One night, two wins
Been travelling. Missed tonight's game(s) although caught the final 15 of the Benfica win. I'll try and find footage of the dos Santos magic that started the move for the Bale goal. If you happen across it before I do, please share (and I'll update the article). Elsewhere a Spurs eleven beat Ipswich. Whoo-hoo. Two wins in one night. The Tottenham XI side included King, Kaboul and Pav (scoring the only goal via a deflection). So a pretty decent work-out for all squad players this evening.
Back to the Benfica game, by all accounts, dos Santos impressing. At least one of our much maligned 'kids' is showing quality. Although we have been here before with the Mexican. Hopefully he's training well and Harry keeps and eye on him. I don't believe for a second we are short of money and won't be spending and blah blah blah. We'll be signing 2-3 players for certain, so IMO, ignore the dramatic sound-bites. However, that's not to say we should once more look to marginalise the players we have. And although dos Santos is (has been) infuriating (off the pitch which is therefore detrimental to his chances on it) we might finally be getting somewhere with this one. The other (Adel) is on his way to QPR apparently. More on that at a later date. Anyways, official match report here.
Statto king THFC6061 had the following to say over at GG:
The first half was rather shakey from a Spurs point of view, but we defended well and Gomes was very good indeed.
We got more into our stride in the second half and produced some good football at times.
Cudicini was the busier of our two keepers and gave an excellent performance.
Jenas played a blinder.
Dos Santos had a moment of magic to set-up Bale's goal.
Both right backs did well, although I preferred Walker to Naughton.
Dawson and Corluka were solid in the centre.
Benfica are a top quality side and for Spurs to go to their patch and grab a result, keeping a clean sheet in the process, wasn't a bad night's work at all.
Opinions and knee-jerks as ever, welcomed. Especially on the performance of JJ. And I'll leave you with what should be an imminent DVD box-set from the club, entitled 'Pre-Season Glory Glory Days and Nights', which chronicles the following Cup dominance:
Peace Cup Winners 2005
Vodacom Challenge Cup Winners 2007
Feyenoord Centenary Tournament Winners 2008
Barclays Premier League Asia Trophy Winners 2009
Eusebio Cup Winners 2010 Winners
Trophy cabinet is desperate for some reinforcement before it buckles.
For a full run-down of our pre-season thus far - and the all important player stats - check out THFC's stat website here.
