23 January 2008
A Cup Giant Roars
To Dare is to Do.
Was there ever a motto more befitting the cup mentality? Last night, Tottenham embodied both their motto and their history with a performance of unrelenting, skilful endeavour. Against an Arsenal team that contained more first team players than was originally suggested, Spurs irresistibly swept aside a team that so many others have failed to overcome in recent years.
In many ways it was both the archetypal cup performance and a typical Juande Ramos performance. In knock-out cup matches - particularly semi finals and finals, his teams disregard away goals, calculations and any notion of conservation; they aim to dominate from the first minute to the last. For any team not willing to do the same, it must be a daunting sight to see such an irresistible force, full-throttle in your direction.
Last night, Tottenham embraced the knock-out precipice and showed the gulf in class between the two teams.
Cerny - 7
Had little to do except a few clearances, one tip over the bar in the first half and pick the ball out of the new from Adebayor in the second. He does however have a calm demeanour about him. In the second half he slightly mishandled a long range shot only to nonchalantly bring it under control with one hand. It should be noted however that such an act would have been ‘yet another blunder’ had Paul Robinson perpetrated it.
Lee - 7
Gave a typically energetic performance and was well positioned for the whole match (as the whole of the back four were). Did not attack a great deal, neither did Malbranque ahead of him.
Chimbonda - 7.5
Made several good interceptions and was strong defensively in the air. Attacked well on occasions but never to the extend of being out of position. It seems clear that neither fullback was given any real license to attack. Nor did they need to.
King - 8
His influence is beginning to be felt. The back four were almost never caught out, the offside trap functioned perfectly when needed and Ledley was the regal presence he has always been. Was fooled by Adebayor for the goal but one suspects that will be the last time he falls for that move…
Dawson - 8
As King returns so does (the real) Michael Dawson. Was the able-bodied deputy to Ledley’s sheriff with his towering presence and regular shot blocking. He also appears to be the target of attacking set pieces while more attention is spent on King.
Malbranque - 7
Has been quiet in his last few games and was again on the periphery of the action. Normally a writhing, ball of invention and movement his ambition has been missing of late. He does however play his position very well. Defensively he is strict and committed, in attack he is always an option and never loses his eye for a goal.
Lennon - 8.5
His best game for some time. Just as his attacking intent has been on the wane, his defensive work has increased dramatically. The same was in evidence again last night except the attack was back. This time however it was allied to judgement of when to run and when to pass as time and again he made the wise decision. His goal came at the end of a glorious counter-attack but his pass to Robbie Keane for the third was the exquisite moment of skill on the night.
Tainio - 7.5
Perhaps a surprise choice ahead of O’Hara or Boateng, he proved more than just his ability as a combative midfielder. One of the bigger surprises this season is how little he has featured under Ramos given he fills the mould of combative, ball-playing, high-stamina player that the manager favours. That he was put straight in to a semi-final and performed as he did suggests just how good a judge of character Ramos is.
Jenas - 9.5 MoTM
Surely his finest performance for Tottenham. Though it may not be surprising that he is performing well under Ramos, with Jenas there is always the expectation of more. He has probably more assets than any other midfielder in the English game; touch, passing, shooting, heading, height, pace and incredible stamina; he has practically every attribute you could wish in a footballer. But how many times have you watched him play and wished that you could see what he was capable of were he involved for 90 minutes? This was the answer and it was as good as Steven Gerrard at his best. Scored, made two more, could have scored more, intercepted repeatedly, tackle again and again, embarrassed Galas. Even after 90 minutes showed his incredible stamina and occasionally shocking pace. This has to be his template performance.
Berbatov - 7.5
A Peripheral figure for most of the match, still made several telling contributions in setting Jenas on his way for the first goal and Lennon on his way for the fourth. In a way it is nice to see such a team performance not revolve around this genius. It was also nice to see him smile again…
Keane - 7.5
Showed his class against Gallas and took his goal well when the second bounce sat up. Like Berbatov though, he was not needed to be at his best in a game dominated by Jenas, Lennon and the back four.
So the new Wembley, the home of the cup football awaits its first visit of Tottenham Hotspur, the quintessential cup team. They will bring with them some excellent players, a superb cup team and a manager who Dares to Do.
