Match Thread: Spurs vs Wigan

[Neil_Vaughan]

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

[Spur]

The Sky Sports prediction has us as losing 2-1. How come everyone is against us so much?

[TomMcLaren]

because we suck in the league, especially against physical teams. However, I reckon we'll win. :D

[mjbmedia]

well we're at home so .............. who knows what we'll do

JJ could be back :D JD should be in :D
wish hed play Keane and JD together esp if against slower defences
be interesting to see who is rested after thursday , will ledders play with his knee, will chimbo be ok (i think so ) will steed start


will it ever stop raining :mad:

[choda]

well we're at home so .............. who knows what we'll do

JJ could be back :D JD should be in :D
wish hed play Keane and JD together esp if against slower defences
be interesting to see who is rested after thursday , will ledders play with his knee, will chimbo be ok (i think so ) will steed start


will it ever stop raining :mad:

That is an idea against slower defences like wigan. De Zuew is slow and he's been making errors this year. Who's their other fella now.

I was awful surprised the last day to see henchoz back at blackburn. Especially since everybody bar houllier thought he was minging there (according to Jamie Redknapp). Can't say I noticed him too much back then to be honest so I can't really comment.

In fairness he played decent at pool and wigan.

[Danishspurs]

We need the 3 points and the players know that we have to win this kind of matches if we wanna be in the top 6..

3-1 with Berba, Keane and Defoe to score..

COYS!!

[berbo_fenka]

Rhe goal for Wigan will score Todi aka Svetoslav Todorov. That will be a Bulgarian derby.

[Welsh Spur]

It's at home so we can expect a win, esp as it's Wigan. I'm going for a 2-0 scoreline, with Tainio and Lennon scoring. I got my last 2 predictions right!

(a score draw v blackburn - ok a little vague, and I predicted we'd shut out Bayer and nick a goal, check match threads for confirmation lol)

[jrio]

It's at home so we can expect a win, esp as it's Wigan.

That's funny as last season when we were fourth we only drew after being behind twice.

[Welsh Spur]

I'm not talking about last season I'm talkin bout tomorrow, and in the league our home form is all we have going for us. The lads know this is a must-win, and it's looking like only 1st/2nd is obvious this season, (Man U/Chelsea) 3rd and 4th look like being anyone who's up for it.

Spurs 2 Wigan 0. That's my predicition.

[DiamondGeezer]

I'm gonna go 1-0 to spurs obviously!!!!

im not so broad to predict the scorer anyone will do for me!

[hastingsyid]

I'm gonna go 1-0 to spurs obviously!!!!

im not so broad to predict the scorer anyone will do for me!

**** it i dont usually predict a result but im going for a 3-0 win

[laspur]

I see us coming out and taking this game by the horns tbh, and with Chimbo back, we seem a hard team to beat. 2-0 Lilywhites.

[choda]

I expect us to win about 2-0. It is a must win.

I'll be unhappy (at least at the start) if Keane, Lennon, Berba and Malbranque don't start.

I think Tainio has a shout aswell. He played pretty good midweek. He passed it well in the middle, he got stuck in and he concentrated.

That's the first time I've seen him in his natural position. He was good. And as he gets fitter he would probably support the forwards really well.

However, I still think Huddlestone and Zokora is probably our best partnership. I was thinking about his earlier and Zokora did play as an attacking midfielder in the world cup.

YaYa Toure was the holding player. So as you put it donjol, what world cup were you watching?

And as I remember it he was tremendous in the role. He was everywhere and bombing up and down. He was driving forward and showed loads of class.

He's even had some great runs for us from defensive midfield and he has an end product.

He may need some more fitness. I think the malaria really hit him hard, but he can do it, no doubt. He's awesome.

[laspur]

I'm a believer of Zoko and Hudds in the middle as well Choda, problem last week was, they were both holding all game. They need games together, simple as, and when Zoko gets comfortable running at defenses, the sea will part for us to score. Just hope Jol stays with them 2, but i doubt it, Jenas will be back when ready, mark my words. I just hope Jol understands the influence Zoko will bring to the team if Zoko runs the show.

[Chewy]

I'll go with 3-0, slighty ambitious but we have it in us. I think a striker will get one of them.

I'm hoping for a Lennon, Zokora, Tainio, Malbranque midfield and berbatov and keane starting. I'm just praying berbatov will find form in the premiership soon!

[Billywhizz]

I'm going for a 3-0 win

I think we'll be up for this one and we are @ home, we'll piss em

I've got a sneaky feeling that Steed may score a pearla today, along with keano & Lennon.

[nuttyhotspurs]

ive got a feeling keane and mido will play. jols crazy chopping and changing will continue

[Ioang]

Well, its in - Defoe and Berbatov in the middle (I like, Defoe can be selfish, and imo thats just what we need right now), Lennon and Steed on the wings (nice, lots of natural width, lovely) But Zokora and Huddlestone in the middle, which I think didn't work last time but I'm willing to give it a try - get forward Huddlestone! Take some long shots! How many crackeroo's we scored this season? Not enough!

