I don’t know about that. Davies was a bit of a plodder as a conventional left back. Good enough defensively to deal with most opposition but out of his comfort zone going forward. I think the key to Davies improvement is Conte’s system. The position he is playing in suits his skill set almost perfectly. He is also getting forward at set pieces and through the inside channel when opposing teams are not expecting him to pop up.
He has been solid defensively and has made attacking contributions too. I think he has earned his place tbh but we do need another left footed centre back to bring balance to the squad. We might get away with getting rid of Rodon and Sanchez and bringing in one quality left footer. I have also wondered if Carter Vickers may get a reprieve.
Either he is really rubbish or he needs time to settle and learn the English translation for “Put it in the mixer”. I know where my thoughts lie. A wing back who can’t offer an attacking option is of what use? An awful purchase that was made by the same people who brought in Darren Bentancur and Kulu. Make sense of that!
If the 11 players who played for Spurs yesterday had been fully fit and / or available to play against Southampton, Wolves and Burnley then Spurs would probably be above Chelsea or at least competing with them for 3rd place rather than scuffling for 4th with the rest of the pack.
If Winks had played in the sequence of winning games not all of them would have been wins. For me it is that simple. The game is often won and lost in midfield; especially in the centre of the midfield. Spurs now have 3 players, in Bentancur, Skipp and PEH who can compete and dominate most teams in the EPL and hold their own against the very best teams. Winks was a welcome mat for all comers to trample over and they often did.
You’re right, Davies is far from the main problem but he is not the solution either. I wrote a few days ago our back ups became our starters, Davies is one of these. If he was used as cover I wouldn’t have an issue.
Agree with most of this, particularly the ‘bullying’ part. Darren Bentancur did well to adjust, but this was down to Conte more than anything sorting Coutinho out. Conte is a gem.
The ref did not help in the bullying, but if stick is being dished out we have to match fire with fire. The Ramsey save was very good. Levy normally gets beat at the near post. Emerson allowed him to dance through when he should have shut the gate.
Kosher Kid
1 year ago
Wanted to state what a brilliant coach Antonio Conte is.
I watched the game live but when I watched the highlights later I began to realise that it was no coincidence that three of the Spurs goals were via the direct route of pinged balls through the middle towards Konsa rather than Mings. Dier, Lloris and Romero punted the ball forward for the first three goals.
This was clearly a tactic identified, worked on and executed with devastating effect. The fact that Kane played a pivotal role in winning headers, flick ons and creating for his team mates generally, from a deeper position confirms this. Kane is happy to sacrifice his own goal scoring contribution in order to win games for Antonio Conte.
Also think Eric Dier and Ben Davies deserve credit for turning things around and proving they are good enough to consistently perform at a decent level. Davies in particular is having a very good second half to the season. He’s been as good as anyone in respect of doing his job and dealing with what comes his way. Also feel very sorry for Doherty regarding the injury. He didn’t want to come off which tells you something. His recent form has been much improved and he is willing to play out of position to help the team.
On the down side I thought Bentancur had a mixed day. He got bullied in the first half but contributed well in the second half when Spurs game management was very professional. Was knocked off the ball and caught in possession several times in the first half but during the second half; along with Romero he played possession football at the back and ran Villa’s tired legs into the ground while occasionally springing counter attacks which brought Spurs further rewards. Slick and clever player. Which brings me to Lloris.
Forget the saves by Hugo. The shots from Cash and Mcginn were routine saves. The two attempts by Ings at the far post, and from the cute free kick by Coutinho, were bad misses by a player who has been dropped and was low on confidence. Watkins effort was probably the best saving contribution Hugo made. Having said that I would have expected most Premier League goalkeepers to have made that save too.
Hugo got the accolades due to the volume of saves he had to make rather than the quality of the saves. Villa were at home and were 1-0 down early after three consecutive defeats. They had to attack Spurs and they did. Villa did not have enough quality in the attacking third to get the job done. Hugo did his job but still offered Villa a free gift towards the end of the game. My point is; Spurs need an upgrade for the number 1 shirt if they want to win trophies.
Kulusevski and Bentancur have transformed Spurs fortunes. They have replaced Winks, Dele, Lo Celso and Ndombele without any fuss or the need for any ego massaging. They are a breath of fresh air and have saved Spurs season.
A lot of arse wobbling going on at the moment – long may it continue!
East Stand
1 year ago
So that wobble earlier in the season allowed Woolwich back in to take control of 4th spot. It’s their undeniable ‘Arseyness’ that has allowed us back in, as much as anything we’ve done.
