Opinion: Three in a row

A close call again. We conceded another two goals, but the positive is that we won our three games under Mourinho. This Wednesday we face our toughest test under him, against his old club United.

Like the previous two games, we came to the stadium (West Ham’s game was away) with excitement in our guts. Granted, not everything is right with the team, but Mourinho is getting us back to winning ways. Again, we’ve conceded another 2 goals (6 in all) but scored 10.

I left home again early, I wanted to get into the shop as they had Black Friday discount day (25% off) and I wanted to get a few items; such as a coat, gnome, gloves, Julie Welch’s third edition of her book, fridge magnets and some other stuff. Then took the goods back to my car and waited for 12 o’clock to arrive.

When the doors opened, we were instructed to unbutton our coats, this was because of the terrorist attack on London Bridge on Friday. Probably because they knew me they didn’t check my bag and I was waved through. Got my two programmes and up the two escalators.

I was the only enthusiastic one there, as the others didn’t arrive until late. I got myself a coffee and something to eat. Then Steve finally arrived, and I got him a drink and a large glass of wine for myself. Later Jeff came, followed by the others and then the talk turned to the previous two games and predictions followed; 5-0, 4-1, 2-1 and I predicted 2-0. Nobody got it right. The other talk was about the sacking of Dick Emery, that great comedian that managed Arsenal. So they are rudderless. It couldn’t happen to a better team. Then there was talk about the possibility of Poch going there, with a few other names thrown in. I know Poch has said he would never go to our arrivals, but desperate times demands desperate action. Of course, if he does go to any Premier League team he will have to give his 12 million back. I would imagine that he would go to a European club than stay in this country. But football is a funny old game, what one expects never seems to happen. As for it being a funny old game, Arsenal drew at the weekend against a team in the relegation zone (Norwich). Manchester United drew against another struggler (Villa). And of course Chelsea lost to the Spammers. All contributing to our 5^th place in the League. The only downside was that Liverpool and Leicester City won.

To the game in hand:-

Mourinho hailed Dele Alli’s “phenomenal” contribution as his third straight win under his control. While Bournemouth mounted a late fightback, Alli’s two goals helped us to our first back-to-back Premier League victories this season as we moved up the ladder.

The 23-year-old has now scored three goals in three games, including in our midweek Champions League victory, after scoring just three in 23 appearances before Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.

Toby Alderweireld’s raking pass created Alli’s opener, with the England midfielder racing on to Son’s touch to tap the ball past Cherries goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Alli’s second came from the same source, as he superbly controlled Alderweireld’s pass before holding off Jack Stacey and flicking the ball over Ramsdale.

Moussa Sissoko added our third goal, spectacular close-range volley from Son’s excellent cross, from there we appeared to be en route to an emphatic win. But Bournemouth substitute Harry Wilson scored a superb free-kick and then reduced our arrears further six minutes into stoppage time. Those two goals proved too little too late for the Cherries, who have now conceded 16 goals on their last five visits to our ground, and have dropped to 12th in the league.

While smiles were in short supply towards the end of Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United, the Portuguese manager has started life at Tottenham with a merry and airy disposition.

Deploying players into positions they favour, his approach has clearly had the desired effect. This was the first time we have won three consecutive matches (across all competitions) since April. Granted, this was far from a vintage performance overall, however, one player who appears to have benefitted under the new regime is Alli, and may it continue.

There you have it. Three in a row and next up United. The last time we played them, we beat Mourinho’s United. I am looking forward to this match with relish. This time around I am going by Spurs coach, so I will be staying the night in London. Where there are issues with parking it might be better to go by coach. In some cases it is because of the distance.

After the final whistle, we applauded the team and manager, then after an acceptable length of time I made my way to the lounge for some cakes and popcorn and then downstairs to the other lounge. There I met the others and wine was bought, so I had a small glass. Merriment and chats all around. Finally, at 6.45 we were kicked out. I got home at 9pm.

Just one thing to add; I felt that at the end of the game Pochettino’s life-force (not that he is dead) had visited us, and that was why we let in those extra two goals (revenge dear boy, revenge!). Until we win silverware under Mourinho he will be stalking us for some time. But once silverware comes, he will be just a distant memory.

COYS!