Bale has plaayed a part in 90% of your goals over your last 12. ... not that naive. And there isn't anything wrong with riding one of the best players in the world. Suarez has been 75%.

Look storts, I like Spurs. Like what they do, like how they carry themselves. Said so in earlier posts. You came on here whinging about inferiority and slagging off Suarez.

I think its really naive to suggest you could "kill the game off" for 35 minutes. If you honestly thought the drama was gone after 2-1 then you're either extremely overvaluing your team or haven't been following Liverpool (or the rest of the PL) that much. Liverpool have led the PL in scoring since December and are 4th in points since that time. On form, Liverpool isn't inferior. The last 35 was going to be frenetic no matter what. You could have been a goal up on Reading and they would have made it interesting. Either way, game was enjoyable. Played with pace, pressure and excitement

You're right, you made errors as did Liverpool in the two set pieces. The game was far from put to bed at any point, and while the "british press" (known for their objectivity ofcourse) may be willing to pass off the defeat for Spurs as a minor bump, all will agree what a big win it is for Liverpool.

I think thats a bit hard on your side, Hawkspur. The mistake that led to the 2nd goal was comical, to say the least... but despite the 20 minutes to start the second half in which Spurs held the ball well, the game was very even. Once the game was drawn Liverpool elevated to the front foot.

Hard to imagine that Spurs were planning on keeping the ball the entire 2nd half (as Storts believe they should have to my lowly, inferior side). Liverpool actually did very well the last 30 minutes of controlling the middle of the field and limiting Spurs chances, despite struggling to create their own.

As for Liverpool, we know we were fortunate to get even. Its fortuitous to finally get the break. To be honest, if a Spurs fan wants to ring up the loss to Walker, they'd be hypocritically ignoring the very poor circumstances in which they scored both goals, or the shambolic display by the ref in letting atleast one, if not two previous penalty shouts go unheard. (peaches thinks Coutinhos was but Sturrdiges was soft, i thought they were both legitimate).

either way, despite Storts contentions otherwise, the game was never in hand by Spurs. I thought they played frenetic, passionate football and deserved a draw. the loss was a kick in the stomach, but one i'm happy my team delivered instead of received

Quick question, which run in looks more favorable on paper:

Arsenal
@ Swansea
vs Reading
@ West Brom
vs Norwich
vs Everton
@ Fulham
vs Man United
@ QPR
vs Wigan

Spurs
vs Fulham
@ Swansea
vs Everton
@ Chelsea
vs Man City
@ Wigan
vs Southampton
@ Stoke City
vs Sunderland

Chelsea
vs West Ham
@ Southampton
vs Sunderland
vs Spurs
@ Liverpool
vs Swansea
@ Man United
@ Aston Villa
vs Everton

For me I think Arsenal does as their two toughest matches remaining, in my mind(Man U and Everton), are home matches, Chelsea and Spurs have to pay each other(Spurs do that in the middle of a run that includes City, Everton and away to Swansea), and the possible match congestion due to Spurs and Chelsea's cup obligations could play a factor as well. In the end I think the Top 4 battle could and probably will come down to the final game yet again, Liverpool might sneak into the fight they only have Chelsea to face, but both Arsenal and Chelsea have a game in hand also. And then Everton, I don't really know what's gonna happen with them as they seem to be all over the place lately.

Actually, I reckon Liverpool's run in is the most favorable of all. I'm totes biased, though...

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Rzzzzz...

Arsenal and Liverpool have the easier run ins (on paper) with Everton and Spurs the more difficult. Trying to pick winners in the PL this year is far too difficult to try. Chelsea and Spurs still seem the favorites for Rth, with Arsenal and Liverpool to battle for 5th. Evertons schedule looks to have them drop. But this is their time of year.

Based on current form (and taking into account Arsenals win yesterday, and future cup ties) id say:

United
City
Spurs
Chelsea
Liverpool
Arsenal
Everton

Arsenal is the wild card here, with the ability to jump to 4th or fall to 7th

I think the biggest X-Factor for Arsenal is their record against clubs below them in the table, only 1 of their losses have come to a club below them in the table at the time of the match, 2 losses against clubs below them in the table at the current moment. Only problem is that those 2 losses have come against Swansea and Norwich, who Arsenal have left to play the return fixtures.

