Stoke vs. Spurs
The second round of Premier League fixtures saw no let up for Spurs - In the space of a week they
had hosted supposed title contenders Manchester City, travelled to Switzerland to play on a
surface harder than Chuck Norris, and now they found themselves at the Britannia stadium, faced
with the prospect of Pulis' interesting mix of Rugby and football for the next ninety minutes.
A real test of character, no doubt. Add to that having only one striker available and no Luka
Modric, and you could certainly argue that spurs' opening week was a very tough one indeed.
Despite being forced to play an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation, Spurs started the game well,
controlling the midfield and looking like scoring whenever they got forward. Before long Bale
had opened the scoring with what has been described by many as a 'lucky' goal. I can't help but
feel if it was Drogba or Rooney's goal, they would now be being credited with having been 'in the
right place at the right time.'
Stoke admirably pulled one back minutes later, Fuller netting from close range after a mix up in
the penalty area following a corner. Our defence and Gomes in particular struggled to deal
with Stoke's inevitable aerial threat, with us looking shaky whilst trying to deal with crosses
and set pieces.
Bale's second goal was obviously the highlight of the match, his left footed volley brilliantly
directing Lennon's inch perfect cross into the far top corner. Surely a candidate for goal of
the month, possibly even goal of the season. Bale is unplayable at the moment, wowing both sets
of fans in every game he plays in. If he stays fit there is no reason why he can't become one of
the best left wingers around.
check the teck.........
Stoke came out after half time a much improved side, with the introduction of Tuncay causing our back
line real problems. Luckily for us he left his shooting boots at home, and missed a hatful of
chances. Gomes also made a couple of good saves, and dare I say it - 'we defended well'.
We did though, and even Jermaine Jenas put his body on the line. Now that is news. A special
mention also goes to Peter Crouch, who staked a real claim to make the next England squad as the
undisputed number one.
"used these bad boys didn't I?!" 
I'm starting to get a good feeling about this season, but then again this wouldn't be the first
time...Even Alan Hansen can sense something, jokingly asking 'what happened to the good old Spurs
who'd always let you down?' Can we really consider this side a new, more consistent Spurs? We'll
know after Wednesday night...
Submitted by James McManus
23/8/2010
