Match Thread: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v Manchester City

[Gino Ginelli]

Barclays Premier League - 14th Aug 2010 - Sky Sports 2
KO 12:45 - White Hart Lane

I know we're still a week away, but the anticipation is ramping up now. And let's face it this is what we want to talk about now isn't it?

So let's have your teams, thoughts and chin wag about the game in here as ever!

COYS!!!

---------------- Gomes ----------------
Corluka --- Dawson --- King --- Ekotto
Lennon -- Huddlestone -- Modric -- Bale
----------- Defoe --- Keane -----------

[deadleyledley]

starting to get excited now.

will need to get a good start to the season like last year.

think that world cup players should not play a massive part as they wont be as ready or sharp.

gomes
charlie daws king ekotto
lennon hudd modric bale
pav keane

think that benny is the only weak link in there, but i would be looking to get into their midfield as they are very slow. a case for jj being in there to run them ragged.

not predicting scores yet.

suprised not many responses on here, although it is a monday afternoon.

COYS!!!!!!!

[peterc]

I predict we will win 3-1. COYS.

[olly27]

starting to get excited now.

will need to get a good start to the season like last year.

think that world cup players should not play a massive part as they wont be as ready or sharp.

gomes
charlie daws king ekotto
lennon hudd modric bale
pav keane

think that benny is the only weak link in there, but i would be looking to get into their midfield as they are very slow. a case for jj being in there to run them ragged.

not predicting scores yet.

suprised not many responses on here, although it is a monday afternoon.

COYS!!!!!!!

Think your team is spot on for this weekend but I dont think Ekotto is the weak link at all. He's been brillant against City lately - twice last season infact.

JJ will never run anybody ragged.

Very positive about this game and think we will win 2-0, providing Ledley starts.

Going for Bale and Pav on the score sheet.

Having said that Crouchy caused them problems at home last season so team selection will be interesting. But I think Pav and Keane could be the way to go for this weekend all things considered - yes Crouchy I am looking at you!

Think Keano and Pav could form a decent pairing.

[WelshSpur82]

I am getting married at 12.00 saturday!!!!
Trust sky to put this game as sat dinner time viewing !!!!! :-(

[OffsideRuelFox]

Hope the wedding goes well Welshy. I am sure your best man will keep you updated with the score!

Would like to think we will catch Man City a bit cold on Saturday but my head tells me a draw would not be a bad result.

We cannot afford to get beat at all costs!!!

[Gino Ginelli]

I am getting married at 12.00 saturday!!!!
Trust sky to put this game as sat dinner time viewing !!!!! :-(

Congrats on your nuptials mate, have a great day!

[Rojoknapp]

I know another Spurs fan who is getting married on Saturday but he moved the time so he could watch the game at the pub first :laugh: Congratulations Welsh.

As for the game itself, we always beat City. I genuinely can't remember the last time they beat us - surely it wasn't that FA cup tie?

[WelshSpur82]

Only wedding present i want is 3 points on saturday, putting us top of the league for a couple of hours at least!!!
Then a massive signing after that !!!!!!!
Not too much to ask is it ??? lol

[Gino Ginelli]

Only wedding present i want is 3 points on saturday, putting us top of the league for a couple of hours at least!!!
Then a massive signing after that !!!!!!!
Not too much to ask is it ??? lol

Plenty of spending money for the honeymoon and a wedding day BJ? :dontknow:

[deadleyledley]

Only wedding present i want is 3 points on saturday, putting us top of the league for a couple of hours at least!!!
Then a massive signing after that !!!!!!!
Not too much to ask is it ??? lol

come on then, who do you want to see down at the lane.

[deadleyledley]

Think your team is spot on for this weekend but I dont think Ekotto is the weak link at all. He's been brillant against City lately - twice last season infact.

JJ will never run anybody ragged.

Very positive about this game and think we will win 2-0, providing Ledley starts.

Going for Bale and Pav on the score sheet.

Having said that Crouchy caused them problems at home last season so team selection will be interesting. But I think Pav and Keane could be the way to go for this weekend all things considered - yes Crouchy I am looking at you!

Think Keano and Pav could form a decent pairing.

Firstly, thought benny had an excellent world cup and was the best cameroonian player out there. he does have what i call anthony gardner moments though. this worries me. just switching off during the game and having to scramble back to put the play right again.

secondly, jj will be able to run. maybe not ragged, even running around the city midfield might cause them trouble. another suggestion was to play lennon in the middle, with bale providing the width.

[Gino Ginelli]

Firstly, thought benny had an excellent world cup and was the best cameroonian player out there. he does have what i call anthony gardner moments though. this worries me. just switching off during the game and having to scramble back to put the play right again.

secondly, jj will be able to run. maybe not ragged, even running around the city midfield might cause them trouble. another suggestion was to play lennon in the middle, with bale providing the width.

Urgh, no way!

[WelshSpur82]

Got to say i would love a top draw centre forward, Fabiano would have been lovely, Suarez???? not sure, I actually like the idea of Bellamy, plus a good Right back, would like Micah Richards, or someone like that, young strong quick,

Would like a real flair player too, Ronaldinho or someone of that style, game breaker!!!

[TURKISH]

Welshy, you can have match of the day sex later on that night!

[Gino Ginelli]

Welshy, you can have match of the day sex later on that night!
That is one of those shining moments in life where you think to yourself, "Can it get better than this?"