Chelsea is their own worst enemy at this moment as they always seem to create an illusion that they're turning the corner, only to take 2 steps back when we aren't looking. Spurs will probably finish Top 4 if they can get by that daunting 4 game run where they face Swansea, Chelsea, Everton and City. Everton seems to be on a mission to hurt themselves and Liverpool seem to be relying more on Suarez with each game.

I think Si is right, Arsenal do have that kind of style where it seems that they can finish Top 4 or 7th. In the end I think it will end up being Spurs and Arsenal(namely cause the Gunners always find a way into the Top 4 similar to how Wigan always finds a way to stay in the EPL), Liverpool or Chelsea will finish 5th.

Liverpool has the best record against teams in the bottom ten, and play 7 of 9 in that part of the table. I like that run in. But, like Arsenal, both teams are so dramatically inconsistent its hard to say where they land.

While we know that Chelsea will struggle, but also nick points, its really down to whether Liverpool or Arsenal (or both) can take advantage of their run in and play with the form they are capable.

Hard to put faith in that, given how the season has gone. Liverpool have been on quite the run, but I catn put faith they can take 20+ of 27 (which they need to challenge for 4th)

Liverpool's CL chances (in percentages)

0 f---ing percent

horrid

*sigh*

Well, there goes that.

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Rzzzzz...

That was a great result for Arsenal today. Awesome that Nacho got his first goal, and how important it could be we'll find out, and even more amazing is that Gervinho scored a quality goal for once. Swansea should feel hard done as they were good in the midfield but the final third, on both sides of the pitch, they were just horrific at times. The best way to describe Swansea today was that they played with a sword against their throat and it got pushed in. Fabianski didn't have to work much seeing as the Swans didn't have a shot on target, Michu of course was the closest with that shot that went around the post. I also feel Oxlade-Chamberlain deserved a goal for his performance in the first half, sucks he didn't get it but oh well.

Gervinho's was hardly a quality goal. He was in acres of space one on one and finished it as any player in that position should.

Either way you deserved to win today, Swansea were poor, didn't really create anything and it seems they will just cruise through to the end of the season in second gear, hopefully it will be the same when we play them in two weeks time.

Don't need to say anything about Liverpool

Maybe I should rephrase that, that goal by Gervinho was quality by his standards, mostly cause we've seen him muck up easier chances than that one, and that was easy to begin with.

I really like what I'm seeing from Arsenal's defense the last two games. Shutting down that dangerous Bayern attack, and limiting Swansea to zero shots on target, and making Michu seem nearly invisible(first time I've seen him like that). Arsenal should have a simple run with Reading, West Brom and Norwich until they host Everton in 3 1/2 weeks. I do see WBA being a pain in the butt but not sure about the other two and hopefully this Arsenal, from the last two games, stays for a while.

And with that, talk of a Spurs meltdown is heating up big time. Should Chelsea win, they'll go 3rd and Arsenal could 1 point behind Tottenham(or jump over them) if results fall in the Gunners favor the next week or two. Now Spurs are in the same position as Arsenal where they can't not afford to drop points, especially with the next 4 games, 3 of which are against top 6 clubs in the table.

Don't need to say anything about Liverpool[/quote]


Or Spurs.....

Or Spurs.....[/quote]

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Rzzzzz...

Touché


Shocking performance that I really can't be bothered to analyse.

We miss Lennon greatly and didn't have a single player perform well. Oh well need this break to regroup for Swansea

Ha. Fulham with the lesson in humility.

Seemed like Bale also went missing for a while after that knock he took in the first half, fooled me into thinking he was subbed off.

I do think Arsenal caught somewhat of a break with how Swansea played, more to do with lack of quality by Swansea in the final 3rd and Arsenal defensive performance, and I don't really think that'll happen again for Spurs.

Status quo at the top of the table. Reading and QPR look like near locks for the drop and Villa didn't do anything to convince me they are staying up either.

Well to an extent, as Chelsea mucked up an easy looking game like the one against Southampton, it seemed to me like they had one eye on that FA Cup replay on Monday.

