Spurs have to settle for a point.

Spurs had to settle for a point yesterday against the scum after completely dominating the first half and restricting the gunners completely until the introduction of the rapist (allegedly) Van Persie.

Spurs started brightly and completely controlled the first half. We took the lead after Ledley King powered a great free kick home. Carrick then fired wide and Lemon made a fantastic save from Jenas. Defoe continued to torment the Arsenal back four and Jenas really should have put us 2-0 up just before the break when Defoe put the ball across the box but he just couldn’t direct it home. Judas was absolutely appalling and showed that he can’t hack the pressure. The atmosphere was electric and every time he went near the ball he was rightly abused and booed. He also managed to elbow Tainio in the head. Wenger actually saw it but claimed there was no intent but it was no different to Mido’s challenge when he saw red against Chelsea.

So we went in at half time 1-0 up but it really should have been three. As Jol said after the game we really have to bury teams and there would have been no way the filth would have been able to get back into the game if we had taken our chances.

As it was they managed to work there way back in. It wasn’t that they were fantastic in the second half it was more to do with us not being as good. It still took until the 65 minute for the scum to have their first real effort on target, Robinson making a great save from Van Persie. Defoe then took on the whole Arsenal back four and won with Lemon making another great save. Looking at the replays you could see the ref wave play on after a scum player tried to take him down in the box. Jermaine does sometimes go down a little easily and maybe he should have done this time as he would have won a penalty. Then again we would not want to resort to the cheating tactics that the scum employ week in week out. They still possess quality throughout their side but the disgraceful diving by Reyes in particular along with elbow Bergkamp and the falling over of Pires is not necessary.

As usual it was Pires who scored the equalisier. Robinson, blinded by the sun, flapped at a cross that he should have punched away. Pires was on hand to tuck away the equaliser.

Overall the scum did come back into it in the second half but I think they have more to worry about than we do. They miss Viera and when Henry leaves in the summer to go to a club who actually have a chance of winning something in Europe they will have real problems. Even though they have been in Europe far more than us in recent years they still have only two trophies to show for it, less than us. Having to rely on Robert Pires to turn a game as well should also worry the filth. Thirty two yesterday he is already starting to lose his pace and won’t be able to turn it on for much longer. Us, on the other hand, have an average team age of just over 23 yesterday and the future is only going to get better. While they may have the edge over us at the minute through experience I don’t think they will do for much longer.

The end of the game told the final story – scum celebrating taking a point, us disappointed that we didn’t bury them when we have the chance. More similar performances will see us make the top sixth at the very least, and to be honest, fourth spot is there for the taking.

COYS!

Another video.

Another movie ahead of the scum game:

http://homepage.mac.com/jameslooker/iMovieTheater5.html

COYS!

Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Arsenal.

It is time. The big one. The most anticipated home league fixture of the season. Tottenham Hotspur vs. The Scum from Woolwich – Woolwich Arsenal to be precise.

It has sadly been 6 years since we last savoured a victory over the old enemy from the occupied territories. Goals from Iversen and Tim Sherwood saw us run out 2-1 winners. Things have changed since then though. We have had 4 different managers so it is no wonder we are looking for our first victory since then. However we now have our strongest squad for quite a while, settled management and our best start to a Premiership season. Couple that with Arsenal not having won away from home all season and an ever growing in jury list then, with a little bit of luck we shall be celebrating a famous victory over the scum.

As I write this I have just heard some very sad news – Henry is a major doubt for the goons on Saturday after aggravating a groin injury that has already kept him out for a month. However this is based on what Wenger is saying so I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran out at WHL on Saturday. However cheating Ashley Cole is still injured. Shame. Judas may make a return to White Hart Lane if he is brave enough.

Spurs have very few injuries to worry about. Paramot is still too far from his come back as is Gardner and Routledge. However Davids is suspended which is a blow.

Spurs will start with England’s number one in goal. King and Dawson will be the defensive rock in front of him with Stalteri and Lee on the flanks. The thought of Stalteri at right back scares the crap out of me as although the scum have problems they still possess quality and pace. I would prefer to see Kelly here but then he was slaughtered at The Library last season so the midfield will have to protect this potential weak spot. In the middle of the park will be Carrick and Jenas. On the right we shall have Lennon who should hopefully get forward and skin the filths left back. Davids is injured so either Reid will play left or Tainio. Tainio is the direct replacement for Davids so I expect it will be him. Up front will be Mido and Defoe.

Steve Bennett has been named referee. We need to thank the FA for having some common sense here and not giving us Riley or that other twat Styles. If we have some decent refereeing and a bit of luck there is no reason why we won’t be 6 points clear of the scum come 3pm on Saturday.

