Not only that, but all these pundits seem to think Levy has a magic money tree growing in the garden of his mansion. It's one thing if Joe Lewis decided to put more money into Spurs and not run us for his own profit, but he's never taken an interest in us as anything other than another business he will profit from. Levy can only piss with the cock he's got. With the new stadium and our incoming revenue as it is, we can't afford to pay everyone Man City wages without taking a financial risk which would be potentially damaging to our club's future. Why does no pundit ever make this point?
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Match Galacticos v the mighty Tottenham
- Thread starter Aberdeenshire yid
- Start date
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I put this in the media thread, but it will do in here. People being nice about us. This from Henry Winter in the Times. (Yeah, I know he’s a pretentious twat).
“This was a performance that showed Tottenham Hotspur truly belong at Europe’s top table, that they have a manager in Mauricio Pochettino with the tactical nous and sense of adventure to test the best, and that their squad is strong enough in terms of technical quality and mental resilience to withstand absences.
Spurs have enjoyed uplifting moments in the Champions League, from Peter Crouch scoring against AC Milan in the San Siro to “taxi for Maicon”, but this felt like an occasion when they truly arrived. The old Spurs might have folded when Real Madrid raised their tempo and sights. The new Spurs, Pochettino’s brand, are made of sterner mettle. No more Mr Spursy.
The 3,900 Spurs fans saluted Pochettino and his players loudly after the final whistle. There was so much for them to applaud from Harry Winks’s mature display against such celebrated hosts to Harry Kane’s frontrunning to Serge Aurier’s attacks down the right to Eric Dier’s leadership in central defence. Jan Vertonghen, playing at left wing back, gradually got to grips with Real’s exciting teenager, Achraf Hakimi. Christian Eriksen was slightly below par but this was not a night for nit-picking.
This was an occasion when Spurs fans were passionately acclaiming their goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who made seven saves, but this was no siege. This was an intelligent, gutsy, disciplined display by Spurs, who always looked to attack. They opened the scoring through Raphaël Varane’s own goal, were pegged back by Cristiano Ronaldo’s emphatic penalty but never looked like being swamped for all Real’s 61 per cent possession.
Spurs’ display will doubtless intensify speculation linking their players elsewhere but really this performance signalled they are here to stay, and why their players should stay. Pochettino is building something special, and the camaraderie is clear to see. Now is not the time to leave Spurs. The party’s just beginning.
All the arguments over the supposed sparseness of Spurs squad ended here. Missing the injured Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé, the unwell Ben Davies and the suspended Dele Alli, Spurs deservedly held the European champions. Moussa Sissoko, so oft maligned, particularly impressed, building a strong understanding with Aurier on the right. Davinson Sánchez looks a redoubtable addition in defence, showing speed and timing in the tackle.
Danny Rose came on, making a welcome return after the knee injury he suffered in January, and it would be enlightening to learn whether he still feels the squad is understrength. Érik Lamela, who needs registering for the Champions League, is close to a return from injury. And Pochettino is not afraid to look among Spurs’ home-grown, promoting from within. Their under-19s also drew 1-1 with Real in the Uefa Youth League yesterday afternoon.
Once accused of lacking steel, Spurs demonstrated their resolve all night.
Kane, Winks and company had known this was going to be a huge test of their qualities but they refused to be daunted. Kane arrived with his earphones in, his face a picture of concentration, knowing that there has been so much talk about his prolific form but that this stage was a level above. A hat-trick against Apoel was one thing, but this was the Bernabeu, facing Sergio Ramos and Varane.
No problem. Within seconds of the kick-off, Kane dispossessed Varane. No fear. Kane embodied the boldness in Pochettino’s philosophy. To dare is to do. He certainly reminded Real of his many strengths, as if the serial flirts of elite football needed further evidence.
