Since that narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in early December, things have been pretty bl@@dy brilliant for us Spurs fan. It couldn't really have gone much better.
After that United defeat I wrote an article on here saying we needed six points from our next two games against Hull and Burnley. That was duly delivered, although the Burnley game was harder work than it should have been given the chances we created and the dominance we had.
Given our record is so good over Christmas, I was reasonably confident about that run continuing, although games against Soton and Watford were potential banana skins. After a difficult start, we turned things round against the Saints and were well on the way to winning before being given a helping hand by Mike Dean. Son's goal killed things off and Alli's put the icing on the cake. New Year's Day, meanwhile, brought with it an excellent antidote to all those sore heads with a thoroughly comprehensive win over Watford, even with Vert and Walker missing. Trippier slotted in superbly at right-back, Kane was clinical, Alli was brilliant. Only a late, very scruffy goal from Kaboul took the gloss off a composed, aggressive, hard-pressing performance.
Things got even better a few days later when Chelsea came to town, off the back of a 13 game winning run and riding high at the top of the league. Given our recent record against Chelsea at the Lane, and the fact we remained unbeaten at home going into that game, I think most Spurs fans were cautiously optimistic but would have taken a draw. It was a tight, tense, closely-contested affair, but a goal just before half time - lovely ball from Eriksen, wonderful header from Dele - gave us the lead we deserved. We got a second early in the second half - with the same Eriksen/Dele combo coming up with the goods - and saw out the game with the minimum of fuss. Chelsea barely threatened once we went 2-0 up. It was a wonderfully disciplined, mature and professional performance, elevated by moments of brilliance from Eriksen and Dele.
Then came Villa at home, which saw a mixture of fringe players, youth prospects and a few first-teamers finally see off stubborn resistance from the visitors. Another goal for Son, a first goal for Ben Davies, another win at home. Very nice.
Could we, though, follow the Chelsea win with victory over our bogey side West Brom (no win against them at home since 2012; always awkward, difficult opponents)? Or would we buckle like we did after the equally excellent 2-0 win over City?
As it turned out, we completely blew the Baggies away with a quite sumptuous performance. Ben Foster was a very busy man, and there was no let-up in the pressing and probing from Rose, Walker, Dembele, Wanyama and Eriksen. Alli was once again buzzing around, causing havoc, and Kane was his usual clinical self. 4-0. And could have been many more. Our determination to go out of WHL with a bang claimed its latest victim.
December to February always seems to be a good period for us under Poch. In his first season in charge we started to turn it on and Kane emerged as the top-quality striker we see today. Last year, our (eventually futile) title challenge was kickstarted by our form around this time. This year, we've won 7 in a row in all competitions and have Eriksen, Alli and Kane in scintillating form.
City will be a tough, tough test - you never know which City side will turn up - but we have no reason to fear them. We won there last year, and we can do the same again. COYS.
Since the Man United defeat, our league record reads: P6 W6 D0 L0 F19 A3. Kane now has 13 goals in 14 games. Dele has 7 goals in his last 5. Our defence has conceded the fewest goals - 14 - of any club in the league. Plenty of reasons to be happy with our recent form. Of course, things can change very suddenly, but best just to enjoy the moment for now.
On a roll
posted on 16/1/17
Thought you were brilliant v West Brom, could have easily been 6-0, Kane and Alli were great but I was most impressed with Wanyama and Dembele as a pair.
Can't think of a more physical pairing in the league, but both of them, and more Dembele are good footballers too.
Think the game v you at Anfield will be a cracker.
posted on 16/1/17
Good Recap Lane !!! We have nothing to fear from City. Assuming Jan is out for a while, the fact that Davies can step into the left side of back 3 (Position he plays for Wales) just shows that while the squad is not perfect, its still decent. While we lack some of the superstars of others In the top 6, I wouldn't swap any of our starting 11 on sat for any of them (Hazard, Costa, Luiz, Sanchez, Ozil etc). I think we are the best balanced, fittest, ego free "team" in the league. If there's a team playing with a better understanding of the managers tactics & level of commitment required of them.... I haven't seen them (including Chelsea 2-0).... COYS
posted on 16/1/17
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 16/1/17
Long may it continue. I'm hoping for a manager/player of the month award double.
posted on 16/1/17
comment by Big Kabouls and a Huge Jenas (U7876)
posted 9 minutes ago
Long may it continue. I'm hoping for a manager/player of the month award double.
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What about the manager/player of the month award curse?
posted on 16/1/17
comment by Diamondlights (U20501)
posted 42 minutes ago
Good Recap Lane !!! We have nothing to fear from City. Assuming Jan is out for a while, the fact that Davies can step into the left side of back 3 (Position he plays for Wales) just shows that while the squad is not perfect, its still decent. While we lack some of the superstars of others In the top 6, I wouldn't swap any of our starting 11 on sat for any of them (Hazard, Costa, Luiz, Sanchez, Ozil etc). I think we are the best balanced, fittest, ego free "team" in the league. If there's a team playing with a better understanding of the managers tactics & level of commitment required of them.... I haven't seen them (including Chelsea 2-0).... COYS
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Yes, Davies or Wimmer can play there. Or we have the option of switching to a back four. 3-4-2-1 seems to be flavour of the month at the moment - or variations on that formation - but we look equally adept at playing a number of different formations. The way we're playing at the moment allows Rose and Walker to pelt forward without having to worry about defending so much, and both have been in incredible form. It also helps that Alli, Eriksen and Kane have all hit top form at exactly the same time, with Wanyama and Dembele such a solid base behind them.
posted on 16/1/17
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 49 minutes ago
Thought you were brilliant v West Brom, could have easily been 6-0, Kane and Alli were great but I was most impressed with Wanyama and Dembele as a pair.
Can't think of a more physical pairing in the league, but both of them, and more Dembele are good footballers too.
Think the game v you at Anfield will be a cracker.
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Hate playing at Anfield! Would take a draw tbh.
posted on 16/1/17
Yes we are in cracking form, best Spurs 'team' I have seen in many years. Yes we have had better 'individuals' here and there in the past, but this group of players are playing so well as a unit. It's great to watch. I used to think 'oh well there's another 3 pointer' away to City or Liverpool, but you know what - they will both be just as fearful of us now. If I may, there is one fly in the ointment, Verts I think has played 20 out of 21 games for us in the league, we will miss him a lot. Yes, Toby is the stalwart, the best defender in our team for years, but Verts has been great this season too. I really hope this injury isn't as bad as it looked. So, against City, which defence will Poch go with? 3 (with wing backs Rose and Walker +2 when needed) or 4 at the back, and who?
posted on 16/1/17
comment by Tottenham Northspur (U11349)
posted 28 minutes ago
Yes we are in cracking form, best Spurs 'team' I have seen in many years. Yes we have had better 'individuals' here and there in the past, but this group of players are playing so well as a unit. It's great to watch. I used to think 'oh well there's another 3 pointer' away to City or Liverpool, but you know what - they will both be just as fearful of us now. If I may, there is one fly in the ointment, Verts I think has played 20 out of 21 games for us in the league, we will miss him a lot. Yes, Toby is the stalwart, the best defender in our team for years, but Verts has been great this season too. I really hope this injury isn't as bad as it looked. So, against City, which defence will Poch go with? 3 (with wing backs Rose and Walker +2 when needed) or 4 at the back, and who?
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I think we keep the 3-4-2-1 formation with Davies replacing Jan on the left of a back 3
posted on 16/1/17
we are traditionally strong over xmas and into the new year. this form is very much business as usual.
one thing is for sure though, we need to win pretty much every game if we are to catch Chelsea.