As for Arsenal, nice to see them dominate a game the way they did, though Reading didn't look like a threat all game, even when they did score that only seemed like the one time in the entire game, in my opinion, where Arsenal didn't pay any attention. It was also great to see Gervinho play great for the majority of his time on the pitch, probably was a bit greedy at times but he played a part in Arsenal's first 3 goals and that's actually good to see, though it also reminded me of how bad his performances he's been for the most part this season.

Southampton away is not an easy fixture. They play aggressive and attractive football

That is true considering who's walked out of the there with a draw or loss.

I like the way they play alot... was concerned it may fall off with the new coach but his high pressing style has them buzzing at home.

Better fixtures this weekend with some interesting matchups:

Arsenal away at West Brom. WBA reeling but still dangerous

Spurs host Everton

City/United

Liverpool host Andy Carroll and recently in form West Ham team

Chelsea follow up their win today with slagging Sunderland.

Won't see much movement as far as placement but may see some teams get closer together.

Andy Carroll can't play against Liverpool, due to being on loan from LFC, correct?

That would make sense actually...

did you see his second goal against West Brom? thing of beauty. I cant wait to have him back up top running around with Suarez, Coutinho.

Imagine this:

Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique

Lucas Gerrard

Henderson

Sturridge Carroll Suarez Coutinho








(oh wait...)

Carroll is gone for good. Can't tell if you were being sarcastic or not. Quite tired.


Here, anyone think QPR are gonna go down regardless? Not even 'Arry can save that lot. They have some talent on that team, too. Defense is shambolic, though.

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Rzzzzz...

definitely sarcastic..

QPR is down. My guess would be Reading and Villa join them. I hope Villa stay up. rather have Sunderland drop

Man, What happened to MON this year? Starting to think he may not have his old magic anymore, in which case I'm glad NESV stayed away from him and went with Rodgers.

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Rzzzzz...

I think you're seeing a shift in mentality in the PL. Basically have three mentalities: quick, attacking passes, defend and counter, or possess and break down. You can identify the teams that do what (or try). But there is Alot more focus on possession and passing. Watching Southampton, Swansea, Reading, and even Villa, there is a concerted effort to unbalance teams with passing instead of just driving it down their throat. Sunderland (and Stoke) havent changed their mentality towards the game and are struggling.

MON will find a job. May not be in the PL, but he's on someone's shortlist.

Maybe on the continent? Bundesliga maybe?

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Rzzzzz...

IMHO Whatever we get from the sale of Carroll needs to be invested into the defense/goalkeeper situation. We essentially have 1.75 worthy league CB's starters after Carragher retires.

Reina is decent at times, and doesn't look terrible too much but I think we can do better if we spend mid-tier money.

that would be a good fit... or the Championship.

Take on QPR? 'arry wont stay when they are relegated

The only real downer for Arsenal is that Marton Furlop isn't gonna be in goal to screw things up for the Baggies this time.

Quoted for truth.

Someone needed to tell Fulop to wait til after the game to start sniffing ether.
I hope Arsenal forwarded him a decent chunk of their Champions League revenue from this seaon.

I think this match could end up being a good one between Arsenal and West Brom, though I think Arsenal's confidence is too high right now for West Brom to get something out of it, it might be close, but it'll be really upsetting right now if Arsenal get anything other than a win.

Oh yeah. this can't miss.

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Rzzzzz...

what could go wrong?

Either Arsenal mucks it up some how or West Brom's defense tries to do it's best imitation of Reading's defense vs Arsenal and gets run through like an idiot standing on train tracks.

This is the absolute last thing Spurs wanted to see happen:



Gareth Bale being stretchered off the pitch after a collision late in the Europa League match vs Basel. The pictures I'm seeing I'd have to say he'll be the luckiest bastard on earth if it's only a sprain, he's definitely out for at least a few games, possibly the rest of the season.

I will offer a third alternative Gate.... west brom has a talented football team and plays Arsenal tough, winning on class. It does happen, Southampton, swansea, and even west brom have shown they can beat any team at home.

Spur... bummer about Bale. He's been immense and a joy to watch. Hope its not serious

Big big wins for Arsenal and Aston Villa today. Arsenal racing out to a 2-0 lead then scrapping out the 3 points after falling a man down when Mertesacker was sent off. Villa got their win thanks to arguably a favorite for goal of the year from Matthew Lowton.

