Middlesbrough 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Posted by Stevio in Tottenham H. on August 17th, 2008

Another opening day away, another defeat.

With the new additions to the squad, the same old problems - we can’t defend.

Playing Didier Zokora at right-back was a strange one when he was needed in the centre of midfield, as I don’t see Jermaine Jenas or Luka Modric as ‘defensive’.

Also Dimitar Berbatov on the bench? He’s our best player regardless of whether he’s been tapped up or not, therefore he should have started alongside Darren Bent.

Ledley King and Gareth Bale were on the bench too. The latter did make an appearance, my only guess is that both players are being brought back into the team slowly after injuries.

Both of ‘Boro’s goals came from crosses.

David Wheater was on hand to get on the end of a saved Afonso Alves shot in the 71th minute following a cross from Stewart Downing.

In the 86th minute, ex-Spurs striker Mido managed to deflect a cross from Didier Digard into the back of the net.

Spurs got one back from a Bentley free-kick, that was headed home by Robert Huth.

Next up is Sunderland at home on the 23rd of August, where five ex-Spurs players return to White Hart Lane. It’ll be interesting to see if there’ll be any improvement - and new signings.

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Ferdinand on Bent

Posted by Stevio in Tottenham H. on August 16th, 2008

Former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand reckons Darren Bent will help Tottenham break into the top four by playing upfront on his own.

Ferdinand said: “Darren just needed a little bit of time.

“He was Charlton’s top striker but at Tottenham he found himself behind Berbatov, Keane and probably Jermain Defoe too.

“Darren needs some loving, he needs an arm put round him and to be told he’s No1.

“That’s what’s happened now and we’ve seen the results during pre-season.

“Tottenham have got the right manager in Juande Ramos and they’ve got a good team.

“If Berbatov leaves, they’ll need another striker, but they’ve definitely got an opportunity to break in - especially as Darren’s used to playing up front on his own.

“He did it at Ipswich and he played that way for a long time at Charlton.

“Darren can definitely do the job for Tottenham, it’s just a case of having the right players around him.

“As long as they’ve got someone else in the team who can add goals - and Jermaine Jenas and Luka Modric will definitely score a few - I think Spurs are in good stead.”

On other recent signings, he added: “I’ve seen him at close quarters and Modric has really impressed me.

“A lot of people said he would be too lightweight for the Premier League but I’ve seen him take a few knocks during pre-season and he’s got up and got on with it.

“He looks like he’ll be a good acquisition for the season.

“Bentley’s also a quality player and Blackburn’s loss is definitely Tottenham’s gain.

“He wants to prove himself and become an England regular, so I’m expecting good things from him.”

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Modric reaction to Keane departure

Posted by Stevio in Tottenham H. on July 30th, 2008

Spurs’ recent signing Luka Modric says he’s ‘not concerned’ following Robbie Keane’s departure to Liverpool.

The 22-year-old said: “I’m not concerned by Keane’s departure.

“This team has a great ambition regardless of Robbie Keane leaving. Even if Berbatov leaves I’m sure they will find another great player.

“This club really has a great future. We have a lot of positive things.

“I agree the team needs great players but I’m also certain that if Berbatov leaves that they will bring in other phenomenal players.

“I hope that Berbatov stays as he is a great player and he means a lot to the team.

“It is not my area to decide who gets sold. My thing is to play as well as I can possibly can.”

The Croatian international is confident he’ll be a success in England.

He said: “My performance at Wembley is definitely an indicator I can play with the best and cope with them in the Premier League.

“My main ambition is to get used to playing in the team and the way football is played in the English league. As regards the club, the ambition has to be getting in the Champions League.”

Four years ago Modric played with Zrinjki.

On his spell there, he said: “At that time I was 18 and in Bosnia the game is very rough.

“Referees do not spare you. That is why I know I will be able play in the English league.”

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