Tottenham Hotspur have just finished 3rd in the Premier League

[1882]

One thing we have to remind ourselves is our players are not fans like us. (besides Kane) Most of them couldn't give a fuck if they finished above Woolwich. Sure they might say they do, but they don't really feel the same about it as we do.

I think it was natural after the Chelsea result, our heads dropped and a lot of the players mentally checked out.

That being said these are still highly paid professionals and the effort shown the last 3 matches was totally unacceptable. Just going through the motions. Overall, it was a very successful season, however it is hard not to be left with a sour taste on how it ended.

I get that players are "not fans"... but if that's the case... why did we have Hazard & Fabregas acting like cunts sorry, FANS by goading us before the Chelsea game... and TOTAL CUNT FUCKERS like Schezney & Podolski acting like gloating smug 'once a Gooner always a Gooner' cunts after 2nd was 'secured'?

May not be professional... but it did the job before the Chelsea game, mentally distracting us enough to ALSO act equally as unprofessionally by pissing away the chance of 2nd... and SHUTTING THOSE DISPICIBLE CUNTS UP FOR ONCE IN 21 FUCKING YEARS!
One point from TWO games woulda done it...
Not TOO much to Cunting ask is it PRESH?

 

[Xxx]

This place is toxic when we lose.. as it's been so rare this year, it's been really bad when we do.. Listen to some of you!!!. Anyway, cya all back in August. Enjoy the Euros.

 

[Burko]

This place is toxic when we lose.. as it's been so rare this year, it's been really bad when we do.. Listen to some of you!!!. Anyway, cya all back in August. Enjoy the Euros.

I don't a bad run of form makes it toxic, it's just a bigger catalyst for discussion.

Pochettino said that it was plain to see that the tactics were correct and it was just a player issue.. I don't agree. I think the change to 3 at the back when we were already getting shafted on the break was suicidal.

I think we have been let down by the entire playing and coaching staff these past few weeks, but it doesn't mean I hate Tottenham. It's like your brother getting pissed up and acting a prick, you'll cane him for it... but he's still your brother.

 

[Wilson]

Its their highest finish since they moved, dont let their self entitled delusional fans cloud that little fact.

And yes 3rd is more than people expected at the start of the season but that isnt how football works and i certainly expected us to go further in cup competitions than we did, so given we blew the first one against that lot by fielding a weakened side (unacceptable) and then blew the the fa cup against palace again fielding a weakened side (same again with the europa)...

Sunday would be a lot easier to stomach if we had an fa cup final on the horizon wouldnt it.

We've been second for months and pissed it away, so no third isn't acceptable in light of that especially as such a big deal was made about now only having one game a week to concentrate on.

Glass half full, glass half empty. With Tottenham it's alway piss thats in the glass tho...

 

[Boltonspur]

What we did was sacrifice the holding midfielder - but continued with the fullbacks attacking, Alderweireld's ability to sprint back is much worse than Walker's.

Those things combined made us look much more open.........but it's not really like losing 5-1 or 2-1 matters, we had to take risks.

Oh I agree that the scoreline became irrelevant. Damage limitation was never an option. We were forced to push on when it went to 3-1 & that was down to a shocking penalty decision. I thought that until that penalty decision we were limping slowly back into the game in the second half & looked far more likely to get the next goal. The scenario thereafter was tailor made for Benitez to use his counter attacking style. And we were punished badly.
Perhaps the 3/4 at the back argument is down to the fact that it was an indistinguishable mess in the last 15 minutes? Anyway, I'm done trying to figure out exactly what happened on Sunday. It was a fucking abomination, end of story!
Thankfully, horror stories like that do seem to be getting fewer by the season & hopefully Poch & co address it through the summer

 

[1882]

When does the pain subside, and the reality of what we've achieved ACTUALLY kick in...?

I'm still hurting!

 

[clevelandspur]

Its their highest finish since they moved, dont let their self entitled delusional fans cloud that little fact.

And yes 3rd is more than people expected at the start of the season but that isnt how football works and i certainly expected us to go further in cup competitions than we did, so given we blew the first one against that lot by fielding a weakened side (unacceptable) and then blew the the fa cup against palace again fielding a weakened side (same again with the europa)...

