Pochettino vindicated

I know nothing about football. That’s how I feel right now at least. Wednesday night’s team selection was infuriating. There were criticisms of the manager: he didn’t understand the importance of the derby; he undervalued a cup competition; he prioritised the wrong game.

But today, he’s been vindicated. And how. What a lovely day.

Pochettino came to us with a reputation of intensity: a high line, pressing from the front and a tireless work rate. His Southampton team were a joy to watch – his Spurs side, less so. There’s been very little identity to this Spurs side for many a year; take away the victories against Arsenal and Chelsea last season, and there’ve been very few moments that encapsulate what Pochettino, and his Spurs team, are all about.

Today, not so. We ran, we fought, we were strong in the tackle, and, in a very un-Spurs manner, we didn’t let our heads drop. The usually infallible Aguero was relegated beneath the irrefutable might of Vertonghen and Alderweireld (our best defensive partnership in years).

Dier and Alli, at 21 and 19 respectively, outfought the likes of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure.

But special mention goes to Erik Lamela. I think we’d all written him off, and, let’s be honest, that’s probably with some justification. A poor touch, running into blind alleys and a general lack of offensive contribution – he offered very little, and that’s being generous. But he’s been slowly improving, with the Palace game being one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt. This was undoubtedly the best. His high work rate was accompanied with a solid attacking display. A poor shot in the first half aside, Lamela looked quick, dangerous, and showed qualities to his game many of us thought he’d been lacking.

And… well there isn’t much more to say. We played City, we destroyed them, and we did so in style. Kane scored his first goal of the season, Lamela looks a man reborn, we have a defence that doesn’t look like it’ll crumble at the first sign of trouble, and our side is brimming with young talent that will only improve.

There’s a way to go yet, and Monaco and Swansea will provide us with two stern tests, but this is the most hopeful I’ve felt for Spurs in quite some time.

COYS

 

It makes the arsenal lineup justifiable, without being justified IMO.

Still, can't moan! Always improving, now I'm starting to think this season mightn't be such a write off after all

The youngest team in the BPL beat the most expensive one, with over £300,000,000 worth of footballers losing to our boys. Magnificent.

 

Unbelievable. Great result and even I would admit that Lamela is showing some promise; about time too!!!

Walker had a much better game and the defence is certainly tighter than last season. Glad to see Kane get back on the score sheet.

Now is the time to "kick-on" and make sure this counts. We must ensure that we get something against both Monaco and Swansea respectively. COYS.

 

I think Lamelas best contribution today was his defensive work - chasing the ball and getting in there. Generally his passing and positioning was also good. In the offense, I still think he was a bit too slow - took to long to decide what to do. First half finishing was also poor. All-in-all an ok performance, 7/10.

Dier was MOTM for me 9/10. Eriksens set piece was lovely, and seeing Kane score again was a delight.

 

The performance from the team was fantastic. Everyone played their part and stuck to their tasks even when a goal down. Everyone played their guts out and what a difference it makes.

I am really impressed with Lamela's contribution today. He had a very good game and showed tremendous composure in taking that goal and earned the free-kick that led to Kane's goal. He helped out a lot defensively as well. I hope he continues to play this way instead of dwelling too long on the ball and turning over possession.

Plenty of other positives. N'jie looks to have a few tricks up his sleeve and contributed with an assist. Kane finally broke his duck. The defense played really well as a unit to shut out Aguero. Dier and Ali held their own and appears to be blossoming into a productive unit. Mason and Bentaleb may find it difficult to reclaim their spots.

Hope this young team team will stick together and continue to improve. Like the high-pressing, high energy football the team is playing.

 

I still think MP took too many liberties on Wednesday . He had to rotate but made too many changes some in key positions . I think the team played the Thursday before in EL should have played v Arsenal and the weaker team played in EL . But no doubt we did well today .

 

I am a passionate Spurs fan and I am also strongly opinionated.
I may not be everyone's favourite blogger but I will always admit when I am wrong and Poch and his young Spurs proved me wrong today.

Wow. Fast, energetic and superb in all departments.

It needs to be done on a regular basis but I got it wrong!!! And no doubt will again!!

