Tottenham Hotspur have gone from Jenga to Kentenga.
Kentenga is a South African word, It means to find oneself without some vital item (such as a wife running away or a roof having blown off a hut).
Jenga, as most will know, is a game whereby the bricks can topple at any moment.
There will be weeping and wailing galore amongst the Tottenham Hotspur faithful this morning. Fourth is relinquished and Team Bridge have games in hand. That said, the next fixture is Wolves away. If Spur’s finest don’t find themselves overwhelmed by the urge to go on the p*ss between now and then, the can at the very least add three more points to their cause.
So what of kentenga? It would be easy to place each Lilywhite beneath the post match microscope. But I don’t think it would serve much purpose. Nobody played badly. In fact many were on occasion outstanding.
Modric is a their Champions League man. Bale has returned much much improved. The argument for Bentley is slowly gaining momentum. Gomes looks like he may have finally settled. There are many, many positives.
The reality of yesterday’s game was that Aston Villa’s defense were as tight as a tourniquet. Defoe, unless shooting was rendered pretty impotent, Crouch painted almost permanently in a crowd scene.
So what was missing?
Bravery.
Bravery from the bench.
No one in their right mind would argue that Redknapp cost Tottenham two points. But it has to be argued that it would have done no harm to introduce some fresh meat by the 70th minute at least.
Harry talks of a top four finish, but he more so than the team is missing that edge, that extra certain something that separates managers who achieve glory and those that almost achieve it.
If things don’t change soon, then Spurs could well win the FA Cup may finish 5th or 6th.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, eh?
