UK time is: 07:09:57
Home Vital Football on Facebook Vital Football on Twitter Vital Football via RSS Feed
Vital Login
Need to Register? Forgotten details?
Social Login

Choose your club

Other Sites

Network Navigation

Vital Partners

'If It's Football, It's Vital'
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club News


Check out the forum! There are 32 members viewing right now and 164 visitors today.... Click here to join in!

Lazio vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

Game five of our European adventure, see's what would on paper have always been our toughest game of the group.

Whilst Spurs have done their best to make hard work of Europa qualification, they only stand two points behind the Italians, and could actually top the group should they win tonight. Equally a defeat and a likely Maribor win in Greece, could actually mean that gaining a top two place and therefore qualification into the last 32, would be out of their hands for the final game and the Slovenians, might fancy their chances of beating a perhaps understrength and already qualified Italian side in the final game.

Of course many Spurs fans would see European elimination as a positive thing, however, it would represent a major embarrassment to Andre Villas-Boas, as he has repeatedly stated how important the competition is to him and the club and the fact that he has regularly opted to play strong sides, would be seen as a big blow to the club, even if it actually made their Premiership campaign a little easier.

AVB will again be expected to play a strong side tonight, but I hope there is also common sense in his selection with Sundays game against West Ham in mind. With Adebayor suspended for the weekend, is there a logic in starting with him and leaving Jermain Defoe on the bench? Perhaps playing Adebayor with Clint Dempsey will also give an indication over whether there is any chemistry between the pair? We can all be heartened by the news that Mousa Dembele is back in full training, though AVB has already stated that he isn't match ready therefore is very unlikely to play. That is good news for me.

With Steven Caulker back, I would also like to see a games break for Jan Vertonghen, who has appeared to have been running on empty in the last couple of games, so would we be wise to start with Walker, Dawson, Caulker and Naughton at the back? Similarly in midfield, it would be nice to see some or all of Lennon, Sandro and Bale rested, but for such a key game, can AVB take the risk of weakening the side too much and facing the wrath of the media, should it end badly?

There is the possibility that we could see a midfield with Sigurdsson, Huddlestone, Carroll and Townsend starting and it isn't exactly useless, but it would seem to lack pace, experience and confidence in differing areas, so I feel it is too big an ask to expect to see anything more than a few token changes and lots of crossed fingers that we have fit and fresh faces to entertain West Ham on Sunday...




Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for the British GP

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!



Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Writer: OxfordSpur Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Thursday November 22 2012

