saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Hudd
Dawson
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

Subs: Hutton, Naughton, Kranjcar, Keane, Bentley, Rose and Cuda.

All assuming Bassong and Pav are out.

No poll for this game, Gomes made fantastic saves, crouch scored a hattrick and I'm sure others played well.

[olly27]

Crouch, defoe, Gomes and bale for saturday please.

Yep - and end of. If Harry doesn't start with those guys on Saturday I will be starting to worry about him!

[choda]

Totally agree. Preston are no mugs, particularly at Deepdale.

Crouch and Defoe have to start on Saturday, so I am afraid Robbie should be on the bench as its pointless sticking him out on the left.

Will be watching the highlights later.

Turk forget a pole and give it to Crouchy - he scored a hatrick!

Sound like Bale did alright. Possible team for saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Hudd
Dawson
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

Subs: Hutton, Naughton, Kranjcar, Keane, Bentley, Rose and Cuda.

All assuming Bassong and Pav are out.

Start the three of them. Play Keane in the hole in a continental diamond. Jenas in the centre and keeping a strong eye on the left, Wilson holding, Lennon out right. We're at home and we will kill Burnley with that team.

I think we will win anyway to be honest, no matter who we start.

[olly27]

I said 'forget a pole and give to Crouchy'...lol. Wasn't even aware of my unintended pun!!!

[peterc]

where are the highlights on?

bbc one @23.20.

[irishspur]

Totally agree. Preston are no mugs, particularly at Deepdale.

Crouch and Defoe have to start on Saturday, so I am afraid Robbie should be on the bench as its pointless sticking him out on the left.

Will be watching the highlights later.

Turk forget a pole and give it to Crouchy - he scored a hatrick!

Sound like Bale did alright. Possible team for saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Hudd
Dawson
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

Subs: Hutton, Naughton, Kranjcar, Keane, Bentley, Rose and Cuda.

All assuming Bassong and Pav are out.
Is that match of the day? If so, what time is it on? BBC?

[irishspur]

bbc one @23.20.

cheers mate.

[choda]

Yep - and end of. If Harry doesn't start with those guys on Saturday I will be starting to worry about him!

In fairness I don't think we should go overboard about 4 goals against Preston and Doncaster. We need to keep our cool with decisions. I'd pick Crouchie next game, but I don't think it's a case that he HAS to play. We've done fine without him (an average of 2 points per game since January) and he started the united game remember and we'd won the previous 4 games with no Crouch start.

I'm far more worried about Hudd, Hutton and Charlie and the centre back situation.

[olly27]

Is that match of the day? If so, what time is it on? BBC?

BBC1 Northern Ireland, on at 11.20pm.

[olly27]

In fairness I don't think we should go overboard about 4 goals against Preston and Doncaster. We need to keep our cool with decisions. I'd pick Crouchie next game, but I don't think it's a case that he HAS to play. We've done fine without him (an average of 2 points per game since January) and he started the united game remember and we'd won the previous 4 games with no Crouch start.

I'm far more worried about Hudd, Hutton and Charlie and the centre back situation.

I am not going overboard mate, he deserves to start. Looking at his cameo apperances as well. Preston are a different animal to Doncaster. They had the best home record in the Championship last season, Deepdale was a fortress.

We were also fotunate against West Ham and he came on and did quite well. Beating Birmingham was largey down to Crouch and he was unlucky not to get a hatrick. He made things happen against Chelsea as well. Pretty good going given the time restrictions he has to contend with. Its hardly hasty to start him on that evidence.

[peterc]

cheers mate.
No probs mate.

[earl warwick]

Just seen the goals on SSN. Lovely finish from Keane, but Crouch's flicked backheel has to be seen to be believed. Absolutely sensational.

[Gino Ginelli]

Football League show, beeb1, 11:20pm.

Should be enough highlights for a MOTM vote.

[olly27]

Just seen the goals on SSN. Lovely finish from Keane, but Crouch's flicked backheel has to be seen to be believed. Absolutely sensational.

Just saw them...yeah Keane's was lovely..outside flick of the boot, pure class. But Jesus Crouch's was just sublime, improvised superbly - just lovely, could watch that all day long - how far was he out to do that?...must of been at least 10, 12 yards maybe.

