To look at as a neutral you would suggest that it would have been Fulham that were likely to take the lead. Berbatov looked good and was pulling off some great flicks and creating chances, if it wasn't for the poor shooting of Petric we could have seen a far different game.
The one thing that I was certainly not happy about in the first half was the card given to Bale for diving. Alan Hansen summed it up perfectly for me. He was fouled, but he was far to theatrical about the challenge itself. It did almost look like a ballerina in mid flight at one point. In my opinion Gareth should try to stay up more, he is a big target now as was Ronaldo after hitting it big for Man Utd. Difference is that Ronaldo adapted his game, Bale is still feeling a little hard done by rather than looking at how to change it all.
Now I could start off with the obvious and comment on Defoe, but I feel that other items are a little more important to highlight.
Sigurdsson looked very good coming on for Bale. Some great play led to the assist to Defoe and it was onward and upwards from there for him. There was confidence and composure (I saw that in preseason, but he'd lost it until now). Dempsey had another assist and a hand in another goal, so he is really coming along well. His confidence is building and it is highly beneficial for the team. So 2 of our summer additions have begun to come good (following Dembele and Lloris). Whether this is due to the criticism I'm not sure, but it sure is a good sign (especially with injuries coming up).
Lloris was brilliant and deserved his clean sheet. So its now 2 for him this season (only another 12 to go to draw with Brad's record last season)! He is starting to look composed and strong and its been a long time since I have seen one of our keepers off of the line so quickly!
Gallas looked better, but his performance still looked rusty. I think he should be pushed out of the squad and if need be another addition at CB is needed in January rather than rely on him. Maybe find a defender like Vertonghen (central defender that can operate on the left).
Dembele did well throughout and those that did not see the full match, Sky Sports rating of 6 is not justified. He strived to pull the team forward and for the first half I believe he was our best player. However in the second half he tired as he was lacking the support.
Sandro got better as the second half progressed and after his goal he really began to boss the midfield. It shows again that if we sustain the pressure and attack our defense gets better as the game goes on.
Lennon was disappointing, but if Bale is anything to go by I am sure he was tired as well.
Finally we have the top scoring British player in the premier league Defoe. The first half he was non-existent and a disappointment. As with all good strikers though when the time came to score he did and then he did it again! Defoe is a frustration; to me in that he disappears too often in games, but if he continues to take the chances and convert... you cant complain! I should get off of his back now with 12 goals in 18 starts those are a good return for someone that we have all debated on. The signs are now looking good though, his strength and awareness seems to be improving with every game under AVB.
Ok so the notable players have been given their write up, but there is still one person missing. That is…….
AVB has currently got a 53% win ratio or 66% unbeaten ratio. Overall taking the results how can we be unhappy with this as fans? We all know that in order to be up at the top of the table luck is also needed (not just a great performance). We have still seen a good bit of luck to match some great performances. The results and individual performances have started to show what AVB is doing. No manager has had this sort of goal return from Defoe, Bale is half way to his best goal record in a season (before we are half way into the league calendar), Lennon is looking strong and confident, but there are a few concerns about the defense. This is down to injuries and time to adjust to new recruits, but all in all... I am a happy fan.
Lets hope that this new found run and confidence can stay there and push us on past Everton and onto the easier games for the remainder of this year.
Its coming up to Christmas and if AVB can give us all 3rd for Christmas and into the New Year, well its 50% of the job done!
Come on you Spurs!!!
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