Need to be careful with that. A bit of dipping into the experience is good. However, Winks was moved full time into the first team way too soon. He is not fully developed, not a complete player…
Winks does not understand the defensive duties and instincts of a central or of a defensive midfielder, and does not have the vision to be an attacking mid…
And lost the time needed to loan and grow in better levels for him.
Do not want the same happening to other academy players.
Davies, Hugo, Kane, Sonny, PEH, Skipp and the two new lads have their heads right. The rest need boot camping into behaving like half decent footballers. DumbBelly was beyond help however…
A game where a player like PEH is needed, not all about what you do with the ball in game like that. It’s about how you react in the face of intimidation. Intimidate back…
Villa’s pressing was exactly what our squad can’t usually handle. Teams know what Spurs hate and they get up for the match to do exactly that, brutal challenges and 100% commitment to bully us off the park. Fair play to Hojberg today who took his fair share of challenges and gave it back tenfold. Plus his composure on the ball was decent today too.
Hugo was brilliant today. We sat back dangerously in my opinion, but hey… 0-4! 🤔
THFC
1 year ago
“Attacking threat” stats were a JOKE in that 1st half. We should’ve been battered today, they could’ve scored a shedload. Lloris has got us all 3 points. Not very often a player gets a hat trick and doesn’t deserve MotM.
He’s a specialist wingback, Jose played him as an orthodox fullback on occasion and he was abject. Worse than Aurier on a bad day. He’s playing his role now.
I think you’ve just contradicted yourself somewhat… Right, so the man who’s given them the platform to perform by saying the things he’s said isn’t a massive factor? 🤔
Davies is very good left back in a 433 set as he basically as the do the same as left center back. The system does make difference to his game as he is slow and lack pace, but if watch his movements in the back 3 very is attacking and add support in the final 3rd which incidentally is where I like my wing backs to be.
Wow. All Conte Huh? Never heard that one before. Conte said it is the players, they are good enough once they understand and is understanding his system after 5 months. I think I trust what Conte says!!!!
Sure, there’s been some bad. What I mean is that we’ve beaten Citeh twice this season. Arsey and Manure would never do that. We had enough chances to beat L’pool in that 2-2 draw
The only difference between us, Woolwich and Utd is Conte and out front two. All three clubs have iffy ownership and a similar level of quality (although Utd more on paper) We’ve got the edge with the coach and our finishing.
Never understood the lack of support for Ben Davies by some of the fanbase, yes the odd mistake but overall he is solid and committed.
He is probably an easy target as he is quietly spoken and true professional with no issues, but I wouldn’t get on the wrong side of him that’s for sure.
Glory Costs Too Much
1 year ago
Again Royal has not attempted any crossing I note.
As a frequent critic, I must give credit where it’s due and say that Davies has slowly won me over. Not a flashy super defender, but gets the job done decently.
We will need another left-footed CB, but Ben has done well under Conte and is far from the main problem.
On the other hand, I don’t really need to see Ndom, Sanchez, and Winks play for Spurs ever again.
Levy never sanctioned any further or significant signings or increased our spending during four years of C.L participation. That was even before we had 800m of debt…
CowSpurs
1 year ago
A game of two halves, 4 corner flags and a ref who needs to understand what assault is. I wouldn’t have waited until half time to sort out Coutinho out, but we got away with it because Ings had his boots on the wrong feet. What a great day, in which the stars aligned and both Utd and Arsenal lost. A day to enjoy indeed.
We played well in the second half, the second goal knocked the life out of Villa. Kulu is proving to be a very good loan signing. The lad has a great footballing brain, the way he sat Mings down for goal 4 was superb. He might lack pace, but I’d rather have him than the likes of Dan James.
Tangangry
1 year ago
The icing on the cake would be for Conte to start giving Scarlett 10-15 mins at the end of games when it’s all wrapped up – I just don’t understand why he’s leaving Harry on for the full 90+ when we’re 3 up at 75-80 mins.
CzechSpur
1 year ago
With the ref giving us very little and Villa diving while also riding roughshod over our players, we would have more often than not lost this game. The fact that we didn’t and that we eventually thrashed them 4-0 speaks volumes to me about the determination and togetherness of the team.
Conte is the real deal. And apart from the attacking trio, Lloris also deserves a special mention. Villa would have racked up a cricket score against Gollini.
2 or 3 weeks ago ,I never thought we could get CL,but we do seem to be on a roll.If Levy gets his wallet out in the summer,we need more players with some steel like Cuti.We’re still a bit soft,although today’s ref did us no favours.
Not so long ago there were some on bemoaning the lazy purchase of Juve’s benchwarmers. I don’t think anyone can deny that Bentancur and Kulusevski have improved us.
