Choices

Lee Phillips reflekterar över de senaste dagarnas händelser och närmaste utsikterna för Tottenhamklubben. "The fact that there is the possibility of two cup games in as many week, means that Spurs can remain unbeaten in the league for three weeks! A confidence booster surely? I say this tongue-in-cheek, but it was great to be at the Lane last weekend to watch an exciting Spurs side defeat Portsmouth 3-1. Mido made an instant impact on his debut, a dream start for the lad everyone had reservations about because of his bad boy reputation."

The fact that there is the possibility of two cup games in as many week, means that Spurs can remain unbeaten in the league for three weeks! A confidence booster surely? I say this tongue-in-cheek, but it was great to be at the Lane last weekend to watch an exciting Spurs side defeat Portsmouth 3-1. Mido made an instant impact on his debut, a dream start for the lad everyone had reservations about because of his bad boy reputation.

Team moral, rightly so, plays a major role in a managers job. It is a huge concern. With a very young squad, Martin Jol must have known what he was doing. Or he took a gamble on clearly a very talented player. Either way it has payed off. Scoring a brace on his home debut has elevated Mido into legendary status.

Currently there are 55 players that have scored a single goal on their debut in our colours. Jermain Defoe included. Two goals in his first start puts Mido in the same bracket as former hero's such as Clive Allen and Chris Waddle. The untouchable Jimmy Greaves scored a hat-trick against Blackpool on his home debut in December of 1961. So he is in good company.

Spurs now have five good strikers fighting for the two starting first team spots. I say five because Mounir El-Hamdaoui has got off to a flyer, scoring three in his first two starts for our reserve side. Competition for places is indeed a good thing. Keeping everyone happy may be problematic.
After all has this not been Mido's problem in the past? As we all know strikers are only happy if they are playing and scoring. A luxury problem.

Elsewhere accross the park, Spurs have an envious amount of talent waiting to step up and take their chance. On the left wing; Reid, Atouba and Ziegler. On the right; Davies, Marney and Ricketts. I am not even going to mention the two midfield spots because there are too many names to mention.

On commenting on Tom Huddlestone's best position; Midfield or centre-back, England under 21 coach Peter Taylor said, "he could be very good in both or great in one". I am hoping that position will be center back because although Naybet has been great this season, Spurs have been crying out for an outstanding, reliable partner for Ledley King. Phil Ifil, who has played with Huddlestone at England youth level, said that he would be best used as the holding midfielder. His undoubted ability allowing him to protect the back four. So it seems everyone has an opinion. Only time will tell….

Watching the first half against West Brom in the FA cup replay was like a return to the bad old days. The line up clearly lacked width, even with the welcome return of Reto Ziegler. The starting eleven looked as if they did not know each other, let alone having played together before.

I am puzzled by Atouba's inclusion at the cost of Erik Edman. Edman offers stability and consistancy, whilst Atouba can offer moments of skill and a change of pace, as well as making my heart stop. These moments usually coming in the wrong half of pitch. Martin Jol chose to play all three available strikers and I feel this is where the temptation must be avoided.
No better displayed when Simon Davies was brought on after half time for Robbie Keane. Davies was immediately a constant threat, offering the width we much needed. I hope he can remain fit because he is currently showing the sort of form that made him THFC's members player of the year for 2002.

However once again it was Jermain Defoe who stole the show with two tremendous strikes, taking his tally this season to 19 in all competitions.
The first was straight off the training ground and the second a typical poachers goal. Jol says there is no need to rush negotiations over an improved contract for our star player. But I know I am not alone when I say I disagree.

Lee Phillips