Tottingham Hotspurs vs Liverpool (Jan/11/20)

The use of Tottingham in the title is a reference to how Osvaldo Ardiles pronounced Tottenham when he and Ricardo Villa joined Spurs in 1978 and started the mass influx of foreign players into the English game. Ultimately, we saw Chelsea fielding an entirely foreign first 11 in 1999 and Arsenal an entire matchday squad in 2005. Now , at Liverpool, we have a German manager, American owners, a multinational team and, in an act of charity, even a Scottish left back. The picture below is of Osvaldo in his prime playing in a first division game against Liverpool in 1985.

Embed from Getty Images

When Mourinho took over at Spurs there was a mini revival in form and they climbed the table but as they have come up against better teams their form has faltered and the recent draw at bottom club Norwich suggests the honeymoon period might well be over. In addition, they have a bit of an injury crisis going on and now they also have lost Harry Kane to injury. Harry is pictured below in an all too familiar pose though this time it seems he really is injured and could be out until April according to reliable reports (?) in the Metro.

Embed from Getty Images

Worse than this. it is understood that Harry’s shirt was also damaged during the game and is facing a late fitness test with fears that it too might not be available to play against Liverpool on Saturday. Harry Kane’s shirt is pictured below being taken away for urgent medical treatment. This could well mean that Spurs will have to face Liverpool without Harry Kane and without their leading goal scorer – his shirt.

Embed from Getty Images

Two seasons ago Liverpool were unfortunate to lose a CL final and it could be said that last season Spurs suffered a similar fate. The difference is that the disappointment acted as a spur to Liverpool to go on to even greater achievements and the amazing run we’re now on. In contrast it seems to have been a high water mark for Spurs and they have fallen away dramatically . I wonder how much of the difference between the fortunes of the two sides is down to psychology. In particular Klopp’s management skills. I was wondering too whether his skills are natural and just instinctive or whether he consciously thinks about how he reacts to people. . I was struck by what he did when young Harvey Elliot was substituted against Everton. He gave him a big hug and a broad smile but then as Elliot made his way to the bench Klopp looked back at him and allowed himself another little smile. Was that a natural response or was he well aware the cameras would pick up on everything he did?. Was it deliberate, was it the look of a proud father, or like the rest of us, was he just laughing at his man bun?

Team: Alisson, TAA, Gomez, Virgil Van Duck, Robbo, Gini , Hendo, Lallana, Mane, Firmino, Salah. Hopefully both Fab and Jones will find a place on the bench.

Stu & Co