[TURKISH]

That is one of those shining moments in life where you think to yourself, "Can it get better than this?"

Maybe a pie, whilst she's ocupied with your knob in her mouth. If you lose you take it out on her, if you win then sensual love making is in order. If you don't last during the 5min highlights then please don't look at the tv when your about to shoot your load.:ahhhhh: Nightmares.

[mjbmedia]

------------------Gomes------------------
Walker-----Dawson-------King------BAE
Lennon----Modders-------Hudd-------Bale
----------Crouch ---- Keane

Cudicini, defoe,pav,krancjar,bassong,corluka,JJ on bench

2-1 Keane 2

[Gino Ginelli]

Maybe a pie, whilst she's ocupied with your knob in her mouth. If you lose you take it out on her, if you win then sensual love making is in order. If you don't last during the 5min highlights then please don't look at the tv when your about to shoot your load.:ahhhhh: Nightmares.

Do you mean of the hairy variety, or do you mean eating an actual pie?! Cause that's hilarious!

[TURKISH]

Do you mean of the hairy variety, or do you mean eating an actual pie?! Cause that's hilarious!

A pukka pie me lad, sit back and think of britain.

[Gino Ginelli]

Lawro has predicted a 2-1 win for the Spurs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8908412.stm

Well that's fvcked that one then... :hmpf:

[Baleinho]

I'm going for a real tight game, 1-0 Spurs but you cannot deny the talent that City have (team or not)

[olly27]

Suggestions that Kolarov and Boatang are out. Given that Bridge is out as well, if these stories are true of course...they could be without a recognised left back....is it Azza-hammer time again!!!!

http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=185775&start=20

[olly27]

Looks like only Boatang is injured, anyway Lescott and Barry can play LB if Kolarov doesn't make it.

Big plus though, Boatang looks a superb player.

Feeling more confident.

[deadleyledley]

Looks like only Boatang is injured, anyway Lescott and Barry can play LB if Kolarov doesn't make it.

Big plus though, Boatang looks a superb player.

Feeling more confident.

i think that azza would do him inside out if boateng did play. he has done it before for england U21's against boateng.

also bbc says that pav is out with a hamstring injuy.

[deadleyledley]

Suggestions that Kolarov and Boatang are out. Given that Bridge is out as well, if these stories are true of course...they could be without a recognised left back....is it Azza-hammer time again!!!!

http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=185775&start=20

just readin the stuff on the link.

they are shitting themselves, but tbh even if kolarov does play i reckon he wont stand a chance against azza.

[olly27]

Some people are suggesting that Harry could go with Kranjcar on the left, Hudd and Modd in the middle, Lennon right.

That would be flipping attacking, with the likes of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry in midfeild. Perhaps Wilson will start for a bit more muscle in the middle.

I expect City to line up like:

Hart

Richards
K Toure
Kompany
Kolorav

De Jong
Yaya Toure
Barry

Silva
Adebayor
Tevez


Thats pretty powerful looking. Bale againt Richards should be be interesting. Their midfield is real muscle and workman like. Lennon looked rusty against Benfica, I hope he's a bit sharper tomorrow. If he's on it,I reckon we will carve them right open.

That said Silva was playing in Mexico on Wednesday night, as was our GDS - obviously!, so Johnson could start.

[Gino Ginelli]

I wouldn't be surprised if he went with the same team that did them twice last season. The good thing is that everyone is pushing for a start, everyone looks hungry and on form.

City's midfield looks packed with cloggers like Barry, De Jong and Toure. A midfield of Niko, Modric and Hudd will simply out pass them I reckon, with Lennon simply burning the RW to shreds, Bridge or no.

They may not be pretty to watch but I'd expect JD and Crouchinio to start, but not gonna be shocked if it's Keane we see there. He has certainly looked good so far.

[Gino Ginelli]

COOOME OOON YOOOOU SSPUUUUURRRRSS!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G91NcYHEI8

WE ARE TOTTENHAM FROM THE LANE!!!

C'moooooon!!!

[mjbmedia]

hope we murder the bastards.
Fulham are in for Bellamy but they wont talk to us about him. **** em lets **** their season up first game, a victory and some bad injuries for their 'star' players , come on Wilson if you play get your first booking for breaking one of their ****s legs , time for Tevez to get another scarring, Adebayor...Angola was nothing mate WHL is a war zone time to shit your pants again boy!

PS I know OTT but hey a win would be great. Theyre only in the Europa cup hahaha faggots

[Gino Ginelli]

hope we murder the bastards.
Fulham are in for Bellamy but they wont talk to us about him. **** em lets **** their season up first game, a victory and some bad injuries for their 'star' players , come on Wilson if you play get your first booking for breaking one of their ****s legs , time for Tevez to get another scarring, Adebayor...Angola was nothing mate WHL is a war zone time to shit your pants again boy!

PS I know OTT but hey a win would be great. Theyre only in the Europa cup hahaha faggots

Yyyy...eah, little strong there perhaps, he he *nervous laughter*

But you're right, we need to do 'em good an proper tomorrow, show them up as the pretenders they are!

