Month: November 2017

Catching up with former Spurs man Martin Robinson:

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Catching up with former Spurs man Martin Robinson:

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With special thanks to Andrew Scott for arranging this interview.

For those Spurs fans with long memories the name Martin Robinson will ring a bell. The striker who enjoyed a successful career at the likes of Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and Cambridge United, was a rising star for Spurs back in the mid 1970’s. A member of the triumphant FA Youth Cup winning side of 73/74 the youngster went on to make 6 appearances for the senior team between 1975 and 78, scoring two goals. Martin went on to have a successful footballing career notably at fellow London club Charlton Athletic who he played a key role at during a six year spell. Mr.Robinson kindly agreed to doing an interview with me, sharing some of his memories from his time at the lilywhites.

 

Question 1: What was it like coming through the Academy ranks at Spurs?

M.R: Back in the 70s there was no academy set up things were very different to today.  I started when I was 14 years old going to Tuesday and Thursday training sessions after school. I used to leave school early on those days ‪at 3.00 pm‬ with permission from the headmaster, get a bus, 2 trains and then a bus from South Tottenham to White Hart Lane to ‪start at 5.30 -6.00‬.
Most of the boys were regulars on schoolboy forms, but others came for a week or just a few sessions on trial and were never seen again.
As juniors we trained at Cheshunt training ground in the summer and played games on Saturday for the first year I was there.   Playing for the youth team the following year was  similar set up. At 16 I was asked to become an apprentice; one of only 6 that year.

Question2: What was your greatest memory of being a Spurs player?

M.R: Making my debut at home against Leicester City when I was 18 in the 75/76 season, then scoring the following week against Aston Villa at home, coming on as a sub in a 5-2 win.

Question3: Who were your greatest influences at the club?

M.R: The great Bill Nicholson was the Manager when I joined the club.  Ron Henry was the coach when I was on schoolboy terms.
Pat Welton & Peter Shreeves when I was an apprentice and young professional.  All of them were a great influence on my early career.

Question 4: What was it like to play with Glenn Hoddle at youth level?

M.R: He was great to play with. He had tremendous skill and vision and made quite a few goals for me at youth level.

Question 5: You scored three goals in six senior appearances for the lilywhites, what was it like to play in that famous Spurs side, and how did it feel to play at the Lane?

M.R: I only scored 2 goals for Spurs. One I mentioned against Aston Villa and the other 1 against Oldham at home in a 5-1 win in the old second division.
It was a very special feeling playing with all those great players, plus playing at White Hart Lane in front of your home fans will always be special for any player.

Question 6: Having gone on to have a successful senior career with the likes of Charlton, Cambridge United and Gillingham. What was your greatest achievement during your playing career?

M.R: Getting promoted at the first attempt after getting relegated from the second division to the third with Charlton. Also getting promoted with Cambridge in my final year in the league, before I retired from league football at the age of 33.

Question 7: I recently interviewed former Spurs man Roger Gibbins about the triumphant FA Youth Cup campaign of 1973/74. What were your memories of being involved in that competition?

M.R: I was a first year apprentice and only appeared in a few earlier games in the competition and as we progressed the second year apprentices like Roger and Chris Jones, John Margerrison were added to the squad to secure the cup. I was sub for the final at Huddersfield. I think we played Arsenal in the semi-final.

Question 8: Who coached you at Spurs?

M.R: Ron Henry Juniors.
Pat Welton as an apprentice and young Professional.
Peter Shreeves young professional.

Question 9: Who was the greatest player that you played with in your career?

M.R: Too numerous to mention but making my debut alongside Martin Chivers was a great honour.  I remember playing with some great young kids at various clubs that went on to become household names in their careers – Glenn Hoddle, Paul Walsh, Paul Elliot , Dion Dublin.

Question10: After all these years and after a long affiliation with Charlton Athletic, do you still follow/support Spurs’ progress?

M.R: I have always followed Spurs ever since I left in 1978 to join Charlton Athletic. Also I have 2 brother In laws who are Spurs fanatics, so it is difficult not to know what is happening at the club.  I usually go back to White Hart Lane for a game each season but haven’t seen them play at Wembley.

