The greatest trick Younes Kaboul ever pulled was convincing the world he was good at costless kicks... As he teed up a dead ball against Everton at the weekend, the fans behind the goal were already shielding their faces. Unsurprisingly, one of them was struck.
Gareth Bale, usually so deadly, has had more license this season than during his one man solo mission against Inter. When the opposition’s defence is stretched and he’s bombing down the wing the atmosphere lifts. Fans slide to the edge of their seats awaiting the spectacular. Pace and width are Spurs great assets, but when their talisman winger drifts inside they are more easily contained. Now Bale’s not Messi or Ronaldo, but he is still a world class left midfielder.
Harry Redknapp’s link with the England job is unsettling the squad. The proof? The fact the FA sent letters to Premier League managers, at the request of Spurs, asking them not to discuss the national managerial vacancy. Redknapp has built a fantastic team, perhaps their best since the class of 60/61, but leaving Spurs in limbo is threatening to ruin his greatest project. He is renowned for his brutal honestly. Fans and players alike just want to know: Are you staying or going?
Spurs have fallen from grace since Defoe was a stud’s length away from grabbing a winner against City, and they must return to their ethos that led them to an unlikely title challenge. Kaboul has excelled this season and, aside from a couple of shaky performances in recent weeks, has been one of the league’s most consistent defenders. Bale, when deployed on the left flank, is arguably the finest winger in the league. And Redknapp’s revolution at Tottenham is unrivalled over the past three years.
Tottenham’s recent dip in form is endangering their place in Europe’s elite competition. Whilst it would be farcical to suggest a crisis – many teams have lost to Arsenal, Man United and Everton – it’s clear something isn’t quite right. Their key players have to stop trying to be something they’re not, just as Redknapp must be frank on his position. The talk for fourth place used to be Chelsea or Arsenal. Now Tottenham’s slight dip has made this two from three for the final Champions League spots.
Spurs have to play with the costlessdom that terrified teams at the start of the season, each player having a set role based on their attributes, and a manager who is truly focused. And it needs to start with an emphatic FA Cup win against Bolton at the weekend…