Spurs Are Fading

Following the disappointment of an injury at Goodison Park which will keep captain Ledley King on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, Spurs hopes of Champions League football next season took another major blow with a 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.

Despite the home side’s early pressure, United swept into the lead in the 8th minute with a stunning finish by Wayne Rooney from Ronaldo’s cross and 28 minutes later the England striker added another.

Though looking a little jaded, United always gave the impression that they had the game under control and could step up a gear – but a poor defensive header by Vidic from a corner produced a goalmouth scramble which ended with Jenas bundling the ball over the line early in the second half.

In general, however, Spurs looked dangerous only from free kicks and corners, when Dawson was a threat, and when Lennon was given the opportunity to break down the right and cross the ball.

Martin Jol has done an excellent job with this side, but in some respects they still seem not quite ready for top class European competition. There are obvious weaknesses at full back and in midfield Edgar Davids is showing his age, while up front the absence of Mido denies them a physical presence and obliges them to concentrate on playing the ball on the ground to Keane and Defoe.

And they must be concerned that by all accounts the elegant Michael Carrick has yet to make a long term commitment to the club.