***OMT - Tottenham Hotspur vs. Saudi Sportswashing Machine***

[glorygloryeze]

It's interesting you mention that, because...



...this is a big part of it.

Players need to look like they care, need to look like they're switched on, that they're trying and are willing to be brave. Do that, and you get backing from the fans.

As even you point out, they don't do that. This lot are literally terrified of the ball, and at the same time, spend large periods of the game thinking that they only have to show up to win for some bizarre reason. Except when we play away to our rivals, when they all turn into cowards waiting to be beaten.

You think the crowd don't see that?

Lloris comes out like a macaron, gets beaten to the ball, falls over in desperation trying to win a free kick that was never going to be given - instead of busting a gut to get back to the goalline, the lumbering Dier puts his hands up and starts yelling at the ref to give the foul.

Lloris punts a hopeless ball out to Sessegnon, the kid puts in the weakest aerial challenge I've seen, gets pathetically beaten to the ball, they score two seconds later.

Players earning 200k a week stroll around without putting in any effort or demonstrating that being repeatedly outplayed by the opponent hurts them in any way. The fans pay upwards of a hundred quid a game amidst spirallling inflation, energy prices and economic woes, and show up in storm conditions, rain or shine..

...and get told *they* are the ones that have to pick this spineless lot up, because they can't do it themselves.

Not the way it works, mate. The players have to look like they give a brick, and too many of them don't. The fans cannot provide self-respect and pride if they don't have it themselves, and it isn't the players who go home being laughed at by the opposition - the defeat's out of their heads in half an hour and they're out giving interviews to the Guardian in the next week on how they've changed, honest (looking at you, Dier and Lenglet). The fans are the ones who have to take the stick on the way home, in the pub, in the office the next day.

To expect them to give this lot the spine they're lacking on top of it is unfair.

You remember the Poch days, when the fans and the players had a connection? Why do you think that was, mate? I'd say it's because we played brave, we looked brave, we fought for the shirt and for each other. That resonated in the stands, even if we lost.

This lot do none of that and expect unqualified support and adoration for shanking simple passes and conceding stupid goals. Not happening - didn't happen under the abominable Mou, won't happen under Conte. Players need to buck up here.

There's 'not caring' and then there's lack of quality, tactically doing things that don't make sense (e.g. asking Dier and Lloris to be Alderwiereld or Vertonghen, keeping on playing Emerson as an attacking RWB) or being outcoached by the opposition. I don't think yesterday was to do with players 'not caring' as much as perhaps being asked to do stuff that perhaps they are simply not capable of or just making stupid mistakes (i.e. Lloris).

 

[MKSpur]

Had that with my lad at Wembley a few years ago and it's absolutely magical (even if Spurs f**ked it by losing 3-1 to Wolves). Something I guess we take for granted. It always reminds me of the Bobby Robson quote which I absolutely love:

“What is a club in any case? Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it. It’s not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes. It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city. It’s a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his father’s hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love.”

Seems a rite of passage to lose your first game!

That's a wonderful quote and reflects everything we both felt yesterday.

 

[Notmegov]

As mentioned I took my 9 year old to his first game, pretty sexy he got to witness our first home defeat of the season.

I still think we were the better team for the first 30 minutes without being clinical enough to take the lead. We then managed to perform football suicide to take the game away from ourselves. Even after nicking one back we didn't so enough to force the issue but I didn't think the atmosphere was toxic and think I was more tuned in to this being sober and conscious what the little man would hear.

For his part he came away having enjoyed being part of the proper game atmosphere, I'll never forget his face when we first walked out to seat where the full stadium just hits you.

Took my boys to their first game yesterday as well. 11 and 14 they loved it. Not sure I would have enjoyed it so much if it was not for them.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Fapatalk

 

[braineclipse]

Credit to Conte and the players for how we played for the opening 30 minutes. Some credit too for the second half, we at least made it difficult for Saudi Sportswashing Machine after looking hopeless at the end of the first half.

Set up more or less purely as a counter attacking team. With the players missing and how Saudi Sportswashing Machine play that was the only way to go about things. But when they scored we looked clueless, because we were set up to counter attack and not much more.

Several disappointing performances. Mostly from players that we know can do much much better. Tiredness, game state and system after we conceded. Explanations, but not excuses.

Need to bounce back. No rest. Real tiredness setting in. Big challenge right now for Conte and the players.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

There's 'not caring' and then there's lack of quality, tactically doing things that don't make sense (e.g. asking Dier and Lloris to be Alderwiereld or Vertonghen, keeping on playing Emerson as an attacking RWB) or being outcoached by the opposition. I don't think yesterday was to do with players 'not caring' as much as perhaps being asked to do stuff that perhaps they are simply not capable of or just making stupid mistakes (i.e. Lloris).

