Watford 0 Tottenham 1 FA Cup 4th Round

With a single goal from Rafael Van der Vaart, Tottenham became the first club to reach the 5th Round of the 2012 FA Cup and that's about the best that can be said for the match and Spurs' performance at Vicarage Road.

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FA Cup 4th Round

Watford 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Scorer: Van der Vaart

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Rose; Van der Vaart, Livermore, Parker, Modric (Lennon); Defoe (Pienaar), Adebayor (Pavlyuchenko) Subs (unused): Friedel, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Kranjcar

Spurs First to Reach FA Cup 5th Round (just!!)

Goalscorer: Rafael Van der Vaart

Tottenham became the first team to reach the FA Cup 5th Round as the match at Vicarage Road ended just ahead of the one at Goodison Park but in another sense they just managed to beat Championship side, Watford, thanks to a goal from Rafael Van der Vaart a few minutes before half-time.

The Spurs team contained six players who started last weekend's game against Manchester City showing that Harry Redknapp realises the importance of winning some silverware this season.  Carlo Cudicini, Michael Dawson, Danny Rose, Jake Livermore and Emmanuel Adebayor came into a team which contained eight full internationals.  With Spurs lacking pace and width it was much easier for the Championship side to contain them and Watford set out with purpose taking the game to their Premier League opponents.

Early enterprise from Watford saw Cudicini parry a shot which a defender cleared and then a dangerous cross to the near post was knocked wide with defenders nowhere and Cudicini relieved.  A long range effort passed wide for the home side with Tottenham offering little threat to the home defenders.  It wasn't until almost the half-hour mark that Spurs managed their first attempt on goal - a weak shot from Jermain Defoe.

While Watford were hard working, industrious and much quicker to every ball, Spurs' display was akin to their home performance against PAOK Salonika when defeat ultimately led to their elimination from the Europa League.  Their passing often fell short and was inaccurate, they were slow on the ball and were often caught in possession and they resorted to playing hopeful long balls forward which caused no problem to the Watford defence.

With such a lacklustre performance Spurs were fortunate to go ahead three minutes before half-time.  Watford had just created some confusion in the Tottenham penalty area which Spurs managed to scramble clear to Kyle Walker who broke at pace and passed the ball on to Van der Vaart having crossed the halfway line.  Van der Vaart for the first occasion found time and space in the Watford half and proceeded towards the goal with options of a pass both left and right but from thirty yards shot and as the ball bounced in front of Scott Loach, the goalkeeper's mistake ensured Spurs were ahead. 

Aaron Lennon replaced a very out of sorts, Luka Modric, at half time but Watford continued to press and could have levelled early in the half following some shambolic defending by Spurs.  It all started with a poor goalkick out by Cudicini putting the defence under pressure and as Dawson gave the ball away, it was only a finger tip save by the veteran goalkeeper that retrieved the situation as he touched Sean Murray's shot onto the post and the rebound was blazed over.

Spurs best attack of the evening saw a Rose cross met by Kyle Walker and pushed over by the goalkeeper. 

Watford always looked more likely to score as Spurs continued to concede possession with sloppy defending and only occasionally offered anything of an attacking threat although a Van der Vaart shot hit the bar after he combined well with Lennon and Defoe with just over an hour played.

Spurs failed to learn from earlier mistakes and nearly conceded after giving the ball away outside their own area.  Such were Spurs attacking limitations that it was only with about fifteen minutes remaining that I realised that Emmanuel Adebayor was still on the pitch as he chased a ball out after defending a corner, so anonymous had he been in the second half.

Cudicini saved for a corner from a high dropping cross and then Watford struck the outside of the post for a second time from the corner.  Watford who had lost their last three League games were giving Spurs a fright and brought on former Tottenham player Mark Yeates.


Cudicini again saved and then again as he blocked with his feet from a free-kick and a defender cleared.  With ten minutes remaining a fierce drive was blocked by Dawson who knew nothing about it as Watford continued to seek an equaliser and an opportunity of the replay their performance deserved. 

Spurs held out and maintained their unbeaten Cup record against Watford but it was the home side who deservedly received all the credit as their attempts on goal was over three times greater that Tottenham's and their performance was far superior than suggested by their position in the Championship.

Spurs progress with their first 1 - 0 FA Cup 4th Round success since defeating Leeds United in 1982. and they went on to win the Cup that year.  An omen, perhaps, but performances would need to show considerable improvement for any such dream to become reality.