Sunday would be a lot easier to stomach if we had an fa cup final on the horizon wouldnt it.

We've been second for months and pissed it away, so no third isn't acceptable in light of that especially as such a big deal was made about now only having one game a week to concentrate on.

Couldn't agree more. If nothing else I hope this finish dispels the notion that only concentrating on one competition and playing once a week helps our results. In the past few seasons we have had our worst performances in the last few weeks with only EPL to concentrate on. Small time thinking, we are a big club and shouldn't be turning our noses up at any competitions.

 

[Eskimo]

When does the pain subside,

It doesn't you just move on to the next cunting.

 

[clevelandspur]

It's an odd argument about 'turning our noses up' at a Competition... surely playing the Youth team in the so called 'lesser Comps' makes an element of sense, as they will be EAGER to impress and push for a place in the 1st team... and as such
.. put in a fucking performance that may not win the game, but they'll certainly die trying... unlike SUNDAY!

Carroll and Mason are no longer youth players eager to impress...they are adequate squad players at best, and seeing as our two best midfielders were suspended due to sheer stupidity, Mason and Carroll got called in to plug a gap... disastrously as it turns out, but those are the only tools we had left in the box!
The fact Verts, Walker and most inexplicably Lloris have let us down in recent weeks proves that the example being set by the 'older pros' is one of; CL secured... job done, go home early...' rather than trying to surpass even THAT achievement with the relative luxury of 3 games to go.

What does that show the youngsters... that finishing 2nd doesn't really matter, 'cos Winning the league or finishing ahead of the Arse wasn't in the contract... 4th was the aim, so we'll leave it there!

It's a shame the players couldn't take it upon themselves to work it out.

I think you hit the nail on the head, our squad isn't nearly deep enough. I am all for promoting from within but we also have to plug some holes externally. We took the field with zero chance of progressing against Dortmund.

 

[palmers_green_yid]

One thing we have to remind ourselves is our players are not fans like us. (besides Kane) Most of them couldn't give a fuck if they finished above Woolwich. Sure they might say they do, but they don't really feel the same about it as we do.

I think it was natural after the Chelsea result, our heads dropped and a lot of the players mentally checked out.

That being said these are still highly paid professionals and the effort shown the last 3 matches was totally unacceptable. Just going through the motions. Overall, it was a very successful season, however it is hard not to be left with a sour taste on how it ended.

This is absolutely it. Because any fan would show the same commitment in finishing above them as in trying to win the title.

At one level I suppose you can't blame them for not having the mentality of a fan. Why would they, I suppose? But if they won't do that for us then I won't show any special loyalty to any player if I don't think they're doing the business on the pitch, unless they are someone like Dawson or Robbo who has demonstrated that they do think and feel like a fan (or Livermore who was a proper Spurs fan). I won't be afraid to slag them off at a game, or to boo them...I'd never booed before Sunday.

The whole thing shows the disconnect between fans and players, which is very sad really.

 

[Nutter-Naylor]

Can't be bothered to read all the post match/season threads but the FB melting has been incredible.

After completely and royally cunting them all off I culled every Gooner and Hammer (dont know any Chelsea) and I also went into a couple of epic rants on some Spurs groups about so called Yids throwing their toys out of the pram.

Billy no mates now....fuck 'em.

 

[1882]

If anyone should feel embarrassed it's Woolwich. The year that City and Chavs go missing, they fall from the top spectacularly and lose the title.
We, however, were never at the top. We were always behind. Yet we played better than them all but 4 games, WBA, CFC, SFC and Newcastle, they had WBA -who didn't turn up - Norwich, Man City and Villa.
I am sure we would have got 3 points from Villa and Norwich at home even without Ali and Dembele.
Yes it's fucking sad we didn't finish above them, but remember this squad is far from the finished article.
The only two who could hold their heads up on Sunday were Lamela and Kane. We nearly did it, but the shit first half fucked us. It was unacceptable, but there is a reason why. The whole team must act as a unit. It has been until it has to suffer replacements. We then look like a different team, especially without the two who were missing.
They have 4 DM, we have a CB trying out in his first year. We have nobody to replace Dembele. They have Coquelin, Atrteta, Flamini and Elneney they could call ball winners.
Dier was brutally exposed by a Mason who has been fucked by injuries and couldn't atm press his trousers. I have been a fans of his, but since coming back from another injury he has looked miles off the pace and a liability. Jumping into what become last gasp tackles in midfield.
It was clear form Saints at home when Claise and Wanayma run midfield.
We were just lucky we never suffered any long term injuries to more than one key player. They, the mugs from Plumstead, have a massive squad.
So, let's not be too pissed off.