The players could do everything they were asked yesterday. Two mistakes from Hugo cost us badly

 

[braineclipse]

The players could do everything they were asked yesterday. Two mistakes from Hugo cost us badly

Don't think the second one is on Hugo. He's supposed to play that pass and will sometimes misplace it. Conte wants him to play that pass despite misplacing it at times.

Sessegnon, meh. Lost a header and a duel. Lenglet got done too easily. Thought Bissouma was strangely passive. I think PEH or Bentancur charge straight at Almiron. Either that or get into a covering position.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Don't think the second one is on Hugo. He's supposed to play that pass and will sometimes misplace it. Conte wants him to play that pass despite misplacing it at times.

Sessegnon, meh. Lost a header and a duel. Lenglet got done too easily. Thought Bissouma was strangely passive. I think PEH or Bentancur charge straight at Almiron. Either that or get into a covering position.

The pass from Hugo was over sessengon and to a Saudi Sportswashing Machine player. That was them error that allowed them to attack us
Lenglet gone down too easy
Sess I’d have to watch again but form watching it first time it wasn’t a Duel as the ball was past him
And Hugo near post under his body ….

 

[MKSpur]

I've never understood the chipped ball to the fullback from the keeper routine. By the time it gets to them they are forced to take a touch to control it or play a first time pass backwards and it invites a challenge or clattering from the opponent. We used to do it a lot to Rose too.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Don't think the second one is on Hugo. He's supposed to play that pass and will sometimes misplace it. Conte wants him to play that pass despite misplacing it at times.

Sessegnon, meh. Lost a header and a duel. Lenglet got done too easily. Thought Bissouma was strangely passive. I think PEH or Bentancur charge straight at Almiron. Either that or get into a covering position.

Yeah I was right
Hugo’s pass is inside and away from sesss. Their player wins the ball and moves i to almiron whose now goal side of sessegnon. That was nothing to do with sessegnon unless he becomes inspector gadget

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I've never understood the chipped ball to the fullback from the keeper routine. By the time it gets to them they are forced to take a touch to control it or play a first time pass backwards and it invites a challenge or clattering from the opponent. We used to do it a lot to Rose too.

It’s dumb
But clubs do it do it must be viable… you would assume. But the keeper needs to able to pass well. The floater doesn’t work well

 

[Finney Is Back]

It's interesting you mention that, because...



...this is a big part of it.

Players need to look like they care, need to look like they're switched on, that they're trying and are willing to be brave. Do that, and you get backing from the fans.

As even you point out, they don't do that. This lot are literally terrified of the ball, and at the same time, spend large periods of the game thinking that they only have to show up to win for some bizarre reason. Except when we play away to our rivals, when they all turn into cowards waiting to be beaten.

You think the crowd don't see that?

Lloris comes out like a macaron, gets beaten to the ball, falls over in desperation trying to win a free kick that was never going to be given - instead of busting a gut to get back to the goalline, the lumbering Dier puts his hands up and starts yelling at the ref to give the foul.

Lloris punts a hopeless ball out to Sessegnon, the kid puts in the weakest aerial challenge I've seen, gets pathetically beaten to the ball, they score two seconds later.

Players earning 200k a week stroll around without putting in any effort or demonstrating that being repeatedly outplayed by the opponent hurts them in any way. The fans pay upwards of a hundred quid a game amidst spirallling inflation, energy prices and economic woes, and show up in storm conditions, rain or shine..

...and get told *they* are the ones that have to pick this spineless lot up, because they can't do it themselves.

Not the way it works, mate. The players have to look like they give a brick, and too many of them don't. The fans cannot provide self-respect and pride if they don't have it themselves, and it isn't the players who go home being laughed at by the opposition - the defeat's out of their heads in half an hour and they're out giving interviews to the Guardian in the next week on how they've changed, honest (looking at you, Dier and Lenglet). The fans are the ones who have to take the stick on the way home, in the pub, in the office the next day.

To expect them to give this lot the spine they're lacking on top of it is unfair.

You remember the Poch days, when the fans and the players had a connection? Why do you think that was, mate? I'd say it's because we played brave, we looked brave, we fought for the shirt and for each other. That resonated in the stands, even if we lost.

This lot do none of that and expect unqualified support and adoration for shanking simple passes and conceding stupid goals. Not happening - didn't happen under the abominable Mou, won't happen under Conte. Players need to buck up here.

None of them are strolling around not putting effort in, I'm sorry Dubai but that is simply way wide of the mark. There is no problem with effort from our team, there is a problem with the tactics and then secondly a problem with (lack of) quality required when playing with these tactics.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

None of them are strolling around not putting effort in, I'm sorry Dubai but that is simply way wide of the mark. There is no problem with effort from our team, there is a problem with the tactics and then secondly a problem with (lack of) quality required when playing with these tactics.

