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#303231 The Brentford Project
Taz.
ZOLA NAMED BEES BOSS
Published: Tues 05 Jul 2011 - By Ciaran Brett
Gianfranco Zola has been named as the new manager of Brentford on a one-year deal.
The former West Ham boss agreed a contract with owner Matthew Benham this morning to succeed Nicky Forster at the helm at Griffin Park. Zola is best known for his illustrious playing career, mostly spent with the Bees' West London neighbours Chelsea. The forty five year old will act as Brentford's new head coach during our third consecutive campaign in League One, following an eleventh-placed finish under Forster last season.
The former Italian international's last job in management was at Upton Park, where he spent just under two years in charge of West Ham and received praise for the side's entertaining style of play. Zola guided the Hammers to an impressive ninth place in his first season as a manager before narrowly securing Premier League survival in his second year. Since his departure, the former Azzurri star has continued to live in London, working as an occasional pundit.
"Gianfranco is the perfect fit for Brentford," Bees owner Benham said. "He's a clever, hard-working young coach and believes in attacking football. We've got big ambitions for this season and I think bringing him to the club shows exactly where we want to be next season. He's got no airs and graces, he's worked in England before and knows the game well. I'm looking forward to working closely with him during his time at the club."
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#214848 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
• Monday 11th June - Ukraine - Kharkiv
• Saturday 16th June - Portugal - Donetsk
• Tuesday 19th June - Italy - Kharkiv
The Czech Republic are an unspectacular but well-organised side. There is a hard-working, tough spine to the team and Petr Cech is renowned for his shot-stopping ability. They can also count on an explosive group of wingers who will stretch defenders late in games.
Despite their pace out wide, the Czechs lack a real killer edge. They scored the fewest goals in qualifying of any team at the finals and Milan Baros is badly out of form. His probable strike partner Jan Chramosta is a promising but very raw player.
Former Sparta Prague boss Michal Bilek has been in charge of the Czech Republic since 2009. The 47-year-old has struggled to pick a settled side in his three years in charge and he switched his team and tactics regularly during qualifying.
Bilek has returned to an experienced core for the finals, set up in a flat 4-4-2. Balance is key for the Czech boss and both central midfielders are likely to sit deep, while the wide players Jaroslav Plasil and Daniel Pudil take responsibility for creating chances.
The first match against Ukraine will decide the Czech Republic's prospects at this tournament. If the Czechs can surprise the hosts, then they may have a fighting chance. Otherwise, fourth place in Group A looks like the most likely result.
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#214208 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Tottenham examine new stadium plans
• Northumberland Development Project has been on hold since 2010
• Club no longer interested in Olympic Stadium move
Tottenham are understood to have reignited their interest in moving to a new stadium after discussions with local councils.
Spurs have been in the early stages of planning since identifying a site in December 2008 but recently put their plans on hold after the Olympic Stadium became available. With local rivals West Ham set to move into the Stratford site, Spurs today announced that they had resumed discussions with the local authorities to obtain planning permission for the new ground. The club were thought to be reluctant to move out of their local area to the stadium that will host the 2012 Olympic Games next year, which is located seven miles away.
Tottenham have played at White Hart Lane since 1899 but the stadium will be demolished should Spurs go through with their new plans. The club are in the process of acquiring land to the north of their current home. White Hart Lane has a current capacity of just over 36,000 and is the Premier League's tenth largest stadium but Spurs' strong form in the Premier League has meant that all of their league games this season have been sell-outs. A new stadium is viewed as essential for the club's future profits.
The club have made extensive improvements to their training and youth facilities and moved first-team training over to their new base in nearby Enfield. Spurs are expected to fully complete the move from their old training ground in Chigwell next year as they seek to establish themselves as a top four club in the Premier League.
#213725 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
EVERTON 2-4 SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 23 October 2011 - 18:05
A comfortable 4-2 win at Goodison Park strengthened Tottenham's grip on top spot in the Premier League.
Captain Ledley King scored a rare brace as Spurs raced into a four-goal lead, only for Everton to peg them back with two second-half consolations. The victory is Ralf Rangnick's side's seventh straight win in the Premier League, a superb run that has seen Spurs climb to the top of the table. Despite a bright start for the home side that saw Royston Drenthe hit the side netting, Spurs grew into the game and few were surprised when Gareth Bale opened the scoring after half an hour, tucking the ball past Tim Howard after Scott Parker's excellent pass.
Tottenham have looked in lethal form in front of goal this season and it took just six minutes to extend the lead. The imperious Sandro won the ball and fed Aaron Lennon, who released Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togolese striker broke swiftly and slotted home. They had their third goal in eight minutes soon afterwards as King met Lennon's corner at the near post with a powerful header. Toffees boss David Moyes looked in simmering mood as his side trudged off the pitch at half time and Everton came out for the second half looking to make up for their lax first half performance.