As ever come on you Spurs!!!!

 

What a shot in the arm, brilliant game and very encouraging. Gamble paid off for Poch.
Now if we play like that more often the future is certainly bright.
Great to see HK on the score sheet, Eriksen played well, Toby is the difference at the back and cant believe im sayin it but credit where credit is due Lamela was IMO MOTM.

Great day to be a spurs fan

COYS

 

I don't think Poch has been vindicated. Players this early in the season can't be tired physically or mentally and don't need a rest! He should have played todays team against Arsenal. Lets not get carried away..two offside goals helped!

 

Unbelievable we beat City 4-1 and there are still some moaners!
Remember after the Stoke game 2 matches into the season, people calling for the manager to go?...saying Lamela should never wear the shirt again?

 

What a day for our team. We come from a goal down against the champions we have the youngest team in Premier League. Dier at defensive midfield proving to be masterstroke by the manager. I doubt if a single fan or pundit would of thought of that last season, I for one certainly didn't. After the introspective navel-gazing after Wednesday's defeat I want to move on with no more talk of Poch not knowing what he is doing or we don't need need new stadium etc. Of course there will be poor performances to come but that will be a natural product of a young and evolving team. When it happens let's back the manager , team and everyone at the club and not indulge ourselves in kneejerk reactions

 

Lets forget these two offside goals, lets forget arsenal in the capital one cup, let's forget Bale and modric and let's forget our personal hatred of ENIC. Let's celebrate that we beat the strongest squad in England, and how.

 

Unfortunately unless your celebrating a loss to Arsenal the Enic police are out in force

 

Seriously and happily not frustrated today. Fantastic performance by the team, back 4 and dier, Lamela reborn with assist and great goal, and glad to see Kane score. N'jie came on as a sub to great effect with superb pace. Great win. COYS forever.

 

I think Poch understands what really counts. Yes the cup lose to Arsenal at home was dreadful, but this year it's about champion's league football. What a performance today, stood toe to toe with City and held our own! The belief in the squad is there and that's fantastic to see.

Although most would disagree, personally I felt Lamela always worked hard. He'd exhausted too much energy trying to do to much and a lot of it was out of frustration. For him particularly, it's been a tough adaptation to the premier league style. I hope somethings are finally clicking for him and learning how to incorporate his style to our team's.

Best part of this season thus far is the strides that our defense has made with Toby's partnership with Vert and then Dier owning that defensive mid position. I give credit to Poch on that end, we haven't had a good cdm for quite sometime. This season a lot of attention will be directed at Harry in terms of how teams defend us; now with Son, Lamela, Eriksen, Njie and others, their performances will be the key. Showing teams that we have other options!!! Let's no get ahead of ourselves, but damn this is exciting!!!

 

A nice but unexpected win.
Along wiv last seasons 5-3 win v Chelsea, Potchettinos finest hour!!!!!!

 

Absolute brilliant from the youngest an most exciting team in the prem this team can win the league greatness awaits

 

Brilliant victory! EPL should take notice of this un-Spursy team. Every one was pulling its weight. Even Eriksen, who was unusually poor, has contributed with fantastic assist to Kane. COYS! and thank you for the game I will ALWAYS remember!!!

 

Definitely carried away by this performance. What a drastic turnaround from the 4-0 and 5-0 against top teams under AVB and TS who unashamedly justifies this type of results by claiming that Aguero is the best striker and City are the best team on the planet.

 

Wow. What can you say. It was the Gooner and Chelski quality all over again, with every man jack putting in a seriously good shift. Well played lads.

We rode our luck and to some extent the game turned on the offside decision for our equaliser, but heh ho these things happen, although not normally to is.

One minute we are one down due to Walker's loose pass, blink and we're stuffing the leaders 4-1. Unbelievable or what.

Nothing here about Wednesday, even if it was a mistake to make all those changes.

MOTM - a close call between our Eric's - Dier and Lamela, with both contributing goals and tremendous full pitch games.....think I'm going for Lamela..just.

Well played lads, it was a surprise for sure.....and credit to Poch, coming so soon after the midweek loss.

COYS