In my previous article I questioned whether the media’s recent damnation of Tottenham’s dip in form was a tad premature, given that it was the results that had changed and not the level of performance. However, there is a case to be made surrounding Redknapp’s decision to alter the seemingly effective 4-5-1 formation in an attempt to incorporate the arrival of Louis Saha.
The deadline day arrival of ‘King Lilly’ certainly raised a few eyebrows, with Redknapp expected to acquire more high-profile targets with fewer miles on the clock, in order to transform his team into serious title contenders. The purchases of Saha and Blackburn defender Ryan Nelson highlighted Harry’s decision to opt for experience instead of youthful exuberance. Perhaps the ‘wheeler dealer’ in him decided it was best to bolster his ranks with seasoned professionals rather than a younger generation of stars, who could potentially upset the moral in the squad.
After a frustrating and lacklustre goalless draw against Liverpool, Redknapp paired Saha and Adebayor up front together in the 5-0 demolition of Newcastle United. Since then however Spurs have failed to win a league fixture and were forced to overcome a spirited Stevenage side in the FA Cup. With the prospect of a semi-final in store on Saturday, is it time Redknapp restored his 4-5-1 in a bid to stop their current rut?
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It would appear easier said than done as Redknapp’s favoured lone talisman Adebayor is currently nursing a hamstring injury. The Togolese striker’s strength and ability to hold up the ball has allowed him to excel in this role throughout the season, but do Tottenham’s other attacking options have the attributes to lead the line in the same manner?
Despite enduring a part-time role at the Lane this year, Jermain Defoe leads the club’s goal scoring charts with 15 (in all competitions). His raw pace and clinical finishing make him an important member of the squad but without a strike partner to feed off he’s often troubled by the stronger and more aggressive centre-halves in the division.
Saha on the other hand has spent the past three seasons isolated at the summit of Everton’s attack and would arguably be the more viable option to start as the sole centre forward. Nevertheless Saha’s fitness worries and tendency to fade in and out of games leaves a question mark above his head, could Harry be rueing letting Roman Pavlyuchenko leave the club in this time of need?
The new formation has certainly caused issues right across the pitch, with Spurs lacking a certain zip and fluidity to their play. Luka Modric has been shifted wide but his penchant for drifting inside has left the team exposed down the flanks. Without the likes of Modric and Van Der Vaart in their central roles, the midfield core has been unable to offer much support going forward and has been susceptible to being over run when they do decide to join the attack.
Despite the return of Van Der Vaart and the murmurs of discontent amongst the loyal Lilywhites, I believe Redknapp will remain confident his newfound playing philosophy. Bolton are team ripe for the taking and manager Owen Coyle has already hinted he will make one or two changes to his side, with his attentions seemingly focused solely on the Trotter’s relegation battle.
The outcome of the match will surely dictate their approach to the midweek fixture with Stoke. Redknapp will surely look to pack the midfield to assert some kind of dominance against the physically robust Potters, with Adebayor resembling the best option to do battle with the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth. A resurgent Chelsea side also lie in wait on the following Saturday, where Spurs will have to be at their very best to maintain their foothold in third place.
Redknapp today insisted, “If we finish in the top four we have over-punched our weight” and “way exceeded expectations.” Perhaps this is true but considering Spurs were masquerading as title contenders not too long ago, qualification for the Champions League appears to be the minimum requirement this season.
Where will Spurs finish this season? Let me know in the comments section below or on Twitter @theunusedsub
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