The Decline of Bassong at Tottenham

Sebastien Bassong apologised to his colleagues for the elementary error which led to the free-kick from which Rubin Kazan scored the only goal in the Europa League match on Thursday evening and saw Spurs lose their unbeaten record.  The defeat meant that Tottenham slipped from top of the Group A to third place and they will need to defeat the new leaders, PAOK Salonika, in their next match to give themselves a chance of qualification to the knock-out stages as winners of the group.

Sebastien Bassong Apologises for His Mistake

Sebastien Bassong

Ahead of the Europa League in Russia, there was a poignant headline in the London Evening Standard, 
'It Hurts that my Tottenham Career is nearly over.'   
 (Read the full story here)

The headline screamed all that has been wrong with Sebastien Bassong over the past year at Spurs.  He has lost confidence and has clearly given up.  It had all started so well at White Hart Lane for Bassong who joined Spurs in the summer of 2009, following Newcastle United's relegation.  Bassong had been one of the few players to come out of that season with some credit in what had been a terrible year for the club.  His centre back partner, Fabricio Coloccini, had been widely criticised but now as Bassong looks troubled, Coloccini is receiving the plaudits as Newcastle maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Bassong made his Premier League debut for Tottenham in their opening day win over Liverpool at White Hart Lane, heading the winning goal from a corner and becoming the tenth Tottenham player to score on their debut in the Premier League.  That season he went on to make 28 League appearances and was comfortable in his partnership with the other centre backs, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Younes Kaboul, as the team finally broke in to the top four and achieved their goal of Champions League football.  He was ahead of Kaboul and only lost his place when King returned for the final few games of the season.

The following year, King and Dawson started as first choice but when they were injured early in the new season, Bassong returned to the team and was involved in of the early part of the Champions League campaign, scoring the first goal in Berne as Spurs recovered from a three goal deficit in the Qualifying Round.  The arrival of William Gallas increased competition for places and Bassong was no longer guaranteed a starting place or of stepping in when someone was injured.  This uncertainty seemed to drain his confidence and when called upon it affected his performances and saw him more often among the substitutes as Dawson, Gallas and Kaboul claimed their places.  In his performance at Blackpool as Tottenham looked to push on towards a second successive Champions League place, his uncertainty was particularly evident as a poor team performance saw Spurs lose 1 - 3.  Returning to the side, Bassong gave away an early and unnecessary penalty to set Blackpool on their way.

Bassong's appearances had been greatly reduced in that second season and there was talk of a possible transfer away from White Hart Lane.  In fact, at the end of August, he appears to have been only a signature away from joining newly promoted Queen's Park Rangers but Tottenham's inability to reach agreement with Bolton Wanderers over the signing of Gary Cahill, saw them decide against his transfer and retain him as cover at Spurs.

Sebastien Bassong comes across as a genuine fellow, he's not brash and when he's relaxed he has a smile on his face and appears very pleasant.  However, on the pitch, he looks as if he's carrying all the cares of the world on his shoulders, he looks tense, nervous, unsure of what to do and so afraid of making a mistake that it affects his judgement and all round play.

Ironically, one of the positives surrounding the young players who have appeared in the Europa League team, has been their confidence and self-belief which belies their tender years.  They have not been phased by the thought that they are playing in the first team or that it's an important European competition or that they're playing with experienced Premier League players and internationals or that that their opponents are internationals.  They have set aside all such concerns and performed admirably with very satisfactory results.

However, Bassong has looked so on edge in his manner and in his play.  Even as captain, he seemed unsure what decision to take when he won the toss.  In the matches he's played, this has led to errors in his passing, putting team mates under pressure with a misdirected pass or one played too short.  Clearances have given the ball back to opponents and maintained the pressure on the Spurs defence. Even basic areas of his game have been affected - his first touch putting him under pressure as happened in the home game against Rubin Kazan.  As the visitors increased their attacking intent in the second half, a ball was passed back to him but he somehow stood on it and was immediately under pressure but managed to rescue the situation with the help of a colleague.

The inevitable mistake from which he couldn't recover occurred in Russia.  As the under-strength  team held out in the second half against the increasing threat of Rubin Kazan, Gallas managed to head a dangerous cross to Bassong who was alone in the centre of the Tottenham area.  He took a touch and then a second but this one was too strong, resulting in the ball getting away from him and as he dived in to retrieve the situation, he brought down the home player.  He was booked and Rubin Kazin scored the only goal from the free-kick.  It was a needless free-kick to concede and Spurs paid dearly for Basson's mistake.  After the game, Bassong apologised to the team but it has been a mistake waiting to happen for some time.  In his general play in Russia, playing beside the experienced Gallas, he had appeared more confident than on some previous occasions but his mistake took away from his overall performance as did a later misjudgement which played young Dean Parrett into trouble and could easily have led to another goal.

Bassong has taken on a persona similar to Heurelho Gomes when he is not playing well.  He seems to have accepted that his time with Spurs is over and is waiting to move on during the transfer window in January.  This attitude is having a telling affect on his play and for a player who started his career at Tottenham in such a positive manner, it is sad to see him so out of sorts with his football and so uncertain and lacking in confidence.  It would appear that Bassong is now among a number of players who have lost the confidence of the manager with little future for them at the club.  Some, like Alan Hutton and Robbie Keane have already moved on, others like David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas have gone out on loan while Bassong and Gomes remain, waiting for their time to come to depart through the door marked 'Exit'.