Fingers crossed!

COYS!

P.s. My video is still available to watch. See the previous post.

COYS!!!!!

Spurs Vs. Scum Video

A video to get us all in the mood for Saturday's London derby against the invaders from Woolwich.

COYS!

http://homepage.mac.com/jameslooker/iMovieTheater4.html

(Quicktime required)

Spurs take a point.

Spurs took an excellent point away from Old Trafford yesterday after trailing for most of the game.

Manure took the lead after Dawson just caught Rooney on the break. From the resultant free kick Van Horse Face had a weak header at goal. It bounced awkwardly for Robinson who spilled it and Silvestre was able to prod home. It was Robinson’s first real mistake in virtually the whole time he has been here so I think we can forgive him! However it was a blow and Spurs teams of the past would have gone on to lose this game and lose it badly. However we now had a better squad and more resolve which allowed us to fight our way back into the game.

To be fair the first half did belong to Manchester United. Robinson made a couple of good saves and O’Shea should have made it two-nil but didn’t. Spurs best chance of the half came in the 42nd minute when Mido won his first header of the game. Defoe picked it up and shot from distance causing Van der Sar to make a good save. This highlighted the problem of the Mido Defoe partnership. If Mido does not win the headers then Defoe is almost completely eliminated from the game and we still need to work on getting the ball to Defoe’s feet.

Spurs were much improved in the second half putting on the pressure with a succession of quick corners. The corner delivery was generally very good but we did not attack the space in the box well and was not able to make use of the good delivery. Spurs were level in the 72nd minute when Defoe was fouled on the edge of the box. Jenas stepped up and struck a brilliant free kick that was never ever going to be saved. Carrick then hit the bar before, rather worryingly, Ronaldo was left completely unmarked on the final corner of the game to, luckily, head wide.



I thought the overall performance was strong especially in the second half. Lennon had an off day and I have read a few fools slagging him off on the Spurs message boards. What they forget is that he is 18 and still learning. He is still a threat and should give Clichy the run around next week. Stalteri however looks dreadful once again and I just can’t fathom how he continues to play week in week out at right back when we have Kelly to come in and replace him. Jeans looks completely different to the player who joined us from Newcastle and long may it continue! Confidence is what it is all about.



The worst performance of the day goes to Uriah Rennie for his complete lack of consistency. He booked Davids for a similar unpunished challenge by Smith a few minutes earlier. Smith’s reaction was what led to the booking and just showed himself up for the thug he really is. Now Davids misses the game against the filth, which is unfortunate, but we now have the cover ensure we have an excellent opportunity to beat the cheating bastards from Woolwich.

Bring it on!

COYS!

Manure Vs. Spurs

Spurs go to Old Trafford tomorrow for a top of the table clash against Manchester United. A win would see us remain second but defeat could see us drop as low as sixth, but still not quite as low as the scum:-p

Mido did not train earlier in the week but I expect him to make the trip to Old Trafford and play. His work rate will be invaluable in stopping Manchester United playing from the back.

Robinson will start in goal with King and Dawson directly in front of him. Stalteri will be on the right with Lee on the left. In the middle of the park Spurs will call on Carrick and Jenas with Davids on the left and Aaron Lennon on the right. Mido will hopefully be up front and I have a sneaking suspicion that Robbie Keane will partner him with Defoe dropping to the bench.

United have a lot of injuries but still possess a quality squad. Wayne Rooney will obviously be the one to stop but Horse Face will also be a threat. Rapist (allegedly) Ronaldo can also be a danger but his mind may be elsewhere.

United have only kept one clean sheet in the last six games at home. Spurs are unbeaten away from home and have a 100% win record when we have scored first. In fact we have only lost once in the Premiership all season.

After being robbed of victory last season we have to hope that Uriah Rennie does not make similar errors this time around, unless of course it is in our favour!

With our current run and United’s long list of injuries I see no reason why we cannot take at least a point tomorrow.

COYS!

Spurs go second.

Spurs continue their best ever start to a Premiership campaign after they beat Everton 2-0 thanks to goals from Mido and Jermaine Jenes.

Regular readers of The Shelf will know that I haven’t been too impressed with what Jenes has done for Spurs so far this season but I was always hoping for a Carrick effect. Start awful and then build up to regular, consistent, good performances. For the first 55 minutes Jenes looked poor but put in an excellent cross for the opening goal. This assist visibly boosted his confidence and the attacking midfield man actually started making effective forward runs. A few minutes later he attacked the open space in the Everton box and headed in Defoe’s cross to make the points safe. I hope that this goal and assist will be the confidence Jenes needs to push his performance on to a higher level. I have probably been a bit harsh on him thinking where he has come from. Sourness, who has the man management abilities of a slug, has clearly sucked the confidence out of Jermaine and could be one of the reasons for his suspect performances in a Spurs shirt.

