Spurs 2018/19

GlastonSpur said:
The pitch has now been laid in our new stadium.



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Cool. Looks like the pitch will have slopes, similar to Old Trafford pitch?
 
africanspur said:
That is fair but it isn't like we're 5th and adrift from the other 4 clubs, we're all bunched up. Man Utd are going through a rough time at the moment but I reckon they'll be back up soon and you're right, the 6 clubs will probably be quite close by the end of the season.

Cardiff, Huddersfield, Newcastle are all quite poor. Fulham could have gone either way in terms of difficulty and Brighton have lost 4 games at home since coming up.

I also agree that if our performances don't improve, we will likely end up falling out of contention from the top 4 (and I already think we are out of the CL tbh). My point is that we always start the season quite slowly under Poch. We often look like shit performance wise at the beginning. Worryingly, we also often suffer a slump in the 2 months that are coming up (not helpful when our fixture list reads West Ham (a), PSV (a), Man City, West Ham in LC (a), Wolves (a), PSV, Crystal Palace (a), Chelsea, Inter, Arsenal (a)).

That little run takes us to 1st December and I would not be surprised if by that time, we aren't out of the league cup, most likely out of the CL and behind the other clubs will be doing well to have picked up double figures from those 6 league games. I am almost certain there will be doo and gloom aplenty after that but after that little run, our fixture list really lightens up and (hopefully!!) will be in the new stadium by then.

But yep, performances so far have not been up to scratch and need to improve.
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Yeah, admittedly we're doing ok results wise, and have stayed up there. Fulham are straight up awful and didn't even have their new signings when they played us, but you have a point with Brighton. I think we treated that as a must win because otherwise we were facing 4 on the bounce.

I really don't think we've looked this bad before, or for so long. I get we start slowly, but do you really think this season isn't looking worse than ever? We also need to start improving, not regressing! We can't be like 'Oh well we're always rubbish at the start' .. that is straight up unacceptable. If we're poor at the start then get to fixing that.

I just think we're in for a bit of a damp squib of a season. Best we can realistically hope for is top four, maybe an FA cup but it's unlikely .. can anyone see us beating City or Liverpool in a cup tie right now? I'm excited as hell for the new stadium but I'd be 10 times as happy if the performances on the pitch were more encouraging.
 
Rifer said:
Cool. Looks like the pitch will have slopes, similar to Old Trafford pitch?
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What do you mean by slopes? Is this a reference to the sides outside of actual playing area?
 
Rifer said:
Cool. Looks like the pitch will have slopes, similar to Old Trafford pitch?
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I'm not sure, but I don't think so … or at least from what I can see from photos.
 
Old Trafford only has slopes because they added undersoil heating and had to raise the pitch to accommodate it. It would be odd to build a new stadium like this.
 
The stadium costs don't seem to be affecting us financially too much so far - quite the opposite in fact.

The club has just released it's financial statement for the year to June 30th of this year:
  • Revenue is up from £306M -> £381M (+24.5%).
  • Profit from operations (before football trading, depreciation, interest, tax and exceptional items) is up from £117.6M -> £163M (+38.6%).
  • Gross tangible assets in excess of £1bn - facilities which include the Training Centre, the new Players’ Lodge, Percy House, home of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Lilywhite House Club offices, new retail warehouse, new Paxton House Ticket Office and now the new stadium along with the newly-opened Spurs Shop – the largest football club store in Europe - plus other property assets.
Things likely won't be as rosy a year from now, but hey-ho, so far so good.
 
Seems like they are grinding out results in the league and getting spanked in Europe.

Havnt seen much of them this year tbh. Watched quite a bit of them last season im a big fan of Eriksen.

Lets see how much City spank them by.
 
Fergie used to talk about teams going in 4 year cycles before you have to make changes, Spurs seem to be coming up to that point. This core started its run in 15/16, you’d think another season without a trophy might lead to changes. I sympathise with Poch having his hands tied with finances but other than trying Lucas up front they haven’t really added much to the team since that first season of making the CL.
 
They've peaked. Losing to City is not a problem but they lack energy.
 
They'll do well to get top 4. Awful team. Lamela is the fella that turns up to every astroturf kick-a-bout with all the gear, swans about pointing and directing people, and then when he has a chance on a plate, think he's has scored before he hits it. Absolutely terrible player.
 