United I thought we had passengers. Players who lacked the willingness to run
Yesterday we worked hard
We had even our weaker players trying

 

[Finney Is Back]

Yeah I was right
Hugo’s pass is inside and away from sesss. Their player wins the ball and moves i to almiron whose now goal side of sessegnon. That was nothing to do with sessegnon unless he becomes inspector gadget

Yeah, Sessegnon was always going to lose that header to a player who had the run on him. I thought Sessegnon then should've just make sure he fouled Almiron and taken the yellow card. I think he needed to be smarter there as by not doing so he left Almiron running directly at Lenglet within the confines of our penalty area.

 

[Finney Is Back]

Don't think the second one is on Hugo. He's supposed to play that pass and will sometimes misplace it. Conte wants him to play that pass despite misplacing it at times.

Sessegnon, meh. Lost a header and a duel. Lenglet got done too easily. Thought Bissouma was strangely passive. I think PEH or Bentancur charge straight at Almiron. Either that or get into a covering position.

It is a ridiculous pass.... Floated up to a static player (and actually kind of over that that player) who has somebody challenging in the air with the run on him. That ball can only be played firmly and to chest/thigh/foot so that our wing back can get it under control and be between their two players and able to start an attack. The best thing that Sessegnon could do with that pass is win the header (which was unlikely) and even if he does that Saudi Sportswashing Machine still have the numbers and are way more likely than not to pick up the second ball.

 

[Baleforce]

Sessengon was backing away from it, should have attacked it at the highest possible point and headed it on.

Dogbrick pass from Hugo, put Sess in trouble.

 

[Grays_1890]

It is a ridiculous pass.... Floated up to a static player (and actually kind of over that that player) who has somebody challenging in the air with the run on him. That ball can only be played firmly and to chest/thigh/foot so that our wing back can get it under control and be between their two players and able to start an attack. The best thing that Sessegnon could do with that pass is win the header (which was unlikely) and even if he does that Saudi Sportswashing Outfit still have the numbers and are way more likely than not to pick up the second ball.

Its a terrible ball but lets be fair, everyone could have done better and for them to score from that is a bad sign for our team. With thanks to my grade 7 IT skills see below, Sess has as much right to win the ball with some anticipation and effort, there are also 4 others that could react to then back up when the ball is lost. No one comes out with any real credit especially Lenglet who shows him outside then decides not to go with him.

 

[Finney Is Back]

Its a terrible ball but lets be fair, everyone could have done better and for them to score from that is a bad sign for our team. With thanks to my grade 7 IT skills see below, Sess has as much right to win the ball with some anticipation and effort, there are also 4 others that could react to then back up when the ball is lost. No one comes out with any real credit especially Lenglet who shows him outside then decides not to go with him.

View attachment 14669

That still demonstrates wat a badly executed ball that is. Hugo is really poor with his distribution. He needs to realise how poor he is with his feet and give a simple ball to Lenglet, who would then have four potential passes to feet on (Bentencur, Sessegnon, Bissouma or Lloris/Dier, depending on who Wilson covers).

In fact as I look at it again it looks even worse from Lloris.... The 2 wide CBs are still back in the box which leaves Almiron in acres of space in (for him) the attacking quarter of the pitch with just a simple win of a header in the air to find him. Look how dangerous that ball is for us compared to them, if Sessegnon wins it he wins it in our back quarter of the pitch, if they win the header they're in our back quarter of the pitch.... Absolutely brain dead ball made worse by the rubbish execution of it.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Sessengon was backing away from it, should have attacked it at the highest possible point and headed it on.

Dogbrick pass from Hugo, put Sess in trouble.

He wasn’t backing away, he was going to the byline.
It was an awful pass

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Its a terrible ball but lets be fair, everyone could have done better and for them to score from that is a bad sign for our team. With thanks to my grade 7 IT skills see below, Sess has as much right to win the ball with some anticipation and effort, there are also 4 others that could react to then back up when the ball is lost. No one comes out with any real credit especially Lenglet who shows him outside then decides not to go with him.

View attachment 14669

That doesn’t reflect speed of the kick form Hugo. When Hugo initially kicked in I think sess had his back turned too as he was running into position. The fact it ended up 3 yards short says a lot about Hugo’s kicking

 

[Robbo]

The time wasting in the second half was ridiculous and the ref was too weak to put a stop to it.

It's really infuriating. Refs should give one warning in instances like yesterday, when Pope spent probably 5-6 minutes of the second half fondling the ball instead of taking the goal kick.

One warning, that's it - time waste again, and that's a yellow. Waiting until the 83rd minute to give that yellow is an insult to football.

Not that this is the most important take out from yesterday, but it's a fairly simple thing to enforce consistently, would make matches better and be welcomed by basically all fans.