Loic Remy and Andros Townsend are brilliant players on a bad team. QPR almost found a way to win today even though they were a man down but their propensity to commit stupid fouls gave Wigan a late free kick that they buried for the tie just before the final whistle.

_________________

You are absolutely entitled to state your opinion whenever you wish, and I am absolutely entitled to point out the stupidity of that opinion with the same frequency.

Today was a really tough game to talk about. I mean we desperately needed to win this match, three points was essential at the start of the day after the Fulham result. That game has seriously affected this run in. I think it was down as one our banker three points and losing them has made it an uphill battle to recover. Following today we now have to beat Man City, which is going to be very tricky, especially with the 5-1 from last season hanging over the players. Thankfully the Chelsea game was postponed so hopefully we won't have to play another league game without our wingers and they'll be back for City.

Last week I was extremely confident of beating Everton, I really didn't see anything other than a Spurs win. Then Bale and Lennon get injured in the same game and it went from very confident to extremely pessimistic. Nobody really knew how we would adapt without any pace down the flanks and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised today. Obviously the draw is very disappointing, although the manner of it was good, but I think we played some nice football and if either team had deserved the win it would have been us.

We conceded two very sloppy goals once again. The first from a looping corner with no one on the back post once again. I personally think it was a foul as Jagielka was climbing all over Vertonghen but I haven't seen it again yet. Either way that referee today was absolutely diabolical, one of the poorest performances I have seen in ages. The second goal was another defensive mix up to let Mirallas get the ball although from then on it was superb by him, great finish. I do question Caulker a bit however as, not for the first time, he just backs off and backs off and gets turned very easily inside the box. He's got a lot of potential and will go on to be an excellent centre back, but he's young and he still has a lot to learn. Not even Ledley was perfect at that age.

Everton are a very strange side in my opinion. It's difficult to assess them and I really don't want to be too critical and sound bitter, but they are not ideal to watch, especially away from home. I thought it was very negative as usual, hit it up to Anichebe early and let him hold the ball up and allow for support. On that subject I do have to say he was probably the best player on the pitch, absolutely bullied Dawson and Caulker all game and was a fantastic outlet for them. Never seen him have such a good game and the improvement this season has been encouraging from an Everton point of view. I did think he went down very easily on occasion and I wasn't in the first half when he was down injured, got back up when Everton won the ball back and then went back down when they lost it. Their centre backs also had fine games, dealing with everything in the air and making a lot of last ditch interceptions to stop us getting through on goal. They are a very well organised unit and every player puts a proper shift in for the team which means it is hard to be critical. Maybe it's testament to them that I really don't like playing Everton.

As for our side, the stand-out performer was Adebayor. I've tried to stay positive and back him when a lot of our fans have been slagging him off and today was back to the Adebayor we need. He really took some of the responsibility for the team with Bale/Lennon out, worked very hard, got a goal, linked up the play superbly and made some dangerous runs. What I think was interesting is that he made this performance when we were playing such a different formation. Instead of our usual quick incisive direct passing out to the wings we had to be more intricate and narrow. We had Holtby, Dempsey and Gylfi all very close to Adebayor and this meant he was able to get his link up play going with one and two touch passes. It's his biggest strength and this change of shape was definitely a factor in his improvement.

On the front three once again Gylfi was the standout and justifying his selection of the other two in recent games. He is slowly becoming the player we need him to be. He is making things happen, getting on the ball, taking players on and playing passes/crosses in and around the box. He's also been popping up with goals when we needed them which has always been his biggest strength.

Holtby after his positive start to his Spurs career has been very hit and miss. He was by no means the worst player on our team today but he didn't assert too much influence and I don't think the AM role is his best one. Would much prefer to have him playing deeper and getting on the ball more.

Dempsey is absolutely useless unfortunately. He was never the right signing to make and it was a panic buy. He has a terrible first touch, no vision or creativity and his shooting is abysmal. He doesn't seem to be able to get any power on his shots, not that it matters as they never hit the target. I've tried really hard to like him, he's popped up with some important goals, but in the long run he really isn't good enough and I would like to see him moved on in the summer if at all possible whilst his stock is still high enough to command a decent fee.