Louis Saha hit the woodwork after robbing Sven Bender and Heurelho Gomes also kept his concentration to deny the French striker after Seamus Coleman found Saha free in the box. King then kept up his unexpected form in front of goal by glancing in from Jan Vertonghen's corner to score his second. Everton reduced the deficit in the seventy sixth minute as Spurs continued to drive forward. Gomes spilled a corner at the feet of Victor Anichebe, who flicked the ball over the line. The keeper will also have been disappointed not to get a hand to Tim Cahill's last-minute header.
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#213601 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Rangnick hails superb Livermore
Last Updated: 21/10/11 1:45pm
Tottenham manager Ralf Rangnick has praised young midfielder Jake Livermore for his impressive performances so far this season.
The twenty two year old scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory over French side Rennes in the Europa League last night. Further goals from Luka Modric and Xherdan Shaqiri ensured that Spurs hold onto second place in Group B, behind Athletic Bilbao. At a post-match press conference at White Hart Lane this morning, Rangnick declared that he was delighted with Livermore's impact since he was promoted to the first team at the start of the season. The midfielder has already made ten appearances for Spurs this season and signed a new four-year deal in August.
"Jake has adjusted to the first team well and he can be very proud of his efforts," boss Rangnick said. "He is eager to learn and develop as a player. We've been working with him to improve the defensive side of his game and he performed that role brilliantly last night. It's vital that players like him get a chance to show their abilities in the first team and we have committed to that this season. I know that he was delighted to score and it was a very special moment for him."
Spurs will travel to Goodison Park to play Everton on Sunday hoping to remain at the summit of the Premier League. Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to return to the starting eleven after missing Saturday's 2-0 victory against his parent club Manchester City. Ledley King, Sebastien Bassong and Sandro are also in contention to start after being rested against Rennes.
#213190 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
I wasn't really set on a title challenge this season, I thought it was a bit early and the squad's a bit thin but if the chance is there then I'll go for it.
#213111 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SPURS 3-1 RENNES
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 20 October 2011 - 21:58
There was no slip-up this time for Tottenham as they got their Europa League push back on track with a 3-1 victory over Rennes.
A comfortable win against the Ligue 1 side strengthens Spurs' grip on second place in Group B, putting them three points clear of tonight's opposition. An uncertain start to the evening saw the influential midfielder Yann M'Vila find Kader Mangane on the edge of the box after an intelligent move but Mangane blasted the ball just wide of Brad Friedel's post. Spurs went ahead against the run of play as Jake Livermore collected Onyekachi Apam's clearance on the edge of the box and drove the ball low past Benoit Costil. It was the young Londoner's first goal for the club.
Emmanuel Adebayor went close after bustling Ceara off the ball but Spurs didn't have to wait long for a second goal. Adebayor skinned Apam and slipped the ball to Luka Modric nipping in on his left. The midfielder coolly slotted home to finish a lovely move. Xherdan Shaqiri had a fine chance to make it 3-0 just before half time after fine work from Livermore in midfield but Costil saved well after Shaqiri tricked his way past Clemente Rodriguez. Rennes manager Frederic Antonetti put the hapless Ceara out of his misery at half time but the visitors' toils were not quite over.
Kyle Walker bombed forward to present Adebayor with an easy chance to score but Costil recovered well to tip the ball away. Rennes' best chance to find a way back into the game came with twenty minutes left after Shaqiri brought down Apam on the edge of the box. Winger Jires Kembo-Ekoko bent the resulting free kick off the post. Shaqiri finally got his name on the scoresheet after a clever run allowed Giovani dos Santos to pick him out and the winger tucked the ball home. Mangane outjumped William Gallas to steal a consolation goal late on but Tottenham earned a vital win.
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#213038 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Rangnick hopes to build bright future at Spurs
16 October 2011 - Richard Edwards
Tottenham have enjoyed a convincing start to the season and sit at the top of the Premier League. Spurs boss Ralf Rangnick shares his vision for the club and thoughts on their season so far.
FFT: Do you agree with people calling your team title contenders after such a good start?
Rangnick: Well, it's very flattering to be talked about like that. It's a difficult division in many ways. There has been an established group of teams occupying the top four or five spots for the past decade or so. Breaking into that is hard. I decided along with my staff to ask the players what they thought they were capable of achieving. Hype in football is nothing new but it's a distraction. I've always told my players to ignore it and concentrate on their own personal goals.
FFT: Do you feel that the club and its infrastructure are a good fit for you?
Rangnick: I have no complaints. The chairman is an ambitious man and we have had some very encouraging discussions about the way that we work with our young players, for example. We have the youngest squad in the league because of our faith in development. For instance, Jake Livermore, Danny Rose and Andros Townsend have all had opportunities because of progress made in training. That arises from infrastructure and I know that we can make it even better.
FFT: Glenn Hoddle said that your side stands out tactically amongst the other teams in the league. Do you agree?
