Spurs T-Shirt: Ange Ball
He comes from a land down under, but where did this so called Ange Ball originate?
Tag: hotspur
Guess the Ball – Fulham Vs Spurs
Guess the Ball – No.1
Ryan Sessegnon seals the victory for Fulham against his former club Spurs, but can you ‘Guess the Ball’?
Competition: Email the correct answer and you will be entered into the draw with a prize for the winner.
If you would like to enter our competition send your answer to quiz@spursonline.net
A Tottenham Quiz – No.2
Spurs Online: Quiz no2
This quiz covers the last 2 Spurs games, including the 2nd leg against AZ and the pathetic defeat to Fulham.
It’s just for fun but if you want to email me your answers I will give a prize away to the winner.
Competition: Email the correct answer and you will be entered into the draw. If you would like to enter our competition send your answer to quiz@spursonline.net
Training Exercise
Preview:
With nothing to play for in the league I expect rotation and hope for opportunities for the youngsters.
Fixture:
Sunday 16th March, 13:30
Fulham Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Available On:
Astro Premier League 2
Hub Premier 3
Optus Sport
Sky Sport 3 NZ
Result: 2-0
Rodrigo Muniz (78′)
R. Sessegnon (88′)
Match Report:
I don’t care what you say, only in ‘Ange World’ does a midfield of Bentancur, Bissouma and Gray make any sense. Gray has waited patiently all season for this opportunity and that’s his reward, being teamed up with those two numpties.
There was a time when we only got to see our 2nd string of players in Uefa cup matches, now it has reversed and we get to see them in the Premier league fixtures instead which tells you everything you need to know about our dire league position this season.
Once again we start with Mads and Bergvall on the bench in Kulus absence and once again it doesn’t work, surprise surprise! Of course the result hardly matters and we shouldn’t criticise him for squad rotation after everything that’s happened to the players this season. But I don’t think there’s any excuse for not playing a single creative midfielder, that’s just fu$%ing stupid!
Sure at half time Ange makes changes but when you start with such a lacklustre lineup you are chasing the game from the start. We went out with a negative team setup and consequently we got what we deserved from the game.
Was we unlucky with the penalty claim on the Bergvall tackle? Maybe we had a claim but didn’t Fulham have a claim in the first half?
Was it fate Sessegnon came on and scored Fulham’s second to seal the game? When we are relying on players like Davies in the back four you’re always going to concede sooner or later and let’s be honest, it was poor from Davies!
Clearly Van de Ven still isn’t 100% fit so I suspect we won’t be seeing him on the pitch again for another month! But what was more disappointing was the absence of young Mikey Moore who didn’t even make it on the bench. I don’t know if he was unavailable, maybe he had homework, I don’t know and am too fed up to even do my research.
But I would like to see these remaining Premier league games used to rotate the young players and continue the development of players like Moore because at the end of the day, it’s all about next season now and how much experience these players can gain between now and then.
Does Ange care about next season? I am guessing not, I expect he knows he’s got very slim chance of being at Spurs next season.
The commentary said the Spurs players looked jaded after Thursdays midweek game, yet only 3 of those outfield players had started In Thursdays game. The pundits may easily be fooled but the supporters know better. This wasn’t a jaded performance, this was just another sub par performance that was of no surprise to any of us.
Ange has been a very lucky boy this season, had it not been for ALL the injuries he wouldn’t be in a job still, I am sure of that! But his luck is running out and so are his excuses…what have we had so far…
- The players don’t play enough (last season).
- The players are over played! (this season).
- We cannot cope with injuries.
- The players have fatigue.
- It’s just where are are!
- And in Fulham’s post match interview he even used the WIND as an excuse I shit you not!
I’ve had enough, bring back Ossie!
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Standout Players: No one stood out in this poor game but Romero was probably the key difference, once he left the pitch Fulham found space to score 2 goals (both from Romero’s side).
Bilbao? Booked it, Packed it!
Spurs T-Shirt: Bilbao?
Spurs have reached the Quarter Finals with Frankfurt next up!
The chances may be slim for Tottenham to reach the final in Bilbao but we’re allowed to dream right?
This is the end?
Preview:
We have said it before but it feels like another “do or die” game for Ange.