Time: 12:14PM

Your Comments

Ade is an easy starter since he is banned from the PL. Though Lazio are a tough team I would be shocked if we didn't pull off a win. Not even a draw will do in my book.
spurring you on
Considering that we have lost as many games as we have won this season, why are Spurs fans so confident of a win in the next game? Defoe on bench, Sandro starts, strong side that picks itself.
TonyRich
Ade to start and would like a convincing performance from all today!
mountainyid
Lazio are 5th in Serie A - behind Juve, Inter, Napoli (All CL quality) and Fiorentina. This will be a very tough match - and on our run of form, I'd be estatic with a draw....
mattspurs1982
Carroll, Caulker and Daws to play. Rest Sandro, Verts and retire Gallas
mountainyid
Considering u so confident we will lose why do bother supporting Tony? Or is just the I told u do big head image u are after?
Mix26
I don't understand the calls for Carroll to play this game. I love the guy, but this game requires a big/tough midfield.
TonyRich
Mix26 - I am not confident that we will lose. I am just bemused as to why people ignore current form, results and facts. 83% vote for a Spurs win? Did we win in Maribor? Or Panathanaikos? I am not saying that we won't win, but what is the point of a poll if people do not treat it with some realism?
TonyRich
tonyrich, was Modric a big/tough midfield player, he was never omitted. I'm not saying Carroll is Modric but he does create opportunities.
mountainyid
Ok so u are def part of the Boo Brats then. U would rather rock up and be entertained than provide ur team with motivation and support ? Here is 1 reason for u if u happens to miss the last game with Lazio, I believe we completely dominated the game and were very unfortunate not to win by some margin...
Mix26
The team need to put on a spirited performance tonight. Do it for the fans, 5 fans in particular.
VexSpur
Mix26 - I never boo. I don't like booing. But I want to see better performances. I watched the Lazio game. Spurs did ok in that game, but I feel that Italian teams come for an away point. At home they will be a different kettle of fish.
TonyRich
Are you being bullied Mix26? You seem to be trying to confront Tony R for no good reason.
Love totty
mountainyid - Modric was a seasoned international before he joined us. Carroll is a 20 year old with incredibly limited experience. He is a creative type of player, but it is asking a lot to expect him to hit ground running. He looked fine vs Arsenal though I must admit, and does look like he possibly could hack it.
TonyRich
Love totty - its ok. People often mistake my outlook as not supporting my team. I support my team as much as anyone here, and I will be there next week against a resurgent Liverpool. Like I said, I don't boo....but I might make an exception for Mr Suarez!!!
TonyRich
tonyrich - point taken, i'm just thinking the only way to gain experience is to play and I'd rather keep him at Spurs than out on loan again. Looking forward to tonights game. I think the players will want to prove something after the loss against Le Arse
mountainyid
Carroll is a good prospect but he is not ready as a 1st team choice... nearly everyone goes on about his great passes as if thats all a midfielder has to do.... the same thing was said about THudd 3-4yrs ago and fans are just NOW starting to realise his great passes dont make up for his many flaws as an alround athlete.... Carroll will eventuallly go and play regular football for a mid-table club or as a squad player for a bigger club.
Viyyash-Ramosh
A draw would be an incredible result I feel. The atmosphere will be intimidating so I'd go for as much experience as possible at first at least. The match at WHL is no gauge for this one, Lazio played for the draw and to be honest we never looked like breaking them down. Tonight has to disciplined with enough attacking threat to keep them from pinning us back.
Love totty
If I were AVB I wouldn't invest much into this game (I know he will though). We have PL to worry about and should beat WH as a priority. Even if we fancy EL so much we can still beat Panathinaikos at home and qualify. That would seem reasonable, wouldn't it? The damage we can do today is play regulars and get them morally and physically exhausted before the weekend. The truth is we are not going to win against Lazio in Rome, so why bother? Be rational.
Moscovite
Not to mention the condition we will be in when we play Liverpool.
Moscovite
BTW before everyone jumps at me: when I say "don't bother" I don't mean don't try to win. What I mean is play youngsters and rest our regulars. Young players still should be motivated enough to give them a proper fight. Plus it's another opportunity to look at our team options before matches that really matter.
Moscovite
On a side note, who are those people that voted for Spurs win? 50% of all voters. Every second fan. No seriously I want to see these delusional humans. If these numbers are real our fanbase is a joke.
Moscovite
So Dembele travels for the benefit of the training sesh. Parker has resumed light training. Good news on the whole. Tonight i would like to see Caroll and Falque play, Caulker also. I would imagine this is a game Lazio will go all out to win so we need some pace to hit them on the break. I have no idea how this one will turn out results wise...i just hope we give it our all. Would be great to see Ade to bag a couple. Still trying to look forward to the game...just a bit *****ed off about whats happened. COYS.
SpursOne2
moscovite - i believe the site polls are not to be taken too seriously, or am I delusional? I haven't voted but if I voted for a spurs win it would be because I wanted it, not because I believed it.
mountainyid
Tottenham (probable): Lloris; Walker, Gallas, Caulker, Vertonghen; Livermore, Huddlestone; Lennon, Dempsey, Bale; Adebayor
chrishove123
or should I say...because I wanted to believe it!
mountainyid
Tottenham (I would like) Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Naughton, Huddlestone, Carroll, Falque, Bale, Dempsey, Adebayor.
mountainyid
Just read some Spurs fans were attacked by 'Ultras' in Italy. 9 reported injured. I think the atmosphere is the stadium today is going to be very hostile. Hope are fans stay safe!
mountainyid
walker dawson calker naughton huddlestone sandro falque siggy bale adebeyor
redknappslayer
I agree with TR (as usual) and Moscovite, this is not a must win game, but 2 me West Ham is, I would be happy with draw 2day.
Ossie
This can get real ugly. With Adebayor as the main target for abuse and a weak ref anything can happen. Just hope that the players and fans stay safe during the game. One incident is enough!
dannylane
Thought Sandro did not travel?! Anyway I would go with Lloris, Walker, Caulker, Verts, Naughton, Lennon, Huddlestone, Carroll, Bale, Dempsey, Adebayor. Lets try and make something out of this competition and we can worry about Spam after!
El Jefe
I agree that AVB MUST rest Vertonghen & also give Dawson more game time - as Gallas must be dropped. With one eye on the weekend, Adebayor, Dempsey & Siggurdson must also play. Worth giving Smith a game at full back too - as can't do much worse than Walker. For Sentimental reasons - play Carlo in goal :)
Windlespur
Cudicini, Smith, Naughton, Dawson, Caulker, Carrol, Sandro, Bale (1st half only), Lennon, Ade, Dempsey. Good team, gives some opportunities, balanced, attack minded & rests key players for Weekend.
Windlespur
Maybe Siggurdsson in to rest Bale or Lennon.
Windlespur
ossie - second that, West Ham is a much bigger game....if we're going to play Brad again he can play here...other wise Lloris, Walker Dawson, Caulker, Naughton, Carroll, Thud, Gylfi, Falque, Ade, Dempsey...give the boys a run out...
shedboy2
Somehow the game doesn't matter so much, just let's get it played, and get our guys out of there and home, hopefully without any more casualties.
Frank
Windlespur- I'm not to bothered about this game but imo Carlo shouldn't be anywhere near a spurs 1st 11...what's happened to Gomes? play him if he does well we might even get a couple of quid back....
shedboy2
Mixed feelings over this game, yes i want us to win, that's being a spurs fan, but i would rather win on sunday, resting the right players, but AVB wants to do well in all cups, so who's going to play? As for the ''shi7'' that went down in the early hours, this is not the first time it's happened and Rome is known as ''stab city'' your find our supporters are not the first to have this happen to them and won't be the last. Just hope the game is played without any more flash points during and after the match. Come back safe it's a football match not a war and if it was a war the italians would run like phuck, just like the last time.
spu 4 life
oh and more good news, Bentley returns in January his loan spell is up.
spu 4 life
Shedboy - hilarious comment 'Carlo shouldn't be anywhere near a Spurs 1st 11, play Gomes'. Firstly, I agree, but we should not be fielding our first 11, secondly, Cuddicini in Rome is a nice gesture (call me sentimental) & Gomes the Clown should not be anywhere near of first 11, 2nd or 3rd come to that.
Windlespur
Carroll plays, as does Vertonghen, Lloris, Bale and Ade, seems like we playing a strong team, Dawson on bench
Ossie
Our starting team tonight is: Lloris, Walker, Caulker, Vertonghen, Naughton, Sandro, Carroll, Sigurdsson, Bale, Dempsey and Adebayor
what_sux
And our subs: Cudicini, Dawson, Livermore, Lennon, Dembele, Huddlestone and Defoe
what_sux
Tumbs up for our line-up! Dempsey is the only one I would not play, but we need a fresh Defoe against West Ham, and maybe Dempsey can redeem himself. Maybe would have played Livermore instead of Sandro to get fresh Sandro against West Ham.
Jables
Decent team, looking forward to the game, hope we play OK as been pretty boring watching us so far play away in this competition. Result is most important but would be nice to get a decent performance aswell!
El Jefe
Well impressed with that team .....Siggy & Dempsey still need to impress & Lennon rightfully dropped ,been poor for a very long time imo .

