Spurs avoid devastating blow
We have talked before about fatigue causing injuries and at a crucial time of the season we have had to overplay some players because the squad isn't strong enough to compete on three fronts. It could have ended disastrously for us if Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld or Harry Kane had been more seriously injured through fatigue.
We lost in the Europa League because of that squad depth and for taking the Belgian side too lightly. Mauricio Pochettino clearly feels Kevin Wimmer simply isn't good enough and it took him only 18 minutes to get booked on Sunday. That left us gambling before the start on not picking up muscle strain injuries.
Both Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen had to go off to prevent damaging muscles which would have seen them out for several weeks. Three games in a week takes its toll, especially if you are just coming back from injury so it shows how vital these two are and the quality of the squad players covering them.
Pochettino says Vertonghen and Alderweireld asked to come off as a precaution. Hopes to know the extent of injuries in a few days.
Harry Kane clattered into a post and was worryingly holding his thigh muscle, something that could flare up so he'll need his training programme adjusted to aid injury prevention, if there is any bruising hat needs to come out. Despite being 4-0 up he came out for the second half, wouldn't that have been a great time to throw on Vincent Janssen to try and help him?
That rather suggests to me, and the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa when he was substituted, plus other occasions he hasn't been given game time, that he will not be retained in the summer.
We now just have the Premier League top four to concentrate on, as Chelsea have all but won the title already, and the FA Cup where we have a great chance to reach the semi-finals.
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2 comments
The passing in transition was so much better, crisp and mainly two touch.
Whelan’s tackle on Jan was a red card, both feet off the ground and all studs showing.
Crouch was offside for their chance but the linesman was behind play and maybe would not have flagged but, Hugo’s determination and reactions resolved the issue anyway.
Second half
My eyes may have deceived me but I thought saw the Dane nudging Adam off the ball (twice!).
At last Poch you didn’t back off…you kept our shape with your substitutions. It’s a shame though that Janssen didn’t get any playing time in the second half.
Après Ski
Well this time it’s dedicated to the Harry Kane appreciation society…your second goal is a sure bet for goal of the season and you only fell over twice…
Postscript
I was going to denigrate the championship side (and it’s Championship manager) that turned up at WHL but HK already did that!
I do agree, but it wasn't a nailed on one like some I've seen ignored recently.
It was certainly great to see the boys playing so well again. Eriksen shouldering the thug off the ball eh? Definitely a good sign.
COYS!!