[TURKISH]

YID ARMY!!!!!!!!!

http://www.oleole.com/media/main/images/wallpapers/47656/carling-cup-final-20_45973.jpg

[deadleyledley]

:YID ARMY!!!!!!!!!

http://www.oleole.com/media/main/images/wallpapers/47656/carling-cup-final-20_45973.jpg

:dito:

[earl warwick]

Gomes
Corluka Dawson Bassong Bae
Lennon Hudd Mod Bale
Keane Crouch

Best guess supposing King prioritised for CL qualifier, Palacios drained from travel to Honduras, and Defoe not fully fit.

[olly27]

Gomes
Corluka Dawson Bassong Bae
Lennon Hudd Mod Bale
Keane Crouch

Best guess supposing King prioritised for CL qualifier, Palacios drained from travel to Honduras, and Defoe not fully fit.

I think King will start. The astro turf will be tough on those knees. I expect King to face City, Bassong to play on Tuesday and the following Saturday against Stoke, with Ledley returning for the home leg on the 25th.

[earl warwick]

I think King will start. The astro turf will be tough on those knees. I expect King to face City, Bassong to play on Tuesday and the following Saturday against Stoke, with Ledley returning for the home leg on the 25th.

Astro turf is like a carpet. Don't dive along it. A first leg win would probably change our predictions.

[TURKISH]

I think King will start. The astro turf will be tough on those knees. I expect King to face City, Bassong to play on Tuesday and the following Saturday against Stoke, with Ledley returning for the home leg on the 25th.

Good assessment, I believe King will start and we can't look ahead imo otherwise your gonna be in trouble.

I'm really nervous as always, not sure what to expect really but surely City will have problems in there camp? I don't think there a team, but cream does rise to the top.

[earl warwick]

Good assessment, I believe King will start and we can't look ahead imo otherwise your gonna be in trouble.

I'm really nervous as always, not sure what to expect really but surely City will have problems in there camp? I don't think there a team, but cream does rise to the top.

Useful knowledge for a blue tit, but I expect you are aiming higher than that.

Losing tomorrow won't kill us. Losing to YBB would kill us.

[deadleyledley]

I think King will start. The astro turf will be tough on those knees. I expect King to face City, Bassong to play on Tuesday and the following Saturday against Stoke, with Ledley returning for the home leg on the 25th.

that is exactly how i would use ledley.

think that we will need to play ledley against city to get the campaign off to a good start.

why cant he play city and young boys. he did it last time, so it should be too much of a problem. and he has had a long lay off.

[TURKISH]

Useful knowledge for a blue tit, but I expect you are aiming higher than that.

Losing tomorrow won't kill us. Losing to YBB would kill us.

Confidence is key, if we beat city our morale will be high and hopefully that should help us tuesday night. I would rather King for City and then the home champions league game. The pitch away from home is not suitable for King's knee, plus I think Bassong can fill in nicely.

You can't start a season slow anymore, teams are improving all the time and it sets the mood nicely. We need that winning habit, losing to City could really effect our belief and confidence.

We need our best cb against Tevez and co for me. But saying that I bet he has a poor game. :ahhhhh:

[earl warwick]

Confidence is key, if we beat city our morale will be high and hopefully that should help us tuesday night. I would rather King for City and then the home champions league game. The pitch away from home is not suitable for King's knee, plus I think Bassong can fill in nicely.

You can't start a season slow anymore, teams are improving all the time and it sets the mood nicely. We need that winning habit, losing to City could really effect our belief and confidence.

We need our best cb against Tevez and co for me. But saying that I bet he has a poor game. :ahhhhh:
Last season? Everyone's expecting this season to be closer than the last. Only Villa look very weakened.

I'm not even sure what side City will put out. I suspect defensive.

Hart
Zab Boateng Kompany Kaz
De Jong Vieira Barry
Silva Ade Tevez

[TURKISH]

Last season? Everyone's expecting this season to be closer than the last. Only Villa look very weakened.

I'm not even sure what side City will put out. I suspect defensive.

Hart
Zab Boateng Kompany Kaz
De Jong Vieira Barry
Silva Ade Tevez

Yep, Liverpool couldn't recover and the competition is ever improving. I think Everton will take Villa's place, especially if they continue there end of season form into the new campaign.

I heard Boateng and there new left back are injured? I could be wrong as I've not been taking much notice of there squad.

Will Ade play? I'm hearing talk of him leaving, which surprises me to a degree but if Balotelli starts then that sums up Man City as a club.

[olly27]

I dont think Tevez has had much of a pre season at all. I hope they dont start Adam Johnson, he could be their danger man.

Adebayor can either be excellent or complete wank. Totally hit and miss, so lets hope he doesn't turn up.

They will be set up for the draw though, I wouldn't bet against GDS coming on at some stage.

[olly27]

Yep, Liverpool couldn't recover and the competition is ever improving. I think Everton will take Villa's place, especially if they continue there end of season form into the new campaign.

I heard Boateng and there new left back are injured? I could be wrong as I've not been taking much notice of there squad.

Will Ade play? I'm hearing talk of him leaving, which surprises me to a degree but if Balotelli starts then that sums up Man City as a club.

Dont worry about him. He wasn't signed in time to be registered for tomorrows game.

[TURKISH]

Dont worry about him. He wasn't signed in time to be registered for tomorrows game.

This is the proof that I haven't been keeping up to date with Citys dealings.

I think the only that could harm us is ourselfs, I'm worried about a 442 formation but I think its just nerves more than anything.

We shall see tomorrow.

[earl warwick]

Start as you mean to go on.