The safety of fans is more important than any result ,so lets hope today we have both .
big cockeral
Buzzing-full of Austrian coffee and chocolate, just got in from work, Ms Doc's on cooking duty and I can't wait for kick off! COYS! There's a chance we might do well - Lazio will be out to attack and generally we've had better results when counter-attacking this season. Hope all our supporters get back ok - remember it's not 'Italiens' that attacked them, but a bunch of nutters. We've got em here, too. Just think it's about time FIFA / EUFA did something about this. Anyway, COYS!
DocHotspurs
Lennon has not been poor for a very long time at all, infact he was one of our better players in the first 4 or 5 weeks
HuddersfieldYiddo
Heard Dempsey was playing but have not seen him. Shame we have no central midfield these days. Sandro is a good blocker but for attack the total reliance is on Bale and Lennon...and Lennon is not playing. Another dull game looking like a defeat or draw at best
Forever Spurs
Awful defending from us again! I'm starting to get very very afraid now. If not for Lloris we'd be 2-0 down. Caulker/Vertonghen need to do better and Naughton needs to pass the ball faster. Our goal was wrongfully ruled as an offside. I've had enough of Dempsey. He's just useless, constantly giving the ball away.
Jables
another good goal not given, what a joke.
topspur53
lloris playing well, some really shocking decisions from the ref though. another fine goal disallowed and all the small decisiond going against us, while we were down to 10 for about ten minutes because of their ridiculous bureaucracy. we need to step up for the second half though. would like to see siggy more central as dempsey still not delivering
Guernman
dirty coward wops
duckworth
Ridiculous - perfectly good goal disallowed again! Lloris brilliant apart from his kicking, kept us in this without a shadow of a doubt! Demps and Siggy playing to type, poor, poor, poor! Defence all over the place tbh, perhaps we do need Kaboom back centrally after all!
El Jefe
Guys, where are you watching? Is this game on TV? Can't find it.
Moscovite
itv 4 uk.
Edinburgh Spur
Siggy & Dempsey are again proving to be shockingly bad buys
Not sure how Carroll gets so many rave reviews ,looks another Jamie O` Hara to me .
Got to get some quality in the January sales .Still expect Spurs to win with Caulker & Defoe scoring

