It has often been the case this season that Tottenham have had to leave out the likes of Sandro and Jermain Defoe, simply because we have had eleven players performing at an impressive and consistent level. With both Emanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart in great goal scoring form, Defoe has repeatedly had to rely on injuries to come into the team. The numerous fantastic displays of Scott Parker have also limited Brazilian Sandro’s chances of first team football.
But as the 2011/2012 season reaches its half way point, knocks and niggles have inevitably began to take their toll, meaning Harry Redknapp has been forced to make changes in order to maintain an optimistic title challenge.
Aaron Lennon’s hamstring injury has brought about a tactical change that has seen our usual style of play altered.
For me, on his day, Lennon is a vital part of a team that likes to attack down the flanks. With Lennon and Gareth Bale on either side, Spurs often have relied on wing play to dominate games this season, seeing us climb to third in the table. Currently standing in for the injured right winger is the relentless Sandro.
Sandro has taken his place in the centre of midfield alongside Scott Parker, allowing Luka Modric to play a more creative, attacking role and also relieving most of the Croatian playmaker’s defensive duties. This has meant that Bale and Van der Vaart have been given free roles in which to fill in the gaps and play a more natural, flowing style of football.
Against Norwich, the tactical alteration worked brilliantly. Sandro and Parker were able to fully support the back four when needed, leaving Modric to influentially encourage the attacking part of our game. The outstanding Bale fitted into his new role perfectly, twice dominating centrally to dramatic effect in the 2-0 victory.
The following 1-1 draw against Swansea was a slightly different story. Bale found it hard to get on the ball as the Swans justified their recent praise, often being described as a superb passing football team. This begs the question – is there a lack of pace and excitement in our side without two designated wingers? On 70 minutes, Van der Vaart was replaced by Defoe; a change that again decreased width as Tottenham tried to hold on to a 1-0 lead. Without the wide attacking style, we failed to kill the game off and were soon punished by a late equaliser.
Potential to rotate and alter is evident, but can we find a consistent level that will comply with a squad rotation system? And what really is the best formation Redknapp has tried out this season?
I think we need to look at the games at Fulham, Stoke, Blackburn, Swansea and ask why in large parts of all those games we allowed the oppostion to boss the midfield and have much more possession. If we are serious about a top 4 finish we really need to stop this happening.
Levy needs to recognise what a great chance we have of CL football again next season and spend accordingly, assuming the right players are available. We cannot go to Eastlands with no cover for Ade, I cannot bear the thought of the inept (but cute) Pav leading our line or JD come to that.
We need cover on the right which when you look at the exciting wide men whom may be considered good enough, they all tend to be lefties, Scott Sinclair is a good example. Junior Hoilett would be a good move if possible.
Both Walker and Benny need to work on their defensive duties, both have had poor performances recently that have led to goals against. Personally I woulsd like to see us play therough the middle more, with players like Kaboul and Sandro making those surging runs that scares the opposition shitless (language Helen). We also need to move the ball out of defence much quicker than we do at times with overpassing across the park.
It seems when teams decide to have a real go at us we have a tendency to crumble and loose our ability to keep possession, and hence loose our creativity. We are fortunate in that we have world class players who’s individual brilliance has been winning us games. I am do not think a top 4 finish is nailed on as some commentators propose. I think City and Utd will take the top 2 berths but it will be one hell of a battle for the other 2 and I would not be suprised if they were taken by Arse and Pool as both teams look very impressive in recent weeks, OK they have both had bad results but they both look very sharp.
So please MR levy do what is neccassary if you can and Harry get our tactics sorted out please.
What tactics? The ones that have made s 3rd in the premier league with a game in hand. We are 6 points of the top of the league for with a game in hand. We have done so well so far. We are not going to play every game perfectly. Our players are human.They are allowed to have a bad day at work, we are not going to win every game. Swansea are a very good side and deserved the point! We should get over it and go onto the next game. We have 3 home games next. I will be more concerned if we do not win those games!
This makes me laugh not because your statement is funny no its because Swansea made six changes and a few of them had only played a few games. So how cam Lennon missing or Defoe coming on make any difference the way we played it was Swansea who played with a higher tempo and i said we need too wise up to teams using energised players. I said points would be hard too get because of this tempo and i was right and West Brom Wolves and Everton will be full of it i no for a fact.
Davspurs you comment on every blog with the same crap about drug abusing teams/players if you’ve got the proof prove it if not shut the f##k up! We got a point at swansea which may or may not turn out to be a good point. They looked sharper because of 5/6 fresh pairs of legs that’s all. Modric/bale/ade/parker looked shot and need a break. Harry goes on about our squad depth and quality it’s time he started using it.
ilovespurs, lol what u say is so true