“Let us aim
high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory”- a
take on Bill Nicholson’s quote that gets blasted around White Hart Lane before kick-off.
But it’s a quote that’s digging deep into the mindset of the Tottenham
faithful, and it’s not beneficial.
People need
to realise Spurs are not a top four
club; the Harry Redknapp era was one where the lilywhites overachieved. Like
Levy, when things aren’t going 100% fine, fans get on the backs of the players,
manager and board. If Tottenham keep that bar raised so high, disappointment
will always be the outcome, and the transitional era will never end.
The fans
are voicing their frustration, evident through the booing at the end of each
half vs Stoke, but where has it gone wrong? It’s time to put an end to some
theories:
“It’s all Daniel Levy’s fault”
No. In a
word, no. If you want Daniel Levy to walk, reconsider your choice of club. We
simply couldn’t afford some of the players Pochettino wanted in the summer-
Musacchio and Schneiderlin would have cost Spurs in excess of £60m. Is it
Daniel Levy’s fault the players aren’t fulfilling what’s been asked of them?
Why golly, yes it is, let’s burn him and put a stake through his heart!
Whispers
after the summer window suggested that Levy wants Poch to see how he does this
season, then give him full control over transfers next year. Also, has anyone
considered Tottenham don’t have a net spend is because they’re managing
finances until the new stadium, and then
splash the cash?
“The players aren’t pressing like Pochettino wants!”
Since pre-season, there's been no sign from anyone at the club that a high-pressing system will be deployed. In fact, Pochetinno’s Southampton dropped their
pressing game in the second half of last season so I don’t see why so many were
expecting it at the Lane.
“We would be fine under AVB or ‘Arry!”
Harry Redknapp
made the most of the three world class players at his disposal, and AVB’s
playing style wouldn’t suit the players here, much like last season. The Portuguese
should have been allowed the duration of last season at the club, but it didn’t
seem like we would reach our goals.
“Players with passion are better than those who don’t
care!”
Not
necessarily. Some people have the idea that just because a player shows emotion
and passion that they’ll somehow make a team a winning one. That is false.
Andros
Townsend is a lifelong Spurs fan, so in theory, will play for the shirt and
with all his heart. That is false. Townsend is one of the most predictable
players I’ve seen grace the turf at White Hart Lane; his on-the-field actions
are comparable to a song on your phone stuck on replay. Our captain, Younes
Kaboul, would have been given that title because of his enthusiasm and
leadership, when in fact, his performance against Stoke left many wondering if
he was actually playing so poorly on purpose. Suave characters like Hugo Lloris
and Christian Eriksen are our best players, and although they don’t scream or
shout, are a class above the rest of the current crop.
“Erik Lamela will be our Bale” (see date August 2014)
I believe
some people have now realised we’re going to have to wait a bit longer to see
the best of Erik Lamela. The truth is, he is still adjusting to the Premier
League, and it could take the entirety of this season to become accustomed. The
club’s record signing only played nine times last season, and never started a
game at White Hart Lane. For him, last season was the very slightest of
learning curves- it’s this year that he’ll learn the vital lessons.
Like the rest
of our team, he’s not a guaranteed starter, and will have to work hard in order
to win his place back in the side. But as he said this week, he’s not giving up
on the challenge ahead.
“The problem at the back is entirely the defence’s
fault!”
The defence
has no protection. Dire performances from Kaboul and Fazio don’t change the
fact that there’s no strong character in front of them. Unlike his first
impressions, Etienne Capoue has proved to be a liability. The lad has no grit,
and is a shadow of the smooth operator that impressed fans at the start of the
2013/14 season. Whilst having the current iteration of Sandro would be no
better due to the edge he’s lost, Tottenham desperately need a man who is willing
to risk everything and will protect the back four- Capoue is not that man.
Have a
little patience.