lloris proving to be a very good buy & i hope he keeps being our number 1 for the rest of the season in every game .He needs to settle but that can only come with games
big cockeral
Moscovite ITV4
big cockeral
Lennon for Siggy, Defoe for Demps and maybe Dawson for Naughton and move Verts to LB. Take the game to them for the 2nd half instead of sitting back and allowing them to come onto us - will just be a matter of time before they score and then we'll have less time to do anything and have to chase it. Pre-empt the near inevitable and go for it atleast thats what I would like anyway!
El Jefe
I'm afraid we he have to bring in Lennon cause Dempsey has been utter trash......Give Sigurdsson just about 25 minutes to play behind Ade wih Bale and Lennon on the sides...then replace him with Defoe if he is not effective maybe even risk Dembele....
dcruzer
Thanks everyone. I checked ITV1 and Channel 5 didn't see it and gave up. Got it now, COYS!
Moscovite
I thought level was onside....linesman frightened cos its home crowd!!!!Dempsey and Siggy what a shocking waste of money. Carroll is a very prety footballer but is not or ever will be a Modric.....50% of his passes go backwards (at least Samways passed sidewards) We shall miss Ade for the next 3 games.Bring on Defoe for Dempsey and Lennon for Siggy.Walker is still a mystery sometimes good sometimes shocking.Verts,Caulker,Sandro and Lloris ...great.Bale's goal was 100% a goal.
wentworth
Ade plays with his back to goal and not the goal side of defenders, Defoe likes to play into space behind defenders. For me we need both on to give us variety and give defenders something to think about and our players the chance to play early balls for runs. We have become a vary predictable team so now can't score goals yet will always concede
Forever Spurs
Very odd playing Ade as right wing
Forever Spurs
Not sure why Adebayor is utilised as a right winger providing crosses. Shouldn't he be playing in the box instead? Bring on Lennon.
Moscovite
0:0 is written all over it
Moscovite
Maybe AVB is trying the opposite of his usual tactic. Starting defensively and then putting quicker attacking players on late in the game? All could come undone if a goal is lost though
Forever Spurs
ouch...nearly that goal for Lazio I was dreading as on recent evidence we will not come back
Forever Spurs
we are the tottenham we are the best we are the tottenham so ***** of the rest united,west ham,liverpool
duckworth
Defoe and Lennon On, Sigurdsson and Dempsey Off. Game on!
VexSpur
Do we have a player who can pass the ball forward to a teammate?
Jables
Our highline will be the fall of us eventually. As soon as AVB realizes that we will start playing better.
Jables
We're playing like England: can't pass or hold the ball.
Moscovite
Noooooo, too early to bring Dembele in! That's just risking his hip injury to come back.
Jables
I thiobnk I've sussedwhat AVB is doing as regards BF and HL. If you notice, the games HL plays in. they play the high line and HL as sweeper keeper, which from tonight's showing is starting to work, HL played the part par excellence. There is also the reliance on his bravery and agility to pull off the great save is also a big part of it. BF just plays the BF way and the defence adapt as such. I reckon they are preparing HL and the defence in training and in cup games. It will be used in certain PM games as well. Once the defence has got to grips with the system, it is THEN that we will see the last of BF. I reckon after Christmas is probably the plan for HG to take over as he and the defence should be working together pretty well by then. Notice I didn't use the word "gel" LOL. Someone said earlier about strengthening from the back, well it looks like he is doing just that.
chrishove123
Great performance by Lloris. Maybe now AVB will stop being so stupid and play him every game. That way we might start to see a defence learning to play together, making less mistakes
Forever Spurs
If we get away with a draw it will be the luckiest result ever...we could use some
Forever Spurs
Lazio's emblema looks like Wehrmacht sign.
Moscovite
Lloris won the match for us today. Phenomenal!!
spuradic
Lucky result for us? Lucky for them cause our goal should have counted once again...that two game we should have won....
dcruzer
Bring back Friedel, Lloris looks useless........
yiddyboy
An away point, I'll take that after that dreadful, dreadful display. No matter who we had on the pitch we looked awful, despite of Lloris of course. There should be no arguing after this game that he is our number 1. Our players looked like they don't give a ***** about this game. We lacked movement again and intelligent passing, hell we lacked everything. Don't know if it is the tactics, the formation or the lack of quality players, I'd put it down our players not giving a *****e, but we have some big issues to resolve.
Jables
that is, "that's"
dcruzer
MOTM lol ..........well his a good goalkeeper, why has it taken this long? friedel can't get down that quick to put his slippers on, let alone save a football. Point good enough, just have to beat Pain-in-the-niakos, everyone looked ok and ready for my most hated team, wet spam.
spu 4 life
now that was a goalkeeper stealing points, lets hope lloris is now number 1 because that was a world class display and the perfect response to the arsenal game. shame we couldnt get the win because now we will face champions league opposition i guess. can we draw against english clubs in the next round?
Guernman
To be honest result didn't matter that much in the end. Even if we'd lost we'd still need just a draw at home - not a big ask, isn't it?
Moscovite
Good result...Lloris fantastic. Good substitutions.We rode our luck but had a REAL goal disallowed.( Dempsey and Siggy....oh dear!).Great to see Dembele back...Carroll is pretty but Dembele is prettier,stronger and far more effective.Who on earth can we stick up front on Sunday against Wet Spam? Is there anyone out there???
wentworth
MOTM Lloris by far
what_sux
Our shots on goal: 1. Enough said.
Jables
Another insipid and weak performance from so many of our players. Lloris, Sandro and Carroll the only players that can hold their head high. Not a huge fan of Parker, but really want him back in this team asap, just to show a bit of fight. Defoe & Lennon were 20 min of pure and utter s.hit. Dempsey just doesn't want to play for us, he should do a Robbie Keane and move back to Fulham in Jan? Still a draw/win against the Greeks and we move on, but our form, pffffff. Thanks for the poll, best part of the evening entertainment.
thenuge
Again, all Levy's fault. Should spend big on players this January or see us go back in our long overdue progress. We need any decent play-maker, a capable forward, and one more devastating winger like Bale, some like James Rodriguez from Porto (Some type of player that can be found in S. America if only Levy tried).
dcruzer
Lloris saved us 100% today absolutely world class saves from him near the end. Also, welcome back to Dembele who was on for 10 minutes and contributed more than Dempsey and Sigurdsson combined. The guy is true class and glides by defenders as they fall at his feet lol. Dempsey has nothing as a player that is worth anything to the club and should leave asap. Sigurdsson is just trash. It amazes me how game after game these two continue to produce absolutely nothing. They are two of the worst I've ever seen at Spurs, and are up there with Rasiak contending for the worst buy in our history.
BlackStar Spur
Could not watch the match. Was it so poor like some folks are saying ?? Should we get worried about West Ham or don't the players give anything to EL ??
AlexSpur
What a keeper!
Little spur
Lloris impressed me tonight and I am more confident that he will fit in well and be a good keeper for us for a long time if we can hold onto him.

Back line - Naughton steadier but still get himself into trouble at times. Walker still not playing good enough, gives the ball away too many times and too many crosses came in from his side as he was easily beaten at times. We need another RB to challenge him. Caulker still learning his trade but will improve and Vertonghen very good player but prone to lapses especially when playing alongside an in experienced player but not worried about him long term, he will be class.

midfield - carroll is doing well, this game was more difficult for him because of the physicality of it but showed enough that he has great potential. Worked hard even though he lost the ball a few times and was weak in tackles at times always willing, good prospect. sandro seen him play better and worse tonight he worked hard and intercepted some important balls. Siggy once again didn't show enough although he worked harder than last few appearances. He hasn't found his feet yet, if he doesn't soon he will fade away once AVB gets his own players in. Bale poor game with some flashes of greatness, think he didn't have enough [players around him to work with and this takes me onto the strikers - Ade very poor got worse as the game progressed, shadow of how he started last weeks game. Gave the balls away in dangerous areas nearly costing us, didn't win many balls in the air, movement sluggish and no threat at all on goal the entire game, very poor. Get a striker and he will soon be third choice. Dempsey absolutely woeful again. Two in first half lost the ball and it resulted in them making an attack, just not good enough and looks so disinterested. Not sure what has happened to him as he did score for Fulham. Can't see him coming good, body language, attitude not pretty to look at and lucky he is getting game time imo.

Substitutions - very positive which is what fans have been wanting to see but didn't work. Actually put us under more pressure.