Defence, up there with the best in the premiership easily. And robbo's due another big game!

[Chewy]

No Tainio? Did he take another knock? Or was he just simply not picked?

[Chewy]

Fans are in ****ing form today!! Everytime chimbo touches the ball...wigan fans boo so the yids cheer like ****ing mad to drown out the boos. :D

[\jackdaw]

Last time I said it was going to be a hard game was against Reading and we all know what happened there !!!

2-1 to the Spurs ..

Berby and Lennon

[Ioang]

Fans are in ****ing form today!! Everytime chimbo touches the ball...wigan fans boo so the yids cheer like ****ing mad to drown out the boos. :D

Hehe yeah I just noticed that! Legandary yid army :D

[Chewy]

**** sake! 1-0

[SurreySpur]

Why do we make things so hard for ourselves all the ****ing time.

[Ioang]

That was pathetic play.

[nuttyhotspurs]

Defence, up there with the best in the premiership easily. And robbo's due another big game!

you wouldnt of thought it then. great defending lads!

[Chewy]

Good response, great save though.

[Ioang]

Oh look, we've woken up. Shame it took a goal :|. That wigan player stayed down just to stop our great start...worked a treat.

[nuttyhotspurs]

weak shot more than a great save

[\jackdaw]

Crap defending 8(

Anyway thats the one I said they would get, next to goals to the Spurs.

[nuttyhotspurs]

Fans are in ****ing form today!! Everytime chimbo touches the ball...wigan fans boo so the yids cheer like ****ing mad to drown out the boos. :D

shame the players havent shown the same amount of passion so far and berbatov needs to ****ing learn how to stay onside ffs!!!!

[Chewy]

Somebody tell berbatov to wipe his eye lol

[Chewy]

Tell him to stay on side too.

[Ioang]

And the goalkeeper was completely committed... any kind of chip or pullback woulda worked.

[MarlowSpurs]

Somebody tell berbatov to wipe his eye lol

Is that make up?

[Chewy]

Nope, line paint lol

[\jackdaw]

Is that make up?

Was thinking the same thing ..

[Ioang]

I think I can probably count the amount of left backs lennon hasnt gotten to be booked on one hand...hehe..

[nuttyhotspurs]

thats 3 or 4 good chances. we only need around 10 or 12 more and we may put one away. unless we get another pen

COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!

[Spur]

They are very physical, but at least Lennon can have a proper go at Baines now he's been booked.

The team seems perfect, if only we could change the scoreline.

And Steed is getting forward well.

[Chewy]

I'm liking zokora today as well, hes getting stuck into everything.

[nuttyhotspurs]

not quite perfect. we have no width on the left

[Chewy]

Get In Defoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nuttyhotspurs]

wat a finish

[\jackdaw]

Wigan are known to be a fairly physical side .. and with Lennon running against Baines as he is there can be a good cahnce he will get a 2nd card. But will that do us anygood looking at the way we played against 10 men on the last couple of occasions.

[MarlowSpurs]

What a ****ing goal come onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Spur]

And that's how good JD is.

What a goal.

[Chewy]

berbatov!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ioang]

We. Knew. He. Could. Do. It!

[nuttyhotspurs]

defoe for a hattrick. lmao get in berby!!!!

[MarlowSpurs]

make that 2 ****ing stunners

[Ioang]

Oh yeah, this is why I'm a yid!

[\jackdaw]

Thats my goal scorers prediction ****ed but who cares...great finish.

[Spur]

And that's how good DB9 is.

What a goal.

[Ioang]

Hehe yeah don't complain man!

[Chewy]

Good save by big robbo! We're on form, lets ****ing give it to them again in the 2nd half!

[nuttyhotspurs]

Good save by big robbo! We're on form, lets ****ing give it to them again in the 2nd half!

we can easily get in behind their shit back 4. as long as jd and berby time their runs. we get caught offside FAR too many times

GREAT REPLY LADS. COME ON NOW LETS GIVE OUR FIRST HAMMERING OF THE SEASON. COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!

[Spur]

Everything seems good. He's got the team right and the centre midfield is working well. **** that actually - everything is working well.

The goal conceded was maybe just our players switching off, but it brought them to life and look at what it has produced...the best two goals scored at the Lane for a long time within a minute of each other.

[Chewy]

Berbatov and defoe seem to have a good partnership, like they did in pre-season. Robbie Keane could have a spell on the bench if they keep it up.

[\jackdaw]

Glad to see the passion to get the two goals back but we need to tighten up on the passing, way to many balls being given away or lost.

Defence apart from the goal has been pretty solid so lets hope for no more mishaps.