Rangnick: As someone coming into the English game, it's interesting to hear that because I think our side embodies some of the Premier League's defining qualities over the past few years. Speed and togetherness is vital to the way that we play. The shape is quite different but I'm implementing ideas that started in the late 1980s with Sacchi, really. I've drawn ideas from many sources. It's an intense, aggressive way to play but the way that the midfield is organised also lends well to possession.
FFT: How do your tactics inform your transfer activity, for example? Does the system come first?
Rangnick: It's natural for a coach to want to make an impact when they join a club. Young, quick players are best suited to my game. Jan Vertonghen is 24 and he was the oldest signing. Obviously, you have to be pragmatic sometimes too and I also wanted to hold onto the guile of some of the more experienced players, like Scott Parker. There's a strategy in place for the next year or so that I've worked on with Francisco and the other coaches.
FFT: Do you have a long-term project? Does the strategy extend much further?
Rangnick: I believe you should always try to improve in no matter what field you are involved. There's no perfect formula for success, you have to keep developing your skills and knowledge. Maybe that's the teacher in me. We want to compete at the top level, so the Champions League, but also have a firm identity as a club that plays football the right way and is close to its community.
44 SHARES
#212607 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SPURS 2-0 MANCHESTER CITY
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 15 October 2011 - 17:56
Spurs kept their heads to climb to the top of the Premier League and record a superb 2-0 win over a ten-man Manchester City side.
After a goalless draw for Manchester United against QPR earlier this afternoon, Spurs knew that they could leapfrog United at the top of the table with a win and they did just that as goals from Younes Kaboul and Gareth Bale saw off Roberto Mancini's side. A sensational start saw Tottenham take the lead after just three minutes. Jan Vertonghen's corner was met by an unmarked Kaboul at the near post and the Frenchman sent a textbook downwards header that skidded off the turf and out of the grasp of Joe Hart in the City goal.
Heurelho Gomes denied David Silva twice in quick succession as the shellshocked visitors looked to strike back quickly. Samir Nasri also arrowed a shot over the crossbar from distance. City's hopes of an equaliser took a large dent with twenty nine minutes on the clock as Edin Dzeko dived into a reckless challenge on Kaboul and was shown a straight red by Stuart Attwell. Kaboul was taken off on a stretcher to worried glances from the Spurs bench. Jan Vertonghen was a rock at the centre of defence and made a vital interception to prevent Sergio Aguero from a clear run on goal.
City must have thought that an equaliser was coming when Silva threaded a defence-splitting pass to Aguero, but Gomes ensured his fifth clean sheet of the season by turning away Aguero's sweetly-struck effort. Bale calmed Spurs' nerves by striking a second. Aaron Lennon floated a cross to the back post and the Welshman unleashed a thunderous volley past Hart. Tottenham were denied a third goal only by a controversial offside call. Tom Huddlestone won the ball and set free Defoe on the break to slot home, but the linesman disallowed the England striker's effort.
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#212561 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
VERTONGHEN SETTLES IN WELL
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 14 October 2014 - 12:31
Jan Vertonghen has admitted that he is loving life at Tottenham after his £8million summer move.
The centre-back has battled back after suffering a wrist injury in the 3-1 defeat to FC Nordsjaelland in August and said he couldn't be happier after a solid start to his time at the club, despite spending the last six weeks on the sidelines. Vertonghen is scheduled to make his return from injury against Manchester City tomorrow afternoon at White Hart Lane. The twenty four year old joined Spurs on a four-year deal in July from Ajax for £8million and started all four of the team's games before being forced off in the Europa League tie in Denmark.
"I'm really happy here," the Belgian international said. "Everybody has made me feel very welcome and the dressing room is a great place to be. The players all work hard for another. Being injured was unfortunate, especially since it was only my arm but I'm ready to play again. The club made a big impression when they first made contact with me and I was delighted to join. There's a great sense of momentum here. We're all ambitious and we want to go places. The manager is a very intelligent, likeable character and he's made a real difference."
Following Manchester United's 2-2 draw with West Brom, Spurs have the chance to leapfrog the defending champions if they can defeat City tomorrow and Sir Alex Ferguson's side drop points against newly-promoted QPR. Vertonghen is expected to partner Younes Kaboul at the back. Emmanuel Adebayor is ineligible to play against his parent club and Alberto Paloschi is serving a three-match ban following his red card against Aston Villa, so Jermain Defoe will lead the line as Roberto Mancini's men visit the Lane.
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#212304 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Cheers for the comments!
#212202 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SPURS 2-0 ASTON VILLA
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 2 October 2011 - 17:53
A ten-man Spurs side comfortably saw off Aston Villa at White Hart Lane despite Alberto Paloschi's sending off.
An excellent performance from visiting goalkeeper Shay Given restricted Spurs to just the two goals as they won their fifth straight game in the Premier League. Benoit Assou-Ekotto sent out a warning sign in the opening minutes with a volley that flashed just over the crossbar. Spurs eventually broke the deadlock in the seventeenth minute. Emmanuel Adebayor broke down the right-hand channel and sent the ball across the six-yard box for Paloschi, who easily evaded Carlos Cuellar and swept home to score his first league goal for the club.
