SATURDAY 4TH NOVEMBER, 2000, FA CARLING
PREMIERSHIP
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 – 1 SUNDERLAND
Sherwood, 43,
Hutchison, 63
Armstrong, 78
Referee:- Dermot Gallagher
Attendance:- 36,016
Spurs (3-5-2):- Sullivan; Perry, Young, Vega; Carr, Anderton,
Sherwood (Capt.), Clemence, Thatcher; Rebrov (sub Armstrong, 71),
Ferdinand
Subs not used:- Walker; Thelwell, King, Dominguez
Booked:- Thatcher (Dissent)
Sent off:- Thatcher (for dissent and a second bookable offence,
after 89 minutes)
Sunderland (4-4-2):- Sorensen; Makin, Varga, Craddock, Gray (Capt.);
Hutchison, Rae, Williams, Arca (sub Oster, 76); Quinn, Phillips
Subs not used:- Macho (GK); Thirlwell, Reddy, Dichio
Booked:- Craddock (foul on Rebrov)
At the end of one of the most depressing weeks I can remember as a Spurs fan, this was a good result to lift the misery, although all the weaknesses in the team are still very evident. Things did not look to bright when the collective cheer that went up when Rebrov’s name was announced was drown out by the “faaaaakin hell”’s that greeted Vega’s announcement and the realization that we were playing the untried wing back 3-5-2 system.
My expectations were so low beforehand I would have been quite happy with a point, but a spirited opening by Tottenham had Sunderland on the ropes, with a rejuvenated Ferdinand going close following a deflection and Vega having an effort saved. Sorensen in goal for Sunderland looked like having one of those games opposition keepers have at the Lane where they save their best performance of the season. An Anderton shot and a Ferdinand header were further efforts on the Sunderland goal during the bright opening
The early Spurs pressure was backed by hearty support from the crowd. This was exactly the response the crowd should have given - no use whinging like spoilt rich kids during the game. This is not to say that I support Graham or Sugar, it’s just that during a game the crowd need to play their part.
There are still many things wrong at Tottenham on top of the injury crisis and despite the bright opening Sunderland began to get in the game more as Spurs tended to ditch the good short passing game which had served them well in the opening minutes and go long, with hopeful balls to Ferdinand as Rebrov was missed out of the play altogether
Graham adopted the 3-5-2 formation that finished the shambles against Birmingham in midweek, with Anderton playing in the centre and having a good match both in terms of passing and ball winning. Carr again was excellent on the right and Sherwood, despite not being able to pass properly to Spurs players, played a little better, as did Clemence, who apart from a few too many stray passes had another decent match. The weak link in all this was Thatcher who was truly shite. When he was n’t walking about disinterestedly or being miles out of position he was not bothering to tackle Hutchinson, who ended up with many glowing references as a result. The sending off was a blessing and hopefully will give someone else a chance to shine there before Treacle is welcomed back with a prodigal son reception
The defence was often left exposed on the flanks with Thatcher’s aimless wandering and Carr returning from attacking forays, but considering this was the first time that they had used the system in a match, it was a reasonable effort, with Perry taking Phillips and Vega grappling with the ex-goon streak of piss and Young, who had a good match sweeping between them.
Both teams had chances throughout the half with Sorensen excellent in goal for Sunderland and the Sunderland efforts not being of sufficient quality, either wide or straight at Sully. With about 10 minutes to halftime, the ball bobbled around in the Tottenham area and mad Ramon was there to claim his second handball penalty give away in a week. My heart sank, I could n’t remember the last person to miss a penalty against Tottenham and have no recollection of Walker ever saving one (although he has apparently). Phillips placed the ball and blasted over from a short run at the Paxton end and a great feeling of relief was felt all over the ground
Soon after Spurs were at the other end with their own good shouts for penalties, the first for a handball and the second when Carr, after another sweet interchange of passes with Rebrov, was taken down in the box. Referees waving away blatant penalty claims for Tottenham have become common place over the last couple of season and so it came as no shock to see the mincing Gallagher, who had a shite game, not give these decisions.
