Opinion: We can be heroes

Someone call George Foreman. Only he truly knows what that goal from Giovanni Lo Celso felt like. 9th Round—Zaire heat, Ali been hanging on the ropes for nearly a half hour—and then he couldn’t go any more, and the knockout came in a flash. Almost a first touch from the Greatest as it was the second touch from our midfielder. And Spurs have won their most important victory—within the league—in many, many years.

A master tactical class from Jose, but also a testament to teamwork, effort, belief, courage, desire and talent. I was shaking for the entire first half, wondering just how we could possibly keep them out. But as the second half grew, even before Gio’s clincher, the enormity of what Jose was doing became crystal clear. No thought of playing it out from the back and enabling City to do what they do best—press, flip the ball and score.

Every Hugo, Toby or Eric long ball had a purpose—if we collected the second ball with usually no more than two forwards anywhere near it, great. But if we didn’t the team was ready for the next attack, the shape was intact, and as the minutes grew—and particularly after Kane sent Lo Celso in for the second—it became apparent that this team was never going to concede. Not on this night. We can beat them—forever and ever—and that is precisely what Jose’s men did.

I don’t know where to start, but I will actually begin with Mike Dean. We have had some pretty tough experiences lately with the Wirral referee, but tonight I thought he was totally in command of this game. He couldn’t see Jesus’ handling that led to the goal, but VAR could and he was decisive when he went to the monitor. Hugo never had to make a desperate save, but he had to make a variety of good ones, and was impeccable—and in control of the defence and back line. And he stuck with the plan as well as anyone.

Toby and Eric were flat out terrific—the best pairing in the league off what they showed today. I hope the injury isn’t too serious, but Rodon looked every bit willing to play the part, and if Davinson Sanchez isn’t inspired to do better, at least in Europa League action, I don’t know when he will. The two fullbacks were, in a word, glorious, Any concerns that the likes of Mahrez, Foden, Torres and then Sterling at the end would run roughshod over them were put to rest. Neither were perfect, there were a couple of sloppy passes or possessions—but so what? They both were solid as can be—maybe Aurier’s best pure defensive effort. Sissoko and Hojbjerg are a dream pairing for a game like this—physical, tough, decisive, and committed. They enable first Ndombele and then Lo Celso, on the rare occasions when we could burst forward to both be in the right place at the right time for the two goals. Tanguy’s ball was precise (and thanks to Harry for drawing the defenders away) and Son’s finish even more so. And then when Kane looked there was Lo Celso steamrolling down the left flank to calmly put away the clincher. For his first-ever Premier League goal.

We can praise Sonny and Harry all day long, They must be 1-2 for Player of the Year right now—their runs, their effort, their ability to track back is simply admirable. They are two marvelous players in the prime of their careers. We should be so lucky to keep them healthy all season. And while things didn’t always work out for Stephen Bergwijn, the effort was there—as it was for Lucas when he replaced him. They each understood the game plan and played hard at both ends.

Chelsea….Arsenal….Liverpool….Leicester—all in the next month. It will tell a lot about just how high this team could reach. But you know what? Put yourself in Frank’s shoes. Mikel’s. Jurgen’s. Brodge’s. They have to play us. They have to figure out which Spurs they will get—and if they can’t break our bank how can they possibly stop the getaway car that will be ready to fly away when we withdraw funds from theirs. We are a nightmare to play. We know how high this team can reach. The fun will be watching them climb. And nothing.. can keep us away…. We can be heroes….Just one day. And another…And another…