Then don't lose 2 games to Wolves.

[earl warwick]

Gomes: Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto: Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric Bale; Crouch, Defoe.
Subs: Cudicini, Bassong, Kaboul, Giovani, Palacios, Keane, Pavlyuchenko.

CITY: Hart; Richards, Kolo, Kompany, Kolarov; De Jong, Barry, Yaya Toure, SWP, Silva; Tevez

[spursmadnick06]

Seriously forgot we kick off at 12.45, im miles from home and nowhere near a pub!

Have to find a stream I guess!

COYS!

[Shuggie13]

try this

http://sportzpal.net/watch-live-sports-online.php?id=57B72C02-D689-11DE-BAD8-002354DAACD7&link=link1

[spursmadnick06]

try this

http://sportzpal.net/watch-live-sports-online.php?id=57B72C02-D689-11DE-BAD8-002354DAACD7&link=link1

cheers mate, nice one

[StevenYTID]

Oh come on does no one use this place anymore?!

[TURKISH]

Playing well but just not finishing the chances, good keeping from Hart also. Modric has been the player of the half for me, winning the ball, reading the play and using the ball well. Bale has picked up where he left off last season, Lennon looks off the pace which worries me. King looks solid at the back and hopefully I won't jinx things.

Hopefully missing all these chances won't bite us on the bum.

[Shuggie13]

Joe Hart :thumbdown: has kept Citeh in it, could have been at least 2-0 by now.

Great first half. Very encouraging, we are looking very solid even without Wilson. Modric needs to come to life a little.

[Shuggie13]

Playing well but just not finishing the chances, good keeping from Hart also. Modric has been the player of the half for me, winning the ball, reading the play and using the ball well. Bale has picked up where he left off last season, Lennon looks off the pace which worries me. King looks solid at the back and hopefully I won't jinx things.

Hopefully missing all these chances won't bite us on the bum.

Funny, I thought Modric was a little quiet, I might of missed something. Lennon seems of the pace but his tracking back has been very good. His cross for the Crouch head down and Defoe overhead was excellent.

[TURKISH]

Funny, I thought Modric was a little quiet, I might of missed something. Lennon seems of the pace but his tracking back has been very good. His cross for the Crouch head down and Defoe overhead was excellent.

:laugh: :laugh:

[TURKISH]

BAE has had a great game, Johnson is on now so hopefully we can keep him quiet.

[TURKISH]

Probly would have won that if we had a Drogba/Torres/Rooney. No complaints from me especially if you don't take your chances.

City defended dogged.

We played some cracking football, Harry has done wonders with us especially the way we control matches and still look solid. A couple more signings and I think Harry can improve us tremendously.

We need a top striker though, but don't know if one's out there.

[peterc]

Good start to the season, thought we should have won by at least 3-1, too many easy chances lost. All in all, a good performance.

[olly27]

OMG, the first half was sensational! The pressing, the work rate, the movement and some lovely interchanges.

Were City on the Pitch? Oh yeah they were, well Joe Hart was.

Second half we ran out of steam and I suspected we had missed our chance. City impoved and all in all it was a scrappy but pretty even second half.

Thought Bale was certain to score near the end, but it fell on his right foot.

No doubt we deserved to win, and it should of been a repeat of last season's scoreline.

I was really impressed with us today. Ok Lennon looked a bit rusty and so did a few others. Thought Modric looked knackered in the final twenty minutes.

Overall, a very encouraging perforamce, obviously just dissappointed we didn't get the goals.

A world class striker, for me, would see a title challenge.

Thank God there was no sucker punch though, that would of been to much to take after the battering in the first half.

Far from a disaster this, infact I feel good - good performance overall. We keep playing like this - we will better 70 points.

[deadleyledley]

played very well in the first half then ran out of steam in the second.

as everyone says, we just needed to be more clinical in front of goal and we would have won that one.

thought modric should have have gone off for gio. although lennon was off the pace. seems that the coaching staff have coached him out of going to the byline, hence he is less effective.

need that world class striker. the question is, would someone like KJH scored the chances that fell to our strikers especially defoe's one on one.

the right foot shot by bale is not an excuse. he is a proffesional and glenn hoddle said that he should go away a hit 25 shots at goal with his right foot.

overall im pleased with the performance. if there was no international friendly then i think we would have won, because we would have been able to press more and play like we did in the first half for longer.

Now we need to get to Switz. early and start playing on that Astro of theirs.

COYS!!!!

[matthius23]

Great performance... we were better than Citeh in every area of the pitch. BAE was immense today. Modric was playing a little more defensively... perhaps due to no Wilson in the starting lineup. Hart was magnificent for them, and clearly won them the point. Was a potential nightmare opening game, but we've come through it with flying colours... now lets get some goals and wins chalked up.

COYS.

[hastingsyid]

Great performance... we were better than Citeh in every area of the pitch. BAE was immense today. Modric was playing a little more defensively... perhaps due to no Wilson in the starting lineup. Hart was magnificent for them, and clearly won them the point. Was a potential nightmare opening game, but we've come through it with flying colours... now lets get some goals and wins chalked up.

COYS.

agreed pal..

[KevSpur]

Great all round performance which was hampered as usual by Crouch.
Hart was man of the match, but did Crouch ever look like scoring ?
He holds this team back big style, one dimensional does not go anywhere near
describing the damage he is doing to an otherwise top class footballing team.