Winks, only 21 but so nerveless, followed Kane’s lead, equally impressing in a compelling first half. Winks sat in deep midfield, transferring ball left and right, unfazed by the class in white close by in Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco. Winks took on the European champions in their own backyard, playing his game, passing and passing, constantly positive. A measure of Winks’s influence was contained in his stats, completing all but three of his 47 passes. His accuracy even eclipsed Modric’s.
The one jarring note on an uplifting evening was another airing of the Spurs fans’ distasteful song about Sol Campbell. That aside, Spurs’ support was otherwise a fine example of how 3,900 can make themselves heard among 76,589.
“One of our own” they sang of Kane, waving a picture of their No 10, and displaying banners signalling “fat boys on tour” and a loyalty “from the Lane to the grave”. Even when the locals whistled derisively, the visiting contingent made themselves heard. Non-stop.
They loved Pochettino’s style, trusting in Winks, and setting Real an unexpected test with two centre forwards, Kane and Fernando Llorente, who has a good track record against Real. They had to withstand sustained early pressure, Ronaldo heading against a post and Karim Benzema wasting a loose ball, shooting wide.
As the songs of support tumbled down from the top two tiers, urging Spurs forward, Kane almost scored from an Eriksen corner, escaping from Varane, heading downwards and only Keylor Navas’s reflexes rescued Real.
Kane then cut in from the right, stroking the ball across towards Llorente. Navas pushed the ball away but Llorente regained possession, tried to turn and was clearly impeded by Casemiro, who hooked his foot away. Llorente went down, Kane’s arms went up, appealing for a penalty but the inexperienced Polish referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on.
Spurs’ enterprise was rewarded after 28 minutes. Aurier, attacking down the right, whipped in a cross and Varane was so distracted by Kane’s movement that he took his eyes off the flight of the ball, which hit him and spiralled past Navas. Spurs fans chanted the name of Kane but it was one of their own goals.
Spurs celebrated but also knew a storm was coming their way. Lloris denied Isco. Eriksen hooked clear. Toby Alderweireld blocked an Isco shot. Dier, playing in the heart of Spurs’ back five, headed out and then went hunting Modric, winning the ball.
But Real came at Spurs from every angle. Four minutes from the break, Benzema guided Kroos into the area, and the German was brought down by the stretching Aurier. Ronaldo, clinically, gave Lloris no chance.
As the clock ticked reluctantly past the hour mark, savouring every second of the spectacle, Casemiro broke down the inside-left channel and lifted the ball to the right towards Ronaldo. The brilliant Portuguese let fly and again Lloris had to be at his best to divert the danger. Again Ronaldo attacked, this time demonstrating phenomenal pace to take him clear but again Lloris saved.
Spurs responded, Kane and then Eriksen going close with shots, and then Sánchez heading just wide. Back came Real, Isco turning and shooting from 25 yards but Lloris fell to his right, clutching the ball and then commanding his box, pulling a Kroos corner out of the sky. Then the final whistle went, confirming that Spurs have arrived.”
“This was a performance that showed Tottenham Hotspur truly belong at Europe’s top table, that they have a manager in Mauricio Pochettino with the tactical nous and sense of adventure to test the best, and that their squad is strong enough in terms of technical quality and mental resilience to withstand absences.
Spurs have enjoyed uplifting moments in the Champions League, from Peter Crouch scoring against AC Milan in the San Siro to “taxi for Maicon”, but this felt like an occasion when they truly arrived. The old Spurs might have folded when Real Madrid raised their tempo and sights. The new Spurs, Pochettino’s brand, are made of sterner mettle. No more Mr Spursy.
The 3,900 Spurs fans saluted Pochettino and his players loudly after the final whistle. There was so much for them to applaud from Harry Winks’s mature display against such celebrated hosts to Harry Kane’s frontrunning to Serge Aurier’s attacks down the right to Eric Dier’s leadership in central defence. Jan Vertonghen, playing at left wing back, gradually got to grips with Real’s exciting teenager, Achraf Hakimi. Christian Eriksen was slightly below par but this was not a night for nit-picking.