Barry Bannan wasted a chance to equalise for Villa after good work from Knut Olav Rindaroy on the left flank and the visitors were soon punished for their profligacy. A lightning-quick break that has become a trademark of the side under Ralf Rangnick saw Assou-Ekotto find Paloschi. Spurs had two-on-one as the young Italian sprinted into the Villa half and played a neat pass to Adebayor, who fired past Given to score his sixth goal of the season. Given then denied the striker a chance for a quickfire second goal by twisting his body to turn away his powerful effort.
A straight red for Paloschi after an impetuous two-footed challenge on Cuellar reduced Spurs to ten men in the second half and Rangnick's side's lead briefly looked shaky as Darren Bent saw his strike ruled out for offside. Emile Heskey also rattled the crossbar after beating Sven Bender in the air. The introduction of Jermain Defoe almost paid off for the Spurs boss after the England international fired narrowly wide following a marvellous run from the halfway line. Given further earned his stripes in added time by making a great save following a one-on-one with Defoe.
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#212200 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Tottenham aim to extend winning run
• Spurs host Aston Villa at White Hart Lane
• Rangnick's side sit third in the Premier League
Tottenham will hope to continue their four-game winning streak against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane tomorrow afternoon.
Spurs are still without Jan Vertonghen and Michael Dawson at centre-back, meaning that Sebastien Bassong is likely to move into the middle. Benoit Assou-Ekotto will make his second Premier League start of the season deputising on the left side of defence. Tottenham manager Ralf Rangnick is expected to switch to a 4-4-2 setup against Villa, who have enjoyed a strong start to the season under Alex McLeish and currently sit sixth in the table. Jermain Defoe and Alberto Paloschi are competing to partner Emmanuel Adebayor up front.
"We're not going to take this lightly," Rangnick said in his pre-match press conference. "Villa have an interesting system and a lot of talent in attack. We are hopeful of a win but nobody is complacent. We've won the games we have because we've kept our concentration, defended stoutly and broke forward at speed. We can only be quietly confident. Everyone has trained well this week, which builds the foundations for the weekend. We are looking at a small reshuffle at the back but nothing too major. I have faith in the replacements."
McLeish's side were boosted by a creditable 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City last weekend and will hope to surprise Spurs, who recorded a rampant 8-2 victory over Sunderland on Monday evening. Last season saw Tottenham win both games against the Villans. At White Hart Lane, Rafael van der Vaart scored twice to cancel out Marc Albrighton's goal and earn a 2-1 win. In the return fixture in December, Harry Redknapp's side maintained their push for European football as the game also ended in a 2-1 win for Tottenham.
#211928 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Got a few harder games coming up against City and Chelsea but we can just about afford a slip-up because of the winning run.
#211908 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
MACCABI HAIFA 0-6 SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 29 September 2011 - 21:58
Aaron Lennon scored a remarkable four goals as Tottenham crushed Maccabi Haifa to get their Europa League aspirations back on track in Israel.
The win lifts Spurs into second place in Group B and means that Ralf Rangnick's side have now scored an extraordinary nineteen goals in their past three games. Lennon opened the scoring after seven minutes at Kiryat Eliezer Stadium. A superb through ball from Alberto Paloschi allowed Lennon to skip past Taleb Tawatha and clip the ball past Bojan Saranov in the Haifa goal. The England international had his second goal twelve minutes later. Giovani dos Santos found Paloschi on the left and the striker's cross was deflected into Lennon's path to blast home.
Lennon completed his first professional hat-trick after twenty eight minutes. A lethal counter-attack spearheaded by Paloschi saw Spurs break into the home side's half after a corner. The Italian striker found Giovani, who sent a low cross to the far post where Lennon was waiting to turn the ball over the line. The winger capped off an outstanding game by netting his fourth goal with not even forty minutes played. Sari Falah's headed clearance fell to Lennon on the edge of the area and he hammered the ball past Saranov from an acute angle to make it 4-0.
Haifa switched to a five-man defence to stem the tide but Paloschi should have made it five in the opening minute of the second half, shooting wide after Giovani's sterling pass. The £4million striker quickly made up for his miss by wonderfully controlling Tom Huddlestone's delicate chipped pass and slotting it into the back of the net. The hosts narrowly missed a chance to reclaim some dignity as Idan Vered's powerful strike hit the foot of the post but Paloschi grabbed a late sixth goal after beating Jurica Buljat to substitute Gareth Bale's cross.
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#211895 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Hoddle hails Spurs performances
Last Updated: 28/09/11 10:55am
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has claimed that his former club are currently the best footballing side in the Premier League.
"They can be very proud," Hoddle told Sky Sports News. "It's been a delight to watch them since the start of the season and Ralf Rangnick has got the players doing exactly what he wants. That last goal against Sunderland was outrageous, I haven't seen a passing move executed that perfectly in a long while. If you look at the rest of the league so far, nobody else has done anything quite like that. It would be easy to say that it was just a one-off result but they've performed consistently well and they're the best team in the league to watch at the moment."