Other highlights included Aaron Lennon who produced a fine performance on the right and Michael Dawson and Ledley King’s strong performance at the back and going forward for corners and set pieces. Weak spots continue to be Edgar Davids on the left. He comes in and it leaves us short of width over on that side. A quick counter attack could leave Lee out of position and the back four stretched. This is not a criticism of Davids, an excellent player who has put in some brilliant performances for Spurs but of the system. I hope he isn’t booked next week as he will miss the scum game. Fingers crossed.

Spurs now sit 2nd, five points above the gipos from Woolwich.

COYS!

Spurs Vs. Everton.

Spurs face bottom club Everton tomorrow at White Hart Lane. A good win could see us go second and at the very least stay third. However a defeat could see us slip to seventh so we will have to put in a professional performance to put away Spurs’ favourite club. Tottenham have lost only one game in the last sixteen games in the league against The Toffees and beat Everton home and away last season including the 5-2 thrashing on New Years Day.

Of course Spurs have been in these sorts of positions before and then go a blow it with a lousy performance. However we beat Fulham three weeks ago and turned a two-goal deficit around at Charlton two weeks ago to take all the points so this could be a sign that we are beginning to cope with pressure a bit better than we used to. Another interesting fact is that only Chelsea have conceded less goals than us than this season and of course we have only lost once in the league all season.

Paul Robinson will start in goal with Stalteri at right back with Naybet lining alongside Dawson in the middle and Lee will be recalled at the left. If King makes it then I expect Naybet to drop to the bench although I still currently prefer his experience at the back to Dawson’s. I would expect Lennon to stay wide right but for how much longer is unclear. I saw Routledge in Croydon on Monday and he looked like he was walking fine so he may be back soon. Carrick is fit and will be recalled and will hopefully line up alongside Davids, who did so much more in the middle against Charlton than on the left. However don’t be surprised if our best midfielder is pushed out wide again for the so far shocking Jenes to be put in the middle.

Up front I really do think that Robbie Keane should start. He has a good record against Everton and has looked like he is going to score far more often than Defoe at the minute. Alongside whoever plays will be Mido, who has recovered from a hamstring.

Based on the season so far Spurs should walk this but will only do so with the right attitude and a top class performance. Failure on one of these counts will see Everton take the points.

COYS!

TRANSPORT NEWS:

The police have now seen sense and re-opened Northumberland Park for tomorrow’s game. However White Hart Lane and Bruce Grove remain shut. The Northern Line has been closed since Wednesday and it is unlikely to open tomorrow.

Stations closed on Saturday.

From the official site:

The railway line from Liverpool Street right through to Enfield Town is closed on Saturday for repair work. White Hart Lane and Bruce Grove are therefore closed.

A replacement bus service is running instead. Northumberland Park will also be closed on the day for safety reasons, as the railway company and BTP cannot ensure the safety of the large numbers of football supporters that would be displaced there as result of the other stations being closed.


As usual the planning is just woefully inept and juts typifies Transport for London. It is bad enough a 1-4 travelcard costs £5.40 let alone having to trudge up from Seven Sisters, or even worse, Tottenham Hale.

COYS

Are Spurs better than last year?

We can analyse how far Spurs have improved, so far, over last season by comparing the results we have had so far this season with the results for the corresponding fixtures last.

Most Premiership teams have improved their squad over the summer along with Spurs so this will be interesting to see if it looks like our improvements have been better than the oppositions’ improvements. It is also Jol’s first full season and pre-season in charge of the lads.

We began the season away at Portsmouth. Not a happy hunting ground in recent years, Spurs won 2-0. Last season was a different story and it saw us lose 2-0. Already three points better off!

Next up was Middlesbrough at home. This season and last season saw us run out 2-0 winners. Then came Blackburn away. Last season we won 1-0 thanks to a Robbie Keane winner. This season saw Jol’s first real mistake when he fielded a weakened side with one eye on the Chelsea game. We only took a point and this brings our overall improvement so far back down to one point. We then faced Chelsea and lost 2-0 on both occasions.

Liverpool at home followed and we played out an entertaining draw this year and last, except this year we failed to score. Spurs then travelled to Villa and gained a point as opposed to a defeat last year bringing the overall improvement to 2 points. Fulham at home followed that game for our first Monday night game of the season. Spurs finally won 1-0 in what was a drab affair. We also beat Fulham last season 2-0.