Overall we were lucky and we are lucky we have a chance to qualify with our last game. Now we need to string some wins in the PL and stay in contention through xmas period and invest in January.
thfan
how many games is ade out for, 2 or 3? Brilliant performance by lloris btw...i now know why so many rated him 2nd best keeper in the world atm with the performances against arse-nal and 2day. The rest had a poor display, westham are better then lazio and we will loose if we played like we did today...really worried,COYS!
SpursSnM
LOL at the poll.
SpursSnM
No1 performance by our no1 come on avb make it happen.world class or we were beat.
Little spur
This is how a top class keeper does, saves a game.
what_sux
What a poor team we have become. A desperate performance. At least they will be fresh for Sunday!!
jonathan01
Yes....just got my tickets sorted for Panathanaikos.Hope its a better night and we get a decent win.Haven't managed a European night for a few seasons.Just want a striker for Christmas (well New Year) but please not ANOTHER panic buy.Great to see the silky Dembele back but good to see the backs of Siggy and Dempsey in Jan.
wentworth
Bloody hell, another completely crap performance. Well lucky to get a point and that was pure and simply down to a world class performance by Lloris. Best performance by a Spur's player this season easily and probably best I've ever seen from a Spurs GK in my time! Easy to say Lennon and Defoe did f all but fact is they completely owned us and when we had the ball all we would do is lump it up and would just come straight back at us! Demps and Siggy need not only be benched, need to be sold aswell - absolute dross from the pair! We need a creative player in the middle, January cannot come quick enough!
El Jefe
Muhahahaa, that poll is a great one!
Jables
@AlexSpur - we had one shot at goal! That is how poor it was. Add to that that we had serious problems defending and Lloris had to make a world class performance.
Jables
Very good point earned tonight. Need only a draw in the last game. Lloris played a blinder tonight. Great poll ox :-). Yes we really really need a playmaker in January. After seeing Modric against City 2 days ago, I remember what we are missing this term. COME ON YOU SPURS.
Madaboutspurs
If ever we needed proof that one man can win a match Lloris proved it today. We were absolutely *****e from beginning to end and had it nt been for Lloris we could not have complained if we'd lost 4 or 5 tonight. That is as bad as I've seen us this season. I don't understand why it is getting worse with no sign of improvement. As a unit we defended abysmally today. We were light in the middle and completely toothless up front. All in all it was a total shocker. Dempsey is the worst player to ever wear our great shirt. He makes Mark Falco look like Messi! I'd seriously rather play with 10 men each week than see Demspey in a Spurs shirt again. Sigurdsson isn't much better. We need to ship them both out of the club on New Year's Day at the latest. More than anything we need to sort out our defending. It has been a disgrace all season. If we continue to defend like that not even amazing performances by Lloris will be able to save us.
SpuriousLife
Little Spurs Hugo Lloris fact

On FIFA 13 Hugo Lloris is the most top rated EPL goalkeeper
big cockeral
Lloris, an absolute class act and hope he retains the No.1 spot for the weekend. I am noy holding my breath though as I fear AVB will select Brad against WestHam. Lloris was so agile and his command of the pen area was awesome! If I were a defender playing in front of him, I would have the utmost confidence. However, I felt our defence just didn't turn-up and allowed the pressure on Lloris. Walker and Naughton were the ulprits at the back. Most of the game we didn't seem to have a midfield, so the likes of Ade and Bale didn't really have anyone to link up with. Demps and Siggy were the worst performers. Bale went missing in 2nd half and Defoe barely got a look in. I was pleased to see Dembele back. He just powers his way through the oppsition and retains the ball.

Get ready for the return Gallas and Brad for weekend! COYS!
Critical_Spur
Lazio fans give Spurs fans warm welcome ,scum (not for the faint hearted ).Picture of injured Spurs fan