[AlbaSpur]

I really thought we looked like contenders after the impressive first half today, but then I heard that Chelski put six past West Brom. That's the difference between us and them - we're just not there yet.
Great performances all around - but where are the goals?!?

Anyway, can't wait for the Swiss, and if we get our shooting boots on, we could finish the job even before the return leg at the Lane.

[Antilokhos]

I didn't see the game, so maybe I'm missing something. But this leaves me incredibly frustrated. This is a game that we could have, should have, and probably needed to win. And it sounds like we didn't because we lack the quality up top. This is not a problem that the club has been unaware of, and I think our failure to address this in the offseason, in fact, our failure to address any of the weaknesses in the squad, has now cost us 3 points.

[TURKISH]

I didn't see the game, so maybe I'm missing something. But this leaves me incredibly frustrated. This is a game that we could have, should have, and probably needed to win. And it sounds like we didn't because we lack the quality up top. This is not a problem that the club has been unaware of, and I think our failure to address this in the offseason, in fact, our failure to address any of the weaknesses in the squad, has now cost us 3 points.

But what could we do? Not many top strikers out there and just because we finished fourth doesn't mean top champion league players will join us. Sometimes during a season you will do everything but score, other times you will have one shot and you win a game ect.

Bale missed a clear cut chance, basically an open goal if that goes in we are laughing. We all know we need a top striker but until we qualify for the champions league we won't be buying any big name players.

Who's out there?

[Antilokhos]

But what could we do? Not many top strikers out there and just because we finished fourth doesn't mean top champion league players will join us. Sometimes during a season you will do everything but score, other times you will have one shot and you win a game ect.

Bale missed a clear cut chance, basically an open goal if that goes in we are laughing. We all know we need a top striker but until we qualify for the champions league we won't be buying any big name players.

Who's out there?
Suarez was linked with us, he'd have done the job. I'm frustrated that Spurs didn't make any moves. The squad isn't good enough to repeat last year's feats, not with an improved City. We have an area of clear weakness, one that must be fixed to enable us to succeed. And we did nothing. That's just asinine to me. We should have at least tried something, even the striker we are most linked to, Craig Bellamy, isn't the answer. He's a nice complimentary piece, the attitude and fire would be helpful, but he's not going to go out and get us a goal. And we didn't even really try to find a lesser known guy who could come in and maybe be a spark, similar to Berbatov. If you aren't getting better, you are getting worse, and this squad certainly didn't get any better.

[TURKISH]

Suarez was linked with us, he'd have done the job. I'm frustrated that Spurs didn't make any moves. The squad isn't good enough to repeat last year's feats, not with an improved City. We have an area of clear weakness, one that must be fixed to enable us to succeed. And we did nothing. That's just asinine to me. We should have at least tried something, even the striker we are most linked to, Craig Bellamy, isn't the answer. He's a nice complimentary piece, the attitude and fire would be helpful, but he's not going to go out and get us a goal. And we didn't even really try to find a lesser known guy who could come in and maybe be a spark, similar to Berbatov. If you aren't getting better, you are getting worse, and this squad certainly didn't get any better.

But thats the thing we have been trying, having has a list of players but if they don't want to come why settle for second best? The squad can always get better, Bale can score more goals, the defence can keep more clean sheets, the strikers can help defoe with the load, Modric can start scoring and assisting the team.

Its only one game, which we played very well and imo the window isn't closed yet. No need wasting money on any old tripe, if you can't improve the squad then you can always wait till Jan to see if anything materializes.

You mentioned Suarez but why would he choose us? We haven't qualified for the CL yet and even if we do there is every chance it will be our last for a while. The only way for us to sign Suarez would be to qualify for the CL, good fair price and no other top club would want him. I'm not too convinced that the prem is for him, but I'm known for being wrong.

[Gino Ginelli]

I thought Crouchy did well yesterday, won almost everything in the air, gave Toure one hell of a tough game. With such fierce delivery coming from both flanks now in Bale and Lennon, Crouch is your perfect target man, and Defoe his perfect foil. Yeah it's a cliche but it looked justified to me, with JD coming alive in the 6 yard box as ever.

Pav came on and immediately looked a threat as well, not afraid to have a go and test the keeper. I'll say this, if Pav is pinging those shots in which the keeper has to parry away, then you'd see Defoe racing in to follow up, theoretically. Keane looked that extra bit of quality when he came on, showing for the ball, picking it up and taking it. However after the 10 min spell he dropped out of the game a bit and thought he could have been doing better for the Pav's cross and then his wayward shot. It's niggling but I think on the day, Keane still looks a bit off it compared to the others.

Hart had a blinder, no question about that, just unbeatable. But it wasn't just the attempts he saved, what about the other umpteen efforts we carved out, where JD or Crouch couldn't quite get to the ball, or Bale hitting a post. Let's face it, first half we destroyed them bar a goal. City looked stunned, some of the new boys must've been thinking "who the fvck are we playing here?!!" We were fantastic, scary in fact. Bale and Modric were outstanding, Crouch was a constant threat they could barely deal with. Lennon by his standards had a bit of an off day but still gave the full back headaches. Then on comes Gio and gives them some more worries, nearly scoring straight away. Dawson and King unflustered, Corluka composed and Hudd was technically superior as ever, his phenomenal snapshot volley on turn was incredible technique.