This was an occasion when Spurs fans were passionately acclaiming their goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who made seven saves, but this was no siege. This was an intelligent, gutsy, disciplined display by Spurs, who always looked to attack. They opened the scoring through Raphaël Varane’s own goal, were pegged back by Cristiano Ronaldo’s emphatic penalty but never looked like being swamped for all Real’s 61 per cent possession.
Spurs’ display will doubtless intensify speculation linking their players elsewhere but really this performance signalled they are here to stay, and why their players should stay. Pochettino is building something special, and the camaraderie is clear to see. Now is not the time to leave Spurs. The party’s just beginning.
All the arguments over the supposed sparseness of Spurs squad ended here. Missing the injured Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé, the unwell Ben Davies and the suspended Dele Alli, Spurs deservedly held the European champions. Moussa Sissoko, so oft maligned, particularly impressed, building a strong understanding with Aurier on the right. Davinson Sánchez looks a redoubtable addition in defence, showing speed and timing in the tackle.
Danny Rose came on, making a welcome return after the knee injury he suffered in January, and it would be enlightening to learn whether he still feels the squad is understrength. Érik Lamela, who needs registering for the Champions League, is close to a return from injury. And Pochettino is not afraid to look among Spurs’ home-grown, promoting from within. Their under-19s also drew 1-1 with Real in the Uefa Youth League yesterday afternoon.
Once accused of lacking steel, Spurs demonstrated their resolve all night.
Kane, Winks and company had known this was going to be a huge test of their qualities but they refused to be daunted. Kane arrived with his earphones in, his face a picture of concentration, knowing that there has been so much talk about his prolific form but that this stage was a level above. A hat-trick against Apoel was one thing, but this was the Bernabeu, facing Sergio Ramos and Varane.
No problem. Within seconds of the kick-off, Kane dispossessed Varane. No fear. Kane embodied the boldness in Pochettino’s philosophy. To dare is to do. He certainly reminded Real of his many strengths, as if the serial flirts of elite football needed further evidence.
Winks, only 21 but so nerveless, followed Kane’s lead, equally impressing in a compelling first half. Winks sat in deep midfield, transferring ball left and right, unfazed by the class in white close by in Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco. Winks took on the European champions in their own backyard, playing his game, passing and passing, constantly positive. A measure of Winks’s influence was contained in his stats, completing all but three of his 47 passes. His accuracy even eclipsed Modric’s.
The one jarring note on an uplifting evening was another airing of the Spurs fans’ distasteful song about Sol Campbell. That aside, Spurs’ support was otherwise a fine example of how 3,900 can make themselves heard among 76,589.
“One of our own” they sang of Kane, waving a picture of their No 10, and displaying banners signalling “fat boys on tour” and a loyalty “from the Lane to the grave”. Even when the locals whistled derisively, the visiting contingent made themselves heard. Non-stop.
They loved Pochettino’s style, trusting in Winks, and setting Real an unexpected test with two centre forwards, Kane and Fernando Llorente, who has a good track record against Real. They had to withstand sustained early pressure, Ronaldo heading against a post and Karim Benzema wasting a loose ball, shooting wide.
As the songs of support tumbled down from the top two tiers, urging Spurs forward, Kane almost scored from an Eriksen corner, escaping from Varane, heading downwards and only Keylor Navas’s reflexes rescued Real.
Kane then cut in from the right, stroking the ball across towards Llorente. Navas pushed the ball away but Llorente regained possession, tried to turn and was clearly impeded by Casemiro, who hooked his foot away. Llorente went down, Kane’s arms went up, appealing for a penalty but the inexperienced Polish referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on.
Spurs’ enterprise was rewarded after 28 minutes. Aurier, attacking down the right, whipped in a cross and Varane was so distracted by Kane’s movement that he took his eyes off the flight of the ball, which hit him and spiralled past Navas. Spurs fans chanted the name of Kane but it was one of their own goals.
