The Riot Act

With a string of passes and one finish that beat Marcus Hahnemann, Spurs had beaten Reading for a rare away win.  More surprising was Tottenham getting a win at all with the long string of draws that they have been achieving.  Perhaps there will be more stringing the fans along during a summer of speculation.

Firstly, the ground expansion has been quashed for the time being, as there are “land residual values” and “land assembly” issues which prevent the board deciding what they want to do.  What does this mumbo-jumbo mean ?  And why can’t they just tell us what they mean ?  Is it that the club can’t afford prices being asked for by those who own the land next to the ground to build a new stadium ?  Or is it that they can’t get planning permission to change some of the roadways around the existing ground to enlarge White Hart Lane or to re-orientate the new stadium ?
We won’t know for at least another “quarter”.

Then comes the “who will stay and who will go” epic.  Already big names like Ronaldinho and Eto’o have been mentioned, but it is unlikely that either will arrive without Champions League football to look forward to.  The same probably goes for David Villa.  Perhaps more realistic is the link to Diego Capel, as Sevilla have not had as good a season as recently.  Will it be Anton Ferdinand and Lassana Diarra ?  I hope not, as one is over-rated and the other over-rates himself.
It is a question of waiting and seeing.

Finally, the season ticket prices will be out soon, with rumours of a £100 increase and two extra games included for that additional payment.  Two more meaningless cup games, which would not really justify £50 a pop.

So, perhaps it was with some relief that Juande might have read the side the Ramos Riot Act.  What else could have suddenly prompted a performance like that, when for weeks, the side have looked tired and drawn.

Keane was lively, Bent unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, Huddlestone trying to prompt the ball going forward and Jenas’ runs going until close to the end.

One goal proves to be enough, as there were few threats from the home side, which looked like they were suffering from the long run without a goal.  And with one game left, it is like that will be their cup final.  Ironic that when they showed no willingness to reach the FA Cup Final.  They are a good club, well run, but should not forget their background and how they got where they are.  Not wanting to pay top dollar for wages is hindering Arsenal, so Reading might need to do that to bring in quality and keep it.

The season goes down to the last game at the top and the bottom then.  The Premier League championship will be decided, the UEFA Cup qualifiers too and who will grab the last two relegation places.  As for Spurs, there is still something to play for, with tenth an option if results go right on the last day.

If they do, it might just cause a riot … down the Boleyn way !!

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