Beef Bagel

Storms on both sides of the sea made missing breakfast for an early start a blessing in disguise for the turbulent, Alton Towers-esque journey to Amsterdam. Once on terra firma with settled stomachs we grabbed lunch and took in some of the city highlights (art galleries rather than red light district – honestly!) before heading to the train for PSV. Met a few Ajax supporters also coming along to the game, seemed a good bunch.

 

A strong security presence greeted us at Eindhoven, provided by firm (but not aggressive) riot police kitted out with what looked like wicker garden tables covered in black tape. We were herded efficiently into the Phillips stadium, a solid ground, comparable in size to WHL with a similar intimate feel. We were in the upper corner, providing a good view, albeit a little distant. An ingenious bonus was the giant patio heaters strapped under the roof awning to keep us nice and warm – would be a welcome addition to winter matches at The Lane. For most this was unnecessary, a day enjoying the Dutch hospitality ensured spirits were running high. The Spurs crowd were in good voice from start to finish and was worth the journey to be part of it– big shout out to The Bagel for sorting me out a ticket. We were buoyed further by the attitude of the team who came out determined to overhaul the home leg deficit, looking solid in defence and winning and keeping possession in midfield. PSV, who looked a far less assured outfit than at WHL, were firmly on the back foot, spooning the ball out whenever under pressure. They still looked dangerous on the break though, especially down their right where they threatened to get in behind Lee and Malbranque.

Despite the territorial advantage we needed more width to provide something for the strikers to attack in the box. On the right, Jenas was pushing into the hole and with Huddlestone and Zokora playing in the middle, Malbranque was often our only wide option. Up front, Keane seemed less effective than usual, perhaps somewhat stifled by the diamond midfield that inhibited his usual dropping-off style. When he had the ball, Berbatov was a class above anyone else on the pitch, as is usually the case. A few decent chances before half time, most notably Malbranque’s shot and King’s header across the face of goal and although still chasing the game at the break, the chat in the stands was positive. We knew we could get the better of this lot and it was a matter of converting the half-chances that were coming our way.

Ramos, quite rightly not prepared to wait and see, sent the team back out minus one defender; Lee making way for Bent up front. Such swift tactical changes have characterised Ramos’ reign and although they sometimes have a throwing everything and the kitchen sink-feel, it’s good to know that the chap controlling things on the sidelines has plans B, C and D up his sleeve and is prepared to use them early on - unlike many of his recent predecessors. PSV came out stronger, winning more possession and applying pressure. Despite being a man down at the back Woodgate and King (and later Zokora when King went off) still looked solid.

A combination of PSV upping their work rate and Spurs having two big men up front meant we began too often to look for the long ball and our play wasn’t as fluid as the first half. Lennon was brought on to change things and provide much needed width but failed to break from the shackles of his full back and cut in too often - as is the case too much nowadays. We were still the better team and Bent had one or two reasonable chances which, if stuck with more conviction could have been converted and with more confidence he might have shot rather than squared for Keane when through on the keeper. At the other end Koevermans provided a hearts in mouth moment before making a hash of things with the ball dropping next to him a few yards out and Robbo did well to hold on to a couple of low efforts. Spurs efforts did not let up, working hard for each other and a man in white looked more likely to come away with every 50-50 ball. Finally the deserved goal came, Berbatov crashing home in style (where would we be without him…?) and so on to extra time with the game ours for the taking.

As the early substitutions and the frenetic work rate began to take their toll even our new fit, lean squad running on Escribano’s magic smoothies was beginning to tire. A goal from open play began to look unlikely and heroic defending from all, especially Woodgate (my MOTM) and Zokora, was required to break down some dangerous PSV counters. Just as the threat of penalties loomed Malbranque’ volley looked for a split second destined for the top corner but Gomes’ palm condemned us to a nerve racking shootout.

I suppose penalties are a necessary evil but it seemed such a brutal way to finish a great game. Amongst our group the feeling was not optimistic, in part due to Gomes’ reputation and also as we are all too familiar with the potential frailties of our individual players. However, after Robbo pushed Lazovic’s effort away off the post it was suddenly on and we foolishly started to believe. Jenas had the chance to send us crazy but elected to go with placement rather than power and paid the price when Gomes clocked him going right - why didn’t he just blast it!!

With the conscripts exhausted it was the turn of the volunteers and much credit should go to Zokora, not our most established goal scorer, for having the confidence to go up there and crash one in. Chimbonda, whose attitude on this occasion should be similarly credited, sold the keeper but couldn’t control his shot, and suddenly it was all over.

The team, having given their all and coming so close, were clearly devastated. The fans, although disappointed, were not all long faces as it was an inspired Spurs display and there was a feeling that we had at least gone out with a bang. Most importantly, with UEFA in the bag from the Cup we will be back next year.

Though this season is over with respect to results and competitions, the progress and improvements under Ramos will continue though to the beginning of next season. Hopefully the remaining games will be used as an opportunity to develop a few of the younger players he thinks has potential (Taarabt, Kaboul, Devitte, Boateng & Co.) and maybe he’ll give Bent a run to prove himself. If the high standard and commitment of this performance can be maintained, the next few seasons will be ones to look forward to…as long as there aren’t too many shootouts!

Gabe

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at 7:27 am and is filed under F.O.B - Friends of The Bagel, Match Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.