Showed Gomes making a superb flying save from their free kick. Maybe he would of saved the free kick from Giggs!!!

[earl warwick]

Just saw them...yeah Keane's was lovely..outside flick of the boot, pure class. But Jesus Crouch's was just sublime, improvised superbly - just lovely, could watch that all day long.

Showed Gomes making a superb flying save from their free kick. Maybe he would of saved the free kick from Giggs!!!
A fairly basic save I thought, one which he hammed up. Keepers love shots like that, ones they can spectacularly tip over or punch away. A powerful shot, but it didn't move anything like Giggs's shot.

[gomessi]

Some superb saves from Gomes. :001_smile:

[Shelfside]

Trying to forget the appalling last two league games,let us take a little pleasure in seeing Tottenham's third 5-1 away win this season.:w00t:

[Rojoknapp]

I haven't seen the saves but I can't wait - I love Gomes :love:

And quite apart from being a cult hero and everything, he's so much better than Cudicini - it's a relief to have him back.

[olly27]

A fairly basic save I thought, one which he hammed up. Keepers love shots like that, ones they can spectacularly tip over or punch away. A powerful shot, but it didn't move anything like Giggs's shot.

I'll wait to see the proper highlights, you might be right - it could of been one for the camera's but he apparently made quite a few good saves.

[gomessi]

predicted a preston win. :blushing:

[StevenYTID]

What a back heel what a cheeky sod. haha.

:lol:

[corkspur]

just saw the highlights,great performance.gomes made some great saves. what an outrageous goal by crouch!!fantastic stuff!! he has to start saturday with defoe.

[olly27]

For the third goal you think the ball will go to Robbie from Lennon, but no he slides it through to Crouch, I think Robbie was convinced he was about to score!

For the fourth goal when Hudd storms forward (does that sound right, lol?) he slides it to Robbie on the left who finishes very well - not an easy chance due to his more acute angle, but if you actually look closely Crouch is in a far better position slightly to the right about to bear down on their goal! Dont think he was offside either.

All academic as we scored!!!

[gomessi]

Crouchinho>>>Messi+Kaka+Ronaldo

[Gold7]

Some great finishes tonight 3 strikers doing what their paid to do can't be bad after the miserable last two games, was just what we needed to clear the cob webs a timely fixture .

Hutton again at fault for not tracking a man.
Gomes made some decent saves although he's kicking scares the life out of me and that's during highlights when I know the score line.

Players who should start vs Burnley:
Crouch for Keane , I'm warming to crouch he's getting goals so we can't complain.
Bale on the left to be replaced by Kranjcar at some point.
Gomes in goal.

[Gino Ginelli]

For the third goal you think the ball will go to Robbie from Lennon, but no he slides it through to Crouch, I think Robbie was convinced he was about to score!

For the fourth goal when Hudd storms forward (does that sound right, lol?) he slides it to Robbie on the left who finishes very well - not an easy chance due to his more acute angle, but if you actually look closely Crouch is in a far better position slightly to the right about to bear down on their goal! Dont think he was offside either.

All academic as we scored!!!

Are you suggesting that Robbie has issues with Crouchy?

I got that feeling too, lol!

[Gino Ginelli]

If there is a MOTM thread I'll vote Crouchy, for leaving the pitch with the match ball and pulling off that audacious finish. I thought Robbie did well too, a very typical finish from him. And he showed terrific control in the build up for the 5th goal, killing the ball in the air and adjusting his stance instantly to set himself.

Picking up on Olly's theory though, do you think Robbie has a bit of resentment towards Crouch? He felt Lennon should have laid it on for him rather than go across the box for Crouch (although that was the right choice as it stretched the keeper), could have easily squared it for the lanky one for a simple tap in but instead went for it himself (lovely finish though it was) and for the 5th I would have thought simply rolling it in front of Crouch for another easy finish would have been the only thing in his head as opposed to clipping it all the way over to Lennon on the other side of the penalty area.

I know it's picking in light of a good result, but I just picked up on it and thought "huh?"

Like I said though, good display from all the forwards, with Defoe showing astonishingly nimble footwork to make the sapce and shoot. I only wish he'd had the composure to slot it home rather than blast it at the keeper, in a similar vein to Sunday. Good determintation for the follow up though.