Wigan are still a dangerous team and this game is far from over.

[Spur]

Berbatov and defoe seem to have a good partnership, like they did in pre-season. Robbie Keane could have a spell on the bench if they keep it up.

Your walking a thin line there Chewy...just wait until Choda reads that!

[nuttyhotspurs]

Your walking a thin line there Chewy...just wait until Choda reads that!

keane is capable of pulling off a turn like that but putting it away as clinically as that with his left foot i dont think so.

its looking good at the min

[Spur]

keane is capable of pulling off a turn like that but putting it away as clinically as that with his left foot i dont think so.

its looking good at the min

These are the performances that make me think that there might a a place at the Club for them both.

BTW, I think your signiture needs updating - now we've got Steed can someone remind me who Danny Murphy is?

[\jackdaw]

The person who should be worrying the most should be Mido, Berby seems to play better upfront with Keano and Defoe better then him.

[nuttyhotspurs]

These are the performances that make me think that there might a a place at the Club for them both.

BTW, I think your signiture needs updating - now we've got Steed can someone remind me who Danny Murphy is?

i was sick of changing it after every game lol we need to get a settled side then ill decide once and for all who i prefer. ill have a go at changing it after this one

[nuttyhotspurs]

baines is having a mare against lennon

[nuttyhotspurs]

cant believe he saved that. awesome save

[nuttyhotspurs]

cheating fat ****

[MarlowSpurs]

Heskey you dirty ****

[Spur]

Heskey is a dirty ****er. I would say he's shit as well but theres still half hour to go.

[\jackdaw]

WTF is that ref on !!

[Spur]

I've a feeling Dawson will score.

[SurreySpur]

I dont have the footy on this pc as im on my work laptop. I have bbc london on the radio and they seem convinced that heskey has committed 2 challenges worthy of red cards

What exactly happened?

[\jackdaw]

I dont have the footy on this pc as im on my work laptop. I have bbc london on the radio and they seem convinced that heskey has committed 2 challenges worthy of red cards

What exactly happened?

First was a flailing arm that nearly knocked out Daws then couple minutes later went in with studs showing.

[Chewy]

C'mon KEANO!

[Ioang]

Kill the game off please....

[Chewy]

So close robbie...

[Chewy]

Get In!!!!!!

[Ioang]

Thank you.

[Spur]

Kill the game off please....

Happy now?

[hastingsyid]

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss thank **** for that...yid army

[SurreySpur]

Well done Aaron. I really wish we'd not leave it so late.

How did Steed and benny play on the left? Did they look effective?


PS United are beating chelsea. Chelsea are surrounding the ref at every opportunity as usual. They're complete scum.

[Spur]

Think that was a blinding performance. Proper quality stuff. And 3 goals!!! That doesn't happen for Spurs too often. Can't say a bad word about anyone. Perfect team, perfect play. That was close to perfection, possibly our best performance this season.

[nuttyhotspurs]

again took too long to kill game off but well played lads!!!! well worthy of the win :D :D :D :D

loved the wave at the end by chimbo to the wigan fans!!

COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!

[Chewy]

Malbranque had a good first half, didn't see him much in the second.

Benny had a great game, played a cracking ball down the line for berbartov to pick up and stick in the back of the net.

[\jackdaw]

Steed and Berby had their best premiership games this season in my opinion.

And why did Defoe have to score otherwise my prediction would of been right.. 8P

[nuttyhotspurs]

Think that was a blinding performance. Proper quality stuff. And 3 goals!!! That doesn't happen for Spurs too often. Can't say a bad word about anyone. Perfect team, perfect play. That was close to perfection, possibly our best performance this season.

I COMPLETELY AGREE

[Billywhizz]

Happy Days, Lovely Jubbley.

Bring on that load of shit from Ashbumton Grove, time for us to give them a tanking.

[JJ]

That's more like it. Played some wonderful stuff and scored some absolute beauts.

[nuttyhotspurs]

we looked awesome on the break today. everytime we went forward we looked like we were going to score. great pace in our play

[hastingsyid]

if if if if if we can keep this going then a top 4or5 finish is in our grasp,its now in our own hands

[choda]

Okay... my quick two penny and then I'm off to watch the other one.

Huddlestone, Zoko unreal. Zoko is the man for that role. He looked much fitter today and more like himself as did Steed.

Lennon got better and better as the game went on.

Chimbo absolute world class again. What a find this guy is. Haggling over 4 to 6 million... no wonder they call us the jews.:D

Defoe played on the shoulder today and was okay. I like to see him try to play right up there. Then his selfishness turns from being a negative to being neutral. His movement however is still not good.

He took his goal very well.

Keane was quality when he came on. Great effort. Yeah, had it get it in there.

[suBerb]

We won't lose from the scum, mates. Still, I don't believe that we have good chances to challenge for a top 4 spot. We have the players to do it, but it will take us more time than we want. This season we are going to shine in the cups.