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2012/11/picture-tottenham-hotspur-fan-following-rome-violence/?
big cockeral
I can see today why Friedel is preferred for the crossing-centric EPL and Lloris for the continental games.... I remember the last time we got an amazing shot-stopper and threw him into the Prem and its incessant crossing, corners wide-freekicks into box, without 'bedding him down' first... the guy took 3 months at the deep-end to get accustomed (and he cudda wrecked his confidence as well as the team's and fans - in fact he did) but luckily he came thru it with good coacking the benefit of a 6-4'' powerful frame and gave us 2 solid yrs at least, before the sunshiners turned on him again.... could easily happen to the frail Lloris who did look abi dodgy on crosses even from a non-physical continental side..
Viyyash-Ramosh
Lloris must now be installed as our number 1, great performance from him tonight. Nothing more to say really as the football is secondary to the well being of the travelling supporters, get home safely guys and as always you showed the way to support the team. Take note boo boys! If UEFA don't epell the Italian sides from all competitions it'll be a disgrace. Imagine if it had been English fans (fans, sorry, I meant savages), we'd be banned in double quick time. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. COYS
thfc1882whl
lucky spurs but great result. Well played lloris, sandro and carroll. Great to see dembele back. Good to see young player progressing and becoming a two footed player (carroll). naughton is not a left back,( too weak on left foot)....avb should have seen this by now. Concernend at others poor form.....we have other talented youngsters waiting in the wings. Dembele could make all the difference though.........we'll see. well done spurs.
82spursdebut
not very exciting game but not too fussed....I worry that AVB has thought he just needs to be bold to win the fans support, if so he's missing the point....the double substitution unbalanced the side and the 3rd could have left us playing for 10 mins with 10 men....still Demdele got a few minutes....lloris good game...Viyyash-Ramosh...I was worried about lloris being suitable for the prem BEFORE we bought him and as we went ahead I assume it was decided that he could cope with the crosses, let's face it he was bought for the prem so the sooner he beds in the better....
shedboy2
we're being linked to eriksen again as he's not re-signing at Ajax and Pjanic's agents is supposed to be talking to us....imo we should be getting Lamela or Osvaldo from Roma though...
shedboy2
It amuses me that some people have to see a world class performance from a world class goalkeeper, before they will grudgingly admit he is good enough for us. He's France's captain, and has been a brilliant goalkeeper for some time. Why, by joining us, does he have to go through some sort of probationary period or trial by lesser games to see if he's good enough for us, or, ridiculously, will cope with the Premier League? Jaysus, are we parochial or what? Friedel has done well in the time he's been with us, but, as with any other position, if you get someone better, they should play. Villas Boas has got to cut the crap now, and install the Frenchman as his No 1. His treatment of Lloris thus far has been nothing short of shameful. Get a fricking grip Manager, and while you're at it, sort out your flaming tactics so that players know what they are supposed to be doing. Tonight was the perfect example of of a midfield and forward line that was all over the place in an attacking sense.
lordjohnny
Lordjohnny, couldn't put it better myself, lloris different gravey.
birdmanspurs
Definitely Banana Bisto, birdmanspurs.
lordjohnny
lordjohnny .... Sorry mate, but that was not a world class performance from Lloris last night, it was a very good performance, with moments of class thrown in. Good enough to displace Brad, for sure, world class, no. The one area he's looked strong previously has been his kicking, last night it left a lot to be desired, picky I know but true all the same.
thfc1882whl
Lloris apart this was another worrying game. We have no spark in the side and look like a bunch of individuals who have never seen each other before. I was happy to see positive subs but in truth they were invisible and subbing Dempsey and Siggy actually managed to make us weaker! Now that is scary since they are so ineffective. To be honest Bentley impressed more than they have done. We badly miss the class and brains of Luka, VDV, Kranjcar, Corluka etc. We may have had a few too many' impact' players in the squad but that is better than players who make no positive impact at all
Forever Spurs
With luck like this we cannot fail to win this competition. AVB has probably studied how the Chavs won the CL after he left and concluded that playing good football is a liability. Dempsey and Siggy were good buys - what has has he done to them?
Love totty
Oh well now back to defeat in the EPL at the weekend, at least we manage draws in the Europa and sometimes even outplay sides...well the division 2 standard ones
Forever Spurs
The only way to stop this cowardly violence, is for EUFA and the Italian government to announce that human beings life's are seriously at risk when visiting Rome for Champions League and Europa League football games and rule that both Lazio and Roma must play all their European home games behind closed doors. This would have serious financial consequence on both clubs and would turn the REAL supporters of these 2 clubs against these racist cowards. I mean knifes and baseball bates against unarmed Innocent supporters? FASCIST COWARDS!!!
pelebro
Sorry, I just feel that AVB is killing us. He's flogging the life out of a few players (Sandro, Vet and Walker) and flogging a dead horse with his suicidal high line tactics. Lloris was great last night, played sweeper very well, but how long before he gets messed up in a challenge? It's not the percentage way to play, it invites pressure, deprives the rest of the team of space and it's CRAZY!
LizardSpur
We knew Lazio would come all out for the win. Possession wise we did really well and although I would have like us to make more of the counter attacks, I think we deserved the point and could have snatched them all given a few more chances. My mate (united fan) thought we struggled to get going. True but an away game like that to an on form Lazio meant we had to think about stopping them running away with it rather than going gung ho. The game plan I'm sure was to get an early goal to take the sting out of them, which we did but it was a shame it didn't stand. I'm worried about the strength of teams we are putting out in this comp when we need to be focusing on the PL, but we have managed to buy our selves some breathing space to qualify only needing a draw in our next home game. As for the players, I only want to mention a few - Naughton looked lively and was doing well floating down the wing, fair play after the last game. Caroll is looking quality even though he ran out of steam by the end! Fair play to AVB as well. Hope the fans got back safely. COYS.
SpursOne2
AVB's tactics is to retain possession and by playing a high line you actually have less ground to cover. Ultimately you are playing 11vs11 in half a pitch, Barcelona are the masters of it and this is what AVB believes to be football. However, we don't have players that are comfortable on the ball like Barcelona. I sure hope Mr Levy also realizes this and allows AVB to bring in players of this kind. I'm really puzzled on Dempsey, his body language last night was very much "can't be bothered". He either has a strop about something or he's thinking too much rather than letting ability take it's course, this is a similar observation of Siggy. On the performance of both last night, I'd bench them for my Saturday team and we're in the veterans league!!!
yiddyboy
yiddyboy- I think that's just Dempsey ha. Hes always got that 'don't mess with me' stare. I think he did ok last night, was battling well and helped our midfield. He didn't have a stand out performance but worked well in the team imo. When he came off with Sigurdsson, we opened up a little and it showed as some of the other players had to work even harder, although some were tired. Obviously we want Clint to bang in a few more but he did ok.
SpursOne2
SpursOne2 - I agree, he wasn't terrible he just didn't seem to get the rub of the green with regards to bounces and the referee gave him little too. In the defense of both him and Siggy, we didn't improve when Lennon & Defoe came in
yiddyboy
I think Lloris will struggle even more than Gomes in the hurly-burly crosses/corners/wide-freekick bearpit that is the Prem.... Lloris is a great shot-stopper as yesterday amply demonstrated but even against a passing-team with few big lads, he looked quite vulnerable most times the ball was delivered into the box from wide areas eg. corners.... I think it will be a Gomes scenario again unfortunately, even more so cos Gomes had the advantage of a bigger more powerful frame to cope with box-congestion at freekicks and corners..... I just hope when its obvious after a few Prem games, the fans dont ridicule and hound him outta the club.
Viyyash-Ramosh
SpursOne2 diagree about Dempsey. Twice in the first half he gave the ball away which lead tyo a counter attack and we nearly got punished. his performances have been woeful, he loses the ball and strolls around. His work rate is average and his skill at holding the ball, passing and scoring is non existence. His body language looks as though he cannot be bothered, laboured and disinterested. the look on his face is 'can't be bothered' never cracks a smile. Now it may be his usual look but I am not sure. he doesn't look happy. now is that because he is struggling form wise or is it that he really isn't happy here? One thing for sure he brings very little.

