2010-03-06 21:52:23
Spurs stuck on replay
by Alan the librarian
For the third consecutive round spurs are forced to negotiate a replay in order to progress in the FA Cup.
However, unlike in the last two rounds, I am not left with that feeling of 'what might have been'. Namely because of the injury list that robbed us of the services of Huddlestone, King and Lennon. Outside of our striking department we were very short on numbers. I didn't recognise some of the faces around Defoe and Gudjohnsen on our bench.
Although we were still able to field a strong XI in our usual 4-4-2 system, Harry was forced into making changes that I feel adversely affected the style of our play. Crouch replaced the hamstrung Defoe, BAE returned to left back pushing Bale to play on the wing allowing Modric to partner Palacios in the centre of the park. Something I am sure many of us have called to see at some point. I am inclined to think probably not anymore after this game.
Both Bale and Modric were easier to mark in their more advanced positions and therefore much of our usual creativity was stifled. Of course they were not helped by the two on the other side (Kranjcar and Corluka) who are just too similar to be effective. Skilful but slow.
Nonetheless, defensively we looked resilient against a dangerous Fulham side. Apart from a header from Gera which Gomes did well to save and a miscue from Bobby Zamora (now that's the player I remember) when through on goal, we were not troubled. Thanks largely to Wilson Palalcios. Perhaps playing alongside a more attack-minded partner made him more disciplined, I don't know, but I hope this form continues.
Progression is by no means garantueed, many of those injured today will remain injured for the replay, but it's definitely advantage Tottenham.
was hoping to see gudjohn on or rose bt again harry no balls bt i cnt rant too much bcoz majority of team excellent and gave fulham credit ther hard ta break down. At least we can roll up our sleeves And play good football, what more could ya want? coys
Think we definitely have the advantage, will just be interesting when the game will be played as Fulham have Juventus followed by United followed by Juventus followed by City...
Alan, I'm going to disagree with you about Modric. It's true that he had a quiet game, but we had difficulty getting the ball to him against what is probably one of the tidiest, best organized teams in the Premiership. We need a run of games with Modric and Palacios in the centre (and we need Harry to put an end to Dawson and BAE booting the ball over Modric's head) before we can make any kind of judgement.
Canuck, I think for the majority of the game we played football to feet. The latter stages when Defoe came on we decided to go long as Plan A was not working. The problem was that Modric was dropping too deep to receive the ball. There was only a couple of ocassions where he escaped his marker and got the ball in the final third. As I said in a previous post, one of Modric's best games was actually against Fulham earlier in the season when he played left - coming up against an organised side is little excuse as surely he's in there to break it down. He also had a fantastic game away at Birmingham on the left. I just think from that position he's alot harder to mark meaning he can wonder into advanced central positions unmarked.
when is the replay cos fulham are in europe
FA Cup Final HERE WE COME - COYS
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