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Ahead of Saturday's game at The Hawthorns, we spoke with Alan from the Spurs' blog
Tottenham On My Mind.
He gives us his views on Spurs' season so far, their Europa League
campaign, the match itself,
and more. You can follow
Alan on Twitter @spursblogger.
Now that we’re
just over halfway through the season, thoughts on Spurs’ campaign so far?
Spurs are comfy in our two-onesie.
Our favourite league score sums up the season perfectly. More often than not we
win by the odd late goal, we can score but never easy because we're always
liable to concede. Pochettino has gradually got his message over with the young
players like Kane, Bentaleb and Mason especially responsive to his high tempo,
pressing and play it forward style. Others not so much; he's given everyone a
chance in this inherited squad and time has run out for several of the men
bought two summers ago. But hey this is Spurs, the longest construction project
since the Great Wall of China. Our most precious resource is time. Give him a
few seasons to sort something out. It will mean top ten not top four this time
around though.
Following
their two-legged victory over Sheffield United, Spurs will meet Chelsea in the
Capital One Cup Final on March 1, how confident are you of success?
The home victory in the league
was Tottenham's finest hour in many a long year. The old ground was rocking as
our young men took them apart. No predictions - let's just give it a right good
go on the day and see what happens.
Spurs face
Fiorentina in the Europa League next month as the knock-out stage starts,
thoughts on the competition so far?
The Europa League should be two
leg home and away knock-out from the start. Proper European cup football,
something to enjoy now. Could get bogged down in fixture congestion though -
four games in 11 days ending with the final.
Thoughts on
the first game between the sides back in September?
I've tried to blot it out of my
mind and you have to bring it up... Spurs were awful, no cohesion, no ideas
versus a disciplined, well-organised
West Brom side. A low point for us.
What line-up
and tactics can we expect to see from Spurs on Saturday?
We usually set up in a 4-2-3-1
with full-backs pushing into space left by inverted wingers. At our best we try
to press and get the ball forward quickly. The two DMs, currently Stambouli and
Mason, provide a platform for an attacking forward three. Eriksen is clever and
creative. He and Kane make the perfect couple. Lamela is hugely talented but is
still coming to terms with the lack of space in an English midfield. Suspect I
said that earlier this season, and last season....Chadli might be back, more
talent plus goals but doesn't work back so Pulis might try to draw us out then
target that space wide on either side when you get the ball. At the back,
Berahino will try to run between the legs of the lumbering giant Fazio while
Vertonghen covers. Lloris has been outstanding this season. That said,
Pochettino may rotate a few without changing the tactics.
With just a
few days left of the January transfer window, is there anything the club needs
to do before it shuts?
Soldado and Adebayor can't score
so there's a pressing need for another striker. Centre-back options are limited
and every side in the world wants a classy DM who can cover and pass. Spurs will
also clear out several players, including the strikers above but I suspect we
won't do much business until the summer.
Player of the
season so far?
Harry Kane has been outstanding
alongside Hugo Lloris, a class act whose saves may have earned us as many points
as the late goals from Eriksen.
Anyone been
particularly disappointing?
Bobby Soldado, bless him. Been
scoring goals all his life until he comes to White Hart Lane. Has thanked the
fans for our continued support but can't hit the target for the life of him.
Paulinho has gone from lynchpin of the Brazil midfield in their 2013
Confederations Cup win to an unused squad member not even on the bench in a
meaningless EL away tie. I’ve been disappointed with experienced players like
Kaboul, Capoue and Chiriches.
Having now
seen all teams, which one has impressed you the most this season and why?
Southampton play good football
with the right attitude - good luck to their top four challenge. Have also
developed a soft spot for Burnley, another side determined to play their way up
the table on the slimmest of budgets.
When we spoke back in September,
you predicted Chelsea for the title and Burnley, Crystal Palace and Leicester to
be relegated, happy to stick with those predictions?
Not bad as it goes! Palace will
stay up and Villa have a lot to worry about.
Prediction
for and thoughts on Saturday’s game?
I'd be foolish to say anything
other than 2-1 to Spurs. So a draw it is then.
Tottenham On My Mind is
supporting the Justice for Jeff campaign. There’s a message from the family on
my blog
and I'm sure Spurs' supporters will join Baggies' fans for the 9th minute
applause.
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