Spurs celebrated but also knew a storm was coming their way. Lloris denied Isco. Eriksen hooked clear. Toby Alderweireld blocked an Isco shot. Dier, playing in the heart of Spurs’ back five, headed out and then went hunting Modric, winning the ball.
But Real came at Spurs from every angle. Four minutes from the break, Benzema guided Kroos into the area, and the German was brought down by the stretching Aurier. Ronaldo, clinically, gave Lloris no chance.
As the clock ticked reluctantly past the hour mark, savouring every second of the spectacle, Casemiro broke down the inside-left channel and lifted the ball to the right towards Ronaldo. The brilliant Portuguese let fly and again Lloris had to be at his best to divert the danger. Again Ronaldo attacked, this time demonstrating phenomenal pace to take him clear but again Lloris saved.
Spurs responded, Kane and then Eriksen going close with shots, and then Sánchez heading just wide. Back came Real, Isco turning and shooting from 25 yards but Lloris fell to his right, clutching the ball and then commanding his box, pulling a Kroos corner out of the sky. Then the final whistle went, confirming that Spurs have arrived.”
Reflecting back on last night I think a draw was a fair result, crazy saying that as a spurs fan considering we played away at Madrid with Dembele, Wanyama and dele and Davies!
Tactical masterclass by Poch, makes me proud to be a yid, also away support sounded fucking class on the TV! Could hear our fans throughout so well done to those that made the trip!
We have come so far as a club, I was on holiday the other week and a guy asked me who I supported, when I told him spurs he said are you a life long fan or is it just since Poch has taken over!?
:hugoshock:
ochhail:
I never ever thought that as a spurs fan I would be considered a glory hunter!!!!
This team could actually win the CL! Believe it people, as they say to dare is to do!
Tactical masterclass by Poch, makes me proud to be a yid, also away support sounded fucking class on the TV! Could hear our fans throughout so well done to those that made the trip!
We have come so far as a club, I was on holiday the other week and a guy asked me who I supported, when I told him spurs he said are you a life long fan or is it just since Poch has taken over!?
:hugoshock:ochhail:I never ever thought that as a spurs fan I would be considered a glory hunter!!!!
This team could actually win the CL! Believe it people, as they say to dare is to do!
You seen The Guardian's coverage? That pykey cunt David Hytner can barely conceal his disappointment that we didn't get whupped. Fucking gooner shitragI put this in the media thread, but it will do in here. People being nice about us. This from Henry Winter in the Times. (Yeah, I know he’s a pretentious twat).
“This was a performance that showed Tottenham Hotspur truly belong at Europe’s top table, that they have a manager in Mauricio Pochettino with the tactical nous and sense of adventure to test the best, and that their squad is strong enough in terms of technical quality and mental resilience to withstand absences.
Spurs have enjoyed uplifting moments in the Champions League, from Peter Crouch scoring against AC Milan in the San Siro to “taxi for Maicon”, but this felt like an occasion when they truly arrived. The old Spurs might have folded when Real Madrid raised their tempo and sights. The new Spurs, Pochettino’s brand, are made of sterner mettle. No more Mr Spursy.
The 3,900 Spurs fans saluted Pochettino and his players loudly after the final whistle. There was so much for them to applaud from Harry Winks’s mature display against such celebrated hosts to Harry Kane’s frontrunning to Serge Aurier’s attacks down the right to Eric Dier’s leadership in central defence. Jan Vertonghen, playing at left wing back, gradually got to grips with Real’s exciting teenager, Achraf Hakimi. Christian Eriksen was slightly below par but this was not a night for nit-picking.
This was an occasion when Spurs fans were passionately acclaiming their goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who made seven saves, but this was no siege. This was an intelligent, gutsy, disciplined display by Spurs, who always looked to attack. They opened the scoring through Raphaël Varane’s own goal, were pegged back by Cristiano Ronaldo’s emphatic penalty but never looked like being swamped for all Real’s 61 per cent possession.
