Successful season for Spurs, or not
@bravenewworld (746)
United States
May 25, 2007 1:27pm CST
Another fifth place finish ('best of the rest', I think Martin Jol calls it), but no silverware. Was this a successful season for Spurs?
I think it was successful, as consolidation of the previous season's achievements, even though Spurs were not as close to 4th spot as in '06. It will not be easy to break in to the top 4, but Spurs at least beat one of those top 4 teams this year (Chelsea), and did well in all games against the others. In addition, the cup runs raised hopes, and though ultimately disappointing, they will have gathered additional revenue.
Spurs have suffered a little from the loss of Carrick to Man U., and Ledley King's absense through injury. Also, Robinson did not always have the best of times in goal. However, Berbatov was a revelation, and his partnerships with Keane and Defoe brought a ton of goals. These partnerships should cement and develop next season, so that if King can stay fit, and with a few judicious signings, next season stands a chance of bringing real success. With regards to signings, a good defender for the left back position, a creative mid-fielder and cover for Lennon are just a few potential ways to bolster the squad.
As ever for Spurs fans, hope springs eternal. You might call it irrational exuberence given their recent history. But for now, there really does seem reason for optimism.
4 responses
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14 Jun 07
I feel it was a successful season for Spurs. In the 05/06 season we suprisingly finished 5th and crashed out of all other competitions early on, but had no serious long term absentees. In 06/07 we clearly struggled with consistency in the first team lineup because we were missing Lennon, Jenas and Berbatov for long spells and Ledley King played less than half of the season.
Tottenham's three cup runs were superb. We went out in the Uefa cup being on the end of some poor refereeing decisions in the two games, and apart from that our record in the competition was impeccable. The Carling Cup was an extremely close game and I think the result suffered due to Berbatov's injury. As for the FA cup there should never have been a second leg. The league form wasn't as impressive because of an awful start, but with three excellent cup campaigns and still a strong fifth place finish I don't think anyone can class it as an unsuccessful season.
Losing Carrick to United was a catastrophe and the difference was easy to see in his absence. Acquiring Berbatov has made a world of difference up front though and Keane, Defoe and berbatov scored over 60 goals between them. Bringing in Zokora, Ghaly and Malbranque whilst also introducing Huddlestone, all as regular first team players, was bound to take time to adjust, and by the last third of the season the midfield was certainly far more effective than in the first third. Having bought Gareth Bale, the team need a strong central midfielder who can keep possession well, and some good cover for Lennon on the right wing.
I sincerely think that now the team has had a season to play together, judging by the form since Christmas, Spurs will be serious contenders for the top four spots. There certainly is reason for optimism.
1 person likes this
@bravenewworld (746)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Thanks, Mike. Seems like we see eye-to-eye on the 06-07 season for Spurs.
I like the signing of Gareth Bale. Will he replace Lee, do you think? I'm not a big fan of Lee - he's very one-footed and makes too many mistakes. Any predictions for new signings?
@bobbins1234 (2)
•
15 Jun 07
New signings need to be in the problem areas. what spurs have done on the past is sign backup players to positions they are healthy in, but this summer we need a creative midfielder that can get double figures in terms of goals, and a left winger, something Spurs havent had since the days of Ginola. Only then can we talk about breaking the 'big 4 mould', but the potential is definately there now, just need some more consistency. There is always room for improvement.
@bravenewworld (746)
• United States
26 May 07
That's the best response so far! Now, if only I could understand what it means.
@bobbins1234 (2)
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15 Jun 07
Last season was a sucess compared t the previous one, but Spurs need to push on now and win something. 4th place next year would be fantastic but consolidating what we have and pushing on is the realistic target, unless major investment is introduced.
@bravenewworld (746)
• United States
15 Jun 07
Winning something would be great, even if it's just the Carling cup. It does seem that major investment is needed to win the Premiership, or even finish in the top 4. And if other teams (Birmingham may be the next, I heard), get bought by billionaires, it will be even harder to stay in the top 5.
At least Spurs seem to have a great manager in Jol. Though I would prefer to see fewer signings from him, and just one or two world class players signed instead of 5 or 6 merely good ones.
Thanks for your response.