Fixture:
Thursday 13th March, 20:00
Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ (Agg 0-1)
UEFA Europa League – Last 16 (second Leg)
Available On:
UK TV – TNT Sports 3
IRE – Premier Sports 2
Result: 3-1 (Agg 3-2)
W. Odobert (26′, 74′)
J. Maddison (48′)
P. Koopmeiners (63′)
Match Report:
I think Ange must have 9 lives or something as once again he survives another must win game. True it was only against 6th placed AZ at the end of the day, not exactly a great achievement, but for this Spurs team any victory feels like a hard fought struggle.
Despite boasting 60% possession and managing 17 shots, Spurs only had 4 shots on target so it was a relief to see 3 of them go in! With the return of the centre back partnership of Romero and Van de Ven the team looked more balanced at the back with VDV bringing the ball out confidently on multiple occasions. It wasn’t until we saw VDV substituted in the 2nd half did things begin to go a little wayward. Nevertheless we weathered a mini storm from AZ and replied well with that vital 3rd goal.
For much of the game we dominated in possession without being spectacular and when we did push forward to attack, early chances were either wasted from Sons solo efforts or they hit a red wall with a lack of movement in the final third.
However whilst we may have been fortunate with the opening goal which rebounded off Son to Solanke, the 2nd and 3rd goals certainly had more class with the 3rd goal in particular starting at the back and finishing with an easy tap in from Odobert. Son, when he was able to resist the temptation to wastefully shoot, was actually involved in all 3 goals and Solanke too played a great part in 2 goals with a lovely flick on (yes I believe he meant it) for Odobert’s winning goal.
All in all it was a job well done, we’re in the Quarters!
Entertainment Value: 7/10
Standout Players: Van de Ven gives us another dimension at the back and Bergvall is developing every week, but we shouldn’t get carried away with him just yet.
Mathys Tel
New Signing: 3rd February 2025
Position: Forward
Name: Mathys Tel
Age: 19
Nationality: French
Transfer: Loan
Value: £10m
Status at previous Club: After Harry Kane and Vincent Kompany joined Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel struggled with game time managing just 2 Bundesliga starts in the 24/25 season. In his debut season (22-23) he became the youngest goalscorer for the club in a competitive match, aged 17 years and 126 days.
Other reported interest: It was rumoured in January the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd were also interested in Tel.
Previous Clubs:
Rennes: 2020-22
Bayern Munich: 2022-25
Player Stats:
Appearances: 110 games played across all leagues / cup competitions
Goals: 29
Assists: 7
Transfer Rating: 6/10
Summary:
This was another desperate signing that was needed during an injury crisis and I am happy it is a loan deal. He is only 19 years old so he could well develop into a top player but I don’t see him being a solution for Spurs long term. It was no secret we needed a striker and a defender in the January transfer window and we got both (just) but I don’t see him being anymore than a temporary solution.
I wrote in one of my blogs in January that there must be plenty of loan deal options out there and sure enough we found one. However I would have been happier to have seen someone come in with experience rather than another youngster who isn’t yet ready. Personally I was hoping for a signing more like a “Fernando Llorente” who is match ready with bundles of experience to keep everyone around him level headed.
After 6 appearances so far for Spurs, Mathys Tel has managed just the one goal which came in our defeat to Villa in the FA Cup. Actually it was a nice finish! There has been moments where I have seen potential from him but overall it’s not been spectacular and perhaps it was a big ask, coming into a struggling team at the bottom of the table. Right now we probably need fighters to scrap out some results, I would say even Danso is probably more suited to this task, at least he enjoys a good wrestle!
I would have preferred to have seen a player that had more experience and could show some leadership in what is a pretty young squad. Instead we signed a 19 year old who was struggling for game time and was probably low on confidence. Nevertheless we have him till the end of the season and hopefully he can contribute to a team that seems cursed with injuries!
A Tottenham Quiz – No.1
Spurs Online: Quiz no1
This quiz covers the last 2 Spurs games, including the 1st leg against AZ and the draw against Bournemouth.
It’s just for fun but if you want to email me your answers I will give a prize away to the first person that emails me the correct answers.
Yes I know, exciting times lol
“Last night was a reflection of where we are”.
