Everyone thinks we are playing FC Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga, but we are in fact playing the 6th placed team in the Austrian Bundesliga, in Budapest. It should be a favorable tie for us, but in 2017 we were knocked out by a Gent side which sat 8th in the Belgian league, so there is no such thing as a favorable tie, especially when Spurs are involved. I would imagine Jose would play as strong a side as possible since this represents our most realistic route to CL qualification as we have sunk to 9th in the PL.
Agreed about him putting out a strong side. I'll have to head out to work sometime early in the second half. You'd like to think we might have the match - and perhaps the tie - pretty much sewn up by then. But I thought similar I-don't-know-how-many times in the group stages, and it never seemed to work out that way. Honestly, if we can't handle these without drama, it's difficult to see us getting past much of anyone come the later rounds.
Right. This plus the Carabao cup final are our season. There are much stiffer tests ahead if we progress. 3 other English clubs, 2 of them near the top (1 not ), 3 strong Italian sides, Villareal, Ajax,... oof.
We do have injury issues with Reguilon, Aurier and Lo Celso out and Sonny, Ndombele and Hojbjerg having played extensively in the 2 matches last week. Look for Bale and Dele to come in with a strong bench featuring Kane and Sonny probably having to come on in the second half à la Mr. Wolf in Pulp Fiction. Remember the tie is 2 legs with this tie being played in Budapest because of covid travel restrictions. Which brings up the issue of away goals - they still count of course, but this season it seems unfair as so many ties are being played in empty grounds or neutral sites.
Was, anyway. Penalty given for Sissoko foul on Wernitznig. And converted by Liendl. 1-3. I was hoping for another goal before I have to go off to work. Got one, I suppose. Off to work now. [sigh]
Done. Now for a SuperJan goal against Woolwich, please. In other EL news, Young Boys almost squandered a 3 goal lead. Sounds familiar?
Comfortable win but of course the inevitable bit of bonehead play from Lloris and Sissoko to gift them a pen. Sissoko had an absolute shocker, his play has dipped dramatically as the season has worn on. But most importantly, we have bought a week of rest for the big-hitters with the tie effectively over. The likes of Arsenal, Leicester, Milan and Napoli all have work to do in the second leg.
My favorite by far of all Pav's goals for us. It was when he got his late goal in the first leg that I knew that they'd blown it. I don't do confidence often, but I knew we'd have 'em back at the Lane.
Jeeberz, I've only just now seen the second half highlights. I had no idea they'd come so close to making it 3-2 there in the 68th minute! I'm glad I wasn't able to be watching that, to be honest.
It's all about perspective. A Zokora shot was worse than a Bergwijn shot. But Zokora shot less often, so Bergwijn was worse about shooting ... 'a worse shooter', if you will. In other words: take your pick.