PeteManic said:
They'll do well to get top 4. Awful team. Lamela is the fella that turns up to every astroturf kick-a-bout with all the gear, swans about pointing and directing people, and then when he has a chance on a plate, think he's has scored before he hits it. Absolutely terrible player.
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He obviously isn’t a terrible player, but he certainly isn’t what they thought they were getting for that money at the time. He is more of a runner and fighter, with some slick moves here and there. He also bitches a lot on the pitch, has a punchable face/expression that the referees are never going to like. Mediocre player with a low lowest level, never good enough for a top team.
 
FootyGirl88 said:
Wolves away next could be a tricky game
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Wolves look like the new season/new league bounce is over now, unless they just find I easier playing the better sides. Still expect another unconvincing win for Spurs like they've done all season
 
PeteManic said:
They'll do well to get top 4. Awful team. Lamela is the fella that turns up to every astroturf kick-a-bout with all the gear, swans about pointing and directing people, and then when he has a chance on a plate, think he's has scored before he hits it. Absolutely terrible player.
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Luckily for Spurs there's only 3 sides better than them so nah they'll get top 4 unless something happens with Poch before the summer
 
PeteManic said:
They'll do well to get top 4. Awful team. Lamela is the fella that turns up to every astroturf kick-a-bout with all the gear, swans about pointing and directing people, and then when he has a chance on a plate, think he's has scored before he hits it. Absolutely terrible player.
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Think you have a bad case of hyperbole.

We're clearly not an awful team if we're going to be in the mix for top four, just not a great one. We're a decent side at the moment, nothing more and nothing less.

Also, Lamela has had a really good season, scoring numerous important goals. He missed a bad chance due to a bounce and didn't have a great game against the best side in the league. I've criticised him plenty but it's a bit silly when a player is being labelled terrible for missing a chance. He was at least one of our only players today to keep trying to make something happen.

Kane also fecked up a great chance today, had he taken a decent touch it's likely a goal. We also saw Silva mess up and Aguero hit it straight at Lloris when he had the whole goal to aim at. It happens.
 
SquishyMcSquish said:
Think you have a bad case of hyperbole.

We're clearly not an awful team if we're going to be in the mix for top four, just not a great one. We're a decent side at the moment, nothing more and nothing less.

Also, Lamela has had a really good season, scoring numerous important goals. He missed a bad chance due to a bounce and didn't have a great game against the best side in the league. I've criticised him plenty but it's a bit silly when a player is being labelled terrible for missing a chance. He was at least one of our only players today to keep trying to make something happen.

Kane also fecked up a great chance today, had he taken a decent touch it's likely a goal. We also saw Silva mess up and Aguero hit it straight at Lloris when he had the whole goal to aim at. It happens.
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I thought you guys were pretty unlucky, forced a lot of mistakes from City, but couldn't put those two huge chances away. Considering who you had out, you look very strong. Sissoko looked like a new signing, who the hell was that guy on the pitch.

Also, I've never really got Winks, but when he came on he looked really good.
 
City didn't look great against them to be fair. On a better pitch that was 1-1 or might have even pushed Spurs on to win it.

They're far too good to be just looking at top 4. If anything, they've underachieved in their 'golden years'.

GK - Top 5
CB Pairing - World Class
FB Pairing - Average
Midfield - Very, very good
Wingers/AM - Very good
Striker - Top 3 in the world.

They have better players throughout their starting XI than Arsenal, Chelsea, United & Liverpool. They have no excuse for not winning anything these past few years.
 
Trizy said:
City didn't look great against them to be fair. On a better pitch that was 1-1 or might have even pushed Spurs on to win it.

They're far too good to be just looking at top 4. If anything, they've underachieved in their 'golden years'.

GK - Top 5
CB Pairing - World Class
FB Pairing - Average
Midfield - Very, very good
Wingers/AM - Very good
Striker - Top 3 in the world.

They have better players throughout their starting XI than Arsenal, Chelsea, United & Liverpool. They have no excuse for not winning anything these past few years.
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Although I generally agree - it's the squad strength that lets us down.
 
balaks said:
Although I generally agree - it's the squad strength that lets us down.
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But who really has quality on the bench though? United, Chelsea, Arsenal and even Liverpool aren't exactly stacked with quality options. Not everyone can play cheat mode like PSG and City and have class players on the bench.
 