Spurs’ display will doubtless intensify speculation linking their players elsewhere but really this performance signalled they are here to stay, and why their players should stay. Pochettino is building something special, and the camaraderie is clear to see. Now is not the time to leave Spurs. The party’s just beginning.
All the arguments over the supposed sparseness of Spurs squad ended here. Missing the injured Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé, the unwell Ben Davies and the suspended Dele Alli, Spurs deservedly held the European champions. Moussa Sissoko, so oft maligned, particularly impressed, building a strong understanding with Aurier on the right. Davinson Sánchez looks a redoubtable addition in defence, showing speed and timing in the tackle.
Danny Rose came on, making a welcome return after the knee injury he suffered in January, and it would be enlightening to learn whether he still feels the squad is understrength. Érik Lamela, who needs registering for the Champions League, is close to a return from injury. And Pochettino is not afraid to look among Spurs’ home-grown, promoting from within. Their under-19s also drew 1-1 with Real in the Uefa Youth League yesterday afternoon.
Once accused of lacking steel, Spurs demonstrated their resolve all night.
Kane, Winks and company had known this was going to be a huge test of their qualities but they refused to be daunted. Kane arrived with his earphones in, his face a picture of concentration, knowing that there has been so much talk about his prolific form but that this stage was a level above. A hat-trick against Apoel was one thing, but this was the Bernabeu, facing Sergio Ramos and Varane.
No problem. Within seconds of the kick-off, Kane dispossessed Varane. No fear. Kane embodied the boldness in Pochettino’s philosophy. To dare is to do. He certainly reminded Real of his many strengths, as if the serial flirts of elite football needed further evidence.
Winks, only 21 but so nerveless, followed Kane’s lead, equally impressing in a compelling first half. Winks sat in deep midfield, transferring ball left and right, unfazed by the class in white close by in Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco. Winks took on the European champions in their own backyard, playing his game, passing and passing, constantly positive. A measure of Winks’s influence was contained in his stats, completing all but three of his 47 passes. His accuracy even eclipsed Modric’s.
The one jarring note on an uplifting evening was another airing of the Spurs fans’ distasteful song about Sol Campbell. That aside, Spurs’ support was otherwise a fine example of how 3,900 can make themselves heard among 76,589.
“One of our own” they sang of Kane, waving a picture of their No 10, and displaying banners signalling “fat boys on tour” and a loyalty “from the Lane to the grave”. Even when the locals whistled derisively, the visiting contingent made themselves heard. Non-stop.
They loved Pochettino’s style, trusting in Winks, and setting Real an unexpected test with two centre forwards, Kane and Fernando Llorente, who has a good track record against Real. They had to withstand sustained early pressure, Ronaldo heading against a post and Karim Benzema wasting a loose ball, shooting wide.
As the songs of support tumbled down from the top two tiers, urging Spurs forward, Kane almost scored from an Eriksen corner, escaping from Varane, heading downwards and only Keylor Navas’s reflexes rescued Real.
Kane then cut in from the right, stroking the ball across towards Llorente. Navas pushed the ball away but Llorente regained possession, tried to turn and was clearly impeded by Casemiro, who hooked his foot away. Llorente went down, Kane’s arms went up, appealing for a penalty but the inexperienced Polish referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on.
Spurs’ enterprise was rewarded after 28 minutes. Aurier, attacking down the right, whipped in a cross and Varane was so distracted by Kane’s movement that he took his eyes off the flight of the ball, which hit him and spiralled past Navas. Spurs fans chanted the name of Kane but it was one of their own goals.
Spurs celebrated but also knew a storm was coming their way. Lloris denied Isco. Eriksen hooked clear. Toby Alderweireld blocked an Isco shot. Dier, playing in the heart of Spurs’ back five, headed out and then went hunting Modric, winning the ball.