Berbs was too many times off side, not only his fault though. There is no good understanding between him and our midfielders. When they learn to pass the ball at the right moment, he will get behind defenders more often. How many assists is he going to made this season? He made 7 already - 4 in the Prem, 2 in the UEFA, 1 in the Curling Cup.

[nuttyhotspurs]

Berbs was too many times off side, not only his fault though. There is no good understanding between him and our midfielders. When they learn to pass the ball at the right moment, he will get behind defenders more often.

he needs to learn when to move at the right moment and hold his line

[suBerb]

he needs to learn when to move at the right moment and hold his line

Who is going to teach a striker with a far better international record (appr/goals) than Henry and Sheva when to move? :eek:

[Ioang]

if if if if if we can keep this going then a top 4or5 finish is in our grasp,its now in our own hands

I can't believe people are still saying things like this - todays win meant nothing, apart from confirming what we know - we're a good side with good resolve.

We beat the premiership champions then lost to the Championship champions... We KNOW we can win at home, but this is the biggest london derby for a long time now (well, last years was pretty big)... and we have to win away from home too. Then we can start talking about Europe again...

[jrio]

Yep, very much getting carried away. Not until Wigan scored did we start to up the tempo and it was 2 pieces of sublime finishing that we've been crying out for all season. Berbatov looked superb for the last hour and everything revolved around him. Malbranque has an exquisite first touch and his ability to run with the ball opened up opportunities. Zokora had quite a poor game(quite a few around me in agreement on this), first touch lacking, again falling too easily at every opportunity(hence the yellow) and what was he doing wasting time at home against Wigan with the corner??? Defoe's goal was just glorious and something we haven't seen from him for far too long. He worked very hard in the game and the idea of swapping him for Bellamy fills me with nausea(unless we can choose a swap and get Gerrard).

[hastingsyid]

I can't believe people are still saying things like this - todays win meant nothing, apart from confirming what we know - we're a good side with good resolve.

We beat the premiership champions then lost to the Championship champions... We KNOW we can win at home, but this is the biggest london derby for a long time now (well, last years was pretty big)... and we have to win away from home too. Then we can start talking about Europe again...

noticed what i said fella..IF IF IF IF..coz at the end of the day theres no reason we cant finish top 5,like i said it is in our own hands

[denis-cro]

3-1... well done:)

[choda]

Yep, very much getting carried away.

You're a wet cloth. We're just happy with the win. You might try being happy sometimes, it's a good buzz.

Zokora had quite a poor game(quite a few around me in agreement on this), first touch lacking, again falling too easily at every opportunity(hence the yellow) and what was he doing wasting time at home against Wigan with the corner???

Absolute crap. He was everywhere, put in some great tackles and showed much quality. He supported the front and had some great moments. How can you berate him for getting booked when Heskey should have been sent off? What did he do but try to kick the ball?

He's regaining his fitness now and starting to look more like himself. I think that malaria knocked him for six. Watch how he plays in another week against the gooners.

[shoot_ffs]

he scores, about time defoe. i didn't think he had a good game actually, kept losing the ball but again he hasn't been playing regular so i forgive him.
it was strange how we played so poorly until they scored, we do need to be more positive from the off. didn't think steed played well, we missed having a left wing outlet which i thought murphy was doing quite well in for a while.
A better game for the hudds and a fit again zokora, chimbo was class. a good result and hopefully some useful lessons learned.

[choda]

Who is going to teach a striker with a far better international record (appr/goals) than Henry and Sheva when to move? :eek:

I totally agree. He's a super footballer. He just had two offsides, so what.

I like to see one of our players do that. I like to see players trying to get behind. His movement is so clever and he's a gifted footballer. I won't be long before he will be world class in the prem aswell.

In a years time I predict everyone will be crowing over this player.

[spursmadnick06]

Fantastic display. Our passing and movement was top notch today.

Can't wait to see the goals again on Match Of The Day.

We can go into the Goon clash with confidence!

[jrio]

You're a wet cloth. We're just happy with the win. You might try being happy sometimes, it's a good buzz.
Choda, try reading the posts correctly and then maybe you'll stop with your snap responses. A 3-1 home win against Wigan, notwithstanding the quality of the strikers' finishes, does not equate to a top 4/5 finish being in our grasp(which is the post I was responding to).


Absolute crap. He was everywhere, put in some great tackles and showed much quality. He supported the front and had some great moments. How can you berate him for getting booked when Heskey should have been sent off? What did he do but try to kick the ball?