Tottenham Goalkeepers 2011-2012 Friedel, Gomes, Cudicini

Tottenham have had many outstanding goalkeepers throughout their history but the present group, Brad Friedel, Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes are the best they've ever had at the club at the same time.  Anyone of them is capable of producing match winning performances and all three have shown that this season.

Pat Jennings, Ray Clemence, Ted Ditchburn, Bill Brown are all goalkeepers of the highest standing who have been involved in great teams at Tottenham.  During their time they have produced many match winning performances and have enjoyed the success of lifting trophies during their time at the club.  However, the current group of goalkeepers, Brad Friedel, Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes while not reaching the height of excellence of their predecessors, are definitely the best group of goalkeepers that Tottenham have ever had at the club at the same time.  In the days of Jennings, Ditchburn or the others the reserve goalkeeper was merely that, a back-up to be used in an emergency and the number 'one' had little competition for his place.  This, in itself can raise problems, as during Paul Robinson's time as first choice he had no competition for the goalkeeper's shirt.

An example of this problem comes from Pat Jennings' time at White Hart Lane.  At the start of the 1966-67 season Jennings finally claimed the position as his own ahead of the 'Double' winning keeper, Bill Brown.  A few months in to the season, Bill Nicholson allowed Brown to leave for Northampton Town. The next week, Jennings was injured and the 'new' reserve had to play, Roy Brown.  The match was at home to bottom club, Blackpool, but Spurs managed to lose 1 - 3.  Fortunately, Jennings had recovered by the following weekend and that was Roy Brown's only appearance for the club.  Jennings went on to have a long and fairly injury free career with Spurs and take on legendary status for his outstanding performances and contribution to the club's success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The problem of not having a satisfactory goalkeeper to call upon would not be a problem with the goalkeepers who are currently in the squad.  They have the experience and ability to step in when required and produce outstanding performances as they have shown this year as manager, Harry Redknapp, has used the Carling Cup and Europa League to provide match practice and competition for his goalkeepers.

The arrival of Brad Friedel from Aston Villa during the summer has added competition for the goalkeeper's position.  Carlo Cudicini had seemed content to be reserve to Heurelho Gomes for the past two seasons with an occasional game in a Cup competition or to cover for an injury.  Last season Heurelho Gomes' standards slipped with mistakes coming more frequently and costing the team points.  Redknapp persevered with him but was clearly exasperated with his goalkeeper until finally deciding to omit him from the team for the final few games of the season and bringing in Cudicini.

Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel (40 years) had come to the end of his contract at Villa in the summer and was looking for a club where he would have an opportunity to play regularly.  He had the chance to return to Anfield but Liverpool were wanting him to be their reserve back-up to Pepe Reina.  Friedel wanted more and so decided to sign for Tottenham where he was given a two year contract with the incentive of competing to be first choice goalkeeper.

Harry Redknapp was non-commital as to who would be the first choice goalkeeper.  Gomes started the first competitive match in the Europa League at Hearts but although Spurs won comfortably without conceding a goal, Gomes didn't look comfortable during the short period at the start of the second half when the home side exerted some pressure on the Tottenham defence.  Some of his old problems from last season seemed to be there once again.

The Premier League game at Old Trafford was to tell the full story - Brad Friedel claimed the goalkeeper's position and has now extended his record of consecutive Premier League appearances to 285 matches (as of 8th November, 2011) for three different clubs, stretching back to 2004.  Now, for a 40 year old goalkeeper to concede eight goals in his first two games at a new club, some might have suggested that it was time to retire but not in Friedel's case.  He used his vast experience to set that aside and has now helped Tottenham to their best ever points haul from the opening ten games in the Premier League - twenty two points from seven victories and a draw.

The three points acquired at Craven Cottage in last Sunday's match against Fulham are down to Friedel's match-winning goalkeeping performance.  He made a vital early stop from a corner and in the second half as Fulham attacked continuously for most of the forty five minutes he produced a series of outstanding saves to deny them.  He tipped over a header from Brede Hangeland at a corner, blocked a powerful drive from Chris Baird following a free-kick, dived bravely at Clint Dempsey's feet, saved a drive from Moussa Dembele and in added time blocked and saved in two goalmouth scrambles as Fulham threw everything at Tottenham in a last desperate attempt to salvage a draw from the game.  Even the goal that he conceded was deflected past him, off the back of Younes Kaboul.  He dealt with the pressure  Fulham put on him when they positioned a player in front o fhim for every corner and free-kick.  In the midst of the chaos Friedel brought a sense of calm and authority to the proceedings and Spurs weathered the storm and claimed another three points in a match as Joe Jordan said, 'Tottenham would have lost a match like that when we first came to the club.'  Friedel was rightly acclaimed 'Man of the Match' for his performance which defied his years.