Preview:
They were the words of Ange following the defeat to AZ. If that’s the case we may as well give Bournemouth the points now!
Fixture:
Sunday 9th March, 14:00
Tottenham Hotspur Vs AFC Bournemouth
Premier League
Available On:
UK TV – Sky Sports Main Event
UK TV – Sky Sports Premier League
Astro Premier League 2
Bein Sports English 1
Optus Sport
Peacock Premium
SuperSport Premier League
Result: 2-2
M. Tavernier (42′)
Evanilson (65′)
P. Sarr (67′)
Son Heung-Min (84′ pen)
Match Report:
When you look at the lineup you know 2 things straight off.
- Ange has absolutely no interest in using Gray in midfield and is delusional if he thinks the likes of Danso and Bissouma should be picked ahead of anyone let alone Gray.
- With Kulu out injured and Mads and Bergvall on the bench we were going to lack any creativity from the midfield.
With most players available for selection now we have quickly shifted from the excuse of injuries to “it’s where we are”. Yes mate, unfortunately we can all see where we are!
So kick off began:
20 Seconds…
It took Bournemouth all of about 20 seconds to see where we are, when Romero passed the ball straight to Evanilson and Vicario was forced into action pulling off a great save.
4th minute…
Just a few minutes later Bissouma loses possession in front of goal and Vicario pulls off a double save this time to keep the score level.
6th minute…
It’s not until the 6th minute when Spurs manage something half decent themselves as Spence plays a nice through pass for Odobert who has all the time to put a decent ball into the box. Unfortunately that’s as far as it gets!
14th minute…
When Johnson breaks away down the wing in the 14th minute there looks to be a real chance for Spurs as he uses his pace to get past his man. With no one in the box to fire in a cross Johnson tries to cut in and beat his man again on the inside but it all goes horribly wrong. Perhaps that’s why we never see him try this normally!
17th minute…
Johnson releases Porro who puts in the cross but it goes to the goalkeeper who parries it away and now a Bournemouth counter is on. Within moments Bournemouth were on the half way line with 3 against 3! With one quick pass that quickly materialises to Romero finding himself up against 2 men to defend. Romero does pretty much all he can do and brings down Kluivert on the edge of the box to stop the attack.
19th minute…
We lose possession on the half way line but this is only the start of more comical defending. When the ball goes all the way through to Vicario there looks to be no problem, right? Haha, in typical Angeball style, Vicario goes short to Romero which looks fine at first. Romero, with all the time in the world, decides to pass straight back to Vicario. Yes I Know, it makes no sense. Now Vicario is under pressure for absolutely no reason at all other than stupidity. Vicario just manages to scramble the ball away before being dispatched and now Bournemouth are on the attack again!
20th minute…
Spurs do manage to go on the counter themselves though with Bentancur breaking away. He brings the ball into the Bournemouth half and has Johnson and Porro available to him. Johnson cuts in and Porro goes on the overlap leaving a simple through pass for Bentancur to make. He fails to find anyone with the pass!
41st minute…
Spurs find themselves with all the space and time on the half way line and Porro has options ahead of him with 3 white shirts providing Spurs with opportunity to make a decent attack. Instead Porro passes direct to Bournemouth’s full back who now has all the space he needs to attack himself. With Porro out of position he is able to run down the wing unchallenged and by the time Porro gets anywhere near him he is already in a position to look for the cross. The cross is absolutely inch perfect, beating Danso and Spence. It’s a great cross and a nice finish from Tavernier.
1 nil to Bournemouth!
44th minute…
But if things couldn’t get more comical one of my favourite moments was when Bissouma picks up the ball in Bournemouth’s half but his first time touch is so poor he somehow dribbles the wrong way with the ball, back to his own half. Eventually losing possession on the half way line he is forced to bring down the Bournemouth player to stop yet another self inflicted Bournemouth attack. Bissouma receives a yellow card for his efforts. For this I am awarding Bissouma with “funniest moment of the match”! Well done mate.
HALF TIME…
Ange makes 2 changes with Bergvall and Son replacing Bissouma and Johnson. Bissouma was having a stinker of a game and I would say he looks like a player that has lost interest in either playing for Ange or playing for Spurs altogether.
