timnufc22

Here here regarding Arsenal & Arteta. Always liked them until he rocked up and their fans pathetic reaction to our game and some of the earlier AFTV reactions. Not necessarily regarding Wenger, I think the Arsenal fans got a raw deal out of the press for wanting a change when the club clearly needed to try a different direction. But would find it hard to watch the utterly arrogant and child-like Arteta and some of their entitled fans celebrating a league win.

On another note, Ange Postecoglu has very quickly went down the wanker road in recent times it seems... giving unnecessarily snappy answers to interveiwers and before this Man City game getting all agitated at questions about the potential atmosphere and strange situation the fans find themselves in of wanting their team to win but then handing the title to their rivals. I mean, why is that such an offensive concept?? How can you not understand the basic nature of football rivalry especially after managing in Scotland... Why is he pretending to find it impossible to compute that its looked upon as a one-off situation? And now he's saying its been a strange 48 hours inside and outside the club, giving it the billy big bollocks about how he's here to win and as far as I can see hinting that 'clearly no-one else has my winner mentality' shite. Its so easy to trope out that crap and go down that road in such a situation and he hasn't got the balls to elaborate and what the actual fuck he's talking about. Sorry but it irrates me when managers use situations to give it the big'un and present themselves as some mentality monster who are the victim of those around him. It may be the case on some occasions, but it seems to be he's using a unique situation to play that particlar card, which everyone seems to lap up 'because its Spurs' (Conte's fake 'rant' last season was nothing more than a resignation letter without having the dignity of giving up us pay-packet).

Whatever faults he may have, I've so glad we have Howe as manager and don't have to deal with the bullshit, baggage and almost narcissism at times so many other  managers bring.

1 minute ago, PRL said:

This is it. Not the best ever, but looks way better a) in adult and b) worn!

Are there any grey trims?

Those Man Utd players have downed tools, I can't be convinced otherwise. The effort/passion etc stuff can be a cliched thing in football, but here they're almost throwing their games.

How's that NFL money working out for Spurs?

Gonna throw this out there:

_____________________________________ISAK_______________________________________
--------------------------------Evan Ferguson---------------------------------

BARNES________________________________________________________________GORDON
Mbeumo----------------------------------------------------------------Minteh

__________________JOELINTON_______BRUNO______TONALI________________________
-----------------Anderson---------Gilmore-------Miley/Longstaff---------------

HALL_________________________SHAR____________?_________________________TRIPPIER
Kelly------------------------Burn-------------Krafth------------------Livramento

_____________________________________POPE________________________________________
--------------------------------------?--------------------------------------------

To come back into squad: Botman, Lascelles

Possible sales: Dubravka, Targett, Dummett, Ritchie, Wilock, Almiron, Murphy, Wilson
 

Billy Gilmour? Could he slot into our midfield as a 6 or 8? Looks to be a clever player, good passer who can read the game. I can also see why Billing has attracted attention.

Has Evan Ferguson's stock fallen enough to get him for a not-so-outrages price to replace Wilson? He still has immense potential.

If Mintah has been as good as reported, I'd have him and Gordon for RW positions and buy a new LW to compete with Barnes. Gordon can always play left as well, but for me Barnes must start on the left. More often than not his quality will deliver a goal or assist if we get him in the right positions. He's high quality. Gordon's directness and running is just as good on the right, going inside - but also outside just as much. We need to sell Almiron and replace him with another left footed winger imo but someone who can also go on the outside. We need that variation, granted so many are inverted these days. I'd still be playing Barnes, Isak, Gordon from the start though. 

We need a quality CB to play from the start. Maybe a starting LB but I do love Hall, he's top quality and could even be mature enough to start a lot of the games. Need to replace Dubravka.

6 hours ago, LFEE said:

He’s the last thing we need. Another midfielder with no legs. Good player but not for us.

Fair play maybe not him but someone who can play no6 and has class on the ball.

21 minutes ago, Tiresias said:

I dont want to spend a huge amount of energy defending him as he has been poor, but he has also been better than he has been showing recently. I still think we need to sign a proper defensive mid in summer so we have 4 excellent options between bruno joelinton tonali and new dm, and then backup of willock and longstaff (though i think if money came for willock sell. He can play better than he has been though. 

Definitely this, but I’d be selling Wilock and have Anderson take his place. Someone like Joao Palhinha from Fulham would be great. Remember, Bruno can play the no8 role easily aswell. That’d be four quality centre mids, with Anderson and Longstaff as back up - the latter can perhaps shine more when there’s less pressure and not starting every game.

8 minutes ago, Jack27 said:

Here is the video if you are interested. A canny watch 

 

Would also be over the moon with those three kits 

I love that home kit, I think the blue and gold looks classy if done right and they are colours from our crest so relevant too.