But Real came at Spurs from every angle. Four minutes from the break, Benzema guided Kroos into the area, and the German was brought down by the stretching Aurier. Ronaldo, clinically, gave Lloris no chance.
As the clock ticked reluctantly past the hour mark, savouring every second of the spectacle, Casemiro broke down the inside-left channel and lifted the ball to the right towards Ronaldo. The brilliant Portuguese let fly and again Lloris had to be at his best to divert the danger. Again Ronaldo attacked, this time demonstrating phenomenal pace to take him clear but again Lloris saved.
Spurs responded, Kane and then Eriksen going close with shots, and then Sánchez heading just wide. Back came Real, Isco turning and shooting from 25 yards but Lloris fell to his right, clutching the ball and then commanding his box, pulling a Kroos corner out of the sky. Then the final whistle went, confirming that Spurs have arrived.”
Eriksen was up against a truly world class player last night and did well considering but you’re right, a gulf between them and wish we still had Modric
Not seen it Bill - I don’t think I’ll make the effort. They’re always begging me for money.
Great player right enough but never was the sharpest pencil in the box
Yeah. As I have often said on here I think we have impressed early. We weren't really supposed to have reached this stage before the new stadium was up and running and people just can't get it into their heads that new state of the art multi purpose stadiums, ya know, cost a bit of money!
I can't stand Winter, one of the most over ratted writers there is, that said, he is revered (I don't know why) and what is important is that pundits take his lead. So keeping my fingers crossed that these comments may start to change the narrative about us:I put this in the media thread, but it will do in here. People being nice about us. This from Henry Winter in the Times. (Yeah, I know he’s a pretentious twat).
“This was a performance that showed Tottenham Hotspur truly belong at Europe’s top table, that they have a manager in Mauricio Pochettino with the tactical nous and sense of adventure to test the best, and that their squad is strong enough in terms of technical quality and mental resilience to withstand absences.
Spurs have enjoyed uplifting moments in the Champions League, from Peter Crouch scoring against AC Milan in the San Siro to “taxi for Maicon”, but this felt like an occasion when they truly arrived. The old Spurs might have folded when Real Madrid raised their tempo and sights. The new Spurs, Pochettino’s brand, are made of sterner mettle. No more Mr Spursy.
The 3,900 Spurs fans saluted Pochettino and his players loudly after the final whistle. There was so much for them to applaud from Harry Winks’s mature display against such celebrated hosts to Harry Kane’s frontrunning to Serge Aurier’s attacks down the right to Eric Dier’s leadership in central defence. Jan Vertonghen, playing at left wing back, gradually got to grips with Real’s exciting teenager, Achraf Hakimi. Christian Eriksen was slightly below par but this was not a night for nit-picking.
This was an occasion when Spurs fans were passionately acclaiming their goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who made seven saves, but this was no siege. This was an intelligent, gutsy, disciplined display by Spurs, who always looked to attack. They opened the scoring through Raphaël Varane’s own goal, were pegged back by Cristiano Ronaldo’s emphatic penalty but never looked like being swamped for all Real’s 61 per cent possession.
Spurs’ display will doubtless intensify speculation linking their players elsewhere but really this performance signalled they are here to stay, and why their players should stay. Pochettino is building something special, and the camaraderie is clear to see. Now is not the time to leave Spurs. The party’s just beginning.
All the arguments over the supposed sparseness of Spurs squad ended here. Missing the injured Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé, the unwell Ben Davies and the suspended Dele Alli, Spurs deservedly held the European champions. Moussa Sissoko, so oft maligned, particularly impressed, building a strong understanding with Aurier on the right. Davinson Sánchez looks a redoubtable addition in defence, showing speed and timing in the tackle.