Spurs under 21’s 1-2 Barnet: (match report)

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Spurs under 21’s 1-2 Barnet: (match report)

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”We’ve come up against two League Two teams and one League One team in this competition and at times we’ve competed well, we’ve played some decent football but we’ve come up short. Yes, the players are still developing but part of their development is understanding how to win and we haven’t done that again. We’ve very disappointed in the goals conceded but we have to learn from that. We understand mistakes might happen but we have to learn and that’s the key thing for these young players.“ (Wayne Burnett)

After taking my seat at Barnets new stadium ‘the hive’ I looked around in awe at the stadium, it’s a lovely little ground with a pristine and modern feel about it, I also noticed whilst walking in, that the training ground is right next to the stadium. Enough of that, the reason I was there was to see our under 21’s final Checkatrade trophy game of the season, on paper it was a dead rubber with both sides unable to advance to the knockout stages, this game was all about playing for pride. And Burnett’s lads done just that, they put in a spirited display really taking the game to Barnet in the first half, leading deservedly at the interval. However, the bees experience shone through in the second half, they took control of the game and managed to put two past our defence to comfortably see out the tie on a bitterly cold evening. Former Spurs man Shaq Coulthirst embraced Spurs’ head of Academy development John McDermott prior to kick off, and the former Academy player had the first chance of the game. When the forward had a go from range, his effort sailing high above Whiteman’s goal. Barnet fired narrowly wide moments later as they looked to put a foothold on the game. The bees fine start to the game continued a couple of minutes later, goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman managing to palm a dangerous cross away, but it fell right to veteran defender Michael Nelson who smashed the ball against the upright.

Shayon Harrison tested Ross with a thumping effort from range as Spurs looked to get into the game. Moments after our first goal attempt of the game, we took the lead courtesy of a stunning strike from Harrison. Edwards started the move off, showing some good feet before picking out Bennetts down the left channel, he surged forward before putting in a delicious cross into the box which was met on the half volley by Harrison, whose emphatic finished hit the roof of the net, 1-0. Jack Roles was a calming presence in the midfield, almost pulling off a brilliant through ball shortly after the restart. Whiteman did well to gather Kyei’s cross before Maghoma threw himself in the way of Fonguck’s effort to prevent a goalscoring opportunity. Barnet should have levelled from the resulting corner, Nelson’s bullet header darting inches wide of Whiteman’s far post. Barnet were looking dangerous on the break, Whiteman had to be alert to stop a powerful low effort on 23 minutes as Barnet continued to threaten our defence. Alex Nicholls 20 yard thunderbolt was only stopped by a heroic fingertip save from Whiteman, as Spurs continued to cling on. Spurs continued their impressive forward play, Harrison bending an effort wide on the half hour mark. Ryan Watson almost caught Whiteman out with his dipping free kick which struck the cross bar as Spurs continued to defend well. Marsh marking a vital block soon afterwards inside the area.

The lively Marcus Edwards was proving to be Spurs’ most creative player, one such promising run saw the starlet pick out Eyoma down the right, the fullbacks cross being met by no one inside the box. The second half saw a more clinical Barnet team, who took there chance to equalise just after the restart. The prominent Vilhete’s dangerous cross was most unfortunately turned into his own net by Maghoma who tried to clear. The young centre half was clearly distraught as he looked to the sky. Barnet went on the offensive, testing Whiteman with a thumping effort soon afterwards before forcing Maghoma into making a good block. Barnet had taken control of the game whilst Spurs struggled to get the ball out of their half. However, we did manage to create a good chance after Roles won the ball in the central area of midfield. He played in Edwards who embarked on a promising run before slipping in Harrison inside the box, his effort from a tight angle hitting the side netting. Then came a disappointing goal to concede after Nicholls put Barnet ahead on 57 minutes. It was a poor goal to concede Whiteman was caught napping with the ball at his feet, being pressed by Nicholls he panicked smashing the ball off the Barnet man, with it rebounding into the back of his net, 1-2. Barnet were in the ascendancy, Coulthirst firing narrowly over moments later. Then a bees man managed to cut in from the left before firing an effort straight at the Spurs keeper. The prominent George Marsh made a brilliant sliding challenge to halt the home team who then fired the ball across the face of the Spurs goal.

