Spurs lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the North London derby, who played better than usual but lacked the edge to get an equaliser. Arsenal certainly did not lack the edge. A fantastic goal from Rosicky, in the first two minutes of the game, slammed past a despairing Hugo Lloris who couldn’t have stopped such a fine shot.
In the game, Tottenham had 17 shots, only two of which were on target. Just two. That is quite frankly, abysmal. Arsenal on the other hand had seven shots, three of which were on target. It is clear to see there is a better ratio from Arsenal. They sat very deep in the second half in its latest stages, bringing on two extra defenders. Many football fans would criticise this tactic, as “parking the bus” is looked down upon with great disdain. However, one-nil up against a fierce rival where a win is important in keeping title winning hopes alive, this tactic may just be common sense. Protecting the lead might be boring football, but is it better to concede late on because the team is pushed up trying to get another? No it isn’t.
Anyway, enough about Arsenal. Spurs need to finish better. Creating more chances than Arsenal in the game, it is vital for the Lilywhites to finish their chances. Against a packed Arsenal defence, it may be hard to score. That is when quality players, who can either score a wonder goal from 30 yards out, or someone who can manipulate defences with their passing prowess, are required. So, in the 82nd minute where Spurs looked to be all over Arsenal, Eriksen is substituted for Soldado. Admittedly, bringing on Soldado was good decision. There had been many crosses in the game that had not been converted. Soldado’s speciality is getting the ball into the net whilst in the box. Whether this is a header, or with his feet, he is deadly inside the box. Yet for most of the season, Soldado has been having to drop further out of the box just to receive the ball. He is not being used correctly. Now, the man you want to supply Soldado with balls in the box, is most likely Christian Eriksen. Hold on. He got subbed? Bentaleb stayed on the field of play even though his energy was depleted and had little left to give. It’s not just that, its the fact that Eriksen is the most creative player at the club, yet he is subbed for a youth player. Breaking down a defence is hard. That is why Tottenham should have kept Eriksen on. Alas, they did not.
Over the years Tottenham have had some very talented players among their ranks. Gareth Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and Luka Modric to name three. These guys were fantastic. All three played perhaps very different roles, but all three also did one thing in common. These players gave the edge over Tottenham’s opponents. In games of great effort and battling, it is vital there is a player in the side who can produce a little magic. A brilliant reverse pass that creates a goal. A hurtling run that beats three players. A goal scored from near impossible range. Do Spurs have this now? No. There are players who perhaps have the potential to do this, but at the moment there are no stand out players who can do this.
So, if Tottenham want to finish higher up next season, they need a player who has quality, skill, a bit of magic. If not…then it may just be another fruitless season.
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