He was everywhere but lacked control, meaning we were losing possession too easily, particularly mid-way through the second half when we conceded several free-kicks in our third. His booking was a stupid one and not the only occasion he fell when it wasn't a foul(he seemed to be booked for exaggerating the injury), though he was fouled badly a few times as Wigan were doing all match. The corner kick was an absolute fiasco. You're only loathe to criticise him as you don't want to see Jenas back in midfield, just as you slag off Defoe at every opportunity because in your eyes the "world-class"(ha!) Keane can do no wrong. I saw some footage of a world-class player, Ronaldinho, scoring yesterday and Keane has never come close to anything like that.

And I would guess you're one of very few here wanting to see Bellamy at the Lane. I guarantee you'd see fairly instant combustion in the dressing room and god knows what he'd be like roaming the nightspots of London.

[sundancer]

Great goals I've said all season that Berby and Defoe would be our best pairing, and I think we saw today the start of a great partnership, I hope we keep them together for the scum next week. It would be GREAT to hand them there first loss at the shitbowl!!!.

[Spur]

He was everywhere but lacked control, meaning we were losing possession too easily, particularly mid-way through the second half when we conceded several free-kicks in our third. His booking was a stupid one and not the only occasion he fell when it wasn't a foul, though he was fouled badly a few times as Wigan were doing all match. The corner kick was an absolute fiasco. You're only loathe to criticise him as you don't want to see Jenas back in midfield, just as you slag off Defoe at every opportunity because in your eyes the "world-class"(ha!) Keane can do no wrong. I saw some footage of a world-class player, Ronaldinho, scoring yesterday and Keane has never come close to anything like that.

But his lack of control isn't new - it's been in every single game since before we got him we know that he has a poor first touch. Then again that first touch does get him into some good positions immediatly after getting the ball.

His booking was stupid? Had a player rolled over the ball and gone in studs up on me I would look to knock out either him for doing it or the ref for being a ****** and not sending him off.

To be fair your comparison with Ronaldinho and Keane is a bit strange consdiering the fact your talking about the greatest person to ever touch a ball. I know your just trying to prove a point but perhaps you could have used an example who doesn't have God-like abilities regarding the ball.

Zokora's overall play was excellent. Like I said no-one played badly at all today and Zokora was no different. I think maybe he was one of most important players today. He linked up well with the strikers and got forward, let Huddlestone sit back for the majority and he would either slot in beside or get forward and help out. You were the one that mentioned Jenas so i'm going to say that that is what Jenas should be doing. He should but he doesn't. Happy about that are you? I'm not.

[choda]

Choda, try reading the posts correctly and then maybe you'll stop with your snap responses. A 3-1 home win against Wigan, notwithstanding the quality of the strikers' finishes, does not equate to a top 4/5 finish being in our grasp(which is the post I was responding to).


He was everywhere but lacked control, meaning we were losing possession too easily, particularly mid-way through the second half when we conceded several free-kicks in our third. His booking was a stupid one and not the only occasion he fell when it wasn't a foul(he seemed to be booked for exaggerating the injury), though he was fouled badly a few times as Wigan were doing all match. The corner kick was an absolute fiasco. You're only loathe to criticise him as you don't want to see Jenas back in midfield, just as you slag off Defoe at every opportunity because in your eyes the "world-class"(ha!) Keane can do no wrong. I saw some footage of a world-class player, Ronaldinho, scoring yesterday and Keane has never come close to anything like that.

And I would guess you're one of very few here wanting to see Bellamy at the Lane. I guarantee you'd see fairly instant combustion in the dressing room and god knows what he'd be like roaming the nightspots of London.

Okay sorry mate but you didn't make that clear.

It's not true that I'm loathe to criticise him. I have criticised his lack of fitness from the malaria and called for him to be dropped until he's right. He is now and he's starting to play well again. I thought he was super today. The complete modern box to box midfielder.

I don't say Keane is world class and I do criticise the fact that he should put more of his chances away. I don't like being misquoted. If your going to criticise me at least criticise what I say.

Ronaldinho is more than world class he's one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

You're right that bellamy could be a nightmare but as a footballer he's in a different class to Defoe. He's very quick, got intelligent movement, and quality. He's also very versatile. Top top player.

[jrio]

His booking was stupid? Had a player rolled over the ball and gone in studs up on me I would look to knock out either him for doing it or the ref for being a ****** and not sending him off.

I was watching it from the far side of the Paxton Upper so it looked as though Zokora went in like a rocket to challenge Heskey and just got over-powered. Did Heskey catch him because I wasn't aware of it if he did?

To be fair your comparison with Ronaldinho and Keane is a bit strange consdiering the fact your talking about the greatest person to ever touch a ball. I know your just trying to prove a point but perhaps you could have used an example who doesn't have God-like abilities regarding the ball.

That's a most debatable assessment but if you really understood the point I was making then you would know that it was in response to Choda's hyperbole over Keane which he has only just recently started to backtrack on.