I felt Bale looked good going forward too, which gives me hope for him to slot in at LW in Modric's absence (possibly even replacing him there with Luka moving inside) and delivered a cracking curling cross for Crouchy's opener. I couldn't tell from the highlights, but Bentley seemed anonymous again. Confidence shot? Desire gone? Shame really. He can do the business if he wanted to.

But Gio, in his brief cameo before hobbling off, looked genuinely up for it. He was zipping about in a relatively free role, which he seems to cherish, and had a cracking effort skip off the bar! I was impressed and I hope that he's fit very soon and can start developing that impression into a serious goal threat for us in the league!

But I had big reservations over the defence, with the immobile Hudd, returning Dawson and frankly dissapointing Hutton allowing Preston an alarming amount of chances. Wallace was in a defence shredding mood and pulled us all over the place. Hutton in particular was nowhere near his man which allowed him the space to get in and score. Plus there was no attempt to cut out the build up for it in the first place from the CB's. The only time Hudd looked effective was when he broke forward to lay on for Keane.

Palacios was good as ever, and his passing is improving. But he gave another bonkers free kick away with a baffling mid air somersault that left him sprawled all over the attacker. At least the resulting free kick gave Gomes as chance to suggest that he may have dealt with Giggs free kick 2 weeks ago after all. He pulled off a string of top saves in fact, but still leaves me shaking my head with his decision making. Plus the fact that he looks like a cross between Mr Tickle and The Penguin unnerves me... :s:

So good goalscoring performance, storming into the next round, but some really major question marks over the defence now. Here's hoping Bassong is fit to play alongside Daws against Burnley, with Charlie and Benni returning to action.

[mjbmedia]

any links to this/ goals etc as was away on business last night please

[Gino Ginelli]

any links to this/ goals etc as was away on business last night please

http://www.thfctalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=164604&postcount=15

[peterc]

Some great finishes tonight 3 strikers doing what their paid to do can't be bad after the miserable last two games, was just what we needed to clear the cob webs a timely fixture .

Hutton again at fault for not tracking a man.
Gomes made some decent saves although he's kicking scares the life out of me and that's during highlights when I know the score line.

Players who should start vs Burnley:
Crouch for Keane , I'm warming to crouch he's getting goals so we can't complain.
Bale on the left to be replaced by Kranjcar at some point.
Gomes in goal.

Why replace BAE?, so far, he has played well this season.

[olly27]

Why replace BAE?, so far, he has played well this season.

He means Bale playing ahead of BAE.

[Gino Ginelli]

He means Bale playing ahead of BAE.

As in "in front of" at LW.

(premepting the inevitable :001_rolleyes:)

[olly27]

As in "in front of" at LW.

(premepting the inevitable :001_rolleyes:)

Yes...lol. I wasn't clear myself!!!

[Elthamspur]

I was going to post some thoughts but I think Gino Ginelli's post has said pretty much everything than can be said, ha ha. I think that the free kick palacious gave away was because he was going to do an overhead kick clearance but realised he would have smashed the PNE player right in the face so backed out of it! Bale good shout for the left wing now i'd say and it's got to be Defoe and Crouch up top with Keane eager to come on and impress. We've got to get three points against Burnley!

COYS

[olly27]

My team for Saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Dawson
Hudd
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

[peterc]

Yes...lol. I wasn't clear myself!!!

Olly, please stop trying to confuse me further...........:alberteinstein:

[peterc]

My team for Saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Dawson
Hudd
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

Not too sure about Charley, he seems to have lost his concentration recently.

[choda]

My team for Saturday:

Gomes

Corluka
Dawson
Hudd
Ekotto

Lennon
Palacios
Jenas
Bale

Crouch
Defoe

I'm not being argumentitive but I look at the that team and I think it's too 'English', not enough technical brains. Looks just like Harry's Portsmouth imo. I think over a season I think that team would finish sixth or seventh or worse.

I think this team looks far more like a geniune contender with a better balance, the type you see at the last 16 stage of the champions league. Granted both teams would be much better with Modric, King and Woody as well.

Gomes
Naughton
Dawson
Bassong
Ekotto
Lennon
Palacios
Charlie
Gio
Keane
Defoe

Crouch ready to come off the bench.

