Stuck For Goals

Now it’s not like Tottenham to keep a clean sheet, but then neither is it like them not to score either.  But then with new singing Jonathan Woodgate having a storming game in the middle of the defence on his debut, perhaps tightening up at the back with some big spending during the transfer window has been Ramos’ priority and is this the first fruits of his outlay ?

It has been some 14 months since Spurs were last involved in a league scoreless draw.  So one was due soon and even though both sides have been scoring freely this season, it was two unfamiliar looking teams that took to the field at Goodison.

With injuries hitting Spurs and the African Nations Cup and suspension depriving Everton of some of their key players, perhaps the lack of goals was not too surprising, but some spells of the game were quite entertaining and Tottenham might have even won it at the death.

Woodgate started alongside Tom Huddlestone in the centre of defence and the ex-Boro man was heading balls away and blocking shots like he had been in the middle of the Spurs back four for life.  With Chimbonda in his usual right back slot and young Chris Gunter in the full back place on the other flank, they stemmed the tide of moves up the wings, although Baines on the overlap and Arteta were always a threat.

Andy Johnson’s direct running and play with his back to goal was impressive, but then he went and spoiled it all by doing something stupid like falling over in the area.  Yes, Huddlestone’s tracking run might have been a bit close and there was contact, but it was accidental and there was no intent.  Unfortunately, it is one more in the long line of incidents associated with the former Birmingham City striker.  His volley on the turn from the edge of the box is what you would much rather see him doing.

But then, Tottenham might equally have had a penalty when a Leescott foot came down on Malbranque’s to deny him a shot on goal.  However, both would have been harsh had they been given by referee Marriner, who seemed reluctant to give anything in the second game he has officiated for Spurs of late.

He did not help the game and the crowd took exception to him allowing Chimbonda treatment after a tackle by Valente, which might easily have earned the Portuguese defender a yellow card … something that came to pass later in the game.  Then in the final minutes, he cynically brought down Aaron Lennon as he raced away from the defender and while Marriner played an advantage, he failed to go back and administer a second yellow when play stopped.

There is no hiding the fact that some spells of the game were dire.  Everton had the best of the first half and Spurs the second.  Hitting well on the break, Tottenham moved the ball quickly and near the start of the half, you thought Dimitar Berbatov might have done something better when presented with the ball by Phil Neville.  However, Radek Cerny still had to be sharp to keep out Victor Anichebe with a good save, before Spurs started making inroads and Jagielka made a good block to stop Berbatov getting a shot on goal.

As it was, the final ball was Tottenham’s downfall and the final result was probably what both teams might have settled for before the match started.  Especially with Tottenham keeping another clean sheet and with Woodgate settling in quickly.

With Manchester United the visitors to White Hart Lane on Saturday, I can’t believe that the game will end goal-less, but a point from that game might not be the worst result.

Wyart Lane
My Eyes Have Seen The Glory
www.mehstg.com

Comments

[David Lennon]

Have you tried running at some pace and then having someone - accidentaly - clip your heel. You should - you might then understand how it would have been impossible for Andy Johnson to avoid doing anything other than falling over.
(And how on earth does the fact that contact is unintentional and accidental (which I think it was too) mean Johnson dived. If I accidentaly and unintentionaly bumped into you in the street would you describe your fall to the ground as a dive?)

I imagine this flawed logic was similar to that employed by Mr Wiley on Saturday - Johnson's a well known diver so if doesn't manage to stay on his feet in the penalty area it must be a dive and nothing to do with the obvious foul that kicked him up in the air (presumably he dived on the way down would be your (ir)rationalization on that one)
And as a well known diver he should be subject to a special off-side rule.

Why not find someone else to forever accuse of diving - perhaps a Man United, Arsenal or Chelsea player - plenty to choose from there.