I don't think so. Son had an injury earlier in the season but he had started the last few games. I think it was just rotation and Poch wanting to give Lamela some playing time.
Tottenham 2015-16: We don't even have a clever title
- Thread starter DJnVa
- Start date
With the Spurs already through, Kane is not in lineup or on bench today, Onomah gets the start and Carter-Vickers is in the 18.
Lamela scores 2 minutes in.
EDIT: I think maybe Kane is on the bench. Either way, he's likely not playing.
Lamela scores 2 minutes in.
EDIT: I think maybe Kane is on the bench. Either way, he's likely not playing.
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Good shot at winding up 2015 in the top four, hosting Norwich City this weekend while Man U. and Palace are on the road.
N'Jie just had knee surgery, further highlighting need for a second striker in the January window. Though I did love them playing a rotating four up top against Monaco.
Everything breaking about as well as could reasonably be hoped for this week. Top 4, and on to 2016 wth realistic dreams!
They were moments (and about an inch) away from zero points and walked out of Watford with 3.
Team has some resolve, for sure.
Team has some resolve, for sure.
Tottenham is quietly having a very good season. They lead the league in both goals allowed and goal differential. They've been good defensively for several years but the emergence of Kane (who seems to be over his early-season sophomore blues) and good play from Dembele, Eriksen, Alli, etc. have them in great form.
Their second-half schedule should also be moderately easier, as they've already played away at three of the other four strongest bets for top-4 (Arsenal, Leicester, United).
Their second-half schedule should also be moderately easier, as they've already played away at three of the other four strongest bets for top-4 (Arsenal, Leicester, United).
More than most clubs, I think Spurs' fate will be decided by injury luck. The first XI of this team can play with anybody but their depth is a little questionable (especially in attack and central defense) and they've been very fortunate to have very few injuries, particularly to their spine. They have six players that have started 18-19 games and both Alli and Lamela would probably be in that category as well if they hadn't been coming off the bench in August and early September. In comparison, Arsenal have 3 such players, United 2, Liverpool with probably have 2 after Wednesday, and City will probably end up with only 1 even after tomorrow.
If they can stay healthy, I think Spurs is a strong favorite for Top 4 and I don't see why they can't challenge for the title given that there are no other standout teams in the league. But if they suffer a significant run of injuries, especially if that includes Kane, they could fail to qualify for Europe at all.
If they can stay healthy, I think Spurs is a strong favorite for Top 4 and I don't see why they can't challenge for the title given that there are no other standout teams in the league. But if they suffer a significant run of injuries, especially if that includes Kane, they could fail to qualify for Europe at all.
Spurs have good depth at fullback and all the midfield positions, but they have no cover at all for Kane and at CB they only have Fazio (not very good) and Wimmer (unproven in the EPL). A backup striker has to be at the top of the January shopping list, as right now Kane going down is the nightmare scenario.
I would quibble with the notion that they have been good defensively for several years. The big change this year has been the defensive solidity.
I would quibble with the notion that they have been good defensively for several years. The big change this year has been the defensive solidity.
I checked the past few PL tables and you're absolutely correct. Not sure why I thought Spurs had been strong defensively the past few years. Maybe I just remember Pochettino's defensive record at Southampton and confused the two. Anyways, I stand corrected.
As far as getting another striker goes, Berahino seems like the obvious candidate, since he's a) young, b) has PL goal-scoring experience, c) has been frozen out by Pulis, and d) Spurs tried to buy him last summer. But current rumors have Liverpool in the mix as well.
The first half against Everon was about as lovely as I have ever seen them play, just fabulous passing and patience. Spurs deserved three goals that half, and should have had three points today.
Fully agree with this. Beautiful football for the first 45, even having conceded. The second half was certainly fun for neutrals, as both sides attacked and played with good spirit. Point deserved each way, I suppose.
Cover for Kane is desperately needed. Berahino, Dembele2 (Fulham), Batshuayi, Sandro Ramirez all rumored. Concern that maybe none come in.