This is all very true... but it's hard to get your point across to them amid the relentless droning, smug tirade of "It's happened again..."

as and WHEN we finally break this fucking witches curse... I'm gonna go fucking Medieval on every fucking smugcunt Gooner I see....
FOR E-VERRRRR!

 

[Millbanks]

Walker has had the odd good game and is a superb athlete

Not enough and if you want proof of his attitude have another look at Hazard's goal when he played a one two with Costa and Walker just trotted behind him making no effort to mark or put a meaningful challenge in.
Then his ridiculous kick out at Pedro where he was lucky not to receive a straight red!
Not convinced?
Then look at Newcastle's 2nd when, again, his positional sense and desire went missing!
Not good enough and he doesn't learn making the same mistakes!

Walker had a few poor games towards the end (as did many). Up until then, he was solid defending and going forward, and was a credit to the best defence in the league.

I still believe you're allowing the final few games could your judgement of his season as a whole. I would like to see a post where you were pulling him apart during the season.

 

[Guido 🇺🇦]

Here's my season review piece:

The Tactical Principles of Pochettino’s Title Challenging Tottenham Hotspur

But lengthy to copy/paste into a post like I usually do.

This is a fantastic piece mate and should be read by everyone. Bardi maybe this should even be made into an article on it's own.

I agree with almost all of it but I'll throw in a couple of my own thoughts:
Lloris
As you mentioned Lloris's game is not about being a sweeper keeper anymore, the tag has stuck with him and is regurgitated out by a lazy media which also reinforces it as a default fan description of him but it is rare that you will see him act out this role more than 4 or 5 times this season as opposed to once or twice a game under AVB.
However, I do think this has bought about a minor problem to his game. He is having to "think" more about his position rather than instinctively act. The process to "think" has caused a slight element of indecisiveness to his game. Prior to this season I'd put one of Lloris's biggest strengths is his ability to make a split second decision (almost instinctive) and commit 100% to it (the other is to save and parry the ball away of oppo threat). This season he has made a conscious decision to stay routed to his line, or even taking a step or two backwards and on these occasions he has been beaten or conceded a goal. Despite our impressive goals conceded tally, there have been several occasions this season when we have all said "he could have done better with that". Not howlers, but getting beat at near post a few times, Sanchez equaliser etc.. In prior seasons he would have been on his toes faster and narrowed the angle quicker. I am also conscious whilst I write this that this decision to remain further back could be part of a bigger jigsaw puzzle that is part of the reason why we have conceded so few goals collectively.
Vertonghen
For all of his ability on the ball when isolated one on one with him facing his own goal there is only one winner and that is unfortunately is not Verts.
Dier
Very interesting comments on his future role. Personally I see his future development as DM. The only reason is that he didn't excel as a CB or RB but has excelled as a DM but acknowledge that there are some limitations that may prevent him developing into a world class DM.
Eriksen
Spot-on analysis, although I don't think he didn't put his authority on a game until Bournemouth away. Worthy of mention again is his ability to move the ball quickly on often with one touch that gets missed by many, in Ali's wonder goal against Palace it was his lay off header that fed Ali, another header this time for Rose who then assisted Lamela's goal against Utd and then arguably pass of the season was his first time ball from the half way line to Ali for him to score our 2nd against Stoke.
Lamela
The only thing that I'll add is that for the "Big" games he turns up, often one of the best players on the pitch. During these games he has often been the out-ball when we are experiencing a phase of pressure and has helped us regain control back. I wouldn't moan at him if he did pick-up a 2nd yellow, his intensity is the embodiment of this team, without it the tone of the team would be worse off.
Ali
I love his temperament, whilst on the edge at times, it is this temperament that will win us titles not loose them.
Fitness
Drop off - I do not buy into the Bielsa stuff, if his team dropped off then more fool him, just because Poch came from his school doesn't mean Poch's teams should be given the same label. When people were talking of a drop off this season the stats showed we were running even further in the run-in than earlier in the season, we were sprinting more too as we upped out intensity. We achieved the same points total for the first half of the season as in the 2nd half of the season, amazing what a chance to win the title does to motivation.
Did the performance drop of yes but we invested everything (physically and mentally) to challenge for the title, the draw against WBA was the end, the body language of the players at the final whistle tells you all you need to know what that result meant. "Running on adrenaline" maybe some truth in this description but I am more comfortable explaining it as "Motivation" and with nothing to play for (not wanting to derail the thread by getting into finishing above scum is something to play for) the title had gone we found it impossible to play at the intensity that we have been accustom too. The mindset has to include the 11 on the field, it only takes one or two not to buy-in and like a pack of cards it folds.

