Newcastle host Tottenham this Sunday with interim boss John Carver desperate to end his sides current losing streak but, with Spurs looking to keep tabs on the Europa League spot, the Magpies have a tough task ahead. We caught up with The Continental Zone’s Spurs fan Nicolas Wright who gave us his insight ahead of the game.
What is your assessment of Tottenham’s season so far?
Very hit and miss so far, and to be honest it’s what we expected. At the start of the season I said I’d be happy with a trophy and 6th place. Well we are likely to fall short, losing the cup final and probably finishing 7th but it is roughly where I expected us to be. We’ve shown some promising signs. The wins against Arsenal and Chelsea were special and it showed what we are capable of when everyone is on the same wavelength, but at the same time we’ve had some terrible defeats where the players just seem lost and there is no fluidity there. I think our problem is the lack of options in the squad and burnout. We’ve largely had to play the same players week in week out and at this stage of the season they have finally succumbed to tiredness. Next season is going to be the big one. Pochettino needs a clear out this summer, to get some of his own players in and really implement his style onto them from the off.
How do you view Newcastle?
I’d be surprised if you got any answer here other than a big club that is underachieving. I feel the lack of ambition from board level down is criminal and that the loyal nature of your fans is actually to your detriment now because nothing will change whilst they continue to support the team week in week out. It is commendable but at the same time the bigger picture needs to be looked at and your board’s lack of drive means the club is at a stand still.
What do you make of our season so far?
Standard Newcastle season really in recent years. Get the pre requisite number of points early on and then cruise through the second half of the season, losing more than you win and just standing still in mid table. Obviously the Pardew situation was a strange one. The majority of your fans wanted him out it seems and to have somebody pay you money to take him must have been a dream come true, but then to just replace him with just a Geordie version was bizarre although befitting of the board. You’ve had some great wins this season, Chelsea, City, winning at White Hart Lane but, at the same time, you’ve had some shocking defeats. In many ways it has been similar to our season, some positives, lots of negatives but I think both teams are just waiting for the final game now.
What do you make of the John Carver situation? Does he deserve the job permanently?
If I am totally honest I think it is a bit of a joke and I certainly do not think he deserves the job permanently. You have not progressed under Carver and I don’t think you will. He may say the right things but the reality of the situation is that he’s not suitable for such a high profile job. Unfortunately though, the problems go far beyond the manager and whoever you appoint next will encounter the same old problems.
Which Newcastle player(s) would you take at White Hart Lane, if any?
I will talk about both in more detail further down the questions but I would like to see Sissoko and Perez at White Hart Lane. I feel the former is your best player and has been wasted out wide for you on many occasions and, the latter, is a very talented up and coming young striker and would be a great option to have in the squad to bring on for Kane or play alongside him.
Which Spurs players should Newcastle be wary of on Sunday?
The obvious one of course is Harry Kane. When we’ve done well this season it’s largely been down to this one man and I see that being no different on Sunday. Kane is the main man now, has the captaincy whilst Hugo is out, and he looks to lead from the front. The last few games the opposition have restricted him to long shots and that is what you need to do in order to contain him. The other to look out for is Danny Rose, who deserves a shout out after some excellent performances this season. Rose has become our main outlet on the left. With our forward players looking to drift inside all the time, Rose has been getting down the outside to great effect and his delivery has improved a lot this season.
Who will Spurs fans fear in a black & white shirt?
I think Sissoko should be our main concern. He’s very dynamic, great at running with the ball and our defence is shaky at the best of times, so if he manages to get at them then we could be in trouble. The other I really like is Ayoze Perez. He’s shown glimpses this season of the obvious talent he possesses and his goal at White Hart Lane was very nice indeed. I think we need to be wary of giving him too much time in the box because he has the ability to punish us if given half a yard.
Likely Tottenham team and your prediction.
[4-2-3-1] Vorm; Chiriches, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Mason, Bentaleb; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane.
1-2 Tottenham, although it is certainly not going to be a classic.