Parker was once again a disappointment. There's only so many times he can slow down our attacks or lose the ball before we have to say enough is enough. I mean he still doesn't a good job in the tackle and winning the ball back, but he ruins a lot of our attacking impetus by running down blind alleyways and passing straight to the opposition/out of touch time and time again. Sandro has been such a miss in the second half of the season and Parker is another player I wouldn't mind showing the door in the summer.

Hugo showed his importance at the end with the save from Anichebe and Dembele was bright and positive as usual. I still do not rate him as highly as a lot of our fans due to his reluctance to play the early passes but hopefully he will learn. He is amazing with the ball at his feet taking people on, but just needs to learn when to release the ball as Adebayor was making some great runs for him today.

I am disappointed not to win the game, and the season does seem to be slipping away but who knows with Tottenham, the beauty of this club is that anything can happen, nobody really knows what to expect so we just have to take each game as it comes. Basel on thursday will be interesting. I assume it will be a similar team as we literally have nobody else in the squad that we can play but I would love to go through. Other than that we regroup for the City game, hope our wingers are fit and that Arsenal/Chelsea drop some points in the mean time. COYS

The Bale injury will be tough to overcome Storts. And its too bad, such a massive player and important for the league.

I watched the game and agree with alot of your assessment. I struggle to grab a hold of what everton is a a whole. But i think yesterday they just took advantage of a Spurs team trying to find a pattern without their key player. Walker looks lost both defensively and in the attack. Seems a bit naive, but thats his youth as well. I think Holtby will come good, eventually.

Dempsey and Sigurrdson were both targets for Liverpool. I was devastated when we missed on Dempsey. But he has struggled this season, and I think much of it is learning to play on a team with higher expectations and in a system that doesnt go through him. What youre describing about him is not necessarily indicative of who he is as a player. Hes got an excellent first touch, is a deadly accurate shooter and scores very meaningful goals.... with Fulham and the US. Not sure why he has struggled for Spurs, but he's probably a bit lost with the likes of Bale, lennon, Defoe and Adebayor running around. Remember, hes never played with that kind of talent.

Tying Everton at home isnt a bad result. that was a massive goal in the end for 4 teams (Everton, Spurs, Pool and Arsenal). But Spurs have the toughest run in on paper. Getting 4th, or even maintaining 5th, may be difficult if Bale doesnt see the field by season's end

Definitely, we were always going to struggle without him, which was why it was nice to see us at least looking like a half decent team without him but obviously we need him back badly for the run in.

Agreed, it was a typical Everton performance, they latched onto our weaknesses on the day and made it count when they had the chances. Walker has been poor this season, he doesn't naturally take people on offensively and defensively he's very poor positionally. Then again, your boy Johnson was like that when he was younger but has improved immensely with experience so hopefully Walker will go the same way.

Yeah you're probably right on Dempsey, I was maybe a bit harsh on him, but it seems he stands out more as a big fish in a small pond and struggles when he's just another player. To be fair to him, he's scored some important goals this season and he has proven he can nick a scrappy goal when we need it, but he definitely needs to have a break out game where he performs exceptionally.

You're right, we couldn't afford to lose that game, the equaliser was vital, but we need Bale and Lennon back asap. I personally think Chelsea are the team we are fighting it out with as they have a tricky run in too. Arsenal will be 3rd imo

That Bale out for 2 weeks is smoke and mirrors. Even if he's really only out for 2 weeks, he's certainly not gonna start the Man City match.

What's gonna make it even tougher for Spurs and Chelsea(moreso for Spurs) is knowing the fact that between now and their next EPL game, Arsenal will have played 3 times so by the 21st, Spurs could find themselves 7 points behind the Gunners and 3 points behind Chelsea.

No, i think you nailed it on Dempsey. Hes definately "big fish"...Dempsey has failed to return the form of his Fulham campaign last season (18 goals). He's got the skill, but again, and like you mentioned, im not sure hes quite sure how to handle his place on a squad with that much talent.

Its good to see the gloating Gatehawk return to the board. how lovely

Wasn't gloating, just pointing out the obvious.

as always.

I dont see Arsenal taking 9 from 9. Norwich, Everton at home, Fulham away. 7 would be great business for them. could easily be 4

Okay, which game are you saying Arsenal will lose, and which one are they drawing. Cause the way they've been playing lately, not winning all three is a disappointment.