Zokora's overall play was excellent. Like I said no-one played badly at all today and Zokora was no different. I think maybe he was one of most important players today. He linked up well with the strikers and got forward, let Huddlestone sit back for the majority and he would either slot in beside or get forward and help out. You were the one that mentioned Jenas so i'm going to say that that is what Jenas should be doing. He should but he doesn't. Happy about that are you? I'm not.
As I'm not a great admirer of JJ your emphasis is completely unnecessary. Until Wigan scored our display lacked any urgency or incisiveness. Lennon's late goal disguised the fact that it was not a comfortable victory. For the last quarter we failed to control possession in the centre and conceded a number of free-kicks in our third. Malbranque made a greater impression on me with his ability to turn and run with the ball that opened up the play.

[jrio]

I don't say Keane is world class and I do criticise the fact that he should put more of his chances away. I don't like being misquoted. If your going to criticise me at least criticise what I say.


Come on, I think it was "on the verge of being world-class" and "world-class[ish]" so you're just splitting hairs. That wouldn't fit into the sentence but it's hardly a gross distortion of your view.

[choda]

Jrio,

I've not back tracked in my opinion of Keane at all. My statements are consistant. Even the people who disagree with me will back me on that.

You're misquoting me so you can look like you're correct. Is that good debating? Why don't you just argue the points?

As for the negativity: We won and played well. So what if if it took us a while to get going. WE DID RESPOND, THAT'S THE MAIN THING.

[choda]

Come on, I think it was "on the verge of being world-class" and "world-class[ish]" so you're just splitting hairs. That wouldn't fit into the sentence but it's hardly a gross distortion of your view.

I said that his form last year was bordering on world class. I'm hoping he can regain that and maybe kick on even more. It's not like he doesn't have the talent.

[jrio]

You've toned down your comments regarding his abilities, particularly when it was pointed out that his finishing skills often lack application. They're not misquoutes - you've almost written a book about how far superior to Defoe he is and why you regard him as better than Owen(who has been called world-class). I notice you very conveniently forget the claims you make on some of your book length posts when you're pulled up on them.

[edited after above post]
I wasn't claiming you'd said he'd always been world class. Anyway, his form last year wasn't anything like bordering on world class but he was impressive on a number of occasions, particularly when he came on and scored against Villa away.

[Spur]

Until Wigan scored our display lacked any urgency or incisiveness. Lennon's late goal disguised the fact that it was not a comfortable victory. For the last quarter we failed to control possession in the centre and conceded a number of free-kicks in our third. Malbranque made a greater impression on me with his ability to turn and run with the ball that opened up the play.

It's true we weren't playing our best up until Wigan scored, it wasn't a bad display as we were saying at the time on here but it took going one down to wake us up a bit more.

I fail to see how the fouls etc were directlyZokora, it was a time when we were playing completely on the break, especially after Keane came on when he would take up his new left sided playmaker position and it seemed whenever the ball came in our half someone would make a rash challenge. I'm not saying Zokoras wasn't involved but I remember Steed making on and Lennon and Huddlestone too.

Steed played very well again. Even when it seems he has lost the ball he has a knack for coming out with the ball somehow against all the odds. He can run with and without the ball, although he snatched at a shot or two but maybe that was just the nerves of scoring for your new team kicking in. Goals will easily come in time if he can keep that up because he is making the runs and getting into the positions.

What I was really impressed with today was alot of one and two touch passing and movment from Berba, Defoe, Lennon, Keane, Steed, Zokora they were all involved at times easily bypassing three or four Wigan players and effectively taking them out the game with a nice turn a lay-off.

Perhaps that's the reason I said it was our best display this season. Saying that we should still have scored more - Steed's a prime example of missed opportunity again.

[choda]

You've toned down your comments regarding his abilities, particularly when it was pointed out that his finishing skills often lack application. They're not misquoutes - you've almost written a book about how far superior to Defoe he is and why you regard him as better than Owen(who has been called world-class). I notice you very conveniently forget the claims you make on some of your book length posts when you're pulled up on them.

Look, you think I know shit and you don't enjoy my posts.

I get it that's fine. I'm not going to get into a he she said round in circles arguement.

I'll be honest with ya. Not only do I enjoy this site but I'm learning loads about writing from the way people respond to written words and what is said and how it is said. It is instant and constant feedback on this site. It's great for an aspiring writer and a big spurs fan.

[jrio]

The fouls were a consequence of not controlling the ball in the middle, not solely down to Zokora. Wigan were over-physical and I was dismayed that the referee didn't clamp down on it more.

Malbranque and Berbatov were mainly at the heart of a lot of the one touches and dummied balls. It looked as though Murphy was going to replace Mal late on but I'm glad he stayed on as he looks very assured in possession and brought Ekotto more into the game as an attacking force. I think the quality of the goals and seeing Berbatov integrating so well made it our most satisfying display to watch.

[choda]

My opinion is that Owen and Keane are of equal standard. They are different but I think they are of the same value.

I never said Owen was world class. I said he was potentially world class.

