Match Report (Newcastle) & Preview (Forest)

Match Report (Newcastle) & Preview (Forest)

Going to the game against Newcastle, we felt optimistic. Even though we lost four games, nevertheless, we felt we were on the right track with our coach, Ange.

In the car trip up to the Spurs ground – besides Mel (and me, of course) – was his son (Eliot) and Eliot’s girlfriend (Abi). We got to the ground late as there were holdups on the M4. I phoned Janet beforehand so she could get me a programme (just in case). Priorities… priorities!!!!! Is the name of the game… After all, I am a collector and have been since my dad helped me start my collection all those years ago… before time immemorial, even!

When we got to the ground and our allotted place, Janet was there, keeping our place warm at our regular booth.

Eliot & Abi weren’t with us as they were in the seats in the East Stand.

To the match…

We ended our slump in style as we convincingly overpowered a leg-weary and depleted Newcastle United team.

Yes, we had lost four of our previous five games and had not won since the victory at Crystal Palace on 27 October, but once Destiny Udogie put us ahead from Son’s pass, there would only be one winner.

And… yes, … it was a day of joy for Richarlison, who has struggled to find consistency and impetus in his career with us but was the spearhead here with a goal either side of half-time as Newcastle wilted in the face of some sparkling attacking play. Richarlison had scored only five goals in his previous 48 appearances for us but was on the mark from Son's excellent delivery, which effectively sealed all three points after controlling Pedro Porro's long pass.

As for Son, he got the goal his performance deserved, scoring from the spot after Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka had dragged him down.

Newcastle got a goal back because of a lack of concentration on our behalf. However, they only threatened us sporadically, with Miguel Almiron failing to convert a great chance when they trailed by a goal.

As for Newcastle; Eddie Howe's squad, like us, was injury-hit. Now, they must regroup and re-energise quickly before Wednesday night's decisive final Champions League group game at home to AC Milan.

                                                         Video courtesy of Abi Lamb

Are we back to winning ways?

We have been stuttering recently after an outstanding start under Ange. This was not helped by a succession of injuries, particularly to key new signings James Maddison and Micky van de Ven; the battling draw at Manchester City demonstrated our new-found spirit, and our attacking quality was back.

Richarlison took much of the acclaim for his two goals, and we showed our delight for him, who is admired for his sheer effort despite a mixed career at the club so far. The goals that came with Richarlison's endeavour were a deserved reward.

Full credit to our supporters, who revelled in the all-out attacking approach under Postecoglou, which could have yielded more goals. However, this was a result and performance designed to blow away the dust of three successive home defeats.

We, fans, are happy to accept that there may be bumps in the road playing in this fashion while warmly embracing Postecoglou's footballing philosophy.    

Player of the match

Son.

Even though we won this match, we are still in 5^th place. Our next two games will be against Forest (A) and Everton at home. Out of the two, I fear Everton the most as they’ve done brilliantly lately… more so considering that they’ve had 10 points deducted. Apart from us, the two most outstanding teams in the Premier League (or, I should say, have done well) are Villa and Everton.

Other good results this weekend include Villa beating Arsenic and Old Lace, United being thrashed by Bournemouth and Everton humiliating Pochettino’s Blue Boy wanderers. This leads me to our game this Friday…

Match Preview: Forest v Spurs

Forest…

Nottingham Forest will play in this fixture after a 1-1 Premier League draw against Wolves. In that game, Nottingham Forest had 32% possession and eight attempts at goal, with 2 of them on target. The scorer for Forest was Harry Toffolo (14'). Wolverhampton W. had ten shots at goal, with four on target. Matheus Cunha (32') scored for Wolves.

Forest have not registered a win against us in their last four league matches.

Forest's last six results: WLLLLD

Spurs…

Our last six results: LLLDLW

We enter this match following a 4-1 Premier League win as we beat Newcastle United in our previous fixture.

In our game against Newcastle United, we had 57% possession and 23 attempts on goal with 12 on target. Our goals were scored by Destiny Udogie (26'), Richarlison (38', 60') and Son (85').

In our last six clashes, we have bagged 11 goals. We have also scored in every single one of those games.

Nottingham Forest hasn't beaten us when we played them away from home in the previous two league matches.

We have not had an away win for the past two league matches.

Spurs team news…

Ashley Phillips (Ankle injury), Manor Solomon (Meniscus injury), Rodrigo Bentancur (Torn ankle ligaments), Ivan Perisic (Cruciate ligament tear), Ryan Sessegnon (surgery), Alfie Whiteman (Ankle injury) and Micky van de Ven (Hamstring injury) are those who can’t be considered.

I think Ange will elect a 4-2-3-1 formation.

My possible team to play Forest is Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison and Heung-Min Son.

My Prediction…

I think Forest will create enough chances to get a goal against us, but one goal may not be enough to prevent defeat. Therefore, I am going for a 1-4 victory.

So, there you have it…

Up the Spurs!

Glenn

COYS!

 

With Martin Chivers