Siggy is another, huge disappointment and like Dempsey lucky to be on the pitch imo. Siggy started lively tracking back putting some effort in but that soon disappeared and again he gave very little. Now he is young and imo inexperienced which begs me to understand why we paid so much fot him. I am hoping it is just settling nerves and that we will see more from him but Dempsey i am not sure we will, just a gut feeling that he will not come good.

In their defence on last night game when they went off we were under more pressure so this suggests that they did a job which may have been unseen by many fans or it could have just been a coincidence and the subs just didn't perform or make any effort. From what I saw Dempsey and Siggy were once again poor.

I would like to see a CM brought in to play with Sandro and Parker to be back up for Sandro and Dembele to play further forward behind the striker. I think Dembele will flourish in that position more than Siggy or Dempsey and I think we need another striker and winger.

We also need back up at RB. As for Lloris he did well but people are going over board. We need to see how he copes in the PL before we get too excited.
thfan
I expect its total $h1te, but goal.com saying Bale leaving for RM in the summer for £50m.

Spuds-U-Like
QPR want`s Redknapp to be their new manager after Hughes. Will that mean we can say goodbye and good luck to Hudd, Dawson and Friedel?
dannylane
actual the Bale 'goal' should not have been counted and rightly wasnt.... if you recorded the game freeze it at the point the ball is delivered and you'll see plainly that |Bale's HEAD is a good 2-3 feet ahead of the line of the last defender.... as your head is a part of the body thats allowed to score with, it was indeed in an offside position .... not surprised that the TV pundits didnt call it, as theyre so biased (for any Euro-game) towards the English teams in their commentary....the linesman was spot on yesterday.
Viyyash-Ramosh
thfan - Yeah well Dempsey has had a lot of criticism (some not called for imo) so i thought i would look at the other part of his game. He blended into the team and got stuck in which was needed.. His movement with Ade wasn't too shabby. I think if we would have started with Ade and Defoe we would have been in more trouble. That isn't a snipe at Defoe but we needed some hustle, unfortunately we were unable to capitalize on the counter and really didn't test their keeper at all! Sigurdsson I agree might need some more time to settle and I just hope he comes good. The focus was on Lloris way to much as far as the commentators go….they were rattling on so much about him so much they missed a few clever passes by Caulker in defence, and some other individual bits and pieces. He did have a good game but it just shows they are listening to the tops way too much ha. I also notice that the tv pundits were waiting for us to concede after we made our subs! Well we didn't, so they can toss off.
SpursOne2
What an absolute pleasure to see Dembele playing again. Him and Sandro are something a bit special in the middle. Sandro's tackle in the last few minutes exceptional. LLORIS: what a keeper we've got there.
ledders77
thfan, you make some valid points but I don't think Dempsey was any worse than Bale and if Spuds-U-Like is right and Bale is off to RM for £50m then maybe Dempsey is also worth £50m now :-)
yiddyboy
Lol at QPR. Just when 'arry is about to sign on the dotted line for Ukraine, QPR dismiss Hughes!. Not that 'arry would've known how to sign on a piece of paper, but at QPR he'd be closer to Sandra, closer than Ukraine, even closer than WHL!!. I always said he'll replce Hughes...With QPR's wealthy owners, suit 'arry just fine!!!...watch this sapce!!!
Critical_Spur
SpursOne2 - fair enough your evaluation. We all see things differently but regardless of that I do hope both Dempsey and Siggy improve because if they don't we will continue to struggle because we will not be able to rely on them and it makes our squad more fragile.

Dempsey as i remember played coming of the left for Fulham so maybe that is why he is struggling as playing behind the striker is usually a technically quality player, I don't think even Bale can play that position although he has tried. bales plays better as an out and out winger imo and when he has tried to play central he has been poor, maybe that is Dempsey's problem. For a central position like behind the striker you need good movement, good skill and the ability to retain the ball. When your on the wing or coming in from the wing it's a different game, often you run onto balls rather than hold it up, there is often some room, space from your starting position when your on the wing or drifting in from the wi gs whereas centrally you have less room and surrounded by defenders. So maybe we will see more of Dempsey when we reinforce and he gets a chance coming in from the left as he did at Fulham which will mean competing with Bale. Siggy I just don't know what position is best for him or how we can get the best out of him.

Critical_Spur- HR to QPR I'm sure it will happen. he will do well there and as much as I got fed up with HR I prefer to see him managing than Hughes. Just cannot take to the guy Hughes, spends money like water and produces nothing.
thfan
Sorry about going off topic, but I just read THIS ......http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/queens-park-rangers/9698309/Queens-Park-Rangers-sack-manager-Mark-Hughes-appoint-Harry-Redknapp.html#disqus_thread ..................... Maybe good ole 'Arry will buy Friedel and Gallas off us as he ratyes them so highly.
chrishove123
We could start a campaign, Friedel and Gallas to QPR.
chrishove123
BENTLEY.. GALLAS... JENAS... DEMPSEY...

PACKAGE DEAL TO QPR... 15milion take the lot...

at least thats 10-15million off the wage bill every year...
Yidmarks
the whole team looked like they had eaten double portions of spaghetti in Rome before the game..

it was like fecking slow motion...
Yidmarks
remember one thing... Bale has just become a father.. i dont think his priority is to move to Spain right now...

theres no sheep in Spain... lol
Yidmarks
lets get onto the January window... we need that killer player to play behind Adebayor... he cant be floating about on the wings...

i thinlk we should go all out for WILLIAN... and a cheeky move for ALEXIS SANCHEZ...and try going back in for MOUTINHO...but lets not forget all 3 are playing CL football... who would wanna come to the lane now...