A rare Spurs attack saw Harrison and Bennetts combine well on the edge of the Barnet box, the former being tripped inside the area upon receiving the ball (should have been a penalty). The newly introduced Samuel Shashoua brought some much needed energy into the game his intricate play giving Spurs another option going forward. Barnet could well have got their third after firing over from close range, as George Marsh managed to get a good block in soon after. Roles showed good late vision to put Sterling through on goal in a golden late chance for Spurs. The strikers effort being blocked by a combination of Ross and Barnet defenders who scrambled the ball clear. But the ball managed to come straight back into the danger area, Shashoua received the ball 10 or so yards out from goal, he tried placing his effort which was well met by Ross. The final score Spurs under 21’s 1-2 Barnet. COYS

 

Player reviews:
– Alfie Whiteman: Made some decent stops and dealt with crosses well, he will however be disappointed at conceding the winner.
– TJ Eyoma: Composed and efficient dealt with danger coming down the right flank well.
– Keanan Bennetts: Produced a brilliant assist for the opener, embarked on some lovely forward runs down the left, and also done his defensive shift well.
– George Marsh: Had a great game, made some terrific blocks/challenges.
– Christian Maghoma: Done a good job, defended well and made some important blocks.
– Japhet Tanganga: Commanding performance, very composed from the skipper.
– Jack Roles: Brilliant display from Roles, on a rare start the central midfielder showcased his talents. Breaking up play really well, showing great vision and creativity. And using his ability to find pockets of space to relieve the Spurs lads of pressure on occasions.
– Luke Amos: Efficient and tidy.
– Shayon Harrison: My motm see below.
– Ryan Loft: Worked his socks off, held up the ball really well.
– Marcus Edwards: Lively throughout the game created a string of fine chances.
– Samuel Shashoua: Bright cameo, brought energy to the game and worked some good forward moves. Pressed relentlessly.

My man of the match: Shayon Harrison. This was a close one between Harrison and Roles, but I’m going to give it to the 20 year old centre forward who put in an excellent shift up top. Harrison looked very sharp (bearing in mind he had a long injury lay off) he pressed the defenders well and oozed with confidence. I’ve long been a fan of the striker since his under 18 days. Harrison made some intelligent runs against Barnet, he was lively and didn’t hesitate to try his luck from range. He took his goal brilliantly and was unlucky not to have got another. That’s four goals from seven games for the youngster since returning from a lengthy injury lay off, I really hope to see him in the first team fold again soon.

 

Barnet: Ross, Taylor, Blackman, Watson, Santos, Nelson (c), Nicholls, Fonguck (Coker 82), Coulthirst (Amaluzor 78), Vilhete, Kyei (Tutonda 78). Substitutes (not used): McKenzie-Lyle, Payne, Aghadiuno, Pascal.

Spurs U21s: Whiteman, Eyoma, Bennetts, Marsh, C Maghoma, Tanganga (c), Roles, Amos (S Shashoua 72), Harrison, Edwards (Sterling 81), Loft (Tracey 63). Substitutes (not used): O’Reilly, Skipp, Pritchard.

Goals: Barnet – Maghoma (OG) 48, Nicholls 57; Spurs – Harrison 16.

Referee: Lee Collins.

Attendance: 445.

