A cold day, with a cold result

A cold day, with a cold result

Spurs 1 Sheffield United 1

We are gradually sliding down the table into oblivion. After the highs of last season (Champions League final), we are now experiencing the lows. With no new blood, is it really surprising that we are in this position? After 5 years of Pochettin’s rule, he has gone stale and has run out of ideas. His backroom team still practice the same old tired routine, and the players are getting restless. Who can blame them?

Talking to some of the older players (Legends) yesterday, their conclusions were the same as ours, Pochettino lacks new innovations.

We’ve also lost more points from a winning position than any other Premier League side this season. If we had kept our lead (won those matches), we would be a lot higher than we currently are, instead of struggling and hoping that we will survive. What would it say if we went down? It isn’t impossible. Championship football with one of the best stadium in the world, heads must roll. And they must roll well before that point. I am not suggesting Pochettino, but somebody on his team must either fall on their sword or Levy must intervene.

I’ve noticed that every time I go to Spurs (home or away), the fans are gloomier each time. There is that feeling of the inevitable. What that inevitable is, is another question.

When I got to the ground, I made my way to the Spurs shop, and Steve Perryman was signing his new book. I wonder what he thinks about our demise? He was part of a great side that won trophies, unlike this side who have won bugger all.

After wandering around the shop, I went back to my car and then waited until the ticking clock hit 12 and then made my way to the Spurs Entrance. Once in I got my programmes and then made my way to the food area (third tier). It wasn’t long before others joined us and the talk was about the Red Star Belgrade game and whether Pochettino would change the team (stupid question, of course he would… did!).

Before the match started, there was a tribute to the fallen soldiers, and both sets of fans stood and paid their respects. I must say it was bloody cold. Coming from a warm lounge to a cold one can make you quickly turn blue. We were hoping that a good performance would warm us up, stead the body-temperature lowered even more.

George Baldock's unexpected equaliser saw United stretch their unbeaten league run to five games and their undefeated away record to six top-flight matches. His mis-hit cross - which came moments after the visitors had a goal disallowed for offside by the video assistant referee - evaded everyone inside the Spurs penalty area before finding the bottom corner.

The visitors fell behind against the run of play when Son capitalised on Enda Stevens' failed clearance before slotting the ball through Dean Henderson's legs.

David McGoldrick thought he had equalised just two minutes after Son's opener, but VAR replays showed that Lundstram's toe had been marginally offside in the build-up - a decision that was so close it took almost four minutes to make. As we waited, the crowd booed. Why is it taking so long? Usually, a referee has a split decision to make a judgment, now they have all afternoon to make a decision, to the frustration of the crowd.

This result pushes us in the wrong direction. Another unfortunate result and we could be kissing relegation. We now have a two-week break to get our act together, but somehow I doubt it. I think this season will be about surviving in the Premier League. As for the FA Cup, well we all know that Pochettino has no respect for this competition. He is only interested in a top-four place (now gone), and a Champions League Final, or near enough, and that could end up being a joke (I wonder what Bayern Munich things of our chances? Ironically, they sacked their manager because they suffered a five-goal defeat… anybody listening at Tottenham?).

After the game, we made our way to the lounge and some of the legends joined us. We discussed the match and the future of the team, none of it was favourable. In fact the only good thing was the wine that was flowing (not me, as I was driving).  Seven o’clock came and we were thrown out (the staff said they were closing up) and we all made our way to our respective destinations. I got home – after many accidents on the Motorway – at 9.45 pm. 

Our next game will be in the Champions League at our ground, our next league game will be against West Ham (away), that will be fun. They are not doing so well, which probably means that they will probably beat us.

Nothing joyous to report and as I said, I can’t see things changing any day soon.

Just a matter of interest (that is if anybody is interested) it was 15 years ago (8^th November 2004) that Martin Jol was appointed head coach. He replaced Jacques Santini (who was disastrous, but he did win a trophy for us). In the 2005/6 campaign, he (Jol) took us to fifth for successive seasons. But the board sacked him in 2007 (one could say nothing has really changed, trophy wise). I thought I would just mention it. We all hope that the building of our superstructure will eventually change things. I know we have to pay off our debts,  but we need to invest to make the money that will propel us up the league (buying in new stock). Going down the wrong way of the League table will only create unrest, and see top players looking for pastures anew. And we don’t want that. Our goal should be Glory, not catastrophe.

By Glenn Renshaw