But my MOTM goes to Benny, he was fvcking belting for me. Strong, composed, technical. Just a superb full backs performance. I tell you, Bale has that No. 3 but LB belongs to Benny, he's excellent. Bale needs to stay LW anyway IMO.

EXCEPT...

For the glaringly shite attempt at stepping up to catch SWP offside. That was nigh on disastrous, and only fast reactions from Benny, and poor control from SWP prevented that from being a Stoke scenario. Had that been Tevez, Adebayor, Rooney, Drogba... hell even Andy Carroll, we would be 1-0 down. Focus Benoit, focus!!! But this highlights that you cannot have that much possession and elicit that much pressure without making it count with at least 1 goal (and we should have had 3 or 4!) because as we saw so much last season, it can bite you on the arse big style!

[Antilokhos]

We've been complacent. Yes, the window is still open, but our need is unlikely to see us land a better deal closer and closer to the deadline. And we've already missed the training and offseason preparations that would see the team have a chance to adjust to any changes. Don't get me wrong, I don't want any wholesale changes. I simply feel we lack a real goal scoring threat against the good teams. What we have now is not going to be good enough this year. It was barely good enough last year.

Re: Suarez, I thought I remembered him saying flirtacious things about Tottenham at one point.

[olly27]

I thought Crouchy did well yesterday, won almost everything in the air, gave Toure one hell of a tough game. With such fierce delivery coming from both flanks now in Bale and Lennon, Crouch is your perfect target man, and Defoe his perfect foil. Yeah it's a cliche but it looked justified to me, with JD coming alive in the 6 yard box as ever.

Pav came on and immediately looked a threat as well, not afraid to have a go and test the keeper. I'll say this, if Pav is pinging those shots in which the keeper has to parry away, then you'd see Defoe racing in to follow up, theoretically. Keane looked that extra bit of quality when he came on, showing for the ball, picking it up and taking it. However after the 10 min spell he dropped out of the game a bit and thought he could have been doing better for the Pav's cross and then his wayward shot. It's niggling but I think on the day, Keane still looks a bit off it compared to the others.

Hart had a blinder, no question about that, just unbeatable. But it wasn't just the attempts he saved, what about the other umpteen efforts we carved out, where JD or Crouch couldn't quite get to the ball, or Bale hitting a post. Let's face it, first half we destroyed them bar a goal. City looked stunned, some of the new boys must've been thinking "who the fvck are we playing here?!!" We were fantastic, scary in fact. Bale and Modric were outstanding, Crouch was a constant threat they could barely deal with. Lennon by his standards had a bit of an off day but still gave the full back headaches. Then on comes Gio and gives them some more worries, nearly scoring straight away. Dawson and King unflustered, Corluka composed and Hudd was technically superior as ever, his phenomenal snapshot volley on turn was incredible technique.

But my MOTM goes to Benny, he was fvcking belting for me. Strong, composed, technical. Just a superb full backs performance. I tell you, Bale has that No. 3 but LB belongs to Benny, he's excellent. Bale needs to stay LW anyway IMO.

EXCEPT...

For the glaringly shite attempt at stepping up to catch SWP offside. That was nigh on disastrous, and only fast reactions from Benny, and poor control from SWP prevented that from being a Stoke scenario. Had that been Tevez, Adebayor, Rooney, Drogba... hell even Andy Carroll, we would be 1-0 down. Focus Benoit, focus!!! But this highlights that you cannot have that much possession and elicit that much pressure without making it count with at least 1 goal (and we should have had 3 or 4!) because as we saw so much last season, it can bite you on the arse big style!

I pretty much agree with every word of that! Exactly how I saw it. Crouch was good yesterday, and anybody saying those two up top cost the team (cough, cough - looking at no one in particular!) is completely blind. We battered Man City yesterday, and it honestly excites me of what we could be capable of this season.

Ekotto was fabulous, Modric did really well and Bale just gets better. But we need that number 9, we do. Still think Keane will go, and providing we do the business against Young Boys - I think we will see a real attempt to get that number 9 in.

I take a lot of heart from that peformance, it was cracking. A 4-1 scoreline would of been about right.

[deadleyledley]

agree with crouch and defoe playing together was our best combo yesterday.

yes crouch doesnt score many but he did create about 4 chances for other players, mainly defoe.

think that we didnt take enough shots inside the box. i can only recall about 6inside and about 9 outside. but you still have to shoot to score goals. i think yesterday was one of those days where the keeper was on top of his game. shame that wasnt kirkland or green in goal.

[mjbmedia]

didnt you know it would be one of those games (again)
Had a few last season where we just couldnt nick it.
Will it be 2 points dropped at end of season especially if Man C do start getting it together we could have picked up 3 home points V City whereas later in the season Liverpool, Chelsea, Man U, Arsenal may not be able to.
We murdered them, everything but scored, post, saves , misshots , JDs swivel shot deserved goal , Bales far post shot deserved more than a rebound clear , Hudd thunderbolt deserved goal .
1st half excellent, a bit concerned re half time team talks as we often run the first half then its more equal second half, i mean the oppostion are going to change things so we should be changing things too to stay steps ahead.
We now need to win the next 5 league games , no slip ups V relatively weaker opposition and of course get into CL proper.
But we looked good, strong, resilient and skillful, bring them on.