Tottenham have won their last four Premier League matches, stretching back from a 2-2 draw in the North London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane on the opening day of the season. The 8-2 hammering of Sunderland in their last match means that Ralf Rangnick's side have scored seventeen goals in their first five league games. Spurs also recorded a resounding victory over FC Nordsjaelland in the Europa League and beat Ipswich 5-2 in the Carling Cup, attracting praise for their pacy and aggressive counter-attacking style.
Spurs arrived in Israel this morning for tomorrow's Europa League game against Maccabi Haifa. Rangnick is expected to rest several key faces ahead of Sunday's game against Aston Villa and fringe players Danny Rose, Jake Livermore, Giovani dos Santos and Alberto Paloschi are all expected to start in the evening kick-off. Veteran stopper Brad Friedel will replace Heurelho Gomes in goal. Spurs lost their Group B opener against Athletic Bilbao and will need to play catch-up with the Basque pace-setters, who host Ligue 1 side Rennes at San Mames.
#211714 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SUNDERLAND 2-8 SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 26 September 2011 - 21:56
Xherdan Shaqiri scored a hat-trick as Tottenham destroyed Sunderland in a ruthless performance at the Stadium of Light.
The £10million signing gave Spurs the lead after just four minutes. Emmanuel Adebayor's cross was headed away by Wes Brown straight to the feet of Gareth Bale and the Welshman pinged the ball back to Shaqiri, who made no mistake in steering the ball into the bottom corner. It wasn't long before Bale grabbed a strike of his own despite limping out of a collision with John O'Shea. The winger intercepted Michael Turner's poor headed clearance and cut into the box before firing the ball low to the left of Sunderland goalkeeper Kieren Westwood.
Luka Modric added a third goal for Spurs just before half time, taking the ball on the bounce and blasting past Westwood after Bale whipped in a low first-time cross to the Croatian. Spurs continued to pile misery on the shellshocked home side in the second half by going 4-0 up. Shaqiri controlled Modric's pass and played a delicious ball ahead of Adebayor. He darted through and powered in his sixth goal of the season. David Vaughan was the only bright light for the Black Cats and restored some parity by beating Gomes to Connor Wickham's cross.
The goals kept flying in as Modric diverted Shaqiri's curling free kick over the line to make it 5-1. A swift breakaway from Gareth Bale then ended in Shaqiri meeting a low cross at the far post and prodding it past Westwood. Adebayor then bagged his second goal as the striker seized on Andile Jali's awful backpass and slotted home. Vaughan hammered a twenty-five strike into the top corner for 7-2. There was just enough time for Shaqiri to complete his hat-trick late on with a tap-in after a slick passing move that sliced through the home defence.
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#211691 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Black Cats shape up for Spurs test
• Sunderland face in-form Tottenham side at Stadium of Light
• Former Spurs man Kranjcar to miss game
Sunderland host Spurs on Wearside hoping to bring Ralf Rangnick's side's recent run of good form to an end.
Tottenham have won their last three Premier League games without conceding and travel to the Stadium of Light hoping to extend the run. Spurs will be without Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and fellow centre-backs William Gallas and Ledley King for the visit to Steve Bruce's side. Sunderland are missing Niko Kranjcar, who completed a £5.5million move from White Hart Lane in the summer after two seasons in North London. The Croatian international suffered torn knee ligaments in Sunderland's 3-0 Carling Cup defeat to Chelsea in midweek.
The Black Cats have endured an inconsistent start to the season, with their only victory coming in a 1-0 win against QPR at Loftus Road in August. Sunderland slipped to a 3-0 defeat away to Manchester City last weekend and sit just above the relegation zone with four points from their opening five games. Bruce has urged supporters to be patient during a difficult series of fixtures that began against City on Sunday, before games against Spurs and Chelsea. The Sunderland boss spent £10million to bring in Kranjcar, Erik Pieters and Andile Jali in the summer.
Spurs won the corresponding fixture last season at the Stadium of Light. After Asamoah Gyan's opener for Sunderland, Tottenham came back to win the game 2-1 thanks to Michael Dawson's header and a stunning goal from Kranjcar, who will line up on the opposing side this evening. Gyan also scored in the return fixture at White Hart Lane in a 1-1 draw where Rafael van der Vaart scored for the home team. The Ghanaian left Wearside in the summer to spend the campaign on loan at UAE side Al-Ain.
#211112 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
IPSWICH 2-5 SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 20 September 2011 - 21:52
Michael Dawson bagged a rare double as Spurs comfortably beat Championship side Ipswich in the third round of the Carling Cup.
