Last night’s 2-2 draw with Basel in the opening leg of our Europa League tie could be seen as a disaster in many ways. As far as the tie itself is concerned, it’s definitely still open and Spurs are more than capable of victory in Switzerland next week but are the injuries sustained on the pitch going to be more significant in terms of our overall campaign?
Head Coach Andre Villas-Boas was naturally positive after the match, while giving credit to an impressive Basel side who took a two goal lead inside the first half.
“We’ve limited the damage,” AVB said on the club’s official website. “We wanted to win but Basel played well, they had a fantastic night and they are probably one of the strongest teams we’ve seen at White Hart Lane.”
Andre feels that the tie remains open despite shipping in those two away goals early on.
“Everything is still open. Everyone believes,” he added.” We’ve drawn at home but we’ve been good away from home this season, we always score away and we have to believe in that to get the goals we need to go through.”
Naturally the focus after the game was on Gareth Bale but AVB is hopeful that the Welshman will be fit enough to return for the Manchester City match in two weeks’ time.
“There is lots of swelling and the pain is obviously very, very big,” Andre said.
“There is a big possibility he is going to be able to make it for the Man City game and he will only miss the next two games, but we can only give you that assurance tomorrow.
“Gareth will definitely play again this season. From the medical department’s first analysis, everything is positive.”
Staying positive is all we can do but home games such as the one with Everton on Sunday are all must wins from now on. Can we remember how to win without Gareth in the team?
I really fear for the run-in now. I fear even more that chelski are going to win the europa league AND nick our rightful place in the CL. In fact i think I’ll go and take up fishing……….