Stevenage 0- 2 Tottenham. Gary B reports

By Gary Beaumont
July 24 2003

Here is my summary of the game. Which concentrates more on the individual player performances as opposed to the general display.

1st half... Was pretty poor.
Slabber looked a little out of his depth (give him time). The formation was appalling. Although we used the same formation, somehow the shape was all over the shop.
It is true Bunjy did have a god game, yet thinking back we still seemed to have the same problem we did last season where all of a sudden the opposing team breaks down our middle. Your left thinking where the hell is our midfield! Then you look back and there is 5 defenders spread across the pitch. Yet only 1 player moves towards the opposition. Gaping holes...not a good sign.
Back to the players...Redknapp was lively, got stuck in and tried a few long balls.
Acimovic. Made a few interceptions, put himself about a bit more than usual and got in some good positions. However gets forward a lot and sure to cause our defence (not theirs) problems by not tracking back.
Ziege. Pure class did not see him put a foot wrong. Got involved in 2 monster headers aswell. Quality
Sully. Great game faultless.
King. Not sure what has gone on here. Does not look the same player anymore. Not physical enough, will struggle if he plays like his
Gardner. Not his best game but got up well and was a lot more physical than King. Should do well this season
Marney. A little frustrating at first. But is sure to improve with confidence. Was VERY reluctant to press forward. Also reluctant to try and take players on. This meant it was pointless having a wing back. He should be told to push up and link defence with attack. However his general play is good. Nice touches and can tackle.
Blondel. Very lively, puts himself around and if played should be an asset. Got in some great positions on the left and drilled a couple of shots.
Not sure who ive missed form the 1st half.

2nd half.
Much better. Our formation was solid and we never really got caught out like in the first. I think this was down to Toda to be honest. He did not play out o this world but left himself in the gaping hole I mentioned earlier. This meant Stevenage had to think about what they were going to do.
The players
Sully. As above
Perry. Was not great did not really notice much from him tbh.
Kelly. Tried a lot of long balls but was solid and will be able to cover Carr if needs be. Did not get forward enough for my liking
Davies. Poor. Had a bad game and a big miss at the end. Did not notice any decent play from him. Although his passing was ok. Did not get forward enough. I still think he plays best on the right
Tano. Sporting new hair. Not much more can be said; apart from he was a liability. Gave away 2 stupid free kicks and never really did alot to impress me.
Mouthy. Lively but overshadowed by Jackson. Never really did much. Get rid of him
Ricketts. Super game real lively and energetic. Played almost on the right wing and did fantastic. 2nd best player on the pitch.
Poyet. Was he playing? Oh dear
Postie. What a debut never put a foot wrong. Did not get as much of the play as we and him would have liked but was sublime. What a partnership it will be with Keane. He is also very wise regarding the game. His positioning is second to none. He draws defenders away then slips back onside and gets possession. He also spoke to our players telling them to keep it on the floor. Cannot wait to see him in premiership action
His goal was great a poachers goal from a decent cross. Although he almost got involved in a spat with a player on the sidelines.
Which leaves me with Jackson. Man of the match for me. Forget Etherington his crossing was superb. He is strong (for his stature) and has bundles of skill. He can take players on without using pace but has pace if he needs it. Set up the g2nd goal. But also got involved in tackles and headers. Strong game for the youngster.