What an introduction to the Champions League. On one hand it was hugely encouraging, while on the other it was a demonstration of just how tough this competition is.
The display during the first half was one of the best I can remember in recent seasons – and yet we still didn’t win. If you lead by two goals in any match and don’t emerge victorious, you’re bound to be frustrated, but we’d have all been happy with a point before the match and we have to look at it as a decent result.
The first half display was orchestrated by two sweet left feet. It’s strange to think now that not so long ago we were fielding right-footed left backs and left wingers and dying out for someone who was a natural on that flank. Gareth Bale was the answer to the problem and he had another great game against the admittedly leaden Clemens Fritz.
It was Bale’s ball in that Petri Pasanen could only turn into his own net as Crouch lurked. It was a perfect start and it got even better soon after, with another attack that came down the left.
Rafael van der Vaart looked like a class performer in his role just behind Crouch, until he limped off just after half-time. He put in a superb cross with his left, which Crouch met with an equally good header to make it 2-0.
Credit must also go to Jermaine Jenas for the beautiful volleyed pass across field, that found the Dutchman in space. It was a shock that he was preferred to Palacios, but overall I thought he justified his selection. Wilson’s had his problems with the simple act of passing the ball of late and Jenas’ inclusion gave us five men who were comfortable with the ball at their feet and we controlled possession accordingly.
It was so nearly a perfect first half and on a couple of occasions we came close to killing the game off at 3-0. It’s a tough call on him, as BAE had a good game going forward, but it was his errors just before the break, which allowed them back into the game.
First he sliced wildly at an attempted clearance, which saw the ball fly off the opposite side of the pitch and give Bremen possession. Sky’s commentator then gave us the kiss of death, when he pointed out that we really didn’t want to concede one before half-time. Cue perfect ball into the box for Almeida to head home and make it 2-1.
The replays showed that Assou-Ekotto probably should have done better defensively, though to my mind it was the initial clearance which was harder to explain. As I said, he had a good game and was the player who put a fine ball through to release Bale for the first goal. It just goes to show though that at this level, the smallest errors get punished.
It gave them a chance in a match where they’d been previously outclassed. Marko Marin had been growing in confidence as the first half wore on and he hit the equaliser early in the second half. Judging by Marin’s overall display, Bremen won’t be missing Mesut Ozil too much this season.
At 2-2 I think we did well to keep things solid and not collapse. Van der Vaart being substituted didn’t help, as we struggled to control the possesion as we did before the break. That said, there were second half chances to win the game, with Crouch going the nearest, just before the end.
If this is going to be the standard of the games that we play during this Champions League campaign, then sign me up for more. A draw away from home is always a decent result in Europe and we just have to forget the circumstances of Bremen’s comeback and remember that mostly magnificent first half.
Werder Bremen v Tottenham Hotspur
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bar our two full backs full marks to everyone ( even jenas ) was really proud of them last night and despite leading it was a very good result. Well done spurs, enjoy this experience, you deserve it for the last years work. COYS
My recommendation in defeating Werder at WHL. Go through the video with all the players. Compare & contrast the first & second performances.Take note of all the don’ts & practice these on the pitch. The practice sessions on the mistakes will not only be beneficial to the second leg fixture but to any other PL,FA, CL etc game.you play. A repeated error is your poor second half performance in most of the games you play. If sorted out, you will achieve consistancy and have a winning squad, irrespective of who you play against.
At White Hart Lane, it would be a different story as Werder’s first choice centre-backs Naldo and Mertesacker would be available with first choice striker Claudio Pizarro. So, they need to gain an upper hand against Inter and Twente, because the game against Werder at White Hart Lane would really be a tough one.
Okay they might have three important players back, but equally we might have Modric and Gomes back. And van der Vaart (who came off at the break with a calf strain after a great first half) might b able to play the whole game. So we will be stronger too. No reason why we can’t beat them at the Lane.
Why do we still run out of steam in the last 20?
Why doesn’t anyone else get a run at RB?
Why do we have no real reserve LB(Bale is a LW)?
Please Sandro get up to speed ASAP as Wilson has lost it.
JJ showed what he can do when required. I just wish he would do it more often.
Why do you say about VDV “…He put in a superb cross with his left, which Crouch met with an equally good header to make it 2-0.”
That should read, “…He put in a superb cross with his left, which Crouch met with an absolutely fantastic header to make it 2-0!”
Imagine if Drogba had done that, there would be an article about him being an expert header with a youtube clip at the end of all his headed goals!
Jenas is first choice to play with beside Huddlestone in a 4-2-3-1 formation. In that situation, you need a box to box, high stamina midfielder to complement the defensive midfielder and drive the team from behind, thank God we have him! Only mistake Harry made was bringing Keane on to replace VDV. Kranjcar should have come on – a much better #10 type player. Keane can barely control the ball these days, poor him!
But let’s have faith, I’m sure Redknapp will learn from his mistake. COYS!!!
tottenham in the champions league??? DONT MAKE ME LAUGH LOOOOOOOL
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