Article by Ashley CaparelliTwo incredible strikes from Vlad and Holtby saved further embarrassment for Tottenham's under-fire manager AVB. With his job on the line AVB could not afford anything less than the hard earned 3 points his side were able to rescue from the clutches of yet another defeat in a game that Spurs should have been able to see off with relative ease, on paper anyway.
Tottenham's defence seem to be returning to the form that saw them concede just 2 goals in their opening 6 games. That was until some uncharacteristic lack of focus from the skipper Michael Dawson which lead to the opening goal of the game by Fulham's Iranian international Dejagah forcing Spurs to seek their first equaliser of the season. It was the captains loose pass which gifted Fulham the ball and then being drawn to the ball and out of position, that lead to Lloris needing to pick the ball out of the Tottenham goal. As much as I respect Dawson as a professional I am struggling to see the consistency and quality (this season at least) that warrants a place in the starting line up. Dawson has had a valuable impact for Tottenham since his arrival from Nottingham Forest back in 2005, however he seems to be struggling under AVB, with the gaffer preferring a high line, I believe due to his lack of pace.
Lloris is an impressive keeper there is no doubt about that, yet although he has player 100 games for Tottenham he appears to still be struggling with the physicality and speed of the English game. On two many occasions this season Lloris' punches have not been powerful enough to release the pressure, meaning our defence has a lot more to do at set pieces. Even the best defence in the world need to have the confidence that their keeper can come and take command of the area, certainly in a league with the number of crosses that the premier league sees every game. Another worrying area of his play is his decision making. The penalty he conceded is evident of that, Welbeck was moving away from goal and had Chiriches for company, there was no need for his intervention.
Sandro and Capoue should not occupy the holding midfield roles together, they are simply too similar. It was difficult to have any real dangerous possession of the ball in the first half, neither of the two holding midfielders had enough confidence on the ball to drive forward with it to draw Fulham players out of position giving our attacking players more room on the ball.
Holtby changed the game completely when he was introduced at half time. He had the ability to put the Fulham defence under pressure and make dangerous balls to the rest of the team. His attacking influence enabled Pauliniho to move back into his accustomed position of a box-to-box midfielder, a position in which he has a greater influence on the game as he is able to pick the ball up from deep and make supporting runs forward.
Lennon and Lamela were far more dangerous on their flanks rather than being inverted. It allowed them to make impressive runs to the dead ball line and put in some crosses, something Spurs have been lacking all season.
Defoe's lack of goal action is proof that Soldado's lack of goals from open play this season are not necessarily the Spaniard’s fault. Defoe is at his most threatening when he has the ball and is able to drive into the box, however he was not able to do this enough against Fulham due to his lack of service and being outnumbered. Tottenham need to work harder to to support the front man (whomever that will be) both on and off of the ball. Spurs would also carry a greater threat if the opposite winger from a cross acted as a second striker and got into the box along with the attacking midfielder.
On a more positive note a victory is a victory however it comes, the spirit shown by the boys to come back from 1-0 down is commendable and is something which gives hope back to the fans. Once again nothing less than a victory at the Stadium of Light this weekend will be enough for a Spurs trying to claw their way back into the top four.
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You have made an accurate assessment. The key questions are why does AVB make such basic mistakes like playing 2 defensive midfield plays vs Fulham. Why persist with inverted wingers when it does not work and congests the middle of the pitch? Why keep playing Dawson when he is not suited to playing a high line? Paulhino I think needs some help to get his head right. He gets into fantastic positions, but his shooting is one of the worst I have ever seen. He hardly ever even troubles the goalie. Why can't our strikers find space in the box?? Both strikers like to hand back waiting for a pull back and won't get in where it hurts to slide one in!! I have seen many good balls go across the 6 yard box and no striker reacts. Very poor.
ReplyDeleteYour points are very good but lloris has not played 100 games for the club. He hasnt even played 50
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