The centre-back opened the scoring for Spurs after twenty four minutes. Tom Huddlestone's corner fell to Dawson's feet and he crashed the ball past David Stockdale to score his first goal since February. Jason Scotland saw a speculative effort balloon over the bar as the Tractor Boys tried to hit back immediately but it was soon 2-0. Xherdan Shaqiri picked out Dawson at the near post and the popular defender could barely believe his luck as he glanced a header past the Ipswich goalkeeper. Four minutes later, the hosts looked to have found a way back into the game.
Scotland exchanged passes with his strike partner Daryl Murphy and cracked a rasping effort into the top corner from twenty yards out. Alberto Paloschi missed a good chance to extend the lead on the stroke of half time as the Italian striker fired wide following Scott Parker's fine through ball. Dawson was forced off six minutes into the second half after a collision with Scotland but Spurs certainly stepped up their game after the break. Shaqiri robbed Alain Rochat on the edge of the box and drove the ball past Stockdale to net his first goal for Spurs.
A lethal breakaway allowed Shaqiri to score a second within eight minutes. Jermain Defoe received the ball from Paloschi on the halfway line and began a well-worked move that culminated in Parker slipping the ball for Shaqiri to roll the ball into an empty net. The goals kept coming as Scotland threaded the ball through for Carlos Edwards, who escaped Benoit Assou-Ekotto and hammered the ball past Friedel. Late substitute Emmanuel Adebayor had the last word as he was left to convert an open goal after Stockdale parried Jake Livermore's effort into the striker's path.
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#210793 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
I've had a momentary pause on the updates because of a (dreadful) essay but I've got a clear weekend so should be more coming.
#209788 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
BELL TO JOIN TOTTENHAM
BUNDESLIGA - 19.09.2011 - 11:08 Uhr
Mainz defender Stefan Bell has agreed a deal to sign for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.
The twenty year old is currently on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and will make the move to England after the end of his spell at the Waldstation. Bell, who is highly rated by the coaching staff at Mainz and has been tipped as a future international, will sign a four-year deal at White Hart Lane next summer after the two clubs agreed a £3million fee. Bell was loaned to 1860 Munich last season, making twenty four appearances for the Lions as they finished ninth in the second tier. The centre-back has already made eight appearances for Frankfurt this season.
"It will be a great shame to lose Stefan after he returns from his loan," Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel said. "We cannot really turn down such an offer and he was very keen to play in the Premier League once he found out that Tottenham were interested. He has done well so far at Frankfurt and we were looking forward to him being a big part of our team next year, but there is very little we can do. The money will be reinvested in the team and academy. We ultimately have to wish him well and hope that he returns one day in the future."
Bell has made two appearances for the Germany under-21 team, making his debut for the side in the friendly against Switzerland in August. He also started the side's first UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Hungary, putting in a solid performance as the youth side defeated their opposition 2-1.
#209772 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SPURS 0-1 ATHLETIC BILBAO
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 15 September 2011 - 21:59
Spurs endured a frustrating evening as they struggled to break down a determined Athletic Bilbao side in the Europa League.
The visitors scored with their only shot on target as Ralf Rangnick's side slumped to a defeat in the opening game of the group stages. A superb performance from Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz meant that Spurs failed to hit the back of the net in a game for the first time this season. Iraizoz displayed what was to come for the rest of the evening early on by pulling off a stunning save from Xherdan Shaqiri after Luka Modric did well to tee up the Swiss international. Younes Kaboul also had a header ruled out for a foul from a corner kick as Spurs controlled the first half of the match.
Athletic's finest chance of the opening forty five minutes fell to Gaizka Toquero. Iker Muniain played a one-two with Markel Susaeta on the wing and crossed for the striker, who poked the ball off the post. Spurs continued to press for the lead after the break but found Iraizoz in fine form, as the keeper turned away Shaqiri's powerful effort and Aaron Lennon failed to make the most of his chance after wriggling free of the defence. The away side made Spurs pay five minutes into the half as Carlos Gurpegi's corner was headed in by centre-back Jon Aurtenetxe.
Rangnick threw on Giovani dos Santos and Alberto Paloschi to try to change the game but Athletic held firm. The Mexican almost immediately had a good opportunity to level the scores after jinking through the defence but Giovani's finish could not match up to his impressive solo run. Borja Ekiza made an excellent block to prevent Scott Parker from smashing the ball into the top corner and Iraizoz clung onto Luka Modric's effort before again denying Shaqiri. Ledley King was forced to limp off late on to cap a disappointing night for Spurs.
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#209454 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Rangnick heartened by strong start
• German boss has led Spurs to third in league
• Tottenham have kept three straight clean sheets
Ralf Rangnick has declared himself pleased with the start that his Tottenham side have made to the season after a 2-0 win at Blackburn.
Rangnick was appointed manager in June after Harry Redknapp left the club and has enjoyed a successful start to the season, including three straight Premier League victories and an emphatic 7-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland in the Europa League. His side have attracted praise for their attacking football and wing play. Spurs have also kept clean sheets in each of their three league wins this season, including a 2-0 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon which moved them up to third in the early stages of the Premier League.