 

[Bardi]

This is a fantastic piece mate and should be read by everyone. Bardi maybe this should even be made into an article on it's own.

I agree with almost all of it but I'll throw in a couple of my own thoughts:
Lloris
As you mentioned Lloris's game is not about being a sweeper keeper anymore, the tag has stuck with him and is regurgitated out by a lazy media which also reinforces it as a default fan description of him but it is rare that you will see him act out this role more than 4 or 5 times this season as opposed to once or twice a game under AVB.
However, I do think this has bought about a minor problem to his game. He is having to "think" more about his position rather than instinctively act. The process to "think" has caused a slight element of indecisiveness to his game. Prior to this season I'd put one of Lloris's biggest strengths is his ability to make a split second decision (almost instinctive) and commit 100% to it (the other is to save and parry the ball away of oppo threat). This season he has made a conscious decision to stay routed to his line, or even taking a step or two backwards and on these occasions he has been beaten or conceded a goal. Despite our impressive goals conceded tally, there have been several occasions this season when we have all said "he could have done better with that". Not howlers, but getting beat at near post a few times, Sanchez equaliser etc.. In prior seasons he would have been on his toes faster and narrowed the angle quicker. I am also conscious whilst I write this that this decision to remain further back could be part of a bigger jigsaw puzzle that is part of the reason why we have conceded so few goals collectively.
Vertonghen
For all of his ability on the ball when isolated one on one with him facing his own goal there is only one winner and that is unfortunately is not Verts.
Dier
Very interesting comments on his future role. Personally I see his future development as DM. The only reason is that he didn't excel as a CB or RB but has excelled as a DM but acknowledge that there are some limitations that may prevent him developing into a world class DM.
Eriksen
Spot-on analysis, although I don't think he didn't put his authority on a game until Bournemouth away. Worthy of mention again is his ability to move the ball quickly on often with one touch that gets missed by many, in Ali's wonder goal against Palace it was his lay off header that fed Ali, another header this time for Rose who then assisted Lamela's goal against Utd and then arguably pass of the season was his first time ball from the half way line to Ali for him to score our 2nd against Stoke.
Lamela
The only thing that I'll add is that for the "Big" games he turns up, often one of the best players on the pitch. During these games he has often been the out-ball when we are experiencing a phase of pressure and has helped us regain control back. I wouldn't moan at him if he did pick-up a 2nd yellow, his intensity is the embodiment of this team, without it the tone of the team would be worse off.
Ali
I love his temperament, whilst on the edge at times, it is this temperament that will win us titles not loose them.
Fitness
Drop off
I do not buy into the Bielsa stuff, if his team dropped off then more fool him, just because Poch came from his school doesn't mean Poch's teams should be given the same label. When people were talking of a drop off this season the stats showed we were running even further in the run-in than earlier in the season, we were sprinting more too as we upped out intensity. We achieved the same points total for the first half of the season as in the 2nd half of the season, amazing what a chance to win the title does to motivation.
Did the performance drop of yes but we invested everything (physically and mentally) to challenge for the title, the draw against WBA was the end, the body language of the players at the final whistle tells you all you need to know what that result meant. "Running on adrenaline" maybe some truth in this description but I am more comfortable explaining it as "Motivation" and with nothing to play for (not wanting to derail the thread by getting into finishing above scum is something to play for) the title had gone we found it impossible to play at the intensity that we have been accustom too. The mindset has to include the 11 on the field, it only takes one or two not to buy-in and like a pack of cards it folds.