Disagree, that was the worst possible outcome. I was hoping to be out of the FA cup early and concentrate on the two contests that can lead to the UCL. This is still not a deep team, so minimizing chances for injury and keeping the team fresh should be the priority.
I hope we basically see the U-21s at Leicester next week.
I hope we basically see the U-21s at Leicester next week.
Oh, I am there with you, I was pretty excited when Kane came on and then when they got the penalty, I can't actually root for them to lose while I am watching. But I am worried about all of the fixture congestion coming and really wanted them out of the FA Cup. I will get ahead of myself and risk URI's wrath, but if they get to the end of the month within less than 5 points of first, I will probably hope their Europa run is over in the round of 16 after they beat Fiorentina (for points purposes) so they can push for the top of the table.
The Cup/League debate is always interesting. Wednesday was tied with Fulham this weekend and someone on twitter said they'd clearly rather lose and focus on the league (we have a pretty good shot at a top 6 spot and can certainly beat any team ahead of us). I didn't disagree, but how far do you take that? Should your keeper punt the ball into the net in the 89th?
The different structure of European football leads to some interesting considerations.
The different structure of European football leads to some interesting considerations.
Bleh. It's a consistent theme this year that they struggle to convert possession and chances into goals. Same thing happened at Everton.
I like how when Eriksen scores he barely celebrates. Very Scandinavian.
Good job getting the flow back today, and not letting an inferior team out of the Lane without adding the +3 in GD as well.
Good job getting the flow back today, and not letting an inferior team out of the Lane without adding the +3 in GD as well.
Really would have preferred more rotation, especially Kane and Dier not playing. And I am not terribly excited about another round of FA cup fixtures, and helping Liecester's focus exclusively on the league is probably counter productive, but....
- Hopefully Son's confidence from the this game helps out in the league and against Fiorentinna. That was a great performance.
- Same for Vorm, nice to see him actually make a difference, rather than scare us all. Confidence is probably more important at his position than any other, so this should help.
- Nice to see Chadli back to being himself.
-Good to get Betaleb some run.
- Hopefully Son's confidence from the this game helps out in the league and against Fiorentinna. That was a great performance.
- Same for Vorm, nice to see him actually make a difference, rather than scare us all. Confidence is probably more important at his position than any other, so this should help.
- Nice to see Chadli back to being himself.
-Good to get Betaleb some run.
Good minutes for the impressive Wimmer. He will be needed this season.
Son was outstanding and Bentaleb looked to be the player we saw last season.
Sign Moussa Dembele (Fulham version) and suddenly we look pretty deep/flexible.
Son was outstanding and Bentaleb looked to be the player we saw last season.
Sign Moussa Dembele (Fulham version) and suddenly we look pretty deep/flexible.
I'm still confused about exactly what the best combination of Eriksen/Alli/Lamela/Son/Dembele/Dier is, but that's a pleasantly high-class problem to have.
It was pretty substantial rotation, probably only four of the current first-choice XI started.
As for fixture congestion, the draw in the next round helps at least. Colchester (currently 22nd in League One) away is not exactly imposing -- Spurs can rest just about all of their key players and still expect to advance.
As for fixture congestion, the draw in the next round helps at least. Colchester (currently 22nd in League One) away is not exactly imposing -- Spurs can rest just about all of their key players and still expect to advance.
Good stuff here about Bale's transfer:
http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2016/1/21/10805898/tottenham-hotspur-real-madrid-gareth-bale-contract-leak
Tottenham has the right to match any Premier League offer for Gareth Bale until 2019. Not only that, but if Tottenham decides to match, Real Madrid is required to sell him. If the Spurs decide not to match, Real Madrid will pay them 10 million pounds.
There was also a clause that said Bale couldn't talk shit about Tottenham until the entire fee has been paid. Because Real Madrid chose an installment plan, that gag order is in effect until July 2016. Because they chose that installment option, the fee was actually 100 million, not 87 million.
http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2016/1/21/10805898/tottenham-hotspur-real-madrid-gareth-bale-contract-leak
Tottenham has the right to match any Premier League offer for Gareth Bale until 2019. Not only that, but if Tottenham decides to match, Real Madrid is required to sell him. If the Spurs decide not to match, Real Madrid will pay them 10 million pounds.