[KevSpur]

The word going about strongly is that before the window shuts, Crouch will be out and Remy will be in.
That will make all you Crouch apologists look a bit silly then.
Even Harry knows now he's our very own Heskey.

[olly27]

The word going about strongly is that before the window shuts, Crouch will be out and Remy will be in.
That will make all you Crouch apologists look a bit silly then.
Even Harry knows now he's our very own Heskey.

What are you on about. Any player has their price anway - cant see anyone paying 12-15 million for Crouch - which is what it would take.

Its far more likely to be Keane who goes, or even Pav.

Remy is a player who can play up top, or on the RW. Infact he's actually a RW forward in a 4-3-3 really. We have lodged a bid for him and have been watching him since January, so yes it looks likely he's going to come.

Unless we get a sensational offer for Crouch there is no way I see Harry letting him go. He's liked signed him 3 or 4 times for God sake!

Crouchie will also be a class option in the CL.

By the same token if he keeps him will that make you look pretty silly then?

To compare him with Heskey is simply idiotic.

[KevSpur]

What are you on about. Any player has their price anway - cant see anyone paying 12-15 million for Crouch - which is what it would take.

Its far more likely to be Keane who goes, or even Pav.

Remy is a player who can play up top, or on the RW. Infact he's actually a RW forward in a 4-3-3 really. We have lodged a bid for him and have been watching him since January, so yes it looks likely he's going to come.

Unless we get a sensational offer for Crouch there is no way I see Harry letting him go. He's liked signed him 3 or 4 times for God sake!

Crouchie will also be a class option in the CL.

By the same token if he keeps him will that make you look pretty silly then?

To compare him with Heskey is simply idiotic.

Heskey rarely scores and the same can be said for Crouch at Spurs.
38 PL appearances and 8 goals last season.
And as for yesterday's game, Hart was MOM, yet did he have any saves to make from Crouch ? You know Crouch, who's supposed to be a CF ?
Name any top team that has a regular ( 38 PL appearances ) striker in their team that can't score, and doesn't ever look like scoring.

[KevSpur]

What are you on about. Any player has their price anway - cant see anyone paying 12-15 million for Crouch - which is what it would take.

Its far more likely to be Keane who goes, or even Pav.

Remy is a player who can play up top, or on the RW. Infact he's actually a RW forward in a 4-3-3 really. We have lodged a bid for him and have been watching him since January, so yes it looks likely he's going to come.

Unless we get a sensational offer for Crouch there is no way I see Harry letting him go. He's liked signed him 3 or 4 times for God sake!

Crouchie will also be a class option in the CL.

By the same token if he keeps him will that make you look pretty silly then?

To compare him with Heskey is simply idiotic.

And 12 -15 mil for Crouch ?
He'll go for about 7 or 8.
We'll soon see who's showing their ignorance.

[olly27]

And 12 -15 mil for Crouch ?
He'll go for about 7 or 8.
We'll soon see who's showing their ignorance.

If Levy sells Crouch for 7 million I would be literally stunned. Its not realistic and it wont happen. Your obviously not very privy to the way DL operates if you think he would let Crouch go for as little as that.

Your last sentence makes you sound like a school kid or something, perhaps you are I dont know - no offence if your not.

Anway a very reliabile ITk confirmed this on Friday:

[Update 167] BEN re:Crouch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who BEN
Date 13/08/2010
Site FTL



Quote:
Anyway the good news is to let you all know Crouch is not being sold

__________________

[KevSpur]

If Levy sells Crouch for 7 million I would be literally stunned. Its not realistic and it wont happen. Your obviously not very privy to the way DL operates if you think he would let Crouch go for as little as that.

Your last sentence makes you sound like a school kid or something, perhaps you are I dont know - no offence if your not.

Anway a very reliabile ITk confirmed this on Friday:

[Update 167] BEN re:Crouch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who BEN
Date 13/08/2010
Site FTL



Quote:
Anyway the good news is to let you all know Crouch is not being sold

__________________



None taken Ollie.
However it does rankle somewhat to have my comparison of Heskey/ Crouch called idiotic, when the club stats more than bear it out.

[Antilokhos]

I pretty much agree with every word of that! Exactly how I saw it. Crouch was good yesterday, and anybody saying those two up top cost the team (cough, cough - looking at no one in particular!) is completely blind. We battered Man City yesterday, and it honestly excites me of what we could be capable of this season.

Ekotto was fabulous, Modric did really well and Bale just gets better. But we need that number 9, we do. Still think Keane will go, and providing we do the business against Young Boys - I think we will see a real attempt to get that number 9 in.

I take a lot of heart from that peformance, it was cracking. A 4-1 scoreline would of been about right.
For what it's worth, I think all of our strikers are good options, I don't think any of them is good enough to really go out and get us a win out of nothing. They strike me all as more complimentary players, all good at what they do, but not complete in and of themselves.

[TURKISH]

If Levy sells Crouch for 7 million I would be literally stunned. Its not realistic and it wont happen. Your obviously not very privy to the way DL operates if you think he would let Crouch go for as little as that.

Your last sentence makes you sound like a school kid or something, perhaps you are I dont know - no offence if your not.

Anway a very reliabile ITk confirmed this on Friday:

[Update 167] BEN re:Crouch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who BEN
Date 13/08/2010
Site FTL



Quote:
Anyway the good news is to let you all know Crouch is not being sold

__________________

Ben is full of shit most the time, he always states the obvious and is hardly ever right. I only listen to POTL, Jurgenthegerman and scout.