U23’s 2017/18 statistics: Top scorers: Sterling-7
Loft-1
Duncan-2
Edwards-4
Tanganga-1
Pritchard-3
S.Shashoua-5
Bennetts: 1
Tracey-1
Harrison-4

Assists: Skipp-1
Miller-1
Sterling-
Pritchard-4
Edwards-3
Tracey-3
Eyoma-1
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Sterling-3
Bennetts-3
Marsh-1

Some highlights from the game: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=If1MPbEh6pE&feature=youtu.be

 

Spurs under 21’s versus Barnet: (match preview)

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Spurs under 21’s versus Barnet: (match preview)

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Wayne Burnett’s development side will make the short trip across North London on Tuesday evening, to face league two club Barnet in their final Checkatrade trophy game of the season. The final group game for both sides who have already been eliminated from the competition, will be a bit of a dead rubber game especially for the league two club who are currently languishing near the bottom of the league two table. However, for our lads it will be viewed as another vital learning experience. Having given a really good account of ourselves in our previous two games in the competition, against AFC Wimbledon and Luton respectively, this game could present the opportunity for some under 18 players to feature. Of course our lads will want to end the campaign on a high with a win, but they’ll want to express themselves just like they did in the previous two games which they both could have won. After suffering a narrow PL2 defeat away to Man City on Saturday, Burnett will probably rotate his squad. Mark McGhee’s struggling bees side have only won once in their last 16 games, but there team has been bolstered by the return of prolific striker John Akinde from injury. Another talented attacking player is former Spurs man Shaquille Coulthirst who has been in excellent form for the bees so far this season. It promises to be an intriguing game (kick off:8pm) for our youngsters and one which will be another great experience. I will be reporting on the game, and shall have my match report published by the following day. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Eyoma, Maghoma,Lyons-Foster, Bennetts , Skipp, P.Maghoma, Tracey, Pritchard(c), S.Shashoua, Sterling

Subs from: De Bie, Marsh, Brown, Harrison, Loft.

Doubtful: Duncan, Tsaroulla, Dinzeyi, Omolabi, Edwards?

My score prediction: 3-2 to Spurs courtesy of goals from Samuel Shashoua, Shayon Harrison and Keanan Bennetts.

One to watch: The bees forward Shauille Coulthirst will be a familiar name for Spurs fans, the former Spurs youngster who played once for our senior side. Has started the season in fine form with 8 league goals.

Spurs versus Leicester City: (match preview)

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Spurs versus Leicester City: (match preview)

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The disappointment of the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Saturday, will if anything be used as a motivator by Pochettino for his Spurs side, ahead of their midweek league visit to Leicester City. The performance against West Brom on Saturday wasn’t necessarily a bad one, but it lacked the intensity that we so often implement on games, I’m sure squad rotation will be likely for the Leicester game, to ensure some fresh legs on the pitch. Leicester have had an eventful season, after a poor start Craig Shakespeare was sacked, with Leicester opting for the more defensive former Southampton boss Claude Puel to take his place. And the Frenchman has made a positive impact, with the foxes picking up five points from his first four games in charge. Leicester are likely going to try and frustrate our forwards much like West Brom did, whist trying to catch us out on the break, with the pace of Jamie Vardy up top and the skill and creativity of Riyadh Mahrez, Demarai Gray and Marc Albrighton likely to be there most creative players. Pochettino’s lads will have to come out off the blocks fast, and play that fast attacking football which we are so used to seeing, if we are to prevent a similar outcome to the West Brom game. COYS

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Lloris(c), Sanchez, Dier, Vertonghen, Aurier, Sissoko, Dembele, Rose, Son, Alli, Kane.

Subs from: Vorm, Davies, Eriksen, Trippier, Foyth, Llorente, Oakley-Boothe.

Doubtful: Harry Winks (illness).

Absent: Wanyama, Alderweireld.

My score prediction: 3-1 to Spurs, courtesy of goals from Aurier, Kane and Dele.

One to watch: Speedy winger Demarai Gray who was once linked with Spurs, has been in fine form of recent, his pace skill and shooting ability will be something that Pochettino’s side will have to deal with.