Brad Friedel claimed the first team place and was omitted from the Europa League squad, taking into account his age and to keep him fresh for League matches.  Gomes and Cudicini have been rotated for the Carling Cup and Europa League matches and have also produced outstanding performances in these matches to remind Redknapp of their ability.

Carlo Cudicini

Carlo Cudicini (38 years) has stepped up to the plate in the Europa League games with exceptional performances in the two away matches in Greece and Russia.  With  a very inexperienced team in both games they needed the loyal keeper to produce some outstanding saves to encourage the young players and prevent Spurs from suffering disappointing results in their European campaign.  Against PAOK Salonika the young players performed with confidence and control but it required Cudicini to be at his best with a number of important saves.  He conceded a penalty in the first half but when it had to be retaken he used his experience to stand up and make it difficult for the player who shot wide.  Other crucial saves kept PAOK out and in the final moments as the home side looked for a late winner, he made two outstanding saves to earn Spurs a draw.

Against Rubin Kazan, with none of the first team travelling, Cudicini denied a very strong Russian
team with a series of saves throughout the match and he was only beaten from a needlessly conceded free-kick when Sebastien Bassong made a mistake.  He was 'Man of the Match' and didn't deserve to be on the losing the side.

Heurelho Gomes

Heurelho Gomes (30 years old) is an outstanding goalkeeper who is a mix of the incredible and the unbelievable.  Incredible saves along with unbelievable errors which bring an unnecessary pressure on the whole team.  This was evident to Spurs supporters when he played for PSV Eindhoven against Spurs in the UEFA Cup.  Tottenham lost at home when Gomes was a mix of saves and fumbles but Spurs were unable to take advantage.  Then in the away leg which Spurs won to take the game to extra time and penalties, Gomes was the hero.  He made saves at vital times in the game which denied Spurs the win their performance deserved - a late save that took the game to extra time, an outstanding save in the final minute of extra time and then a penalty save to deny Jermaine Jenas who could have won the penalty shoot out for Tottenham.  Gomes is a goalkeeper who can make outstanding saves but follow it up with a basic error which raises uncertainty in the minds of the defence and invites pressure from the opposition.  He is a confidence goalkeeper and when he loses that it greatly affects his whole game.

On joining Tottenham, Gomes found it difficult to adjust to the demands and pressure of the Premier League.  Any mistake or misjudgement is so often punished in English football that he was immediately under pressure and scrutiny.  His arrival coincided with Tottenham's 'two points from eight games' start to the 2008-09 season and the eventual appointment of Harry Redknapp.  Two blunders in a defeat at Fulham ended Redknapp's unbeaten start as Totenham manager and Gomes' confidence was gone.  The appointment of former Tottenham goalkeeper, Tony Parks, as goalkeeping coach helped to rebuild his confidence and performances.  Restored to the team he helped Tottenham avoid relegation and the next season produced some amazing saves as Tottenham reached the Champions League.  However, he was still the same keeper with rash decisions and mistakes plaguing his performances.

Last season a series of blunders cost Tottenham points as they sought to retain fourth place in the League.  There was the farcical blunder early in the season at Old Trafford where he set the ball down expecting a free-kick, only for Nani to hit it into an empty net.  After a number of confidence sapping performances for the goalkeeper, manager and supporters, Redknapp dropped him for the final three games of the season.  The final agonies which summed up Gomes as a goalkeeper came in two consecutive games.  Against Blackpool at home he saved a penalty but was so hyper after the save that he totally lost control of his actions and rushed out needlessly and conceded another penalty from the resulting corner.  Then in the next match at Chelsea with Spurs a goal ahead, he let a shot from Frank Lampard slip from his grasp and roll towards the goal line.  He dived back and retrieved the ball before it crossed the line but the referee awarded a goal and Spurs went on to lose the match.

Gomes has played on three occasions this year - he was nervy against Hearts and that performance probably confirmed Harry Redknapp in the decision to make Friedel his number one choice.  He than played at Stoke City in the Carling Cup.  The Stoke game is always a difficult match for a goalkeeper with the home team's high ball and set-piece threat.  Gomes doesn't cope well with such tactics but in two hours football he didn't concede a goal as Spurs went on to lose another penalty shoot-out.  His next match was the Europa League home game against Rubin Kazan.  The Russian team were difficult opponents for another young Spurs side but Gomes put in a match winning performance with a number of good saves.  He again showed both sides of his game with good good saves as the Russians proved a potent attacking threat but also some nervy moments where everyone had to hold their breath.  Spurs won and Gomes played an important part in that success.  In his three appearances this season, Gomes has kept three clean sheets.