Trizy said:
But who really has quality on the bench though? United, Chelsea, Arsenal and even Liverpool aren't exactly stacked with quality options. Not everyone can play cheat mode like PSG and City and have class players on the bench.
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It's our midfield and full-backs that are our weakness though and they are very important positions.
 
PeteManic said:
They'll do well to get top 4. Awful team. Lamela is the fella that turns up to every astroturf kick-a-bout with all the gear, swans about pointing and directing people, and then when he has a chance on a plate, think he's has scored before he hits it. Absolutely terrible player.
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If Spurs are an ‘awful team’ I’d love to know what we are. Think you’re being overly harsh.

IMO Spurs are at a pivotal stage in their progress right now. If they do not win any trophies or make significant progress in the next year or two I can see their squad being dismantled slowly but surely as players will leave for other clubs, who would also be willing to pay more.

They may still remain strong depending on their recruitment, but it will be a big challenge for them.

Arguably they should of invested heavily in the summer to build on their progress, perhaps they have missed the boat already.
 
Lash said:
Also, I've never really got Winks, but when he came on he looked really good.
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Watch the RM game vs Spurs with Winks in midfield in form and full fitness. He didnt look out of place.

Spurs needed investment, never got it. Dier is a DM, nothing more, having him as the pivot is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Dembele aging, Wanyama dodgey knees. Sissoko, great engine and workhorse, poor footballer. Winks coming back frim long term injury.

They dropped Alli back in that space early on and he did some seriois work until his injury.
 
Lash said:
I thought you guys were pretty unlucky, forced a lot of mistakes from City, but couldn't put those two huge chances away. Considering who you had out, you look very strong. Sissoko looked like a new signing, who the hell was that guy on the pitch.

Also, I've never really got Winks, but when he came on he looked really good.
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Meh, we were fine. Worked hard, created zilch. Couple of forced mistakes due to our pressing but our attacking play was a total mess .. we created nothing off our own back due to a severe lack of decent decision making. Lamela/Lucas in particular made it their mission to never make the right pass. Kane worked off scraps the entire game, did his usual job of dropping deep because he got no service.

Not that surprising since we were missing Alli & Eriksen for the most part, but still quite uninspiring. Sissoko was great I agree, I said pre-match I'm nowhere near his biggest fan but that I could see why Pochettino was starting him, and it proved a good decision. His physicality and energy can be a real asset in these games. Sadly though, he will never have the end product to go with that .. that pass when he had 3 guys in the box? Sums him up really. That said, had a good game and we would have been worse off without him.

I've never understood the heavy criticism of Winks. He got a bad injury and looked a bit timid coming back from it (understandably) and people rushed to call him a nothing player. He's got a lot to work on but a lot of the basics are absolutely there and he's still very much young and learning. He's had some great performances for us and I reckon he'll cement a place this season.

Right now the team just looks like it needs a lift. They don't seem to be enjoying their football to me, whereas in the past it's been the complete opposite.
 
GlastonSpur said:
The stadium costs don't seem to be affecting us financially too much so far - quite the opposite in fact.

The club has just released it's financial statement for the year to June 30th of this year:
  • Revenue is up from £306M -> £381M (+24.5%).
  • Profit from operations (before football trading, depreciation, interest, tax and exceptional items) is up from £117.6M -> £163M (+38.6%).
  • Gross tangible assets in excess of £1bn - facilities which include the Training Centre, the new Players’ Lodge, Percy House, home of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Lilywhite House Club offices, new retail warehouse, new Paxton House Ticket Office and now the new stadium along with the newly-opened Spurs Shop – the largest football club store in Europe - plus other property assets.
Things likely won't be as rosy a year from now, but hey-ho, so far so good.
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Of course the stadium costs have affected Spurs ability to spend on players, complete nonsense to suggest otherwise. Why did Poch not get players in the summer?, because Spurs know they're over budget and don't have the finances to back him at the moment.
 
charlenefan said:
Luckily for Spurs there's only 3 sides better than them so nah they'll get top 4 unless something happens with Poch before the summer
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I kind of think the same, once Eriksen, Alli, Dembele back fit and firing they will be tough to beat. Lamela has actually been alright this season. Having said that I think an injury to him and Winks is just around the corner.
 
