The entertaining draw we didn't know we needed
The View From The Lane: The Athletic FC's Tottenham show
Deep Dive
Why was the Europa League game against Roma considered entertaining despite its chaotic nature?
The game featured a mix of high-quality football and bad moments from both teams, resulting in a match that could have ended in any scoreline. Tottenham and Roma both had periods of brilliance and poor play, making it a highly unpredictable and entertaining encounter.
What were the key factors that led to the 2-2 draw between Tottenham and Roma?
Tottenham had three phases of the game where they switched off, while Roma had three goals disallowed for offside and missed several chances. Forster made two crucial saves, and the game could have easily ended in a higher-scoring draw or a win for either side.
Why did the result of the game against Roma feel like a 'normal' outcome for Tottenham?
Tottenham has often experienced extreme results—either incredible performances with great outcomes or poor performances with bad results. The 2-2 draw, despite being chaotic, felt like a more balanced result compared to their usual pattern of extreme highs and lows.
How did Tottenham's performance in the first half against Roma compare to the second half?
In the first half, Tottenham was dominant in the final 20 minutes, creating multiple chances and looking physically superior to Roma. However, the second half saw Roma take control, particularly through wide play, and Tottenham struggled to maintain their momentum, though they still created chances.
What was the significance of the Vicario injury for Tottenham's goalkeeping situation?
Vicario's injury left Tottenham with only untrusted goalkeepers in their mid-20s and the veteran Forster as backup. This situation highlighted a long-standing issue that Tottenham should have addressed in previous transfer windows, leaving them vulnerable in goal.
What should Tottenham prioritize in the January transfer window?
Tottenham should prioritize signing a reliable second-choice goalkeeper to address their ongoing vulnerability in goal. This should be their top priority, regardless of Vicario's injury status, as they have lacked a dependable backup for years.
Why did Tottenham decide to extend Ben Davies' contract?
Tottenham extended Ben Davies' contract because of his reliability, adaptability, and importance as a cultural architect within the team. His experience and selflessness make him a valuable presence, especially with the club's younger players and the departure of key figures like Kane and Lloris.
What challenges does Tottenham face in their upcoming Premier League game against Fulham?
Tottenham faces the challenge of maintaining momentum after their win against Manchester City, as they have struggled with consistency. Additionally, they will be without Vicario, and fatigue could play a role, especially with key players like Romero likely to miss the game due to injury.
- 2-2 draw against Roma
- mix of high-quality and bad football
- multiple disallowed goals for offside
- Forster's brilliant saves
- game could have gone either way
Shownotes Transcript