I am never one to have a go at any player during a game and very rarely swear. But yesterday after seeing Crouch fluff another chance I had a little outburst. It goes along the lines of "Can't we get a striker who can score a goal" and I paraphrase.
There is barely a Spurs fan who doesn't feel we need a new strikeforce and yet we hear today that Pavlyuchenko wants to leave. This is deja vu. Just last season we heard this and a good cup run and a few goals he was back on board.
Looking at the stats between Crouch, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko they have made 54 appearances and scored 7 goals. Peter Crouch may argue that he has assists to his name but I can't think of too many. The reason we are fufth and not higher up the table is a lack of goals. I cannot believe it is poor service. With Bale, Modric, Lennon and van Der Vaart in our side plus new addition Pienaar supplying I would find it hard to believe there is a lack of opportunity.
Without trying to sound too hard, our front line and too one dimensional. Crouch is unable to hold the ball up or beat his man and invariably is beaten in the air. He has a weak shot if he has to run more than five yards and constantly has his back to goal. Defoe works hard and has pace but is unable again to beat his man and is predicatble with the ball at his feet. Pavlyuchenko is an excellent finisher on his day however he goes missing for long periods of time, often takes the wrong option when he passes and attempts too many long range shots.
Harry Redknapp has talked about players he tried to sign in January. Well that is all well and good but he clearly didn't try hard enough. Frankly I would have been happy with Cole, Sturridge and Davies over Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Defoe. I know I am being harsh, but I feel Spurs have missed a big opportunity this season. A return of an extra dozen or so goals may have just been enough to be us near to Manchester United this season.
I hope the lessons will be learnt and the necessary changes made for next season.
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