A Tale of 3 Keepers and a Winger

Article by Gary Smith

Its been a strange, not altogether bad week for Spurs and one in which goalkeepers have undoubtedly stolen the headlines. In between the weekend talking points of Lloris and Krul, Erik Lamela has also propelled himself into the news. On the surface of it, it has been a mixed bag for Spurs with a draw, a win and a home defeat but on closer inspection it may well have been a week that has implied that a change of intent and attacking play is on its way.

There is no doubting that Spurs have been disappointing in the attacking sense this season, their meagre output of PL games often being quoted as an example of why they will fall short. Even the most ardent fan must admit that this lack of goals has been a worrying characteristic of a well disciplined Spurs’ team and that, for all of their impressive possession and their new found resilience in defence, the lack of fluidity and incision in the final third is having a negative effect on the overall performance of the team and the crowd are, understandably, becoming frustrated. As Spurs’ fans we almost demand flair and the odd flash of brilliance to solid , dependable performances. Hence the popularity of players such as Hoddle , Waddle, Ginola, Modric, Sheringham , Klinsmann over the years.

However, the first half performance against Everton showed Spurs close to their best. They pressed the ball and they moved it quickly and dominated play. With a little more artistry in the final third they surely would have had the game won by half time. Then there was Lloris – clearly establishing himself as one of the best, if not the best, in the Premier. He has clearly added another dimension to the Tottenham defence and has the potential to become a WHL legend. I, like all around me, winced as he was knocked unconscious in the sickening challenge with Lokaku. Personally, I would have removed him from the pitch for his own safety but he continued, demonstrating not only immense bravery but pulling off a fantastic save.

In the middle of the week came Erik Lamela – the shineout player in a somewhat disappointing Spur’s performance. I, along with others, haven’t been Lamela’s greatest fan, believing that someone with such a huge price tag should at least show more determination. However, against Sheriff, he found the confidence to take on players on both the inside and outside and his overall contribution to the team was so much more wholehearted. At times, his extravagant stopovers reminded me of a young Ronaldo at United. They didn’t always work but they showed an abundance of confidence which augurs well for the future. His goal was coolly taken and his mazy run which won a penalty, allowing Defoe to break Martin Chivers ‘ goalscoring record, was absolutely world class.

So to the defeat at home to Newcastle. Now a defeat and, particularly a home defeat, is always a little galling and induces disappoint. However, perversely, I felt that this defeat was probably Tottenham’s most positive performance of the week. Their build up play was quicker, more incisive and, importantly, more varied. We didn’t have Townsend continually cutting in and shooting and there were palpably far more balls delivered into the area from the bylines. Soldado at last got a few chances and was extremely unlucky with his header which was brilliantly saved by Krul.

All in all, spurs created such a plethora of chances and played with such attacking verve that they seemed destined to score and run away with the game. That they didn’t was down to one factor and one factor only, the Newcastle goalkeeper. Tim Krul is a fine goalkeeper but this must have been the performance of his career.

At least I came away from this game with a sense of optimism and the feeling that things are finally beginning to gel as a whole team. As an addendum, the defence played impressively again and although there is a slight suspicion that had it been Lloris in goal, he may have been quicker out to intercept the ball to Remy this is purely a matter for conjecture and Friedel still showed that he is a solid replacement.

I hope that we show the same cohesion and intent in the next home game against Norwich as I feel we are on the brink of unleashing the goals.

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