Danny Rose came on, making a welcome return after the knee injury he suffered in January, and it would be enlightening to learn whether he still feels the squad is understrength. Érik Lamela, who needs registering for the Champions League, is close to a return from injury. And Pochettino is not afraid to look among Spurs’ home-grown, promoting from within. Their under-19s also drew 1-1 with Real in the Uefa Youth League yesterday afternoon.
Once accused of lacking steel, Spurs demonstrated their resolve all night.
Kane, Winks and company had known this was going to be a huge test of their qualities but they refused to be daunted. Kane arrived with his earphones in, his face a picture of concentration, knowing that there has been so much talk about his prolific form but that this stage was a level above. A hat-trick against Apoel was one thing, but this was the Bernabeu, facing Sergio Ramos and Varane.
No problem. Within seconds of the kick-off, Kane dispossessed Varane. No fear. Kane embodied the boldness in Pochettino’s philosophy. To dare is to do. He certainly reminded Real of his many strengths, as if the serial flirts of elite football needed further evidence.
Winks, only 21 but so nerveless, followed Kane’s lead, equally impressing in a compelling first half. Winks sat in deep midfield, transferring ball left and right, unfazed by the class in white close by in Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco. Winks took on the European champions in their own backyard, playing his game, passing and passing, constantly positive. A measure of Winks’s influence was contained in his stats, completing all but three of his 47 passes. His accuracy even eclipsed Modric’s.
The one jarring note on an uplifting evening was another airing of the Spurs fans’ distasteful song about Sol Campbell. That aside, Spurs’ support was otherwise a fine example of how 3,900 can make themselves heard among 76,589.
“One of our own” they sang of Kane, waving a picture of their No 10, and displaying banners signalling “fat boys on tour” and a loyalty “from the Lane to the grave”. Even when the locals whistled derisively, the visiting contingent made themselves heard. Non-stop.
They loved Pochettino’s style, trusting in Winks, and setting Real an unexpected test with two centre forwards, Kane and Fernando Llorente, who has a good track record against Real. They had to withstand sustained early pressure, Ronaldo heading against a post and Karim Benzema wasting a loose ball, shooting wide.
As the songs of support tumbled down from the top two tiers, urging Spurs forward, Kane almost scored from an Eriksen corner, escaping from Varane, heading downwards and only Keylor Navas’s reflexes rescued Real.
Kane then cut in from the right, stroking the ball across towards Llorente. Navas pushed the ball away but Llorente regained possession, tried to turn and was clearly impeded by Casemiro, who hooked his foot away. Llorente went down, Kane’s arms went up, appealing for a penalty but the inexperienced Polish referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on.
Spurs’ enterprise was rewarded after 28 minutes. Aurier, attacking down the right, whipped in a cross and Varane was so distracted by Kane’s movement that he took his eyes off the flight of the ball, which hit him and spiralled past Navas. Spurs fans chanted the name of Kane but it was one of their own goals.
Spurs celebrated but also knew a storm was coming their way. Lloris denied Isco. Eriksen hooked clear. Toby Alderweireld blocked an Isco shot. Dier, playing in the heart of Spurs’ back five, headed out and then went hunting Modric, winning the ball.
But Real came at Spurs from every angle. Four minutes from the break, Benzema guided Kroos into the area, and the German was brought down by the stretching Aurier. Ronaldo, clinically, gave Lloris no chance.
As the clock ticked reluctantly past the hour mark, savouring every second of the spectacle, Casemiro broke down the inside-left channel and lifted the ball to the right towards Ronaldo. The brilliant Portuguese let fly and again Lloris had to be at his best to divert the danger. Again Ronaldo attacked, this time demonstrating phenomenal pace to take him clear but again Lloris saved.
Spurs responded, Kane and then Eriksen going close with shots, and then Sánchez heading just wide. Back came Real, Isco turning and shooting from 25 yards but Lloris fell to his right, clutching the ball and then commanding his box, pulling a Kroos corner out of the sky. Then the final whistle went, confirming that Spurs have arrived.”
