A big win in a London Derby was just what the doctor ordered!
Firstly the team selection. Gallas was finally dropped! Straight away without Gallas in defense we looked a different team. Although I would have put Naughton on the left with Vertonghen in the middle with Caulker, I must say that the back 4 yesterday was completely different. I realise that we conceded a stupid goal, but these thing happen when you have 4 defenders learning each others game as well as their own. Dawson deserved his spot as captain and without a doubt I am glad to see him back. Caulker made 1 bad decision that cost us a goal, but as the side were attacking more we saw the defense shore up. As I have been stating for weeks if we are attacking more it gives the defense time to settle into the game.
Midfield I was still a little surprised to see Huddlestone on, but given how attacking we were I feel that Huddlestone and Sandro were the only players to slot into the gap between midfield and our attackers.
Yesterday's game saw the resurgence of a star player from last season Clint Dempsey. What a delight it was to see Dempsey shooting well and most importantly positioning himself to allow the key passes we know him for. The assist to Gareth Bale was sublime and hopefully this can now be the catalyst he needs to show why he was drafted into the side.
I must not forget to mention Bale and Lennon have looked very strong going forward again and this is exactly what the side had been missing. When these 2 players are not in the game it makes it very difficult for us to press forward and control the tempo. Yesterday seemed to show a turning of a corner, which allowed the back 4 to soak up the play and keep steady for MOST of the game. When confidence is flying high we see a different player in both our wingers.
Finally we have Defoe. 1 great individual goal and a great team goal, a hat-trick would have rounded it off for me, but I have to say.... he is looking good (only if he can sustain that sort of level). I am glad to see that Defoe has followed suit with my AVB beard!
Going forward we looked liked times of old and the defense looked the best it has all season in my opinion.
Hold on though, I should slap myself as there is one point that has to be mentioned and that is of Hugo Lloris. He is settling in well to the team and he will without a doubt get better. There will be some mistakes (with English, Dutch and French all being spoken), but as they learn each others style it will only see improvement. AVB has made the right choice in bringing Lloris in and giving him the chance top stake his claim.
The team seems to be moving in the right direction if yesterday's performance is anything to go by.
I am impressed with the fans, the team and the club in general, shame some of the West ham fans had to try and spoil it (there is an article to follow on this later).
Lets keep the pressure on (some results went our way over the weekend, so the loss's from the previous games aren't looking so bad now).
Come on you Spurs!!!
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