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Patience isn’t something that is associated with the modern game, and so it should come as no surprise to anybody, when André Villas-Boas’s name was cited in the list of managers who are likely to get the sack. After all, a disheartening 6-0 defeat to Manchester City away from home, can do that to you. Especially, when that comes on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at home, a game in which, Tim Krul single-handedly kept a clean sheet for his side.
After back-to-back losses in the League, there were those who were questioning AVB’s tactics and whether he is the right man for the job, after all. And with a game, against Manchester United on Sunday, a clash which Spurs don’t particularly enjoy, coming up, defeat to the Manchester club, might well mean that his chances of continuing in his hot seat will be left hanging by a thread.
Before, we jump to conclusions, let us first take a step back and look at Spurs season so far. Thursday night’s victory over Tromso in the Arctic Circle, meant that Spurs guaranteed top spot in their Europa League group, with five wins in five. And before the City game, Spurs had conceded just one away league goal, all season and had already kept 7 seven clean sheets, the most in the League. And whilst it is not unheard of, for a team to have a bad day at the office, the clash with City, was one that can happen to any team in the League, given City’s astonishing home form.
Before the back-to-back losses against Newcastle and City, it was one of Spurs best start to the League and although their attack looked far from convincing, their defense was the best in the League. Aside from the two defeats to City and West Ham in which they conceded nine goals, Spurs have conceded three in 10 games this season. And whilst it is true that they aren’t playing all that well, the fact is that the team they have is better than what they are playing at the moment.
André Villas-Boas with Gareth Bale
After all, although Spurs have spent over £100m on new players in the summer, they also lost their star player in Gareth Bale, who dragged them out of a hole on more than one occasion last season. Perhaps, the more worrying thing is that the Tottenham board, were expecting a title challenge, solely on the back of spending little over £100m. 10 years ago, Chelsea spent £120m and even they only finished 2nd that season. And a few years back, Liverpool too, spent £100m and that didn’t get them anywhere closer to winning the league. And even City, the club that demolished them last week, took four years to win the League, although they hundreds of millions of dollars. And what is more striking is that none of these clubs had to sell their best player. So, to expect a title challenge, just on the back of a hundred million spent is a little silly to say the least and AVB can’t really take the blame for that.
But, what he can be criticized for, is his tactics, which was supposedly his raison d’être. Against Newcastle, Spurs played a high line, with Brad Friedel in goal, when every Tom, Dick and Harry knew better than to use to the American who was getting on. And Remy’s goal came when Spurs lost possession and were caught, with their pants down. Against City as well, Spurs played a high line, with Dawson in central defense, when it was evident that the English center back wasn’t accustomed to playing there. And whilst it is true that AVB tried to offload him in the summer, when he was unsuccessful, he should have better than to play him, when it was crystal clear that he wanted Spurs to play a high line.
Having said that, one must understand that when you throw in that many players together all at the same time, they need time to settle in. The club must understand that dynasties aren’t built overnight. And that is especially true for the attack, where each player has to know what sort of runs, the other player makes. Last season, they attacked with pace, with Bale and Lennon on either flank, and with Bale gone, and Lennon only coming back from injury, AVB has had to adapt quickly.
So far this season, it is fair to say that Spurs have looked toothless upfront and the manager is yet to settle on his first XI. Whilst attacking down the wings, was Spurs main threat last season, this year, most of their wide players have cut inside and congested the middle. And that has made it even more difficult for them, to create too many chances. Keep this in mind, the fact that they haven’t scored with their previous 78 shots in the League aside from penalties, isn’t surprising at all.
And irrespective of whether Spurs win or lose against United, one thing is for certain. Spurs could do a lot worse than to give AVB some time, to get his act straight. They must not forget that, Rome wasn’t built in a day and whilst it is true that patience is uncommon in the modern game, AVB deserves some more time to show the world, just what this gifted Spurs squad is capable of.