And Ings missing 2 sitters helped, but there you go, the cookie crumbled our way.
Tangangry
1 year ago
Under the kosh in first half, 100% feel like we would have conceded not too long ago, but they stood up and fought. Superb second half, didn’t crumble physiologically 1. when we were getting bullied and 2. after Arsenal lost.
Yes for his lies when editor of the Mirror, he is scum
Nothing gets past Levy. I saw him drop 10p at WHL once. He bent down to pick it up and it hit him on the back of the head.
🙂
I don’t know about that. Davies was a bit of a plodder as a conventional left back. Good enough defensively to deal with most opposition but out of his comfort zone going forward. I think the key to Davies improvement is Conte’s system. The position he is playing in suits his skill set almost perfectly. He is also getting forward at set pieces and through the inside channel when opposing teams are not expecting him to pop up.
He has been solid defensively and has made attacking contributions too. I think he has earned his place tbh but we do need another left footed centre back to bring balance to the squad. We might get away with getting rid of Rodon and Sanchez and bringing in one quality left footer. I have also wondered if Carter Vickers may get a reprieve.
Either he is really rubbish or he needs time to settle and learn the English translation for “Put it in the mixer”. I know where my thoughts lie. A wing back who can’t offer an attacking option is of what use? An awful purchase that was made by the same people who brought in Darren Bentancur and Kulu. Make sense of that!
I agree with this 100% regarding Ben Davies.
If the 11 players who played for Spurs yesterday had been fully fit and / or available to play against Southampton, Wolves and Burnley then Spurs would probably be above Chelsea or at least competing with them for 3rd place rather than scuffling for 4th with the rest of the pack.
If Winks had played in the sequence of winning games not all of them would have been wins. For me it is that simple. The game is often won and lost in midfield; especially in the centre of the midfield. Spurs now have 3 players, in Bentancur, Skipp and PEH who can compete and dominate most teams in the EPL and hold their own against the very best teams. Winks was a welcome mat for all comers to trample over and they often did.
You’re right, Davies is far from the main problem but he is not the solution either. I wrote a few days ago our back ups became our starters, Davies is one of these. If he was used as cover I wouldn’t have an issue.
Agree with most of this, particularly the ‘bullying’ part. Darren Bentancur did well to adjust, but this was down to Conte more than anything sorting Coutinho out. Conte is a gem.
The ref did not help in the bullying, but if stick is being dished out we have to match fire with fire. The Ramsey save was very good. Levy normally gets beat at the near post. Emerson allowed him to dance through when he should have shut the gate.
Wanted to state what a brilliant coach Antonio Conte is.
I watched the game live but when I watched the highlights later I began to realise that it was no coincidence that three of the Spurs goals were via the direct route of pinged balls through the middle towards Konsa rather than Mings. Dier, Lloris and Romero punted the ball forward for the first three goals.
This was clearly a tactic identified, worked on and executed with devastating effect. The fact that Kane played a pivotal role in winning headers, flick ons and creating for his team mates generally, from a deeper position confirms this. Kane is happy to sacrifice his own goal scoring contribution in order to win games for Antonio Conte.
Also think Eric Dier and Ben Davies deserve credit for turning things around and proving they are good enough to consistently perform at a decent level. Davies in particular is having a very good second half to the season. He’s been as good as anyone in respect of doing his job and dealing with what comes his way. Also feel very sorry for Doherty regarding the injury. He didn’t want to come off which tells you something. His recent form has been much improved and he is willing to play out of position to help the team.
On the down side I thought Bentancur had a mixed day. He got bullied in the first half but contributed well in the second half when Spurs game management was very professional. Was knocked off the ball and caught in possession several times in the first half but during the second half; along with Romero he played possession football at the back and ran Villa’s tired legs into the ground while occasionally springing counter attacks which brought Spurs further rewards. Slick and clever player. Which brings me to Lloris.
Forget the saves by Hugo. The shots from Cash and Mcginn were routine saves. The two attempts by Ings at the far post, and from the cute free kick by Coutinho, were bad misses by a player who has been dropped and was low on confidence. Watkins effort was probably the best saving contribution Hugo made. Having said that I would have expected most Premier League goalkeepers to have made that save too.
Hugo got the accolades due to the volume of saves he had to make rather than the quality of the saves. Villa were at home and were 1-0 down early after three consecutive defeats. They had to attack Spurs and they did. Villa did not have enough quality in the attacking third to get the job done. Hugo did his job but still offered Villa a free gift towards the end of the game. My point is; Spurs need an upgrade for the number 1 shirt if they want to win trophies.
