Is the Mourinho Master Plan Taking Shape?


What. A. Week. 

A controlled and polished North London Derby win over Arsenal, followed by a 1-3 away victory at Newcastle and ending with a comfortable 3-0 win against Champions League contenders Leicester City. 

The win against Arsenal was classic Mourinho. He changed the tactics and formation. Spurs switched to a 4-4-2 lineup, two wide players and Kane and Son up front, in order to counteract Arsenal's 3 centre halves. The two strikers were revitalised and a threat all game. 

The performance against Newcastle consisted of three well created goals, all scored by Messrs. Kane and Son. Spurs buzzed with confidence in the empty environs of St James' Park. 

Finally the Leicester game was another Mourinho master class aided by world class performances from Son, Kane and captain Hugo Lloris. 

So with one match left in this at times most forlorn of seasons, Tottenham are on the cusp of Europe. However we will likely have to win at Crystal Palace to secure Europa League qualification and a top 7 finish. Of course if we finish lower than 6th, and Arsenal win the FA Cup all these endeavours will be in vain in terms of European qualification. But it is clear that the foundations for future success are being laid by Jose Mourinho 

Last NovemberJose Mourinho took over a rudderless side languishing in 14th place. Since then he has the 3rd best record in the league and has acquired two signature wins against Man City and Arsenal.

Perhaps his master plan is taking shape after all.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

McNamara's Band: Irish Ode to Tottenham Hotspur

Image
Danny Blanchflower lifting the FA Cup Back in the glory years of the 1950's and 1960's as Tottenham Hotspur won 3 FA Cups, 2 League titles and a European Cup Winners Cup, the team would enter the White Hart Lane pitch to the tune of the Irish jingle McNamara's Band. The upbeat song seemed to rhyme with Tottenham's stylistic approach: push and run, high tempo, passionate, skillful and tough.  But why McMamara's Band? What was it's association with Tottenham Hotspur? The composer of the song John Stamford was the manager of the Alhambra Theatre in Belfast and legend has it he composed the lyrics while living close by Tottenham in Barnet.  Another theory is that it was adopted by Spurs fans when Northern Ireland's Danny Blanchflower joined the club in 1954. While the presence of the immortal Blanchflower propelled Tottenham to greatness the song was part of Tottenham folklore long before 1954.  It has been suggested by older generation Spurs support
Read more

Raiders Crush Chargers- The Winners

Image
It was an historic night in Allegiant Stadium with the Raiders scoring their highest ever points total. Every Raiders player and coach deserves credit and praise but it was a big night for the following:  1. Malcolm Koonce Malcolm Koonce's stats were off the chart. He's had an exceptional season even before last night's game. Coming out of college he was likened to fellow University of Buffalo DE Khalil Mack and now we know why. - 2 sacks - 2 FF - 5 pressures - 3 QB Hits - 2 TFL - 4 Stops - 12.8% Win Rate - 91.6 PFF Grade 2. Patrick Graham Patrick Graham is one of the top defensive coaches in the league. He'll likely get head coach interviews (possibly including the Raiders) 3. The Offensive Line The Raiders turned to some backups due to the absence of Kolton Miller and Andre James. And the offensive line produced a sensational effort. Thayer Munford at right tackle was solid all game long. And Dylan Parham may now be our first choice centre.
Read more

Outcoached by the Mizzouri Team - Pierce Likely Out

Image
New Direction Needed If a week is a long time in politics then it's longer in football. A week ago I wrote a piece supporting Antonio Pierce as the next permanent Raiders head coach. Even yesterday morning I reposted an article by Ross Tucker in the same vein https://www.the33rdteam.com/antonio-pierce-is-earning-raiders-head-coach-job/ Following the Raiders loss to the Mizouri team (yawn....yet again), I can see no way how Antonio Pierce is appointed as the permanent head coach. Roderic Teamer Arrest No coaching staff is entirely responsible for the behaviour of its players off the field but the DUI arrest of Roderic Teamer in the early hours of the Chiefs game, won't help Pierce in any way. The perception is that Pierce manages a lax operation where player autonomy is to the fore. The recent arrest of Teamer does not bode well for this approach long term. The coach should call the shots, not the players.  The Raiders blew a 14-0 lead against the Mizzouri team. Pier
Read more