Come on you Spurs(y)

Although the most wonderful Club in the world it’s certainly a roller coaster ride being a Spurs fan at times.

Spurs are a side who have have the ability to frustrate and excite in equal measures!

Among the media and mischievous opposition supporters the word ‘Spursy’ has previously been coined.

While its not quite made the Oxford English dictionary, there are a number of definitions offered up in the ‘Urban dictionary’ with one of the explanations being;

“Tottenham’s consistency to fail to live up to expectations, drop points in crucial games that should have been won”

Having won the Champions League ‘Group of Death’ by registering wins against Borussia Dortmund and reigning Champions Real Madrid, what could have been more Spursy than throwing the last 16 tie away within the first 9 minutes?

Well I’m sure even the most pessimistic of Spurs fans didn’t expect it but yes, Spurs found themselves 2-0 down within the first 9 minutes away at Juventus.

Spurs only had themselves to blame as they started like a side still recovering physically and mentally from the fantastic North London Derby win and performance at the weekend.

Although observers will point to Dele Alli’s lack of marking for the first goal, it was a rare misplaced pass by Jan Vertongan that ultimately led to Moussa Dembele conceding the free kick. Jan has been immense this season, arguably Spurs most consistent player. It just goes to show that he is human after all.

The second goal, a penalty was the result of a rash tackle by the usually faultless Ben Davies.

We were now fearing the worst with the start at the Allianz Stadium evoking memories of the 4-0 quarter final defeat at the Bernabeu when Peter Crouch was sent off for a rare mistimed tackle. Or should I say rare tackle that he mistimed.

However what followed in the remaining 81 minutes this evening was a tremendous performance and anything but Spursy! In fact Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham are a whole new breed. A team that plays with steel, swagger and no shortage of skill.

What was so pleasing was heads didn’t visibly drop. There was no panic and Spurs maintained a measured approach, gradually building up the tempo as the first half progressed. Dembele was running the midfield while the impressive trio of Erikson, Lamela and Alli were patiently probing at the usually impregnable Juventus defence.

In fact when Harry Kane rounded Buffon after 35 minutes it was no more than Spurs deserved. Kane celebrating like a man who realised that this was only the start of the job in hand.

Just as Pochettino was putting the finishing touches to a revised half time speech it was all change again. The lightning Douglas Costa made a break down the left and was sythed down by a desperate lunge from Serge Aurier.

(I can’t help feeling that Aurier would benefit from a natural right winger working the flank with him. Maybe Lucas Moura will be that man)

Higuain stepped up and blasted the resultant penalty against the cross bar. Credit should go to Hugo Lloris who stood tall and didn’t commit too early. Possibly a pivotal moment in the tie.

Harry Kane’s goal and Spurs increasing dominance had calmed the raucous atmosphere. It was Spurs who were now playing like the home side and having the majority of play. Juventus were largely restricted to the odd counter attacks but were still very dangerous on the break.

Spurs deservedly equalised on 71 minutes when Christian Eriksen’s free kick evaded the dive of Buffon. Again arguably a mistake by a legend of the game who just doesn’t make them.

Spurs brought on Son, Wanyama and Moura (who impressed with a lively cameo) as late substitutes but there were no further chances of real note for Spurs who can be satisfied with their two away goals to take back to Wembley in a fortnights time. It really had been a tremendous fight back.

While the media will insist that Spurs need to win a trophy to demonstrate progress, there is no doubt that Pochettino’s Spurs came of age tonight.

Having gone toe to toe with one of the European heavyweights (not to mention being 2-0 down after 9 minutes) we can be extremely proud our team. Spurs had approaching 70% possession against a team that had reached two of the last three Champions League finals and scored two away goals against a team that just doesn’t concede goals!

While admittedly the tie remains wide open going into the second leg it is safe to say that the old definition of ‘Spursy’ has gone a long way to being banished this evening!