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.

Rubin Kazan v Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

The fourth match in Group A of the Europa League tales Tottenham to Russia for the return game with Rubin Kazan.  Tottenham head the group with seven points while Rubin Kazan have four points, one behind PAOK Salonika in second place.  Tottenham who have used squad members and young players for the Europa League campaign will be looking to get something from this match while the rest of the squad remain in London to prepare for Sunday's London derby against Fulham.

Tottenham's Russian striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the all important goal against his compatriots at White Hart Lane to earn the three points for Spurs.  It was a hard earned success with the visitors unfortunate to leave without any reward so Spurs are well aware that they face a very difficult game on Thursday evening.  Qualification for the knock-out stages is very much on both teams' mind as they know that PAOK are waiting to take over top spot if they win in Dublin and Spurs lose in Russia.  In a very close group all three teams will be hoping to take one of those qualification places and preferably first place which improves the prospects for the draw by avoiding teams who have dropped out of the Champions League.

Not Travelling to Russia
Tottenham have announced that Harry Redknapp will not be going with the team as he has to undergo a minor op.  Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan will take charge of the team for the Europa League game.

Brad Friedel and Rafael Van der Vaart have not been registered for the Europa League competition so can't play unless they are included in the revised list after January.  Few, if any, of the first team regulars will be making the long journey - Ledley King needs his week to recover while the rest will be focused on preparing for the game against Fulham.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto, according to Twitter, isn't making the trip - 'spending the week training at Chigwell'.

Sandro has not travelled, neither has Assou-Ekotto, Walker, Bale or Modric. (plus other first team players).  Giovani is also out, having picked up an injury.



It was a very young Spurs XI side which lost 1 - 2 to Crystal Palace at Spurs Lodge so presumable some of the players who normally turn out for that team will be on the flight to Russia.  may not play but could be on the bench or just travelling for the experience.

Travelling in the Tottenham party
Jake Nicholson has announced on Twitter that he is included in the party to travel to Russia as has Dean Parrett.  

Defoe, Pavlyuchenko and Bassong have also been included in the party.

Latest Squad News:

 Gomes, Cudicini, Gallas, Bassong, Waller-Lassen, Stewart, Barthram, Livermore, Townsend, Pienaar, Fredericks, Carroll, Nicholson, Parrett, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Falque, Kane, Lancaster, Pritchard. 

None of Saturday's team have travelled to Russia.

A young team with experience coming from squad players who haven't played many matches or are returning from injury can be expected to make the long journey to Kazan.  Heurelho Gomes who starred in the game at White Hart Lane or Carlo Cudicini who put in an excellent performance in the draw in Greece with crucial saves in the final moments of the game will take up position in goal.  It is worth noting that in the three matches Gomes has played this season, at Hearts, against the Russians and at Stoke in the Carling Cup, he has not conceded a goal in normal play.  The defeat on penalties has been their only loss since the disastrous start to the Premier League season.  With the rotation of the goalkeepers it would be Cudicini's 'turn' but I feel he could possibly get selected for the calm he brings to the defence over the spectacular of Gomes, especially in a potentially hostile environment.

Injury has caused problems in defence with first team players having to make up the numbers.  Ledley King having returned on Sunday will again rest. The return of William Gallas is a possibility although they may not want him to travel so far after being out with a long term injury.  However, it is expected that he will make the trip and will start beside Bassong.   With Vedran Corluka injured.  Danny Rose who played well in the first game is apparently out, Andros Townsend will presumably be his replacement at left back while a younger player could make his debut at right back.  Ryan Fredericks who played against Hears or Kevin Stewart is a possibility as is Jack Barthram who has played in that position for the Spurs XI team and in the NextGen series competition.  Whoever is called upon, it will be a real test of their character and footballing ability.

As Sandro is not included in the party, Jake Livermore could be in central midfield with Tom Carroll deservedly getting another game.  He has been the outstanding player from among the inexperienced players who have come into the team for the Europa League campaign and has gained recognition for these pwerformances by being called up for the England Under-21 side.  Steven Pienaar has also recovered from injury and is expected to make his first appearance of the season and will bring much needed experience to the starting line-up.  Either Yago Falque or Harry Kane could play on the left of midfield in th eabsence of a more experienced alternative.  Falque would bring pace and skill whilwe Kane would work hard for the team in what will be a testing game.  Jermain Defoe and Pavlyuchenko who can not get into the first team because of the play and goal scoring form of Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart in recent weeks, will start and again try to impress on the manager that they should start every game. 

This will be a very difficult game as Spurs found out in the home match.  Then Harry Redknapp had to bolster up the team with the introduction of Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Luka Modric to ensure they held out to take the three points.  It is unlikely that such experienced back-up will be available on Thursday.   The bench will consist of  a number of young players like Dean Parrett and Jake Nicholson but if they perform as others have done before them, they will display great composure, endeavour and application in the Europa League with no shortage of skill.  The one area where their game has been lacking has been in scoring goals so if that continues to be the case in Russia it could be a very long and difficult night for the inexperienced team, especially if Rubin are more clinical in front of goal than they were in London.