2 minutes ago, Jimburst said:

 

Fab hits long diagonal balls to our speedy wingers all the time.

Usually when he has time on the ball and the opposition have pushed up. I mean when we're deep into/next to our box getting pressed like mad. Last night we were still trying to intricate passing when that was happening, playing hospital balls and giving up big chances to Palace. It's self destructive. I get if you're Man City but we don't have their players to pull that off. It's like there's a snobbery towards clearing your lines. 

4 hours ago, Lush Vlad said:

I know other teams manage it with so called lesser players. But I feel like a team with only Schar and Bruno being comfortable on the ball deep or in our first two thirds of the pitch. Is always going to struggle. Anderson tried, but it was not his night at all. Couldn’t get to grips with pace of it and seemed unsure about where he was supposed to be playing. 
 

I found the insistence to try and pass round the press mind blowingly stupid. So much of last night felt self-inflicted. 
 

It gave them something to build on, it put the weaker players in our team under pressure from the first minute and it got their crowd right up for it. In some ways, very similar to what we do to teams at SJP when they continually try and play out. 

It's symptomatic of the way football has gone; everyone is obsessed with passing out from the back regardless if the players in question aren't great on the ball under the pressure and regardless how dangerous it is to lose the ball in such area's. It's like managers have been brainwashed into thinking its the right and only way of playing - despite literally giving up massive chances to the opponent as a consequence. I get the idea, I get how it can work and I get 'sticking to your principles'/plan. But surely at times common sense and nous comes into play aswell.

When under pressure and in dangerous area's we should have been hitting the ball down the channels to use Isak's pace and get up the pitch. Keep their defenders honest. There are basics of football that wont ever be taken away, they're just being ignored at the moment. Defenders have it so easy these days (off the ball anyway) because everything is played in front of them. Does my head in and I hope this cycle comes to an end and teams start playing with more tactical flexibility and common sense.

We need a midfielder who can offer more control, which is why I mention Ross Barkley. Yes he’s 30 but we’ve got to think of the here and now along with buying younger players; he has the strength, technique and intelligence to keep the ball under pressure and work with Bruno & Tonali. If he’s not quite up to the required standard then someone in that mould.

Even when Joelinton is fit, he’s more about athleticism, as is Wilock, carrying the ball forward. Longstaff isn’t good under pressure and again is about his running off the ball.
 

Bruno and Tonali are the only two who are truly good at holding and keeping the ball especially under pressure. The jury is out on Anderson about his best position. Sell one of Longstaff or Wilock and bring in someone like Barkley who can play a 6 and 8.
 

15 minutes ago, JonBez comesock said:

It’s going to be the Harvey Barnes style (big stripes) Shirt , that was on social media at the weekend. 

 

Away - Defo the burgundy/purple hooped design that’s been doing the rounds (not sure on badge) 

 

3rd = 100% white / green 

again not sure on badge 

 

All 100% confirmed (☑️)

I know it’s not ground breaking news but it’s all the leaks are virtually bang on 

 

training kit 

burgundy 

white adidas stripes 

Are the shoulder adidas stripes white or grey for the home top?

1 hour ago, nemtizz said:

Neville and Carra deepthroating PGMOL to the shock of nobody.

 

 

I'm not always their biggest fans but I think they're absolutely right here. But, ironically for them, this is a symptom of the over-analysis culture that has been brought on by the likes of skysports/sport social media channels and also by VAR. Absolutely everything is analysed the the nth degree and there is this ridiculous search for football utopia, where grey areas and objectivity doesn't exist. As a consequence the dog is chasing it's tail and the search will never be fruitful. 

The way Arteta went on after our game at SJP was everything wrong with the culture of managers and clubs that is seeping in, as Neville refers to. Just like our goal vs them, every decision was subjectively and frankly spot on imo - 'of course you'd say that' - I know, but I genuinely think that. If others disagree - fair enough. But to be pretending there's been some cut and dry robbery is ridiculous. I look at the nottingham forest penalty claims - my instincts for all of them are they're correct decisions! Contact does not mean foul; a player has to be impeded. I can see why others may disagree, again - grey area, objectivity etc. But to be claiming this sort of outrage is pathetic.

But this is VAR itself driving such thought processes, watching replays over and over, thinking things over and over, looking for concrete answers to subjective incidents. I absolutely hate it and it feeds the likes of Arteta and their disingenuous behaviour which will undermine the game if enough follow suit.

1 minute ago, Optimistic Nut said:

 

You can't measure offsides like that with the naked eye either, but here we are with a law where things like that could be deemed as off and linesmen are meant to even look for offsides like it.

 

Sooner we have the Wenger Law in at all levels, the better imo. 

