Does White Hart Lane still have the X-factor?

The news this week revolves around AVB’s comments that the Spurs faithful aren’t generating enough atmosphere at home games and that the players are starting to become affected by the apparent ‘lack’ of support. Is this statement fair, or is AVB pushing his luck by criticising the fans? A bit of both, if you ask me.

Whilst i think AVB’s comments have come out stronger than he means them to be, he has a valid point. White Hart Lane, in my experience, can produce a wonderful atmosphere when the fans are in full voice and it could easily rival any stadium for this in the league. However, I think it’s fair to say that the fans do take their foot of the pedal when we face the ‘smaller’ teams as there is a level of expectancy that flows through the terraces. When Chelsea, Arsenal, City and Utd come to town, the fans know they will have to be at their best in order to create a 12th man and hugely influence our beloved team’s motivation on the pitch. This isn’t the case with teams like Hull City. The crowd become almost lazy in a way that they become relaxed about getting a result, regardless of the vocal support they can bring. AVB is simply saying that we should back the team vocally against ALL teams, EVERY game, and throughout the WHOLE game. And frankly, i agree. We often seem to struggle against the lesser teams in the league as they consistently set up to defend when we are at home, so it is logical to suggest we provide the team with extra enthusiasm in order to break through and drive the team on. It could be the subtle difference between drawing and winning, with every result of huge importance.

Whilst i understand some fans to be questioning AVB’s comments on Sunday, you have got to admire his honesty. He knew that he might face some negativity but you got to remember he is looking out for the best interests of the team. Yes, we haven’t been playing out best football, and yes we are scraping through games at the moment, but it is results that count and we are getting them. We have only lost two games in total this season (Arsenal away and West Ham at home) and we are consistently picking up clean sheets with our wins so you can’t really argue with our start to the season. We have a completely new-look side and it’s going to take time for the squad to properly gel so keep the faith people and back the team at whatever cost. AVB is doing a brilliant job and i’m certain our play will ‘click’ sooner-rather than-later, leading onto bigger and better things. COYS!!