Kulusevski and Bentancur have transformed Spurs fortunes. They have replaced Winks, Dele, Lo Celso and Ndombele without any fuss or the need for any ego massaging. They are a breath of fresh air and have saved Spurs season.
Another thumping, happy days.
A lot of arse wobbling going on at the moment – long may it continue!
So that wobble earlier in the season allowed Woolwich back in to take control of 4th spot. It’s their undeniable ‘Arseyness’ that has allowed us back in, as much as anything we’ve done.
Need to be careful with that. A bit of dipping into the experience is good. However, Winks was moved full time into the first team way too soon. He is not fully developed, not a complete player…
Winks does not understand the defensive duties and instincts of a central or of a defensive midfielder, and does not have the vision to be an attacking mid…
And lost the time needed to loan and grow in better levels for him.
Do not want the same happening to other academy players.
He’s a quality defender under the right circumstances, but can get flustered and irrational fairly easily…
Excellent pro, gets on with it. People that slag those kinds of players off have the mindset of a 9 year old…
Davies, Hugo, Kane, Sonny, PEH, Skipp and the two new lads have their heads right. The rest need boot camping into behaving like half decent footballers. DumbBelly was beyond help however…
And so it came to pass…
‘Your’ wingabacks, how many have you got??
A game where a player like PEH is needed, not all about what you do with the ball in game like that. It’s about how you react in the face of intimidation. Intimidate back…
Villa’s pressing was exactly what our squad can’t usually handle. Teams know what Spurs hate and they get up for the match to do exactly that, brutal challenges and 100% commitment to bully us off the park. Fair play to Hojberg today who took his fair share of challenges and gave it back tenfold. Plus his composure on the ball was decent today too.
Hugo was brilliant today. We sat back dangerously in my opinion, but hey… 0-4! 🤔
“Attacking threat” stats were a JOKE in that 1st half. We should’ve been battered today, they could’ve scored a shedload. Lloris has got us all 3 points. Not very often a player gets a hat trick and doesn’t deserve MotM.
He’s a specialist wingback, Jose played him as an orthodox fullback on occasion and he was abject. Worse than Aurier on a bad day. He’s playing his role now.
Mixed feelings tonight, for the Gooner… 😂
I think you’ve just contradicted yourself somewhat… Right, so the man who’s given them the platform to perform by saying the things he’s said isn’t a massive factor? 🤔
Nice!
For being such a twa*…
Hes like Winks… master of side ways passing…
Davies is very good left back in a 433 set as he basically as the do the same as left center back. The system does make difference to his game as he is slow and lack pace, but if watch his movements in the back 3 very is attacking and add support in the final 3rd which incidentally is where I like my wing backs to be.
Wow. All Conte Huh? Never heard that one before. Conte said it is the players, they are good enough once they understand and is understanding his system after 5 months. I think I trust what Conte says!!!!
Countdown.
👌👍 That is a very probable reason.
Sure, there’s been some bad. What I mean is that we’ve beaten Citeh twice this season. Arsey and Manure would never do that. We had enough chances to beat L’pool in that 2-2 draw
Morgan should be in jail.
As we won handsomely I can be gracious in victory.
Havent seen all of the game yet but what a free kick by Coutinho.Great effort and save by Hugo.
I don’t think Anyone is that good, apart from the top three.
I know what you’re saying but consistency is what makes you good. Sane with players…
They didn’t even sell him, they gave him away and he’s got 7 goals in 8 league games! 😂😂😂
Dunno about that, there has definitely been some bad!
Cue Piers Morgan claiming that if they hadn’t sold Boomerang that none of this would have happened! 😂
Yep, it’s just when we don’t get it in front that concerns me.
👍
It has never been about good or bad, we can beat anyone. It’s a matter of consistency
Are we good now or have we just played rubbish teams? If the latter, then where do Brentford, Brighton and Leicester fit into that?
Let’s make ‘Arsey’ a thing
The only difference between us, Woolwich and Utd is Conte and out front two. All three clubs have iffy ownership and a similar level of quality (although Utd more on paper) We’ve got the edge with the coach and our finishing.
Hopefully he’s been told not to!
H’s better on the left of a back 3 than he ever was as a traditional LB or left sided CB thats for sure.
Are we seeing their version of our malaise? ‘Arsey’… 😂
He wasn’t a sub
Isn’t Woolwich’s GIH against Chelsea?
There were alot not some
You could see Conte likes Davies at the end of game embrace
Davies is the type of player that good managers love. He ain’t gonna be flashy, but he’ll never let you down.