Something I have also noticed about Anges peculiar team selections is the fact that he has picked on more than one occasion Bergvall and Maddison to play together in an away fixture, when I would expect us to start with a more reserved midfield. He did this against AZ and I even recall him doing it against Galatasaray back in November when Bergvall had next to no experience. We lost that game course.
Yet here we are in a home fixture against Bournemouth and with Kulu out injured, we find both Mads and Bergvall starting on the bench. Make sense of that if you can! I don’t understand how a midfield consisting of Bentancur, Bissouma and Sarr makes any sense at all for a home game when we have those 2 players available for selection.
51st minute…
Bournemouth go on the attack again and Kluivert has miles of space to run into, he puts it away with ease. But the linesman’s flag goes up and there is an offside at the start of the play. We’ll take it! We are at home to Bournemouth and we are hanging in lol.
54th minute…
Now it’s Spurs turn to form an attack and Bentancur finds Sarr who moves it quickly onto Sonny. In this position you know there’s only one thing on Sons mind and that’s curl it into the far corner. He makes some space to get the shot away and it looks close! It brushes the post and it’s just wide.
61st minute…
After an hour of play I was beginning to think another 1 nil defeat would be a good result for us here. After all this is where we are! Not even the introduction of VDV and Mads gave me any optimism for a better result. But with Mads and Bergvall both on the pitch the midfield was beginning to resemble a midfield at least.
63rd minute…
Mads and Bergvall link up with Spence and Sonny down the left flank, Mads makes a nice one-two into the box. Sarr comes into the box late and is wide open for the shot, he looks certain to score. Unfortunately the shot that followed resembled something I would expect to see at your local pub team. He completely scuffs his shot and the ball goes a mile wide.
65th minute…
Moments later Bournemouth are on the attack again and an easy pass through releases Evanilson who calmly slots it away with a chip over Vicario. This time the linesman’s flag stays down.
It’s 2 nil to Bournemouth!
66th minute…
When Son lays it across to Bergvall there doesn’t appear to be much on and that’s maybe what Bergvall was thinking because he cracks it from 30 yards catching everyone off guard. The goalie looks beat, but it rattles the post! Fabulous effort though.
67th minute…
When Sarr picks up the ball on the half way line we have 3 white shirts going forward with him. A through pass to Odobert looks the obvious choice but instead he decides to cross it into the box with only Solanke in the box! Incredibly, the cross is so far off the mark it finds the back of the net. A superb strike lol but the lack of celebration tells us all we need to know about that attempt.
It’s now 1-2 to Bournemouth.
69th minute…
More self-inflicted pressure at the back after a slow back pass from Bergvall and Vicario scrambles back to save his blushes.
73rd minute…
Bournemouth, you guessed it, attack again. 3 versus 2 so it’s the standard defending setup from Spurs. Bournemouth break into the box with ease and get away the shot. This time Vicario can only watch as it hits the post! Don’t know how but somehow we are still hanging in!
82nd minute…
Ok so we have highlighted just how many times Spurs try to play out from the back and put themselves under this self inflicted pressure and quite often even concede a goal! Well this time it actually works so lets enjoy it!
Vicario plays it out to VDV, who finds Son and quickly plays it off to Spence. Spence plays a simple pass to Mads and now we are in Bournemouth’s half. Mads plays a quick through pass releasing Sonny who has continued his run. Son gets into the box and the goalie makes the decision to come out but Son beats him to the ball. It’s a Penalty!
Crazy moments from Kepa but we don’t mind, Sonny can bring us level:) With a low in confidence Son stepping up I have to say I was a bit nervous but wow, it’s a cheeky one as he just ‘dinks’ it into an open net with Kepa diving to his left. That just rubs salt into the goalie’s wounds, I love it!
It’s 2-2, don’t ask me how!
Final minutes…
With 5 minutes remaining, Spurs have available both Scarlett and Tel on the bench for a final substitution but instead Ange opts to bring on defender Udogie. That probably sums up the feelings towards this unexpected draw. So two-all it finished as incredible as it seems.
Did we deserve it? Not a chance.
Will this give the team confidence before Thursday’s big game? I doubt it!
Are we near the end of this whacky experiment ? I really hope so:)