Crouch is very limited, he can't score a goal out of nothing and heavily rely's on other players to create chances for him. Is he a good target man? For a man of his size he can't head the ball well, infact he often loses ariel battles. Does he score many goals? Is he mobile enough? Can he score a goal outside the box?

But would I sell him? No, truth is he is annoying for defenders to cope with. He has a great attitude, works hard and trys his best which is why I wouldn't sell him. But we do desperately need a goal machine who can do anything, head, shoot, pace, link up, can get inbehind, come short, score 20 prem goals and has great variety to his game.

Not many top strikers are out there at the moment, I also agree with Harry about panic buying. If Harry can't get his targets than we will have to make do with our triffic squad that we have now. Surely we can wait till January to see if anything opens up.

[deadleyledley]

Ben is full of shit most the time, he always states the obvious and is hardly ever right. I only listen to POTL, Jurgenthegerman and scout.
Crouch is very limited, he can't score a goal out of nothing and heavily rely's on other players to create chances for him. Is he a good target man? For a man of his size he can't head the ball well, infact he often loses ariel battles. Does he score many goals? Is he mobile enough? Can he score a goal outside the box?

But would I sell him? No, truth is he is annoying for defenders to cope with. He has a great attitude, works hard and trys his best which is why I wouldn't sell him. But we do desperately need a goal machine who can do anything, head, shoot, pace, link up, can get inbehind, come short, score 20 prem goals and has great variety to his game.

Not many top strikers are out there at the moment, I also agree with Harry about panic buying. If Harry can't get his targets than we will have to make do with our triffic squad that we have now. Surely we can wait till January to see if anything opens up.

what happened to dragon1 ?

[mjbmedia]

Ben is full of shit most the time, he always states the obvious and is hardly ever right.
same can be said for 99.9999% of so called ITKs , they put out so many options that ones bound to be near enough right to make them look good providing the numpties forget all the utter BS they also put out to get one good result, theyre no better than Sky Sports News :fight:

[TURKISH]

same can be said for 99.9999% of so called ITKs , they put out so many options that ones bound to be near enough right to make them look good providing the numpties forget all the utter BS they also put out to get one good result, theyre no better than Sky Sports News :fight:

Jurgenthegerman is actually 90% spot on and calls it months beforehand. But I agree with you.

[mjbmedia]

Jurgenthegerman is actually 90% spot on and calls it months beforehand. But I agree with you.
Hes not an octopus as well?

[olly27]

For what it's worth, I think all of our strikers are good options, I don't think any of them is good enough to really go out and get us a win out of nothing. They strike me all as more complimentary players, all good at what they do, but not complete in and of themselves.

I agree they all have their merits but their not really that complimentary IMO. But yes we need that next level up in the striking department, no doubt about that.

Defoe, Keane and Pav are easier to replace than Crouch - no doubt about it.

[olly27]

Ben is full of shit most the time, he always states the obvious and is hardly ever right. I only listen to POTL, Jurgenthegerman and scout.

Crouch is very limited, he can't score a goal out of nothing and heavily rely's on other players to create chances for him. Is he a good target man? For a man of his size he can't head the ball well, infact he often loses ariel battles. Does he score many goals? Is he mobile enough? Can he score a goal outside the box?

But would I sell him? No, truth is he is annoying for defenders to cope with. He has a great attitude, works hard and trys his best which is why I wouldn't sell him. But we do desperately need a goal machine who can do anything, head, shoot, pace, link up, can get inbehind, come short, score 20 prem goals and has great variety to his game.



Not many top strikers are out there at the moment, I also agree with Harry about panic buying. If Harry can't get his targets than we will have to make do with our triffic squad that we have now. Surely we can wait till January to see if anything opens up.

Most people respect Ben actually and it woundn't be my opinion that he is full of shit.

The point I am making Turk is that he wont be sold for 7 million quid. Thats just flipping daft, what KevSpur is asserting. Comparing him to Heskey is equally daft.

[KevSpur]

Olly

Crouch made 38 PL appearances for us last season and managed 8 PL goals, so I would say he compares more to Heskey than Drogba say.
And as for your valuation of 12 to 15 mil, we'll never get that for him, we only paid 9 mil and he's nearly 30. The only clubs that could afford 12 to 15 mil these days wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.

[TURKISH]

Most people respect Ben actually and it woundn't be my opinion that he is full of shit.

The point I am making Turk is that he wont be sold for 7 million quid. Thats just flipping daft, what KevSpur is asserting. Comparing him to Heskey is equally daft.

Lets keep an eye on what the guys says, if it comes true and at what point he annouces his info.

[olly27]

Olly

Crouch made 38 PL appearances for us last season and managed 8 PL goals, so I would say he compares more to Heskey than Drogba say.
And as for your valuation of 12 to 15 mil, we'll never get that for him, we only paid 9 mil and he's nearly 30. The only clubs that could afford 12 to 15 mil these days wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.

Ok Kevin. In simple English we dont want to sell Him, Harry sees him as a great option, therefore if someone came into buy him we would over price him. It would take an attractive offer for us to consider selling him - 7 million isn't going to cut it.

[TURKISH]

what happened to dragon1 ?

Not sure, I respect Dragon also to be fair but the three I listed are top notch.