Sirens increasing in volume for AVB
Spurs are definitely not firing from all cylinders and as a consequence, Andre Villas-Boas is under fire from all angles. The young Portuguese tactician was given a lot of cash to duly replace last season’s best player in the shape of Gareth Bale. And even though players who have arrived at White Hart Lane are all capable of taking the club to the next level, things have not gone according to plan and all the excitement about the new arrivals has vanished game by game.
Following a 6-0 mauling at the hands of Manchester City last week, many reports suggest that AVB might become the latest managerial casualty this season if his side is unable to make home advantage count against Manchester United.
Moreover, with just nine goals scored from 12 games, a stat shared by West Ham United (who are striker-less following another injury to Andy Carroll), it is time for Spurs to start showing the potential they have in abundance.
There is no question that AVB is in desperate need of a win in the league after three matches without one and what better way would be to silence all the critics by beating the reigning champions. Last season, the 3-2 win over Old Trafford, which was Spurs’ first at Old Trafford in 23 years, was the most defining results in Villas-Boas’ English Premier League career. A lot of character was shown during that historic win and quite a lot of that would be required against David Moyes’ men.
It is quite clear that Spurs have regressed. However, the panic button should not be pressed just yet as they are still in a respectable position and are not out of the race for a place in the Champions League by any means. While the thrashing at the hands of City highlighted their problems, the game against United will give the team a lot of chances to show that they have what it takes to score as freely as all those teams having similar aspirations.
Champions blowing hot and cold
It is quite remarkable to see a team being so inconsistent especially after starting the new season as the league’s reigning champions. Such is the case with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson’s heir, David Moyes. The Red Devils are chasing a top four place twelve games in the season and following a 2-2 draw away to Cardiff, they need to do well against a Spurs side that is running extremely low on confidence.
Following the 5-0 evisceration of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, confidence should be at a high ahead of the trip to North London which regardless of the host team’s problems is a daunting prospect for any side.
And with Robin Van Persie coming back into the side after missing out on the Bayer mauling, United will have more depth in the attack which might not bode well for AVB and co who are slowly drifting towards dire straits.