LETS GET CL FOOTBALL.. JANUARY TEAMSHEET LOOKING LIKE THIS...

........................ADEBYOR.........................
..............................................................
....BALE............DEMBELE.........WILLIAN....
..............................................................
..............VERTS............SANDRO............
.............................................................
.....BAE.....CAULKER....KABOOM..WALKER...
................................................................
.........................LLORIS...........................

i beleive the centre triangle of VERTS, DEMBELE and SANDRO would be one of the toughest in the PL......
Yidmarks
its true, I'm sure other footballers dont have babies for the same reason LOL... ever heard of the 'wife' and kid coming along to, not to mention nannies, Skype video-calls ever 2hrs (whether you want them or not), a better climate with more sunshine for a newborn to be taken out into.... oh yeah, the extra 100k in the old pay-packet per week, La Liga or CL titles every 2-3yrs or so, may possibly figure in there too.... hasta la vista Baley
Viyyash-Ramosh
did anyone notice that Modric won at least 2 balls in the air against Toure...

the special one is feeding him something special... pork lolly i am guessing..
Yidmarks
i understand that Ramosh... i live in the sun.. and wouldnt move my kid anywhere else...

point taken on the 100k a week more... lol
Yidmarks
great MOTM poll!
mountainyid
I just hope HR enjoys his championship football next season. LOL
chrishove123
Agreed pelebro, all Lazio's european home games should be played behind closed doors. Lazio are not doing enough to distance the disgraceful fascist thugs.
ItalianYiddo
both Lazio and Roma players have a very unhealthy relationship with their own Ultras... I remember 2yrs ago when a Roma-Lazio game was stopped due to an 'incident' just outside the stadium.... it was stopped cos Totti the Roma capt. decided to go talk to 1 of the Ultra leaders to see if the game should carry on!....THAT'S how bad it is in Italy and Rome especially (imagine the Chelsea captain in the 70s taking advise on an ongoing game from the leader of the 'Headhunters')..... also many Italian players glorify in the fascist legacy of Mussolini eg. Aquilani and Abbiati (Milan GK), not to mention di Canio who use to celebrate to his Lazio Ultras with his infamous nazi salute after scoring.... neo-Fascism is the new opiate of an increasingly poor, desperate, young and angry European male: where they can find illusory solace of self-worth purely in their genetics, ethnicity and skin-colour..
Viyyash-Ramosh
 

Have Your Say

Log in...
with your social network     OR     with your Vital account
Need to Register? Forgotten details?

Recent Articles

With friends like Madrid … (Tuesday June 18 2013)

Reality cheque!! (Tuesday June 18 2013)

Utter Nonsense (Monday June 17 2013)

Our midfield… (Monday June 17 2013)

WHO, WHERE and WHY?. (Sunday June 16 2013)

Adam Smith wants chance at Spurs or PL loan. (Saturday June 15 2013)

Musings of Nonsensical proportions. (Friday June 14 2013)

Wilshere to Man Utd (Friday June 14 2013)

What is an offer we can't refuse? (Thursday June 13 2013)

Now and Then (Thursday June 13 2013)

Archived Articles

List All Vital Spurs Articles
Vital Spurs Articles from 2005
Vital Spurs Articles from 2006
Vital Spurs Articles from 2007
Vital Spurs Articles from 2008
Vital Spurs Articles from 2009
Vital Spurs Articles from 2010
Vital Spurs Articles from 2011
Vital Spurs Articles from 2012
Vital Spurs Articles from 2013
Have your say
Click here to suggest an article
Click here to suggest a poll

Vital Members League (view all)

1. 80deg16minW 227
2. Spursex 202
3. Real Deal 149
4. spurdon 126
5. coopsieyid 118
6. ScottDaYid 78
7. redbloodcell 66
8. Spurfect11 65
9. Kinygerbils 62
10. Big Chiv 59

League Results (view all)

Latest Results
Spurs 1 - 0 Sunderland
Stoke 1 - 2 Spurs
Chelsea 2 - 2 Spurs
Spurs 1 - 0 Southampton
Wigan 2 - 2 Spurs
Spurs 3 - 1 Man City

League Table (view table)

Team P W D L GD Pts
2. Man City 38 23 9 6 32 78
3. Chelsea 38 22 9 7 36 75
4. Arsenal 38 21 10 7 35 73
5. Spurs 38 21 9 8 20 72
6. Everton 38 16 15 7 15 63
7. Liverpool 38 16 13 9 28 61
8. WBA 38 14 7 17 -4 49

Breaking League News

Canas: 'I Saw a Great Opportunity At Swansea City'
» Swansea : 18/06/2013 22:51:00
Saints Season 2012/2013 Review - Goalkeepers
» Southampton : 18/06/2013 22:27:00
Madness Confirmed.
» Newcastle : 18/06/2013 21:48:00
Liverpool: International Heartbreak For Borini
» Liverpool : 18/06/2013 21:17:00
Elliot Ward Joins Bournemouth
» Norwich : 18/06/2013 20:38:00
Isco Torn Between Man City amp; Real Madrid
» Man City : 18/06/2013 20:13:00
Yankees' Lawyer on Man City MLS Partnership
» Man City : 18/06/2013 19:59:00

Current Site Poll (view all polls)

Click here to suggest a poll...
Director of Football?
Suggested By:  Vital Spurs
Yes! 89%
No! 11%