I think that team would tear Burnley apart. I believe the idea of having enough football brains as well as physical power and directness gives you much better percentage chance in one off games and would imo show up decidedly over a season.

Very glad Gomes is back as well, he's got much more about him. Gomes=extra points. He's a top keeper.

[GQCoolest]

But we all know that Harry is never going to pick that side...he won't play Charlie at DM, Gio probably isn't ready to go, and Crouch absolutely deserves a start.

[choda]

But we all know that Harry is never going to pick that side...he won't play Charlie at DM, Gio probably isn't ready to go, and Crouch absolutely deserves a start.

But why say a guy has to start just because he scored against Preston (and has DONE HIS JOB as expected as a good back up) when the attacking play in bigger games hinges a lot on Keane. Maybe give Defoe a rest in that case. But who has looks more like scoring in important games and who does the quality play go through? It's Defoe and Keane respectively. I don't think we can afford to be messing about, modric is already out.

Keane was only on 20 minutes and had Lennon passed it to him they had two each and you have a different set of commentary. We did score 3 in 20 minutes when he came on. It is a pattern, an average of 2 points per game since he came back is not a coincidence because before that we looked so average going forward and keeping the ball and nearly always do without Keane/Berb.

I'm just saying the long term view has to be taken into account and Burnley are no push over. It's not like we can hand out gold stars to players, deserving or not. It's about getting spurs to the elite group and the top four have no qualms benching a guy that does well in a cup comp when it's back to what gives them the most points over the season.

Bentner can score a hat trick but next game Van Persie is back in the team because over a season that what delivers. Play the back up as impact subs and when you have injuries or want to rotate for freshness.

This is just my opinion, but I fear the look of the side when we don't play Keane up front and a least one winger. I know Crouch is a good player and brings people in too (I always said that), but he's just not as good for me and to many times spurs make the wrong team decisions if you ask me.

Why play a guy when you don't have to? Stick to what works and what makes us look like a top side going forward like the first four games and over many years.

We now actually have a ball winner and a better defence like the last push we had on the cl so the class up top will really tell.

Oh look maybe it is a good time to rotate and we will probably win easily anyway, but over a season I would't go with Crouch and Defoe because it is lacks that bit of class if you ask me.

[Gino Ginelli]

Is "too English" and "not enough technical brains" choda-speak for basically "there's no Keane"? :aetsch:

Seriously though, I do think Robbie needs to start up front, because he does string the moves together. With just Defoe and Crouch up top, we'll be reduced to either long balls or lack of balls to feet for Defoe. We get lucky with a Crouch knock down to him, but aside from that it's nothing special.

Yeah I know, we had 2 already before Defoe and Keane swapped, but we've seen what happens in the Prem already when Keane's not up top. Frustrating for whoever get's dropped but we have to have the best possible creative forward alongside whichever natural goalscorer is played. That's Robbie.

[choda]

Is "too English" and "not enough technical brains" choda-speak for basically "there's no Keane"? :aetsch:

Seriously though, I do think Robbie needs to start up front, because he does string the moves together. With just Defoe and Crouch up top, we'll be reduced to either long balls or lack of balls to feet for Defoe. We get lucky with a Crouch knock down to him, but aside from that it's nothing special.

Yeah I know, we had 2 already before Defoe and Keane swapped, but we've seen what happens in the Prem already when Keane's not up top. Frustrating for whoever get's dropped but we have to have the best possible creative forward alongside whichever natural goalscorer is played. That's Robbie.

Lol, well not really, I just think many English players are like they were all manufactured to the same specifications and most of them are ranging from Vauxhalls to BMW. Nice, but you can't have a top team full of that you need a few Aston Martins, a Porshe 911 and an Alfa Romeo as well.

If we'd have bought Arshavin he'd certainly relegate Keane to the bench. Tevez is similar to Keane in many ways. All the top clubs have players with that bit of class in general play. We don't have it without Keane imo and any more than a temporary situation and, as you agree, I think you find we will start to look very ordinary indeed and far more Harry's Pompey than Arsenal or new look City.

It's not like Keane doesn't score either, if we look at his record here and for Ireland it's prolific. He's bound to start banging them in again. It's not all about goals anyway. Perhaps he needs to play a bit more forward to be as goal potent as the old days. Either way he's still crucial for me.