The last game in our little comparison is against Charlton. The result looked like it was going the same way as last season’s 2-0 defeat before we pulled it out of the bag for a great away day victory to remember. This lifts our season’s improvement to 5 points overall so far. Averaged out over a season this would give us approximately 18 more points than last year and would have given us 70 points, comfortably fourth spot, a full seven points behind Manchester United. Our average points this season currently stands at 1.875 a game, considerably higher than our 1.4 we managed across the whole of last season.

Obviously all sorts of things can happen but it has been a promising start. I happened to have last season’s Charlton program lying around. After 11 games we had just 13 points and were heading for our worst run of the season so this also points to an improvement overall this term.

Looking at it another way, after 8 the first eight games Spurs have won 4 games, drawn 3 and lost only one. Probably more importantly we are unbeaten away from home. Remember it was our woeful away record after Christmas that ultimately cost us a place in Europe. Last season, after eight games, we had won three, drawn 4 and lost only one leaving us with 15 points this term compared with 12 points last.

Of course you can bend statistics any way you like really to paint the picture you want to see. Last season we thrashed Oldham 6-0 while we all know what happened against Grimsby. However I can feel we are better this term. We can see that the squad is more complete and stronger with better quality of players. Lets just hope that we do end up with 70 odd points come May. Lets face it, apart from Chelsea, anyone could finish almost anywhere. It is ours for the taking.

COYS!

News Round up.

Spurs have appied for planning permission for a new academy and training facilities at Bulls Cross in Enfield. Supports will remember that a large wedge of cash was wasted on a similar proposal in Abridge, Essex a couple of years ago. Lets hope this one is succssful.

Bunjevcevic, the Serbian Trevor Brooking apparently, has broken his toe and will face a few eeks out on the sidelines. In other injury news Mido's hamstring is responding well to treatment so i would expect him to be fit for Everton at home on Saturday week.

Aaron Lennon has been promoted from the England Under 20 sqaud to the Under 21s. Martin Jol said,

"Wayne Routledge is a similar type of player and we bought Aaron as cover for the future.”

"But Routledge was injured and we lacked width again. I gave Aaron his debut against Liverpool and I thought he did well in the second half and then he was our best player at Grimsby.

"He’s very quick and he’s a real Spurs player — talented, quick and he can score a goal as well, our fans haven’t seen it yet but I promise he can score as well. I’m delighted not just for him but to have him here as well.”

COYS!

Spurs go third in thriller.

Spurs took all three points when none looked the more likely down at The Valley on Saturday. King, Mido and Robbie Keane ensured we fought back from 2-0 down for victory.

Spurs started more brightly with around 4 corners in the first ten minutes as we took the game to Charlton. However it was Bent who scored first after beating our offside trap. Naybet and Stalteri both failed to step up and Bent ran through to poke the ball past Robinson. Charlton made it 2-0 just after half time when once again Bent broke the offside trap to curl the ball around Robinson. It looked like game over with two cheap goals that we had conceded.

However Spurs were able to hit back almost immediately. Mendes took a good free kick into the box that somehow found its way through to King who stuck out a leg to turn it home. Charlton continued to push forward and Spurs were able to catch them on the break. The ball broke to Tainio who played a good ball into the box for Mido to run onto and lash the ball home for the equaliser. 2-2 and the initiative was with Spurs. Jenes was immediately substituted for Keane in a bold move as we went for the win. Jenes is a bit like Carrick when he first came. Good player with great potential but yet to show it. Lazy balls and a laid back attitude meant he was our worst player yet again and I was just surprised it was Mendes and not Jenes who went off first.

Charlton then had more chances to score a third but they were rushed and poorly taken. With Mido lying prone with a knock Charlton refused to put the ball out and continued their attack. Lennon was able to break quickly to Keane who laid it off to Defoe. Defoe pushed forward and then actually made a great pass for Keane to take one touch and power it past the Charlton Keeper to take all three points.

Looking at the stats it tells an interesting story – We had more possession, shots, shots on target and corners than Charlton across the 90 minutes. In fact Charlton only beat us on the yellow card count. We thoroughly deserved the victory after fighting back from 2-0 down. We just need to practice the offside trap a bit better. Also Keane has now scored the same amount of goals as Defoe in less games and deserves to start against Everton in two weeks. Also, who noticed how the Charlton fans ran out of their seats and into the stand when it started to rain. Pathetic. Great atmosphere today guys as well.

Spurs now sit third.

COYS!