I think clear daylight between players may be a little too much, but there must be some leeway brought in and should have been when VAR was first introduced, as it effectively has changed the offside law which was was never enforced the way it is now. Not one person would have ever said that freeze-frame displayed an advance to the attacker and ruling that goal out completely flies in the face of the concept of offside.

SJP has an aura and history. Even if that aura is not justified at times re atmosphere, it's still in the mind of players when the fixture comes up. The same applies to Anfield and Old Trafford, no matter what we think of them, they're iconic. The tradition of shooting towards the Gallowgate end second half which has a literal pitch slope going that way - opposition players talk about feeling like they can't get out when the pressure is on and the atmosphere is up. The gradual upscaling on the ground over the years, an evolution and journey which represents different era's is something to be cherished.  

An extended Gallowgate End would be fantastic and would look not only majestic but bloody intimidating. It would bring the capacity up to the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs especially if we can tweak the East Stand too.

The atmosphere is a separate issue in that seating arrangements need to be modified. Yes it would be 'easier' to do this with a new stadium, but I don't fancy bulldozing our home because we fear moving some fans around. If we had a second standing/singing section, particularly if something was arranged near the away fans, I think this would create a more sustained atmosphere over the season. Perhaps moving the away fans is an option to help trigger this. But whatever the acoustics of the ground are, there a clearly examples when that hasn't stopped great atmospheres in some games. The seating arrangements are the key.

I would have zero trust a new stadium wouldn't be a soulless shell of what he have. I know that's quite cynical perhaps too cynical. But looking at the big changes to the Bearnabu, it looks like a bloody shopping mall now imo - used to look like an epic coliseum and it's not even a new ground. And yes I know Spurs & Real Madrid have the retractable pitch to make it easier to host concerts, but realistically how much would that really going to increase concert opportunities etc? 

We can surely upgrade the facilities inside the ground to help with more commercial activities outside of football. We can develop the strawberry land to bring in more revenue with the fanzone and include something more innovative afterwards.

I'd like to know how Spurs have transformed since they moved into their new ground. Has it allowed them to 'bridge the gap'? Have they won the league? Have they won a cup? Have they remained in the top 4 ever since? The answer to all of those is no. Has their atmosphere improved? I did not go to WHL nor have I been to the new stadium, but I would safety bet the answer is a no. And that is a damning indictment after the claims their stadium architecture will supposedly ensure 'great atmosphere' when it was built. Their fans are kicking off! They have not seen any progress made, literally. So all of this additional revenue is not the game changer people think it is imo and the grass is not necessarily greener. 

I really hope the plan is to extend the Gallowgate End (a big f off sign "The Gallowgate End" would look epic as you drive/walk towards a new beast of a stand) and to increase slightly the East Stand if possible and build upon the fanzone area for additional commercial stuff along with hosting more events, sure. 

9 minutes ago, janpawel said:

People have short memories, it wasn't long ago where people questioned Isaks ability/fitness and I even seen a few people say we should sell him to get a more reliable striker, now people are saying he's better than Shearer 

 

Willock was quality last season and has attributes non of our other midfielders have, really hope next season he gets a chance to shine again 

I say that with a view to selling one of Wilock or Longstaff and with Anderson & Miley very much in the frame to start games in midfield. I've do really like Wilock and hope he can get over his injuries - if we keep him and sign players we need without FFP hindrance then great. I just feel he is better further forward as a no10 but I know he was great last season carrying the ball from deep. I'm more thinking going the other way. 

I'd be considering Ross Barkley. While its taken some time, he seems to have matured. His touch and passing is great, he looks to be a lot stronger now and can tackle. I think he could slot into the no6 (we need that alternative for Bruno) or no8 role's easily and would add that extra control in midfield we probably need at times. 

Wouldn't be against also buying an experienced defensive midfielder who's happy to be cover and be a tactical option  off the bench or for particular games here and there. Then I'd be looking to sell Wilock unfortunately who I've rated but the injuries are too much and I think he can be too hit and miss.

Joelinton__Bruno__Tonali

Anderson__Barkley__Miley/Longstaff

I like red numbers on a white patch/square if the kit is quite minimalistic, which it what it was at times in 70s/80s. But with other bright colours on the sleeves through noon, the PL logo and a third colour to the strip, the bright colour of red also thrown into the mix can then feel too much imo.

I think if there's no third colour to the kit then fine, otherwise I think black or white numbers are best, which are nostalgia for me tbf. White numbers on stripes would be absolutely readable and fine but if adidas go for the money making scheme of a patch to encourage us to get names and numbers then that's a shame, but not the end of the world if done with a bit of subtly. Personally I'd have no issue if they did the 98' shield every time, think its a good compromise.