[olly27]

I'm not being argumentitive but I look at the that team and I think it's too 'English', not enough technical brains. Looks just like Harry's Portsmouth imo. I think over a season I think that team would finish sixth or seventh or worse.

I think this team looks far more like a geniune contender with a better balance, the type you see at the last 16 stage of the champions league. Granted both teams would be much better with Modric, King and Woody as well.

Gomes
Naughton
Dawson
Bassong
Ekotto
Lennon
Palacios
Charlie
Gio
Keane
Defoe

Crouch ready to come off the bench.

I think that team would tear Burnley apart. I believe the idea of having enough football brains as well as physical power and directness gives you much better percentage chance in one off games and would imo show up decidedly over a season.

Very glad Gomes is back as well, he's got much more about him. Gomes=extra points. He's a top keeper.

I didn't include Gio because he is injured, but I would include him for sure.

If Crouch doesn't start I think its a tad unfair on him. What does the guy need to do to get a start when he scores a hatrick and has an excellent game? Not the biggest form of encouragement if its overlooked in terms of earning him a start.

I accept your points mate, and to be honest I agree with most of what your saying - Keane is important to our play, very important. I just hope this doesn't turn from being a positive headache for Harry into a problem for him.

I am sure Crouch didn't sign on the proviso that he was only ever going to be plan b from the bench, and would only start when injuries permitted. There has to be a realistic chance of the guy starting once he performs - from his perspective, or else it we may not get the best out of him if he feels its all in vein no matter how he peformes on the pitch. Thats were real man management skills come in.

To be honest I will be happy who ever starts on Saturday...2 from 3 of them - no problem. Just think Crouchie deserves a start.

PS - that defence does not look like a defence of a last 16 champions league side!!!

[choda]

I didn't include Gio because he is injured, but I would include him for sure.

If Crouch doesn't start I think its a tad unfair on him. What does the guy need to do to get a start when he scores a hatrick and has an excellent game? Not the biggest form of encouragement if its overlooked in terms of earning him a start.

I accept your points mate, and to be honest I agree with most of what your saying - Keane is important to our play, very important. I just hope this doesn't turn from being a positive headache for Harry into a problem for him.

I am sure Crouch didn't sign on the proviso that he was only ever going to be plan b from the bench, and would only start when injuries permitted. There has to be a realistic chance of the guy starting once he performs - from his perspective, or else it we may not get the best out of him if he feels its all in vein no matter how he peformes on the pitch. Thats were real man management skills come in.

To be honest I will be happy who ever starts on Saturday...2 from 3 of them - no problem. Just think Crouchie deserves a start.

PS - that defence does not look like a defence of a last 16 champions league side!!!

No the defence doesn't look great alright due to injury, but I just meant in terms of balance and football brains going forward.

Yea, I see what you are saying with Crouch, but it's the same at every big club and he's got the right attitude as he showed at Liverpool when time after time he was doing well in the bit part role.

I think it is a conundrum already but it's only a good one if you ask me. Remember United over the years, they've always gotten it right if you ask me. Solskaer never did anything but do well and if Fergie decided he wasn't in the main blueprint or long term as class as the first choice then he wasn't going to be first choice.

I'd be inclined to give Defoe a rest maybe against Burnley and use him from the bench if required. He was the one that started the last game which was maybe in Harry's thinking, that he'd play Crouch and Keane for Burnley. I do feel that yea, Crouch does need a pat on the back for a hat trick and a fine game. I think you're right that you have to give a fair crack.

They haven't started a game yet together and I think they'd function well as a pair.

That'll keep big Peter happy when he's dropped the following few weeks. I think Harry has made it clear who he prefers and has said that Peter is a great plan B or even plan A if needs be.

Crouch will get plenty of games over the year anyway with cups, injuries, resting and the like. Any permutation could end up being the first choice but I think you can bet your bottom dollar Keane will be there and the way Defoe is a new man and the way he is playing you can't drop him for too long either.

We could make an argument for rotation, but that never works the best for anyone if you ask me.

Bar the United game when he put Keane on the left I think he's gotten it right so far with the strikers.

Pav is fecked basically and I think he will leave in January. But it's his own fault as he just didn't perform close to good enough last year bar a few games.