That not inconsistancy in what I said. Just because it has been said doesn't mean I said it.

[jrio]

Look, you think I know shit and you don't enjoy my posts.

Everything with you has to be a fight when someone's post doesn't support your views. Hence, you call one of my posts "absolute crap" and then claim I'm dismissing you!

The whole point of a forum is to discuss our views, not to just agree with a poster or slag them off. Address the issues, don't engage in personal dismissal.

[jrio]

I never said Owen was world class. I said he was potentially world class.

"who has been called world-class". I didn't mean that you had said it.

Time for MOTD.

[RuFuS]

A perplexing performance. At times we seem to be about to avalanche their goal mouth the next were receeding back to out own 18 yd line like naughty school boys.

Paul jewell must be wondering how he went home with SFA. Not that Wigan were anything to write home about but they didn't deserve to lose by three.

do we suffer from a UEFA Hangover ?

Did anyone else notice that when Robbo got the ball Daws and Ledds moved out wide with the full backs ?

[choda]

Everything with you has to be a fight when someone's post doesn't support your views. Hence, you call one of my posts "absolute crap" and then claim I'm dismissing you!

The whole point of a forum is to discuss our views, not to just agree with a poster or slag them off. Address the issues, don't engage in personal dismissal.

That's not true. But I do get annoyed with your overall negativity.

Okay I apologise for being a bit crude with the 'absolute crap' but I wasn't dismissing you I was dismissing your comments about zokora having a poor game. And it was after you came across as a damp cloth on the positive result aswell.

[jrio]

That's not true. But I do get annoyed with your overall negativity.

Okay I apologise for being a bit crude with the 'absolute crap' but I wasn't dismissing you I was dismissing your comments about zokora having a poor game. And it was after you came across as a damp cloth on the positive result aswell.
The result was great - first time we've scored 3 goals in a league game this season and all the result of some quality football, particularly the first two goals when we'd looked a little toothless. But it's not a sign of being able to finish 4th as another poster said. You need to be more objective else everything is either a glorious triumph or a crushing disaster.

A lot of fans were critical of Zokora today. I felt his first touch was more of a liability in a game where Wigan were taking no prisoners. I'll be watching the highlights soon to see the exact mechanics of his challenge with Heskey(although further away I could see that Heskey on Dawson was out of order) but he goes down far too often when he's just lost possession and the corner kick in the last 2 mins of normal time just looked embarrassing.

[choda]

The result was great - first time we've scored 3 goals in a league game this season and all the result of some quality football, particularly the first two goals when we'd looked a little toothless. But it's not a sign of being able to finish 4th as another poster said. You need to be more objective else everything is either a glorious triumph or a crushing disaster.

A lot of fans were critical of Zokora today. I felt his first touch was more of a liability in a game where Wigan were taking no prisoners. I'll be watching the highlights soon to see the exact mechanics of his challenge with Heskey(although further away I could see that Heskey on Dawson was out of order) but he goes down far too often when he's just lost possession and the corner kick in the last 2 mins of normal time just looked embarrassing.

When have I not been objective about spurs? I'm a total non-knee jerker.

Have you predicted our finishing place within two places the last five years like I have from about October? Is that not objective?

I agree with you that I wouldn't jump to conclusions about this game too much. We should be brushing these teams aside at home. The bigger questions lie ahead.

However, in my view it was as good a midfield performance as we've had. Everyone of them in my opinion was very effective. I thought steed tired but he's looking more like himself.

Zokora's touch could be better but I don't see it as an issue, certainly not a big issue. He's not been good lately due to fitness. I don't think he should have been rushed back in.

Today however I thought he looked much more like himself. He and Hudd functioned together and complimented each other fantastically. Zokora has so many positive attributes and your picking up on one negative which in his position and what he's expected to do is not huge.

He's not a fabregas he's a michael essien. I'll watch closer in future but it doesn't seem that bad to me anyway.

A guy like makelele certainly doesn't have a better touch and he gets by just fine. You don't have to be maradona.

I didn't see it as a problem today. He was great I thought.

Did you see the times when they couldn't handle his runs forward? They looked like little white boys out of their depth. The power of the man is extraordinary. The way he can surge forwards with his turn of pace and ability to link up with people and shoot he'll do really well in that role.

And defensively and in winning midfield his work rate, tackling and reading of the game are very good.

[singapore spur]

i think zakora actually got booked for pushing the ref , even though it was just a little tap to emphasis his dismay at getting caught .

heskey shud have been sent off for either of his two bad fouls .

i thought we started well , always the classier side then got out fought for a period in which they scored . great timing for our goals obviously , and i think if wigan had hung on till half time it would have been a different game (obviously i guess) . also the loss of their player , teale ? through injury deprived them of their best outlet .

two superb goals , and as much as i worship sir robbie , defoe deserves a good run . berby despite getting caught offside a lot had his best premiership game and we can only hope he has finally found his feet in the prem, made some sublime moves

anyway 3 points , more importantly 3 goals , zak and steed looking fitter , chimba back , berby scoring , a shot for us from outside the box from hudd , some typical classy spurs passing in patches

im happy

[Welsh Spur]

I love all our strikers and think they've got something to bring to this team. I don't like the Defoe bashing, but agree he seems to be sussed out, however if recent performances are anything to go by his determination is starting to pay off, who knows, he might start banging them in.