Where are they now: Former Spurs academy player Troy Archibald-Henville

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Where are they now: Former Spurs academy player Troy Archibald-Henville

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I haven’t done one of these articles in a while now, so I thought I’d start it up again with a piece on another former Spurs academy graduate. Troy Archibald-Henville is a name that most Spurs fans, Academy fanatics or not, won’t forget. The towering centre half now aged 29 and playing for league two outfit Exeter City, joined Spurs full time in 2005. The promising young defender who captained our reserves during the 2007/08 campaign was considered a hot prospect in the Tottenham ranks. His impressive performances going on to make him the captain of the reserve side. It was this fine stint in the reserve side that earned the 18 year old starlet a place on the bench for the big North London Derby of the same year. The defender from Newham in east London seemed to have a bright Spurs career in the offing, even launching the new kit for the following season alongside the likes of Robbie Keane, Jonathan Woodgate and another promising young Spurs prospect, 18 year old Danny Rose. For one reason or another Archibald-Henville never went on to make an appearance for the senior side despite staying at the lilywhites until 2010. Loan spells spent at Norwich and Exeter followed, before Troy joined the league 2 club on a permanent basis in 2010, and the then manager of Exeter Paul Tisdale was mightily impressed with the young defenders progress at the Grecians. Troy spent over two seasons with Exeter, making over 80 league appearances with them before making the move to league one club Swindon Town in the summer of 2012.

Sadly for Troy a series of injury disrupted seasons followed and he didn’t feature on many occasions for Swindon before eventually being loaned out to league two club Carlisle United, who he eventually signed for at the start of the 2014-15 campaign. I was at a league two game involving Stevenage and Carlisle a couple of seasons back to watch Spurs youngster Connor Ogilvie, Carlisle ended up grabbing a late 1-0 winner in that game, Archibald Henville was one of their best players, putting in a classy defensive display alongside fellow Spurs man Alexander McQueen. Troy suffered a serious knee injury with the Cumbrian side and eventually departed them for a return to former club Exeter City at the beginning of the 2016/17 campaign, for whom he still represents today at the age of 29. Troy is just one of a number of talented Spurs Academy graduates who has gone on to forge a fine career in the game, time flys fast and it’s hard to believe that the former Spurs man is now 29. I wish Troy all the very best for the remainder of this season at Exeter.

I asked Carlisle United fan Al Millington about Troys time with the Cumbrian club, Mr.Millington had the following to say: “To sum Troy up I’d say he was talented but injury prone. Strong in the air and tackle with decent skills for a big centre half in league two. Unfortunately he never really got a good run of games due to injury and spent much of the latter part of his time with us warming the bench. Pace wasn’t his strong point and the general view was that injuries had taken its toll and his knees were a liability at the end. Met him once outside a pub in Brentford post match. He was a really nice guy.”

Disappointment for our under 18’s against Arsenal: (0-6)

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Disappointment for our under 18’s against Arsenal: (0-6)

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It was a game for Scott Parker’s under 18 side to forget earlier today in their under 18 league game against rivals Arsenal. Bearing in mind this Arsenal team are supremely talented along with the fact that Parker fielded a very young side including two schoolboys (Walcott and Bennett). It could well have been an off day for our lads from what’s sounds like a very good attacking display from Arsenal, who went into halftime four goals to the good. At the end of the day it’s the experiences and situations these players will learn from rather than the numerical result after 90 minutes. Spurs should publish an official match report by tomorrow. Our under 18’s host Aston Villa next Saturday at Hotspur way in the premier league cup. COYS

By the way this is a brilliant piece on former Spurs coach Chris Ramsey’s approach to youth football, especially about results: http://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog/espn-fc-united/68/post/3273573/chris-ramsey-explains-player-development-at-queens-park-rangers-tottenham-including-harry-kane

Under 18’s Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-9
Phoenix Patterson -3
Dilan Markanday- 3
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-1
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson- 4
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-1
Reo Griffiths-1
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-1

Spurs under 23’s 2-4 Manchester City: (concise report)

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Spurs under 23’s 2-4 Manchester City: (concise report)