Thanks for the share.

I am aware of TTT and a fan of his work already

I've got a close eye on him

 

[Millbanks]

I believe I have both praised and criticised Walker in the past but, unlike some sad twats on here, I can't be arsed to troll through my posts for evidence but I note that you haven't commented on the two examples I've provided!

We need a better RB who, although fast and can occasionally put in a tackle, has no positional sense, often doesn't track back and when he gets in a position to cross 9 times out of 10 can't do so!

He wd do well at Watford, Sunderland, Hull etc and is a nice lad etc but for we want to be we have to do better!

Yes I know he's in Roy Hodgson's plans but so was Mason who wd also do well at the aforementioned clubs

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think he's one of the best RB's in the league, and far far better than the clubs you mention he should play for.

 

[Bazali]

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think he's one of the best RB's in the league, and far far better than the clubs you mention he should play for.

Ok mate!

I'll trust in Poch and if he has as 1st choice next season then fair enough

 

[ArcspacE]

Lets get some perspective here, lads.

As one of our own said yesterday, we need to look at the bigger picture. Yes, it's a poisoned knife to the heart to be pipped by our neanderthal neighbours for the nth time too many, but lets try and rejoice in one simple fact that they cannot take away from us:

Spurs just finished 3rd in the Premier League. Lads, it's Tottenham, who just finished 3rd in the Premier League. And, barring the last month, looked bloody exciting doing it.

Would you have taken that at the start of the season? Absolutely
Did you think we'd be in a genuine title challenge if you'd been asked a few years ago? Absolutely not
Can we challenge again for major honours with a couple of quality additions to the squad? Absolutely
Can we offer Champions League football and working under one of the most exciting young managers in football? Absolutely
Do we have a solid foundation of management, coaching, facilities and a world class new stadium on the way? Abso-fucking-lutely

This team is so young and has so much more to learn and grow. If this team, youngest in the Premier League, can finish 3rd...no sky is the limit.

Fuck Woolwich. They've been dealt a huge bucket of paste and wallpaper on offer at B&Q to paper over some pretty massive cracks by finishing above us. Let them keep the expert in failure. Cue #WengerOut next March, as per fucking usual. They are right to fear us. We might have our day in the sun, we might not. Just be thankful you're not one of the legion of gooners who claim North London "has always been red". Know your checkered history. It's all on Wikipedia, you clowns.

Fuck Chelsea. What more need be said about that billionaire fuelled empty husk of a football club. Their esteemed (foul-mouthed, disabled bay using, racist) captain felt the need to dig at us for not winning the league, despite his own club mounting the most pathetic defence of a Premier League title in history. And their fans applauded it. Oh to be so blind...

Chins up, lads. We support Tottenham Hotspur, and we love the shirt.

Agreed

 

[Mr Spurfect]

This is worth a read:

16 Conclusions: Premier League's final day - Football365

 

[scott]

No I would not take 2 points from 12 no matter where we were in the league. Unacceptable. Scum have cracks. Things are so so bad yet it can never be so bad that they finish below spurs. That leaves you with confidence? The mental block that has been them being above us every year will go into next season. This year everyone waited for that spursy collapse. It didn't happen. Then it did. What will change next year. This was a chance to get rid of that mental block, and the complete collapse to allow something that is unlikely but is mathematically possible. Next year we will remember this year. One draw one defeat and everyone will go oh here we go again. That will be on the players minds as it was again this year. Cannot cope under pressure when things don't go your way (2nd halfs of the wba and Chelsea games) and feel sorry for yourself rather them remembering what we are capable off. As this is still evident in our mentality I can't see us winning a league title. I think we will be fighting for a top 4 place next season when city and Chelsea improve. Back to normal when scum and us are going for 4th place along with utd. Utd will be shit and we will bottle it. Scum will be handed it. The difference with this season is that the slump came late enough to completely fuck up CL football.

most likely, this will have been our best chance of winning the title in our lifetimes.
so if the players lose their heads when they can't win the title, poch has a lot of work to do!
changing from fighting for the title, to fighting for 4th will be hard for a lot of our players to take.
they will have to get used to it quick.
& they will have to start not seeing anything but first as pointless & not worth fighting for.