"The players can take heart from their performances so far," Rangnick said. "They have adapted to the way we want to play very well and you can see the confidence that has brewed in the results that we are having. There's still room to improve and it's important to continue the momentum of a good start. The players need time to get used to their roles in the system but they have taken to the style of play I'm looking for very quickly. It's been terrific to watch the players combining with another so well. There's a great chemistry and togetherness in the squad, which is wonderful."
Tottenham are preparing for their first Europa League group stage game against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night at White Hart Lane. The Spanish side are Spurs' main rivals to top Group B and are managed by the experienced former Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa. Spurs are likely to hand captain Ledley King a first appearance of the season after the England international's return from a groin injury. Swiss starlet Xherdan Shaqiri is also expected to make his first start for the club after his £10million move from Basel.
#209441 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
BLACKBURN 0-2 SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 10 September 2011 - 17:17
Spurs kept their third consecutive clean sheet as two first-half goals claimed three points away at Blackburn.
Ralf Rangnick handed a debut to deadline day signing Sven Bender in midfield and the young German enjoyed an impressive first start for the club. Spurs went ahead after just ten minutes as a cleverly-worked corner from Gareth Bale found Younes Kaboul at the near post. The Frenchman controlled the ball and slammed it past Paul Robinson to grab his third goal in four games. The home side tried their hardest to hit back immediately and Mauro Formica went closest with a long-range effort that whistled just over the crossbar.
Heurelho Gomes has had an excellent start to the season and the Brazilian goalkeeper put in another man-of-the-match display at Ewood Park. A brilliant first-half stop to deny Steven N'Zonzi's powerful effort was one of the highlights. Ten minutes before the break, Spurs doubled their advantage. Emmanuel Adebayor broke free after Aaron Lennon's through ball and clipped the ball across the box to Tom Huddlestone. Adebayor escaped his marker and Huddlestone sent the ball back into the path of the striker, who turned the ball past Robinson.
The on-loan Manchester City man looked a potent threat in front of goal all afternoon and frequently caused havoc in the Blackburn defence. Former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson twice made fine saves to deny the Togolese international, one after a magnificent solo run. Gomes refused to be outdone by his fellow keeper and again produced a flying save from Formica's effort. Michael Dawson hit the bar late on from a corner and Xherdan Shaqiri almost had a dream debut after coming on in the second half, blasting the ball into the side netting after speeding down the right flank.
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#209217 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
BENDER HOPES FOR SPURS SUCCESS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 1 September 2014 - 13:26
Tottenham's latest signing Sven Bender offered his thoughts after a whirlwind past twenty four hours for the German international.
"I'm a little tired but very happy," laughed the twenty two year old. "I'm looking forward to meeting my team-mates and working with the manager, who I really admire from his days managing in Germany. I talked to some of the national team players that play in the Premier League and they spoke very highly of the quality of football, even compared to the Bundesliga. Tottenham are a club on the rise and offer a new challenge for me. I hope that it will have a positive effect on my game."
"Moving to a new country is an interesting experience and living in London will be very different. I know that my brother is going through the same thing so hopefully we will be able to give each other some tips. It's difficult to leave Dortmund, I had a fantastic time there and Jurgen Klopp has really shaped my game and helped me to develop as both a player and a person. I'm very grateful to him for that. The manager here shares his dynamism and the style of play is also quite similar, which has helped me to make my decision."
Bender could make his first start for Spurs against Blackburn next weekend after the international break. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric both completed their returns from injury against Wolves and are expected to feature at Ewood Park. Jan Vertonghen, William Gallas and Ledley King are all still on the sidelines and Danny Rose joined them today after twisting his ankle in training.
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#209095 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Deadline Day: Spurs swoop for midfield duo
Last Updated: 01/09/11 12:17am
Tottenham have announced the signings of midfielders Xherdan Shaqiri and Sven Bender, subject to Premier League approval.
Spurs officials worked late into the night to submit the necessary registration documents to complete the deals for Basel winger Shaqiri and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bender. The Premier League is expected to approve the signings of the duo, making Spurs the most active club on deadline day following the sale of Rafael van der Vaart to Bayern Munich earlier in the evening. Manager Ralf Rangnick was called into action after the Dutchman's £15million move boosted his transfer funds and allowed him to bring in extra targets.
Shaqiri is one of Europe's most highly-rated youngsters and Tottenham have paid Basel £10million to bring him to North London for the next four years. The nineteen year old has been a key part of the Swiss side's consecutive league wins and was a surprise inclusion in the Switzerland squad at the 2010 World Cup last summer. Shaqiri is renowned for his blistering pace and has been dubbed the 'Messi of the Alps' for his outstanding technical ability. He has made eleven appearances for the national side, scoring once against England in 2010.
Tottenham were linked with Sven Bender's brother Lars earlier in the transfer window but missed out on the Leverkusen man, who has completed a season-long loan to Benfica. The younger brother has signed a five-year deal with the club after Spurs agreed a £6.75million fee with Dortmund. Bender made his debut for the national side in March against Australia and was thought to be highly-rated by the German champions, where he missed just three league games on their run to a first title in nine years last season.