Tottenham have three top class goalkeepers in their squad and any one of them could be play and be relied upon to put in a very credible performance.  No other team in the Premier League has such quality available to them.  However, it is widely expected that Gomes, the youngest of the three goalkeepers will move on in January as he seeks regular football.  He may return to his native country, Brazil, or to a European league where the pressure on the goalkeeper is not so intense.  A recent article suggests that Gomes is for sale following a break down in his relationship with Harry Redknapp.  they had a fierce row following the match at Old Trafford when gomes claimed that he had been told that he would be first choice with Friedel as back-up.

With Friedel and Cudicini in the senior age bracket, Spurs will have to make a decision in the future about acquiring a younger long term option and that will be a vital decision for the future success of the team.  However, for the moment they will make the most of the experience that the three goalkeepers, Friedel, Cudicini and Gomes, bring to the club.

Rubin Kazan 1 Tottenham 0 (Europa League)

Tottenham's young team lost to a single goal from a free-kick early in the second half.  Spurs lost their unbeaten record to a strong Russian team who are now level on points with them.  The young players, again, looked comfortable on the ball and especially in the first half worked very hard to deny and frustrate the home side.  In attack, even with Defoe and Pavlyuchenko, Spurs failed to test the goalkeeper or create any real goal scoring opportunities.

Rubin Kazan 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Scorer: Natcho

Team: Cudicini; Fredericks, Gallas (Parrett), Bassong, Townsend; Falque, Livermore, Carroll, Pienaar; Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (Kane)  Sibs: (Unused) Gomes, Stewart, Nicholson, Pritchard, Lancaster 

Tottenham sent out a team with none of the players whop beat QPR at the weekend.  William Gallas returned from injury to captain the side and Steven also had his first game of the season after an operation.  Gallas and Bassong were the experience in central defence with Ryan Fredericks and Andros Townsend as fullbacks.  In midfield Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll were in the centre with Falque and Pienaar on the wings,  Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko had the experience up front.

As in previous Europa League matches Spurs started in a composed and controlled manner, keeping the ball and using it to good effect in defence and midfield.  They, again, found it difficult to be creative in the last third of the pitch, the final ball either going astray or being cut out.  They managed to keep Rubin Kazan at bay although the two young full backs who were being asked to get forward regularly as well as defend were finding it difficult against two good wingers with defenders also willing to attack.  Carlo Cudicini made a number of good saves and interceptions to keep the home side out.  

In the second half the Russians started much more positively and pushed Spurs back who were now finding it much more difficult to keep the ball in a controlled fashion.  Often Tottenham clearances were being picked up by Rubin and putting Spurs back under pressure.  Cudicini continued to put in a calming and commanding performance with more important saves.

In the 55th minute the hiome side were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs area.  Unfortunately, it was a needless free-kick to concede - Gallas had cleverly cleared from a dangerous cross and the ball fell nicely to Bassong in the centre of the penalty area to clear.  His first touch was too heavy and as he lunged to try to clear he brought down the home player.  Rubin Kazan's top scorer, Natcho scored giving Cudicini no chance.  It was a careless goal to give away and from that time the home side put Spurs under increasing pressure which they were struggling to deal with.

After 70 minutes, Gallas had to go off injured, Livermore dropped into defence and Dean Parrett joined Carroll in central midfield.  The two young players found it difficult to deal with the home side pressure as they found more time and space.  A few minutes later, Harry Kane replaced Pavlyuchenko who had contributed little and had been flagged offside too often.  Kane brought more to the game but it was Cudicini who continued to keep the Russians out.  Twice from free-kicks near the Russias' box, Spurs were defending desperately as the home side broke quickly after Spurs had given the ball away.

In the final minutes as the home side were looking to hold on to their win, Spurs tried to build some pressure but again the final ball was lacking.  

The young players acquitted themselves well and it was unfortunate that the goal came from a defensive mistake by an experienced player.  Cudiicini was man of the match for his string of saves and his commanding performance.  Tottenham will now look to beat PAOK in the next game and then win in Dublin to secure qualification to the knock-out stages.  Some of the first team regulars may have to add some more experience and guile to a team that has failed to score a goal in three of the five games they have played.

Cudicini was outstanding, keeping Spurs in the game and avoiding a much heavier defeat.

Fredericks and Townsend both had a difficult night defensively and were asked to do a lot of work by having to attack down the wings.

