Match Report (Newcastle) & Preview (the Gooners)
Our match against Newcastle was a game we should have won. We had 20 shots to their 9, but on target, we had six shots to their 3. Vicario had only one shot saved to their goalkeeper’s six.
We had 50 touches in the box to their 14. As for possession, we had 65.7% to their pathetic 34.3%, but we still lost.
The shots they made counted, our shots… well… what can I say?
What we watched was good to observe, but simultaneously, it was in total frustration.
The three games—drawing 1, winning 1, and losing 1—gives us hope, but we’ve got to put them away. We’ve been too long—over the years—bridesmaids, but never the bride (at least under the current board). We need to buck our ideas up. Last season was a season of missed opportunities, but we were patient because Ange had to build and get rid of some of the dead wood. We’ve now brought in exciting – young – players and ejected the deadwood. But we’ve still got to be patient; for how long that patience will last is the question on most fans’ minds.
A tribute to Tottenham’s finest (Tottenham security)
Anyway, before getting into the nitty-gritty, I want to pay tribute to all the ladies and Gentlemen who come to every game and show dedication in helping and protecting us. These are Tottenham security’s finest who do a grand job for us supporters.
I’ve been going to Tottenham (home & away) for donkey’s years, and they’ve always been there to help. They even have dedicated disabled watchers/ security to help those who need that extra guidance/ support.
I remember going to watch Spurs at Barcelona’s ground a few years ago, and the Spanish club employed what I can only describe as thugs as security guards; our security stood between us and Barcelona’s security while they tried to use batons – over the head of our security – to hit our supporters. Our security showed decorum and delicacy, while the Spanish showed hostility towards us for no apparent reason other than it seemed a bit of fun whacking English supporters. Without Tottenham security, God knows what would have happened; probably a beating out of all portions. So, well done… we salute you and appreciate what you do for us. My blogs get over 10,000 readers, and I just wanted to let those readers know what a good job they do and how they protect us (home, away and abroad).
… back to the Toon Army game…
Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the season (God knows how they did it) as they defeated a pulsating Tottenham side in a one-sided (according to match stats) match at a packed and noisy St James’ Park.
Newcastle took the lead against the run of play when Harvey Barnes shot the ball into our net.
In the second half, we got one back to draw level. Brennan Johnson’s shot was sliced into their own goal by Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
Their Keeper managed to tip over James Maddison’s curled effort and Johnson fired over as we piled on the pressure.
Twelve minutes later, Newcastle regained the lead, and our heads sunk. We thought we would rain goals on the Toon army, but instead, they managed to walk away in triumphant ecstasy.
As we walked out of the stadium, many Newcastle supporters approached us and said they didn’t know how they had won that game.
Thoughts…
We would have gone second if we had won, but are now 10th after losing.
Our talk and thoughts after the game was on how we left without anything to show for our efforts, having been the better side.
As I said above, we had two-thirds possession and 20 shots at goal compared to only nine from the Magpies, while Newcastle scored from two of their three attempts on target.
After losing 6-1 and 4-0 previously away to them, we thought things would be different this time around… so much different that we would be celebrating a confident start. Instead, it was back to the same old, same old, hoping that we could at least qualify for a European place instead of challenging for the title next season, with maybe a trophy thrown in… but it is early days, as we say every season at this time. Next week it will be different…
If I could quote Harvey Mackay (who the fuck is Harvey Mackay… precisely!!!!) When you wake up every day, you have two choices. You can either be positive or negative, an optimist or a pessimist. I choose to be an optimist. It’s all a matter of perspective. I wonder where Tottenham supporters fit into all of this. I am sure that Daniel Levy is hoping that we are optimists and that will see us through until hell freezes over or that the Twilight Zone is real where anything happens; we win the League, Arsenic get relegated, United disappear ups their own jacksies and West Ham just become… just that… become… As for Liverpool… they continue dreaming and looking backwards… We can only hope!!! Back to reality and the chuckle brothers (Ange and Daniel)… and of course us…
The day before the game, we left Cheltenham at 11 a.m. and had a leisurely drive to our hotel (four hours). There, we met up with Janet. Later, we met up with Stef, Colin, and Ian and went to a restaurant (a good meal was had).
Afterwards, Colin, Ian, and Stef went out in search of nightlife while we (Mel, Janet, and I) made our way back to the hotel for some sleep (yes, we were showing our age).
The next morning, we were up at the crack of dawn (8), got some breakfast and had a leisurely walk to the stadium. Programmes bought (cash, no card accepted) on the way and then chatting to Tottenham’s finest (Tottenham security) while we waited in the queue.
Back home by 9.30 pm.
What more can one say? Other than moving on to our next encounter (Arsenic and Old lace), with a two-week sabbatical thrown in between (International break).
After our three games and Arsenic’s unblemished record (ok, they drew against Brighton), they must be rubbing their hands with glee. What we’ve got to show is that our defeat against Newcastle was just a blip (they are always blips!!).
Injuries etc.
As I understand it, both Richarlison and Solanke will be fit.
Spurs possible lineup: –
Vicario, Romero, Porro, De Ven, Udogie, Odobert, Bentancur, Maddison, Kulusevski, Solanke and Son
Prediction…
I predicted the correct result in the last two games; however, the victory I predicted for St James Stadium went to the wrong team. With fingers crossed behind my back, I’ve gone for…
Spurs 3 Arsenal 1
A bit of history…
September the 15th, 1951, the season after we had won the league title, Spurs travelled to Stoke City, where they thrashed the Potters 6-1 (I say “we,” but I had to wait another four years before I popped my head out and into the world). This was nine games in. Spurs manager was Arthur Rowe. We finished second that season but behind the nob-heads (Manchester United). Missing out by 4 points. On September 24th we beat Newcastle United to win the FA Charity Shield by two goals to one. Funnily enough, Newcastle knocked us out of the second round of the FA Cup. It’s a funny ol’ game!!
COYS!!
Glenn