Choda, as the principle Defoe-hater, would you still hate him if he bagged 20 goals this season?

[jrio]

i think zakora actually got booked for pushing the ref , even though it was just a little tap to emphasis his dismay at getting caught .

heskey shud have been sent off for either of his two bad fouls .



Yes, as seen on MOTD, but the conclusion was it was for complaining about the challenge and the touching of the ref was only at the end of that. Zokora jumped out of the way so wasn't caught but it was a poor challenge from Heskey who looked even more like a lumbering lummox after he came on. Zokora still didn't do himself any favours by lying back on the ground and clutching his leg in an attempt to get Heskey booked again.

Certainly Heskey's first was just as poor as Ghaly's last week,the difference being a ref who took an opportunity to even up the red cards. You see a lot of players dive in every week as he did for the second and that's usually a yellow. Obviously the ref was very aware Heskey was already on a yellow.

[jrio]

When have I not been objective about spurs? I'm a total non-knee jerker.
[Edited due to length]

Ah, the latest doorstep novel from Choda.

I don't need convincing about the strengths of Zokora as I was a big admirer of him during the WC(and Ya Ya Toure wasn't the defensive midfielder, that was Zokora - due to IC's relentless attacking he came forward an awful lot) and I would much prefer him in the middle with Hudd than JJ. Of more concern than his touch is his propensity to fall at will when he's dispossessed. He got fouled a few times yesterday but at least once he fell looking for a free-kick and was ignored by the ref. Heskey made a poor challenge on him but Zokora needs to leave the refereeing to the ref. He jumped out of the challenge, rightly, but then engaged in a session of rolling around, holding his shin and then his face. He wasn't injured and it was clearly designed to get Heskey booked.

"Little white boys out of their depth". I have no idea why you needed to bring skin colour into that phrase.

[spurs61]

Zokora had quite a poor game(quite a few around me in agreement on this), first touch lacking - jrio

Just gotta back up what jrio said. I also thought Zokora had a poor game, despite getting all over the pitch. His control and passing were not good enough and put him and the team in trouble a few times. I have sympathy with him as refs have clearly decided that the opposition can do what they like to him.

[Chewy]

Zokora had quite a poor game(quite a few around me in agreement on this), first touch lacking

Really? I thought he was excellent, got stuck into everything. He kept a few of their mid-fielders quiet as well.

[Spur]

Really? I thought he was excellent, got stuck into everything. He kept a few of their mid-fielders quiet as well.

I agree with this.

[choda]

I love all our strikers and think they've got something to bring to this team. I don't like the Defoe bashing, but agree he seems to be sussed out, however if recent performances are anything to go by his determination is starting to pay off, who knows, he might start banging them in.

Choda, as the principle Defoe-hater, would you still hate him if he bagged 20 goals this season?

Well, it's nothing personal so if he really performed then no.

I'm looking for a player who is as good or better than Keano to ever be picked ahead of him. If Defoe becomes that player then great.

I haven't seen that player. He played on the shoulder yesterday which was what he needs to do but his movement was still not great. Good movement and he becomes a real striker, like Michael Owen. It's as simple as that.

If he plays deep I do hate him for his selfishness, total blindness to his teamates, and predictable runs and shooting. I tear my hair out when I see that and Robbie warming the judy dench.

I think that's fair game. I'm continually surprised at how highly rated he is. Maybe people are seeing something I'm not. Maybe I'm woefully wrong.:o

However, for all the arguements I've made none of them comes close to the arguement made by the worst pundit in history on sunday. Ian Wright said he can't believe he doesn't start every week. I rest my case.

Ian Wright has a good personality and was a class striker with tremendous movement but he should never be allowed on telly to talk about football. He is the worst and most biased pundit ever.

[choda]

Zokora had quite a poor game(quite a few around me in agreement on this), first touch lacking - jrio

Just gotta back up what jrio said. I also thought Zokora had a poor game, despite getting all over the pitch. His control and passing were not good enough and put him and the team in trouble a few times. I have sympathy with him as refs have clearly decided that the opposition can do what they like to him.

Maybe you saw more at the game. The picture isn't brilliant on free live footy either. Sometimes it's hard to pick everything up.

However, I didn't see what you two are saying at all. But maybe you're right. We'll see how he plays in the following months.

I thought he was great, certainly better than Jeanass (as Ian Darkin so aptly calls him).