Spurs’ misery continues
Spurs looked typically brittle in defence and, more significantly, out of ideas in attack, as they went down 3-1 at home to Everton tonight. Goals from Lescott, Osman and a deflected Stubbs free-kick won the game for Moyes’ men, with Gardner giving Spurs brief hope with an equaliser in the first-half. However, they were always second best, with a performance that once again demonstrated a lack of creativity and confidence. Darren Bent failed to make an impression on his debut, while Berbatov showed flashes, including a smart header that struck a post in the second-half but Everton’s midfield always looked in control, whilst the organisation of their defence snuffed out the majority of Spurs’ attacking ambitions. To make matters worse, Jol’s injury-hit defence lost new signing Kaboul to injury early in the first-half.
Arteta was as usual, instrumental in most of Everton’s creative work, including two of their goals. Osman meanwhile, seems to be filling the void left by Cahill’s injury rather nicely with 2 goals in 2 games. At the back Lescott and Stubbs stood out and their goals further boosted their appeal to Fantasy Managers. In contrast, their form is likely to keep both Baines and Jagielka on the bench for a few weeks to come which will see their Fantasy stock fall. As a sidenote, Andy Johnson also looked sharp and is sure to get off the mark very soon.
Spurs now face Derby at the Lane on Saturday in a must-win scenario. Everton meanwhile, visit Reading and will be full of confidence. They have Blackburn and Bolton to follow after the Reading game and then United at home in mid-September. Spurs meanwhile will face both United, Fulham and North London rivals Arsenal, following the Derby game, which only emphasises the importance of this weekend’s game for Jol’s side. They will hope to have Michael Dawson back in their defence after he failed a fitness test on his ankle injury tonight. Without him, Derby, and in particular Steve Howard, will fancy their chances.
I’m giving Chimbonda 1 more game before I transfer him out. Spurs defense does not look good and I don’t think Ledley King can solve the problem. If Spurs dont’ get a clean sheet at home to Derby, I’m transferring out Chimbonda before they play United and Arsenal in 2 of the next 3 games.
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As much as Spurs are my favorite team, I have to shun them when it comes to fantasy leagues. This is why. The defense is clearly unreliable (due to injury and what-not) and the offense is potent, but unpredictable. They’ll come through eventually, but it’s wise to buy only into their offense, because they simply do not overpower defensively.
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I picked Kalouda as a CB and Robbie Keane up front for the start of the season. Luckily Kalouda got carried off after 18 mins so I didn’t get minus points for the next 2 conceded goals but it’s a blessing in disguise. I am shocked that Spurs have had this poor start, I really thought they would have scored at least 5 times in first two games. I’m giving Keane the opportunity to score against Derby but I regret signing him.
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I could see this happening, with Bent coming in and their poor defence last year. So fortunately, I don’t have a single Spurs player in either of my
Telegraph teams!
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Berbs looks like he’s picked up what bugged Keane at the beginning of last season. How long did it take for Keane to score anyway last season anyway? Too long. Nevertheless, he’s the bargain option of choice while McCarthy is out. This would be the time for Robbo to unleash his fury against poor Derby.
Or he could fall flat on his face. As long I have have transferred him out beforehand, that is.
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