I hope the adidas shoulder stripes are white (or black) - the adidas logo and those stripes combined with our black and white stripes are just the perfect combo. If the adidas shoulder stripes are grey it may look ok but it'd be a missed opportunity. Don't mind grey, blue or gold as a third colour for trims etc.

Man City will not win everything forever, it might be a long cycle but their cycle will come to a close at some point, likely when Guardiola leaves. Having this confidence, as repetitive as it might be, I probably prefer them to win the league to prevent Klopp & Arteta from lifting the trophy. I don't want their pathetic behaviour to be rewarded and obviously Klopp's leaving after this season anyway.

17 hours ago, TheBrownBottle said:

Agreed re middle ground on rules, but Spurs’ success was still built on huge income.  The year they reached the Champions League final - five seasons ago - their income was roughly double ours was in 22/23.  In fact you have to go back a decade before their income was the same as ours last season - well before the explosion in income levels.  We’re not likely to hit £400m in income any time soon with the current rules in place and no new stadium - I just don’t see how we do that.

 

Depressing or not, that is the current position.  We can’t compete without being put on financial steroids for a period to bring in sustained success - that’s how you get the big sponsors and international revenues.  Sad cases the world over need to buy the merchandise and consume shite with our badge slapped on it.  

And how did Spurs gain that income? I stand to be corrected, but I don't believe it was through a sugar daddy injecting huge amounts of money from nowhere. They made a great managerial appointed (Pochettino) and recruited very well. Their academy produced one of the worlds best strikers. They clearly obtained great commercial deals. Granted they're a London club so I appreciate that is a caveat to this conversion.

They hadn't moved into their new stadium so were not generating income through NFL events etc. They were playing at Wembley, where again I stand corrected if they somehow had an event tie-in situation. Their average attendance there was 68k, which is a big boost to what they were used to at WHL, but not a massive amount more than some people are turning their nose up at for a SJP extension (61-62k).

I'm not naïve to the task again for us or any other similar sized football club nor to the clear vested interests from certain clubs to stop others progressing. But if we can strike together the right elements, it is possible to break into the top 6 and even top 4. The size of such a task means it would only be that much more rewarding. No pride in the Man City route and it would get boring fast too imo (the Etihad atmosphere attests to this). 

Howe is clearly a manager players love to play for, he has a special connection with the players and I'm sure word travels in the football world how great he is, especially on a personal level. If he learns the lessons of this season and proves to be our long-term man, I think it can help to attract players, who will know they're in safe hands. If we extended SJP to 61-62k, sorted out the seating arrangements, the place would look and ideally sound stunning and one of the most special & unique venues to play at and would be a great selling point. Swap that with a new stadium if that's your preference. The more we maintain a European place EL/ECL - the more we can increase sponsorship and the more chance we have of cracking top 4 again. If we persist not only can we do it, but we can maintain it for a period I think too.

The idea of the club spending in cheat mode like Man City and Chelsea did is completely soulless and unexciting to me. There should be some middle ground to the rules, but Tottenham got regular top 4 finishes and within a whisker of winning the CL without sugar daddy spending, and this was before the new stadium. It can be done and the idea of anyone shrugging their shoulders muttering its impossible because we can't do a Man City is depressing.

Let’s be real, we play 451 and the striker has no support. Get Anderson further up with Isak, get Murphy off for Barnes and put Gordon RW. 

Granted the roof isn't sloped, but if the gallowgate end matched the leazes end, would that not create more of a bowl effect and keep more noise in? Or would the east stand put pay to that?

55 minutes ago, leffe186 said:

Two soft Man U penalties later and I remember the annoyances . Great game though.

As I alluded to in another thread, football was faster paced then and frankly a better watch imo. First time passes & crosses, balls in behind, defenders being properly tested but also slick passing too. I take this back to early 2000's. I hate that it's now seen as a cardinal sin to play a ball down the line as oppose to keep passing along the 6 yard box. It leads to so many touches and the game slowing down. The same applies to getting into the final third; unless there's a absolutely clear pass on, players (likely instructed) pass the ball back and switch play in an endeavour to get into the exact same position they were already in on the other flank! And maybe then they'll shoot/cross but then perhaps not and very rarely first time.

Defenders see it all in front of them, granted teams push up with a higher line more these days. I do agree with Owen though when he said you had to have more technique in his day; because players looked forward far more, strikers subsequently had a lot of quick balls fired at them and they needed a good touch to hold it or flick it on. I don't feel you got as much space in midfield back then as you do now.

When I watch the odd lower league game I see teams trying to play out like Man City and find it infuriating and quite sad. More often than not they're giving the ball away and silly goals as a result. I hope someone breaks this spell soon and we see more variation in style and tactics. Everyone has - used to have - their favoured way of playing but there's no right way and a clash of styles is one of the things which made the game interesting.