Ferdinand, who I have slagged off for his recent performances that have ranged from lacklustre to useless, had his best match for ages. Having a good time of it in the air with Varga, who would have looked more at home minding the door of a nightclub, and holding and distributing the ball well with his back to goal. Les smashed a fierce shot (similar to Korsten’s early effort against Chelsea), which Sorensen tipped over. From the resultant corner the ball missed the near post headers and rebounded off the knee of Rae? back to the near post area where Sherwood reacted quickest to slide the ball home.
The second half was a closely matched with both teams playing fairly well. Another refereeing shocker at the lane was completed when Gallagher adjudged Carr and Young to have fouled a Sunderland player, when it was obvious that Carr had won the ball cleanly. From the resultant free kick, Hutchinson rose at the far post and headed unchallenged across the goal into the far corner. The marking was non-existent, with Les jumping with two Sunderland players and Thatcher who was meant to be marking Hutchinson gormlessly wandering about elsewhere in the box
Armstrong, who had spent some time winding up the traveling Mackems who were dissing his Geordie background while warming up, replaced Rebrov who was probably not 100% after returning from injury.
The winner came from Carr winning the ball coming infield and passing to Sherwood, who instead of passing back to Carr fooled everyone by turning to his left and slipping Armo through with a clear run at goal. This was where Armo was at his worst last season, when he had time to think, and I’m sure this went through everyone’s mind, esp. as his touch seemed to put the ball too far ahead of him as he got into the box. But unlike the chances he missed last year, Armo looked composed and waited for the keeper to commit himself, before slipping it through his legs for a classy goal from open play
With 10 minutes to hang on, Spurs in their customary fashion made it difficult for themselves, giving the ball away needlessly. but hung on well and should have made it 3-1 when Clemence was put in by Ferdinand, but managed to blast over. Thatcher was dismissed for a bit of verbal at the end. A terrible bit of refereeing where he booked him for giving the ball away and a bit of backchat, so much for using a bit of common sense with a few seconds to go. This said, I won’t miss Thatcher when he’s banned, hopefully for the maximum term.
The last time Spurs were 5-1-0 or better after 6 home league matches was in “that” season, but the difference being they’d also won all their away matches and played well in doing so. This result, while good for morale at the end of a bad week, should not disguise the very evident problems at the lane which will not be cured by a few players coming back from injury and a bit of time
Sullivan 5/10 - His goal keeping was of a good standard, but his continual oofing goal kicks up field needs to be stopped
Vega 5/10 - Despite giving away a silly penalty, played Quinn fairly well, but never managed to convince
Perry 6/10 - Another decent game defensively where he handled everything with the minimum of fuss. His distribution as ever is his weakness, but overall played well
Young 6/10 - Eventually given a chance in the first team and took it well. His passing could be more accurate, but wasn’t the only one guilty of giving the ball away too often
Thatcher 2/10 - Really really poor. I would love to write one of these reports and praise this twat, but he gives me the impression that he has never played football, let alone left (wing) back before. More often than not out of position, weak tackles and sulking round the pitch. Was harshly sent off, but offers someone else the chance to claim the left back slot away from this expensive flop
Clemence 6/10 - Another decent game from Clem that was slightly marred by giving the ball away too often
Anderton 7/10 -Given the role he wants in Central midfield, Anderton had a good match passing well and tackling back. Lets hope he stays injury free and signs a new deal with the club.
Sherwood - 6/10 - Still not back to his best but is starting to play a little better. Gives the ball away too often but was less of a liability in a role that gave him greater licence to go forward
Carr 7/10 - Promoted further up field, Carr had another excellent game and is one of the consistently bright points of an otherwise gloomy time
Rebrov - 6/10 -What must he think when he looks at Sullivan, or who ever, oofs the ball up to the forwards for 50/50 headers all the time. As we’ve paid £11m for Rebrov, it might be an idea to play the ball to his strengths, his feet. When they manage to do this, especially from Carr or Anderton, he looks sharp and dangerous, at other times he looks lost in a long ball nightmare. Ferdinand 7/10 - Had a fine match, winning more than his share in the air along with good quality layoffs. Was unlucky not to score but did enough to suggest that he is not all over
Armo - Scored a goal he would have missed more often that not last season and looked sharp in a good return