#208885 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Deadline Day: Bayern sign van der Vaart
Last Updated: 31/08/11 5:59pm
Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have signed Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart in a £15million move.
The twenty eight year old has signed a three-year deal with the Bundesliga side after talks with Bayern representatives in Germany. The Dutch international joined Spurs from Real Madrid exactly a year ago for £8million. Van der Vaart was a long-term target for ex-Bayern boss Louis van Gaal and almost signed for Bayern before making the move to White Hart Lane. Jupp Heynckes is now the man in charge at the Allianz-Arena but he decided to pursue the former Hamburg man to bolster a midfield already boasting the talents of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos.
"We are very pleased to announce the signing of Rafael van der Vaart," a statement on Bayern's website read. "He is a hugely talented player with an excellent range of passing who will easily fit into our system. His ability to strike a dead ball is almost second to none. Rafael has experience at the highest level and we are confident that he will adjust to the pace of the game quickly as a former Bundesliga player. This transfer shows our continued commitment to signing players of his calibre."
Tottenham face a race against time to replace the popular midfielder, who was a consistent presence in the starting line-up last season. Van der Vaart was the club's highest scorer in the Premier League last season with thirteen goals but manager Ralf Rangnick has been eager to blood youngsters like Jake Livermore into the first eleven this season. Rangnick was spotted visiting friends in Germany yesterday but it is unknown if the Spurs boss is attempting to close any deals with only six hours of the transfer window remaining.
#208725 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
SPURS 3-0 WOLVES
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 28 August 2011 - 17:58
Tottenham moved up to third in the Premier League after they eased to a home victory over Wolves.
Gareth Bale and Luka Modric both made successful returns to the starting line-up as Spurs dominated the game, restricting Mick McCarthy's side to just one shot on target. Kevin Doyle wasted the visitors' best chance of the game after just five minutes, spurning an open goal after beating Heurelho Gomes to a loose ball on the edge of the box following Tom Huddlestone's underhit backpass. Emmanuel Adebayor had an impressive afternoon and the on-loan striker rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from Aaron Lennon's cross.
The striker didn't have to wait much longer for his first goal in a Tottenham shirt as Spurs took the lead five minutes later. Jake Livermore slipped the ball to Adebayor on the halfway line and the Togolese international set off on a dazzling run, skinning Roger Johnson and Christophe Berra before burying the ball in the bottom corner. Wayne Hennessey twice did well to prevent Aaron Lennon from notching his third goal in three league games, once following a magnificent solo run by the winger as Spurs looked to extend their lead.
Five minutes into the second half, substitute Jermain Defoe made it 2-0. Huddlestone collected Johnson's clearance and picked out Defoe in a crowded box, allowing the striker to blast the ball out of Hennessey's reach in the top corner. The same combination almost struck again on the hour but Defoe became the second Spurs striker to hit the woodwork. Ralf Rangnick's men finally grabbed a third in added time. Modric's corner ricocheted off Kevin Foley into the path of Younes Kaboul and the centre-back steered the ball low into the back of the net.
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#208724 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Yeah, we were rather awful there, it was an awkward mix of the first eleven and some fairly rubbish youth players. I reckon we should be able to get through as long as we beat Rennes.
#208469 Earning Their Spurs
Taz.
Europa League group stage draw
• Fulham to meet Dundee United in Group E
• Tottenham and Stoke face tough draws
The Europa League group stage draw has handed tough tasks to Tottenham and Stoke, while Fulham face British opposition in Group E.
Spurs will face an Athletic Bilbao side renowned as one of the most attacking teams in Europe. Ralf Rangnick's side will also make a trip to Israel to play Maccabi Haifa and French side Rennes complete Group B. Stoke will take on 2010 champions Atletico Madrid, Steaua Bucharest and Stromsgodset in a daunting Group F. The Norwegian side stunned Lazio in the fourth qualifying round. Celtic have been drawn with Italian giants Roma, Slovenian side Maribor and Dinamo Bucharest in Group I.
Fulham have already overcome four sides to reach the groups after beginning their qualifying campaign in June thanks to the fair play system. The 2010 runners-up must negotiate PSV Eindhoven, Lokomotiv Moscow and Scottish side Dundee United if they hope to make the next round. Championship side Birmingham City will fancy their chances of progression as they face Braga, AEK Athens and Jablonec of the Czech Republic.
The first matches of the group stage will kick off on 29th September.
British involvement in the Europa League group stages:
Group B: Tottenham, Athletic Bilbao, Maccabi Haifa, Rennes.
Group E: PSV, Fulham, Lokomotiv Moscow, Dundee United.
Group F: Atletico Madrid, Steaua, Stoke, Stromsgodset.
Group G: Braga, AEK, Birmingham, Jablonec.
Group I: Roma, Celtic, Maribor, Dinamo Bucharest.