Gallas used all his experience well and had a good game.  It was unfortunate that he has suffered another injury.  Bassong had a better night overall but his loss of concentration and poor touch gave away the free-kick from which the goal was scored.  he almost made a similar mistake a little later when he gave a poor pas to Parrett in central midfield.

Falque, Pienaar and Carroll worked hard in midfield and had good control in the first half but after the interval struggled to keep a grip on the home side as they increased the pressure.  Falque tried to be creative and in the second half, Defoe had the ball in the net from his cross but the referee had blown because, as everyone knew, the winger had taken the ball out before he got his cross in.  Carroll played well in the first half but found it much more difficult to be an influence after that.  Pienaar did well to last the full game having been out with an injury but he contributed little to the game.  Livermore played well both in midfield and defence although on occasions he gives the Ball away to easily.  Parrett found it difficult to get to the pace of the game especially as the Russians were playing with a greater confidence having taken the lead.  He and Carroll were being asked to do a very difficult job against a very good Russian team.

Defoe and Pavlyuchenko offered little threat and were disappointing.  They, and particularly Pavlyuchenko, were both offside too often which stopped Spurs when they were trying to get forward.  Harry Kane who came on for the final fifteen was more prepared to run and take on defenders than either of his two more experienced colleagues.

Tottenham have taken a gamble by playing a weakened side throughout the Europa League campaign.  Up to this point they have got away with it but they knew they were facing a very strong Russian side and will be satisfied to take only a one goal defeat when it could have been a lot worse had Cudicini not performed so well.  

As PAOK beat Shamrock Rovers to head Group A, Spurs who are in third place on goal difference behind the Rubin Kazan, they now know what they have to do in the final two games to secure qualification and preferably as Group winners.

Europa League PAOK Salonika 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Tottenham's  Young Team Earn a Point

Spurs managed to gain a point in their first Europa League Group game against PAOK Salonika in Greece.  Numerous injuries and an important Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday meant Harry Redknapp used a number of young players for this game.

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Corluka, Bassong, Townsend; Falque (Fredericks), Livermore, Carroll, Giovani (Parrett), Kane; Pavlycchenko.  Subs: Gomes, Nicholson, Stewart, Barthram, Prichard

Tottenham's young players aided by a number of senior players acquitted themselves very well in the intimidating atmosphere in Greece.  They played with confidence and effort against a team with considerable European experience and thoroughly deserved their point.  It was only in the last ten minutes that they started to come under pressure from the home side and Carlo Cudicini came to their rescue with three magnificent saves.

Only Kyle Walker played from the team which won at Wolves on Saturday while Tottenham had international experience from Vedran Corluka, Sebastien Bassong, Giovani Dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko to support the young players.  Yago Falque, on loan from Juventus, made his debut for Spurs while the other young players had experienced European football against Hearts in the Qualifying Round.

Tottenham started well and passed the ball about with some style and composure.  The home team gave then room to play and Spurs made the most of it.  Their best moment came when Dos Santos had a shot cleared off the line but shortly after this they were denied a clear penalty for a trip on Harry Kane who was incorrectly booked for diving.  Almost immediately PAOK were awarded a penalty when Cudicini rushed out  and dived at the incoming forward's feet and tripped him.  Lino scored from the penalty high into the net but as he celebrated the referee ordered a retake as a home player had encroached into the penalty area.  This time he tried to deceive Cudicini by putting it low to his left but hit the ball wide.  Justice was done, even if two wrongs don't make a right.

Harry Kane had a header from a Falque cross saved easily by the goalkeeper.  Tottenham were dealing well with any home pressure and causing some problems as they moved forward.

The second half was similar to the first with Spurs quite comfortable although as the younger players tired the passing of the team wasn't so accurate.  In the final fifteen minutes the home team increased the pressure but Cudicini was up to the task and made three good saves - a double save followed by a vital save in added time.

All of the young players played well, they worked hard and will have gained valuable experience.  Harry Kane did well in the first half but having been moved wide after half-time was less effective although he worked very hard.  Falque had good control but needs to get that final pass in as does Townsend who often lost the ball by running into a dead end.  Carroll was composed on the ball but tired late on and Jake Livermore worked very hard in midfield.  Dos Santos had little opportunity to show the skills he displays when with Mexico but the experienced players worked to support the youngsters.

Harry Redknapp's insistence on playing a young team in this Europa League group game brought its due reward so let's hope that the rested senior players can earn three points at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Tottenham's next Europa League game is at home to Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, 29th September.  Rovers lost their opening game to Rubin Kazan by three goals to nil in Dublin.