[deadleyledley]

dont think that gio will be fit enough to play against burnley

[earl warwick]

"Too 'English', not enough technical brains." Hmm, sounds like code for not enough Irish in the side.

I think I'll buy a hat and eat it if Defoe doesn't start against Burnley. Keane only came because Defoe was out injured for a few months, and I don't see Defoe not starting any home game.

I wonder if you could possibly be any more patronising towards Crouch, who in his efforts and endeavours has possibly outshone Defoe? Crouch needs to be playing regularly to have a chance of making the England squad, and he's justifying it. I suspect this leaves Keane on the left, simply because he's the fifth wheel on the wagon, but we really should see Bale or Niko.

[choda]

"Too 'English', not enough technical brains." Hmm, sounds like code for not enough Irish in the side.

I think I'll buy a hat and eat it if Defoe doesn't start against Burnley. Keane only came because Defoe was out injured for a few months, and I don't see Defoe not starting any home game.

I wonder if you could possibly be any more patronising towards Crouch, who in his efforts and endeavours has possibly outshone Defoe? Crouch needs to be playing regularly to have a chance of making the England squad, and he's justifying it. I suspect this leaves Keane on the left, simply because he's the fifth wheel on the wagon, but we really should see Bale or Niko.

You're attempts at baiting a fight and bringing the forum into disrepute aside, I've always said that I think Crouchie is a top player, I don't know how that is patronising. We are blessed with a lot of talent which we have amassed at great expense, we can't play them all.

What I am saying is I think it is clear when Keane doesn't play up front that the team suffers greatly in the quality of the attacking play and keeping the ball. He strings the moves together and it really shows in team performance and results.

If you can get me a world class striker to replace Keane then lovely, he can raise his level a bit or play a bit part role. Am I patronising Keane now? After all he's scored over 100 goals for spurs and has 40 goals in 90 games. No, I don't think I am, he's not far off world class but he's not world class and that's pretty much a fact.

Crouch could oust Defoe if he keeps playing well and Defoe dips, but he won't oust Keane unless we see something we haven't seen before from him.

He's not quite on the level of a player that can raise the level of your team the way Keane can.

You take out Keane and we suffer over a long stretch, you take out Crouch, we don't, even if you take out Defoe, Crouch can probably do that job as well in his own way and link with Keane somewhat like Berbastrop. Mark my words and I'm sure this is how Harry sees it as well.

When was the last time Spurs averaged 2 points per game for over 20 games? And you want to take out one of the key features that were added to make that side? You mad? Replace Jenas with a top player and you are looking at an even better team that can do just about anything, but not if you mess with key ingredients that are in top sides.

It's not about Keane, it's about what he does. Last January I said we need to by a clever top class striker (something like Keane) and a ball winner (something like Davids) because those were the major things lacking and that we'd be a different animal altogether.

I never thought either of them were coming back.

[earl warwick]

That'll keep big Peter happy when he's dropped the following few weeks.

If it wasn't clear, that was the patronising bit.

Keane is still far off world class. Rooney's not far off world class, and there's a massive gap there between the two.

There are 3 players we really suffer from losing - Modric, King and Palacios. If we hadn't lost Defoe to injury, Keane wouldn't be here.

[choda]

That'll keep big Peter happy when he's dropped the following few weeks.

If it wasn't clear, that was the patronising bit.

Keane is still far off world class. Rooney's not far off world class, and there's a massive gap there between the two.

There are 3 players we really suffer from losing - Modric, King and Palacios. If we hadn't lost Defoe to injury, Keane wouldn't be here.

I doubt Peter is offended and that's often how the managers think, you can see exactly what they are doing at times and it sometimes has to be done to stop frustration.

And I think it is very clear that in the last few years when Keane has been missing or not in the team (and there's no Berbatov to do the same thing) that our play has suffered a great deal and even though he's not world class like Modric and King we miss him just as much when he's not there, same with Palacios.

I don't know what your terms for classifying players are but if you don't think Rooney is world class then we are not speaking the same language.

In fact Rooney was one of the very best players in the world at Euro 2004 and isn't far off that again the way he has been playing.

There is a gap between Rooney and Keane, but it's not massive. Their records are similar. The difference is that Rooney is not quite as clever but he's stronger, he shoots harder and he's quicker.

One is close to world class striker the other one is truly world class striker and close to the best in the world category.