Match Report: Woolwich 3 Spurs 1 (what a load of…)
Yes, what a load of shit… so much was expected from this match, and all we got was humiliation and mockery from the Gooner mugswampers and the critical press observers. I predicted we would win 2-1, but instead, we got it thrown back in our faces with a 3-1 capitulation…ok, not quite a surrender… but it could have been… whatever way you look at it, we got our comeuppance.
We may argue over the rights or wrongs of Emerson Royal’s red card, but it was a poor challenge in a position where he had no need to challenge a Gooner. Conte was even annoyed by the challenge itself.
We haven’t been pleasing to the eye this season (ok, maybe at the Southampton and Fulham games), as we have been digging out results until this first defeat of the campaign.
It was a miserable north London derby-away-day for Conte, players and us, the supporters. Kane and Son could not get into the game. We were well beaten long before the end. Granted, we were not helped by Emerson Royal’s red card for a second-half foul on Gabriel Martinelli.
Woolwich made a fast start and took the lead when Thomas Partey side-footed a precise finish into the top corner from 25 yards after 20 minutes. We were handed a lifeline before the break when Gabriel’s foul on Richarlison allowed Harry Kane to score his 14th goal in 18 derby games and his 100th goal away from home in the Premier League from the penalty spot.
Woolwich were gifted a goal when hapless Lloris fumbled the ball to allow Gabriel Jesus to score four minutes after the break.
When the third goal went in, Conte made defensive changes to stop more balls from going into the back of our net, simultaneously limiting our chances of winning the game or at least getting a draw.
He also clearly wanted to rest some key players amidst what had become a deadly game for us while also switching to a midfield three and giving some bench players some key minutes. In particular, Oliver Skipp, Yves Bissouma, and Matt Doherty would have welcomed the 30-minute run-out. Probably a wise decision.
As I see things now, we will struggle to finish in the top four, let alone challenge for the title. Things must change!
Granted, we had a spell of a threat after Kane’s penalty, and indeed the game’s first big chance when their keeper Aaron Ramsdale blocked Richarlison, but we were lacklustre overall.
Thoughts
We fell to our first defeat in the League (second if you count the Champions League game in Portugal).
It was the same old problem for us. We simply didn’t play very well. In fact, we haven’t played well for 90 minutes once all this season. It seems a mile apart compared to our top form towards the end of last season. Getting results while playing poorly is one thing, but eventually, it will backfire.
Some fans are starting to criticise Conte’s 3-5-2 formation. I hope we will swap between the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 depending on the opponent in the next few weeks. With Bissouma or Skipp ready to come in and add more hardness, allowing Son or Richarlison to join Kane up front could be an option.
Because of the sending-off, Matt Doherty could get a few games under his belt in the coming weeks as Emerson is banned following his straight red card. That could also mean some rotations chances for Djed Spence, although Conte may use Perisic instead.
We have enhanced the depth of our squad so much over the summer, but you can see why Conte still ranks us below the likes of clubs like City, Yankee-Chelski or Liverpool.
Injuries to Kulusevski and Lucas left only Bryan Gil as the only attacking reinforcement named among the substitutes. Therefore, the only change Conte could make from the bench was a formation change.
But whatever way you look at it, we lost, and Conte now has to put his thinking cap on and reanalyse the team for our next up-and-coming games against Frankfurt in midweek and Brighton on Saturday.
Liverpool drew, sadly Yankee-Chelski beat Palace… I hope United can get one over their stronger Manchester adversaries, City, this weekend. By the time you read this, you’ll undoubtedly have the answer.
We are still third in the League; I suppose that is something. Woolwich mugswamper’s next game is against Liverpool next weekend in the League, this time, I’ll be rooting for the Scousers. Hopefully, they can slow them up… or better still, a draw. Whichever way you look at it, we want the Gooners kicked in the nuts to slow them down.
I am now preparing for the game in Frankfurt on Tuesday; let us hope for a better result to get us back on track.
For self-flagellation, I shall watch the highlights with Janette on Match of the day tonight (Sunday)… and yes, I know it was on yesterday… but I could only take so much on Saturday… I need time to recuperate and focus my mind on our up-and-coming matches. And breathe a bit.
COYS!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”