Trizy said:
City didn't look great against them to be fair. On a better pitch that was 1-1 or might have even pushed Spurs on to win it.

They're far too good to be just looking at top 4. If anything, they've underachieved in their 'golden years'.

GK - Top 5
CB Pairing - World Class
FB Pairing - Average
Midfield - Very, very good
Wingers/AM - Very good
Striker - Top 3 in the world.

They have better players throughout their starting XI than Arsenal, Chelsea, United & Liverpool. They have no excuse for not winning anything these past few years.
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not sure Lloris is anywhere near being a top 5 keeper, Sanchez looks a bit of a liability I no he's young but they payed some mega money for him and should be better then what he is showing and Toby has looked well of the pace this season, might be tired from the WC, for me Wanyama is a massive miss in the CM for them, the rest are bang average, Dele Ali and Eriksen are top class but operate best in the same area so it always looks a bit lop sided when there both in the side. they need a massive freshen up within there squad. Take out Kane, Ali and Eriksen many would you really take ahead of players currently at United?
 
Scroto Baggins said:
I kind of think the same, once Eriksen, Alli, Dembele back fit and firing they will be tough to beat. Lamela has actually been alright this season. Having said that I think an injury to him and Winks is just around the corner.
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Spurs problem going forward is a small squad full of players who didn't have a break through the summer. If anything their performances could fall off a cliff as the games pile up.
Also Spurs are simply not as good as they once were.
 
cyberman said:
Spurs problem going forward is a small squad full of players who didn't have a break through the summer. If anything their performances could fall off a cliff as the games pile up.
Also Spurs are simply not as good as they once were.
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I think their attack is alright. A good mix of players and what they bring to the table now.

Serious problems in midfield that needed to be addressed. Choosing no action at all was bizarre bordering on farcical.

The defense is a little thin at CB for me. Lloris still seems drunk.
 
Murray3007 said:
not sure Lloris is anywhere near being a top 5 keeper, Sanchez looks a bit of a liability I no he's young but they payed some mega money for him and should be better then what he is showing and Toby has looked well of the pace this season, might be tired from the WC, for me Wanyama is a massive miss in the CM for them, the rest are bang average, Dele Ali and Eriksen are top class but operate best in the same area so it always looks a bit lop sided when there both in the side. they need a massive freshen up within there squad. Take out Kane, Ali and Eriksen many would you really take ahead of players currently at United?
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Verts and Toby. Christ even Lamela in poor form would be better than what we've had on the right wing since Nani.
 
My question is, how the hell have Spurs managed to keep a hold of their players?

They don't even pay top wages, its maddening. Kane, Alli, Son, Lloris, Eriksen, Vertonghen, Alderweireld should have left years ago. I get the whole Levy thing but their players keep on signing new contracts making it even more difficult to leave.

Meanwhile, Arsenal players, by and large, seem to can't wait to leave.
 
JSArsenal said:
My question is, how the hell have Spurs managed to keep a hold of their players?

They don't even pay top wages, its maddening. Kane, Alli, Son, Lloris, Eriksen, Vertonghen, Alderweireld should have left years ago. I get the whole Levy thing but their players keep on signing new contracts making it even more difficult to leave.

Meanwhile, Arsenal players, by and large, seem to can't wait to leave.
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Bale and Modric got snatched by Real and nobody was going up against them for a player. Walker had to kick up a fuss for months and left to City for a huge fee. Except for Kane i just don't think clubs can be bothered dealing with Spurs. Why pay the English/PL/Levy premium tax when you can find players just as good for less money and trouble ?
Concerning Arsenal, i hope it will start to change with the new duo in charge. Ramsey (to a lesser extent Cech) must be the last one.
 
Isn't it a bit bloody harsh for Spurs to playing their cup game tomorrow while City don't play theirs until Thursday?
 
Ramshock said:
@GlastonSpur wtf is going on with the stadium?
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As far as I know, problems with some of the wiring, leading to a delay in the testing of safety systems (fire alarms, sprinkler systems etc) .. and without the relevant safety certificates being signed off we can't open for business.

My best guess now is that the first game will be against United in January, which would provide a certain symmetry since the last game in our old stadium was also against United
 
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