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This game for Wayne Burnett’s side proved to be yet another thriller as Manchester City fought back from two goals down to crush any hopes of a win for Spurs, up in Manchester on Saturday afternoon. On a day of disappointment for Spurs across various levels it was a game which promised so much for Burnett’s talented side. Spurs took a two goal lead inside the opening half hour courtesy of Shayon Harrison’s free kick and then through Kazaiah Sterling’s deflected header. Phil Foden pulled a goal back for the sky blues, and Simon Davies’ side seemed to achieve confidence from that goal, going on to win the second half 4-2 courtesy of a hat trick from striker Lukas Nmecha. A disappointing end to what sounded like a good performance from Spurs, who now sit bottom of the league table. I haven’t been able to find out who assisted Sterling’s goal, but when I do, I will update my statistics. Our development squad travel to Barnet in midweek for the final Checkatrade trophy game, before a visit to east London on the following Monday in the PL2. I will be attending both of those games. COYS

Official match report on Man City’s website: https://www.mancity.com/news/eds/match-report/2017/november/man-city-eds-v-tottenham-premier-league-2-match-report

U23’s 2017/18 statistics: Top scorers: Sterling-7
Loft-1
Duncan-2
Edwards-4
Tanganga-1
Pritchard-3
S.Shashoua-5
Bennetts: 1
Tracey-1
Harrison-3

Assists: Skipp-1
Miller-1
Sterling-1
Pritchard-4
Edwards-3
Tracey-3
Eyoma-1
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Sterling-3
Bennetts-2
Marsh-1

Spurs 1-1 West Brom: (My post match thoughts)

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Spurs 1-1 West Brom: (My post match thoughts)

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Spurs and West Brom, two teams with two completely different footballing ideologies, many thought our quality would outwit the struggling visitors who were without a win in there previous 11 games. That however, was not to be the case, Pochettino’s side didn’t produce an energetic attacking performance much like the one that saw us beat Dortmund away in midweek. Instead it was a slow and at times lethargic display, Spurs looked tired our players running out of options to carve through an impeccable West Brom defence. West Brom’s long ball game is something that were used to, it’s seen us come unstuck in recent seasons. Even though West Brom sacked their long term manager Tony Pulis last week, Gary Megson took temporary charge of the baggies though the tactics seemed identical to those of Pulis, long ball with a particularly defensive stance. That’s why it was such a big blow to our lads when West Brom took a surprise lead four minutes into the game. Spurs got caught in possession in there own half, former Spurs man Jake Livermore’s long ball setting the powerful Rondon through on goal, the Venezuelan internationals strength saw him shrug off Sanchez to advance into the box, before placing a shot inside the far corner of Lloris’ net, 0-1. West Brom had struck early and weren’t going to look for a second, they sat deep as Spurs looked to stamp their authority on the game but it was to no avail. Our attacking forays and crosses into the baggies area were meat and drink to the visitors, Jonny Evans and Ahmed Hegazy frustrating our forwards with their defensive prowess (especially in the air).

Eric Dier tested Ben Foster with a decent header late on in the half, but the intensity from Spurs was not there going into the interval. The second half saw a rejuvenated Spurs side take the game more to Megson’s side. We were dominating possession against a very deep lying side, we started to pass the ball around with a bit of zip and started to test Foster. But West Brom continued to hold firm, Trippier’s testing effort was blocked. Before Spurs produced a defence splitting move to finally breakthrough the baggies brick wall, Alli winning the ball off McClean before advancing down the right and whipping the ball across the face of goal. It was a fine cross which was met by Harry Kane to prod home, giving Spurs faith that they could get the winner in the remaining minutes. Sadly that winner never came, Spurs pushed the visitors far but still Pochettino’s team were just lacking a bit of creativity in front of goal. Kane and Alli came close to finding that winner towards the latter stages of the game, but it was the baggies who were to have two more golden opportunities of their own. First through substitute Hal Robson-Kanu’s powerful effort across the face of the goal. And then through the influential Salomon Rondon in the 95th minute after he met a promising cross, inside the Spurs penalty area but the striker could only hit the ball inches wide of Lloris’ goal, it should have been the winner!