“This was a performance that showed Tottenham Hotspur truly belong at Europe’s top table, that they have a manager in Mauricio Pochettino with the tactical nous and sense of adventure to test the best, and that their squad is strong enough in terms of technical quality and mental resilience to withstand absences.
All the arguments over the supposed sparseness of Spurs squad ended here. Missing the injured Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé, the unwell Ben Davies and the suspended Dele Alli, Spurs deservedly held the European champions. Moussa Sissoko, so oft maligned, particularly impressed, building a strong understanding with Aurier on the right. Davinson Sánchez looks a redoubtable addition in defence, showing speed and timing in the tackle.
Danny Rose came on, making a welcome return after the knee injury he suffered in January, and it would be enlightening to learn whether he still feels the squad is understrength. Érik Lamela, who needs registering for the Champions League, is close to a return from injury. And Pochettino is not afraid to look among Spurs’ home-grown, promoting from within. Their under-19s also drew 1-1 with Real in the Uefa Youth League yesterday afternoon.
Spurs’ display will doubtless intensify speculation linking their players elsewhere but really this performance signalled they are here to stay, and why their players should stay. Pochettino is building something special, and the camaraderie is clear to see. Now is not the time to leave Spurs. The party’s just beginning.
I will not hold my breath if the rest of the media follow suit however but my fingers are crossed. All Winter has done is say what many of us have been saying for a couple of years now, it's like he has come on this forum and copied many posters, again don't get why he is so highly regarded, the fact it has only taken until now to credit us/Poch/team have done shows just how shit he really is.
I did declare my feelings about him at the top of my post, but yes, let’s hope some follow his (non) lead.
He’s on the list that is clearly not making the bench of the rest of those guys are healthy.
:eriksenlol:
Yeah, and somebody needs to get hold of Eric Dier and turn him into a creative, playmaking AM.
I blame the manager.
I bet Ronaldo lost and made a scene with the referee
I've seen people slagging off Aurier, I thought he was absolutely fantastic last night. He had the best left wing back in the world in his pocket, countless times he forced him to check, pass back, lose posession.
I thought we were fantastic 1-11 really, but especially big love to Hugo, Serge, Toby, Davinson, Jan,Eric, Moussa, Harry, Christian, Fernando, Harry, Danny and Heung-min in particular
I thought we were fantastic 1-11 really, but especially big love to Hugo, Serge, Toby, Davinson, Jan,Eric, Moussa, Harry, Christian, Fernando, Harry, Danny and Heung-min in particular
A grey and damp morning innit...
But bloody hell, nothing can dampen my good mood. Not even a withering hangover.
Still absolutely buzzing off last nights performance. We were superb.
But bloody hell, nothing can dampen my good mood. Not even a withering hangover.
Still absolutely buzzing off last nights performance. We were superb.
Love this picture! Hope he stays his whole career.
Our fans sounded fucking superb, by the way.
I woke up with a stupid smile on my face that refuses to go away and I feel all loose and relaxed in every limb. Like when you've been stressing with a deadline and all the stress goes away and you just slump down in the couch. Great feeling tbhA grey and damp morning innit...
But bloody hell, nothing can dampen my good mood. Not even a withering hangover.
Still absolutely buzzing off last nights performance. We were superb.
You can look at it like that or that he scored some amazing goals and when he left we made a huge profit that bought us Eriksen and Lamela and even the fuck up buys we then sold and reinvested to help get us the squad we have now.
We were always a stepping stone for him and Modric. I love the club and when it comes to players I accept that for most of them it’s a career, let’s be honest if Bale was not good enough we would have sold him to some Championship side, there is little loyal. I hope that as Kane and Winks are supposed to be fans that might make things a bit different.
That being said Bale, Modric and Berbatov behaved badly trying to force a move. It’s why I can’t dislike Walker, he didn’t cunt of the club or the fans and was respectful whatever the reasons for the move.