and that’s about all.
For the second time in little under a month Spurs struggled against Norwich who were bottom of the league back then and still are, though this time Spurs did win.
The first league goals and the first league victory of the New Year. What more could you want?
Well, after the two all draw against the same opposition in their last game of 2019, the three points is a bonus. But as with that game it was a struggle by Spurs, something it really shouldn’t be. Yes there’s players missing – one especially – but that didn’t really stop ’em the last few times Kane has been missing.
Jose made more changes to the back line, with Sess coming back in at left-back while Tanganga heading to the bench. I know he wants to figure out his best defence and maybe rest players but I’m not sure the chopping and changing helps anyone.
The other main change was the surprise appearance of Lloris in goal. Did think he’d be out a lot longer than he was.
Spurs started well, then did their not testing the keeper then dying off act and the defence yet again opened like the Red Sea to allow Pukki a clear attempt he should have done a lot better with but thankfully didn’t.
For some unknown reason the dolts on MotD thought Dele ran the game for Spurs. He was involved a bit but his flicks were annoying most. While anyone who actually watched the game saw it was Lo Celso who was controlling things for the home side. he did it all played some glorious passes, dribbling while being the joint top tackler on the pitch.
The latter helped open the score knocking on for half-time. Aurier had lost the ball on the edge of the Norwich box, it rebounded out to Cantwell – more on him later- where Lo Celso was on him and had the ball off him, passed to Son who played it out to Aurier who put the perfect cross in for one of Dele’s flicks to work.
Cantwell, between his struggles with gravity, was making Norwich tick but should have departed just after the second half started. Sliding through he caught Lamela and was given a yellow. VAR had a look but even though it was obvious to everyone that he’d followed through and could have lowered his leg, he instead lifted his foot and put the studs in and so should have seen red.
Maybe Spurs were the lucky one as not 10 minutes later he’d done another player. This time going in on Winks and doing his ankle. A Winks free Spurs for some time is a good thing. How Cantwell didn’t get a yellow for that challenge, if not a red again, is another strange piece of officiating.
So one up and the visitors should be down to ten men, we all know what happens next.
And about a quarter of an hour later it did. When, Spurs target, Aarons ran into the box and Sessegnon caught him. Pelanty. It wasn’t the best penalty from Pukki, slow dribbler, and Hugo nearly got it but the score was now level.
Spurs run of clean sheets ends at… one.
Sess didn’t have the best of games but he’s adjusting back to being a left-back, not a left winger. He looked nervous going forward, as if he thought he wasn’t allowed, he just needs game time, for Jose not to bench him and the crowd to stay with him.
The score didn’t stay the same for long and thankfully it was the home side that score next. Lo Celso again central, playing a lovely pass into the box for Dele to get on to. His ball deflected up in the air and Son couldn’t miss this tap-in.
Dele and Son hadn’t been scoring – I know, no one had – but they were the ones, along with Moura, who were supposed to step up in Harry’s absence, so it’s good they both finally registered.
But it was another poor game, disjointed, clueless, with the two goals and Lo Celso’s performance the only bright spot. Sure they have to sign the Argentinian now, to save on the price increase that comes in if they wait until the summer.
It’s the bottom team in the league, at home and all the stats are pretty much level, possession, shots on and off.
Come on Levy just sign someone to brighten the mood…