I’m sure Mauricio Pochettino will be bitterly disappointed with how today’s game panned out, especially with all the possession (73%) his side had during the game and the gulf in class. As a fan sat high up in the stands at Wembley it was without doubt a hugely disappointing result for a number of reasons, big players such as Eriksen had an off day and didn’t manage to influence the game. We lacked a sharpness in our play especially in the final third which let us down on a number of occasions. Winks also had a bit of an off day, and the midfield partnership of him and Dier didn’t seem to propel us going forward, we lacked the physicality and skill of Dembele in the midfield areas. In all truth we looked tired, maybe the exertions of our performance against Dortmund in midweek took its toll. Anyhow we weren’t at the races today, but no one can expect us to grind out these results all the time even against struggling sides, our players gave there absolute all, but it just wasn’t to be on this occasion. Kudos to West Brom, who I thought were very good against us, they were well structured and defended brilliantly throughout the game, they were deserving of there point and I’ve no doubt they’ll stay up this season with performances like the one today. We go again on Tuesday with a league fixture away to Leicester, a similarly tricky game but one that I’m sure Pochettino’s lads will perform well in. COYS

 

2017/18 statistics:
Senior goal scorers: Alli-6
Davies-2
Kane-15
Eriksen-4
Son-4
Sissoko-2

Assists Eriksen-3
Trippier-7
Davies-2
Kane-4
Alli-5
Alderweireld-1
Sissoko-1
Son-2
Dier-1

 

Spurs versus West Brom: (match preview)

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Spurs versus West Brom: (match preview)

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Without a win in 11 games managerless West Brom seem like the perfect team for Pochettino’s side to face on Saturday. However, that is on paper and as we all know no game in the premier league can be taken for granted. Following the sacking of struggling Baggies manager Tony Pulis last Monday following their 4-0 home thrashing to Chelsea, Gary Megson who will take temporary charge of the baggies for their trip to Wembley will be in the dugout. As Spurs look to carry on the momentum from there glorious champions league outing in Dortmund, in midweek. It’s been almost three months since Spurs last played a game at there temporary home, the 2-0 Derby day defeat to Arsenal still fresh in the memory, Pochettino will be desperate for his side to pick up maximum points on Saturday, to keep up with the high flying Manchester City who’s lead at the top of the table currently stands at 8 points. I was sorry to see Pulis leave West Brom, his a manager who I have a lot of respect and he managed to build the baggies into a really solid and structured side during his three year tenure. Salomon Rondon is the baggies target man whilst the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Matt Phillips provide the creativity with in the side. In addition winger James McClean who has only started two league games this season, is a real handful down the left flank with his searing pace and energy, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player with a better stamina. If we start well and play with confidence then I think there will be only one outcome from the game. COYS

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Lloris(c), Sanchez, Dier, Vertonghen, Trippier, Dembele, Winks, Davies, Alli, Eriksen, Kane.

Subs from: Vorm, Foyth, Aurier, Rose, Son, Llorente, Nkoudou.

My score prediction: 5-0 to Spurs courtesy of a brace from Kane, a goal for Son and one for Eriksen.

Absentees: Alderweireld, Wanyama.

One to watch: Jay Rodriguez is a player who Pochettino holds in high esteem, having managed him at Southampton he’ll know what the talented forward is capable of going forward with the ball and creating, a very talented player who Spurs will have to be wary of.

Spurs under 18’s versus Arsenal: (match preview)

Posted on by superhotspur

Spurs under 18’s versus Arsenal: (match preview)

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Scott Parker’s side go into this weekends North London Derby (Played at Arsenal’s training ground) on a high following their emphatic 5-2 victory away to Swansea last Saturday. A North London Derby at any level is a big occasion and I’m sure his youngsters will need no encouraging going into this one. Arsenal who sit in fourth position in the league table are unbeaten at home this season and Kwame Ampadu’s side are one of the most talented in the country scoring 22 goals from there first 9 games, I’d be very surprised if this game ended goalless. COYS

My predicted lineup: De Bie(c), Hinds, Lyons-Foster, Statham, Reynolds, Bowden, P.Maghoma, P.Patterson, A.Shashoua, Mukendi, Griffiths.

Subs from: Freeman, Walcott, Clarke, Pochettino, Richards.

My score prediction: 3-1 to Spurs.

One to watch: Arsenal’s top scorer this term with 6 goals, forward Folarin Balogun.