The amount we were paying Ndombelly they just might you know
Chelsea absolutely had to win today or they could have been the next after Arsenal to wobble.
Grrrrr Conte at you heels
Sound pro. Steady Eddie.
More than any other club this year in fact.
Fun fact ….. Spurs have now scored more PL goals this season under Antonio Conte (appointed November) than Arsenal have under Arteta 👊
Never understood the lack of support for Ben Davies by some of the fanbase, yes the odd mistake but overall he is solid and committed.
He is probably an easy target as he is quietly spoken and true professional with no issues, but I wouldn’t get on the wrong side of him that’s for sure.
Again Royal has not attempted any crossing I note.
Doherty has probably made one of the biggest improvements under Conte, and being able to play both sides is worth his weight in gold.
God Souness talks some b******s at times
I’d keep Davies as a squad player. I’d rather have him over Sanchez. Doherty has proven himself to be an ok player, should keep him in the squad
As a frequent critic, I must give credit where it’s due and say that Davies has slowly won me over. Not a flashy super defender, but gets the job done decently.
We will need another left-footed CB, but Ben has done well under Conte and is far from the main problem.
On the other hand, I don’t really need to see Ndom, Sanchez, and Winks play for Spurs ever again.
That’s two including Fat Frank not too long ago
Very much so, can’t afford to do that too often.
Yeah Levy’s antics will always bring us down to earth.
They are stars now.
But when you play with Winks, Sanchez, Davies, Emerson, Doherty, Ndom and Dele doing his G impression you can see why they haven’t.
That’s a good point. I thought when Kane got that knock late on, Dane might’ve got some game time
💪💪
Agreed
I think Villa’s wastefulness in front of goal had a lot to do with that
It would be criminal for Kane & Son never to win a trophy playing together…we are lucky to have the both…
The press give him a free ride due to his playing career, but his teams are usually dirty bast-rds. VERY glad to have beaten him.
Levy never sanctioned any further or significant signings or increased our spending during four years of C.L participation. That was even before we had 800m of debt…
A game of two halves, 4 corner flags and a ref who needs to understand what assault is. I wouldn’t have waited until half time to sort out Coutinho out, but we got away with it because Ings had his boots on the wrong feet. What a great day, in which the stars aligned and both Utd and Arsenal lost. A day to enjoy indeed.
We played well in the second half, the second goal knocked the life out of Villa. Kulu is proving to be a very good loan signing. The lad has a great footballing brain, the way he sat Mings down for goal 4 was superb. He might lack pace, but I’d rather have him than the likes of Dan James.
The icing on the cake would be for Conte to start giving Scarlett 10-15 mins at the end of games when it’s all wrapped up – I just don’t understand why he’s leaving Harry on for the full 90+ when we’re 3 up at 75-80 mins.
With the ref giving us very little and Villa diving while also riding roughshod over our players, we would have more often than not lost this game. The fact that we didn’t and that we eventually thrashed them 4-0 speaks volumes to me about the determination and togetherness of the team.
Conte is the real deal. And apart from the attacking trio, Lloris also deserves a special mention. Villa would have racked up a cricket score against Gollini.
Defended very well today.
Absolutely.
Skippy to come back and Winks gone in the summer and a creative MF in.Sorted.
Getting an early goal is proving to be huge, as it draws teams out trying to get back in the game.
we dont need stars, we need more grafters like Cuti, Benti and Kuli!
Just remember: We are only one Bentancur injury away from the axis of evil!
Apparently if we get CL the stars will be falling over themselves to join us. I’ll believe it when it happens.
His honeymoon period as a manager is over, we humiliated the scumbag today.
We’ve got some backbone at last. And Lloris.
We can but hope.
Sadly we still own 2.
“Pure”.
2 or 3 weeks ago ,I never thought we could get CL,but we do seem to be on a roll.If Levy gets his wallet out in the summer,we need more players with some steel like Cuti.We’re still a bit soft,although today’s ref did us no favours.
Pre nectar.
We don’t want his jock bully boy tactics in our Prem. This is a footballing league.
Not so long ago there were some on bemoaning the lazy purchase of Juve’s benchwarmers. I don’t think anyone can deny that Bentancur and Kulusevski have improved us.
👍
Hats Off to Mr Conte. A great Weekend, let’s hope Citeh do the business Tomorrow.
And Ings missing 2 sitters helped, but there you go, the cookie crumbled our way.
Under the kosh in first half, 100% feel like we would have conceded not too long ago, but they stood up and fought. Superb second half, didn’t crumble physiologically 1. when we were getting bullied and 2. after Arsenal lost.
Unbelievable 2022, but how long can it go on for?