There was also a clause that said Bale couldn't talk shit about Tottenham until the entire fee has been paid. Because Real Madrid chose an installment plan, that gag order is in effect until July 2016. Because they chose that installment option, the fee was actually 100 million, not 87 million.
Holy fuck that was awesome. Alli's goal made me scream out loud, but Chadli's goal was also excellent.
I am a bit worried about Vertongen, that knee injury did not look good, we are probably going to see a bunch of Wimmer and I would not be surprised if CB becomes a higher priority on the January shopping list.
Five points ahead of ManU aint too shabby at this point.
I am a bit worried about Vertongen, that knee injury did not look good, we are probably going to see a bunch of Wimmer and I would not be surprised if CB becomes a higher priority on the January shopping list.
Five points ahead of ManU aint too shabby at this point.
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I hoped for 22-25 points from this sequence; they are at 17 so far with two games left, so winning both (and both are against promoted teams whom Spurs should beat) would put them on 23. The home performances have been inconsistent (losses to Newcastle and Leicester) but the away form has been very good -- 10 points from the last four away matches.
In 4th place, 5 points behind with 15 games remaining -- they aren't favorites for the title, but they are definitely in the race.
Suggested thread title: Tottenham 2015-16: Kane They Go Alli the Way?
Shit... Vertonghen lost for 8 weeks to an MCL...
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/26/jan-vertonghen-spurs-knee-ligament-injury-crystal-palace
Now we'll see what Wimmer is made of. I'd rather have Marcus Cannon out there rather than Fazio.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/26/jan-vertonghen-spurs-knee-ligament-injury-crystal-palace
Now we'll see what Wimmer is made of. I'd rather have Marcus Cannon out there rather than Fazio.
At least it happened this week and not next. There's still time in January to add another CB, which they probably should have been considering anyway since Pocchetino doesn't appear to rate Fazio much.
Another option would be to move Dier back to CB. That might require adding a defensive midfielder, or they could give Bentaleb a run in Dier's role (although I'm not sure how well that would work).
Another option would be to move Dier back to CB. That might require adding a defensive midfielder, or they could give Bentaleb a run in Dier's role (although I'm not sure how well that would work).
Think it is imperative that you find and add a CB. League is there for the taking and I'm a big believer in GD. Spurs have quietly gone about their business and I think they're about as good a bet for the league as anyone at this point. Letting it all unravel a CB would be a travesty.
The question is whether Wimmer is starter quality and they just need depth so they don't run Dier into the ground or Fazio onto the pitch, or whether they need to bring someone in to start.
My impression is that they brought Wimmer in because they thought he could start and only later realized they could get Alderweireld, but that could be 100% mistaken.
My impression is that they brought Wimmer in because they thought he could start and only later realized they could get Alderweireld, but that could be 100% mistaken.
The USMNT supporter in me wants them to give Carter Vickers a shot. It would most likely come in the Wimmer role playing cup matches, with Wimmer taking Vertongen's place in the league line up.
That said, there is a bunch of wishful thinking hoping that would go right. Considering the stakes in the league, I hope they spend some money on a CB.
That said, there is a bunch of wishful thinking hoping that would go right. Considering the stakes in the league, I hope they spend some money on a CB.
Getting real money for Townsend is good business. I never liked him and he clearly didn't fit into Pocchetino's plans going forward.
I don't think Carters-Vickers is ready for prime time yet. He just turned 18 a few weeks ago and has never made a first-team appearance. He has a bright future but I wouldn't want to throw him into the middle of a title chase at this stage of his career.
I don't think Carters-Vickers is ready for prime time yet. He just turned 18 a few weeks ago and has never made a first-team appearance. He has a bright future but I wouldn't want to throw him into the middle of a title chase at this stage of his career.
So I admit I'm ignorant about the transfer market. Is there anyone out there that we can pick up? A Dele Alli of defense? Or even another Alderweireld? They are really coming together and I'd hate for this run to end because of injury.