Totters v The Unmentionables- Ratings and Exclusive Penalty Miss Footage!!!

What I imagine he looked like in the changing room

There’s a phrase I’ve used before every home game this season, and yesterday was no exception. ‘I’d be disappointed with anything less than 3 points today’. As a marker for how far we’ve come, in my maiden season as a ticket holder, I would have been delighted with a point at home to that lot, and on the balance of things, it was the fairest of outcomes yesterday. But how different it could all have been. As we trotted off at half-time, a goal up, I had a feeling we’d live to regret not getting the second. I remarked to anyone who’d listen that we WILL concede in the second half and need another, but it wasn’t to be.

For all of the power drogsh1t generated for their equaliser, I can’t help but wonder what Gomes was doing crouching so low. If he’d have just stood still he would have stopped the blighter! But then I’m not a professional ‘keeper and I’m sure he did what he thought was the right thing at the time, covering his options for the low drive to the far post or something, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t rankle with this Spurser.

A clumsy challenge in the final minutes, followed by a save from the resulting penalty ensured that the headlines were about them getting their title bid back on track, albeit with a bit of a splutter, and not a tired ‘calamity ‘keeper’ jibe.

As a treat for you all, here was my view of the penalty miss:

YOU FAAAAAAACKED IT UP. YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!

A word on the referee. Diaf**kinbolical. That is all.

Some Ratings

Gomes, 5 (including 2 points for the penalty save)- As per above. He will keep us in games, and win us more points than he will lose us. Shame about the opposition choice to make a big error against, bad game, but still one of the best around.

Hutton, 5- Solid enough, but still makes errors of judgement in the standing off/ getting tight positioning side of the game. Not a long term 1^st choice RB.

Bassong, 6- as per Liverpool rating. Slow to react, quick to recover.

Dawson, 7- A timely return for our Captain. Headed a lot of things but was a bit slow on the deck. Welcome back young man.

BAE, 7- The usual heart-in-mouth moment followed by a pretty flawless display.

Lennon, 6- Threatened more than he delivered. Getting better.

Wilson, 7- Some great tackles, great determination and played it simple when he won possession back. Liverpool game was just a blip. Thankfully.

Modders, 6.5- Such amazing balance, the guy could sleep on a tightrope. Worked hard, crowded out, and the victim of several cynical fouls.

Bale, 6- Was either told to be very disciplined or is carrying a knock. Several times there was space to run into, but it ended up going inside. Ferreira was there for the taking, and he wasn’t got at nearly enough. Oh, and stay on your feet. Crossing is better than the falling over routine.

Pav, 5- Does a lot more running into the channels and running the line these days but knocked off the ball too easily. Good finish.

Defoe, 4- If you’re looking for him, he’s probably still in Jonathan Terrance’s pocket.

Crouch, 7- Came on and done what was asked of him, as always. He works hard and creates chances, yet the nobs behind me sighed every time the ball went near him and cheered wildly when Keane came on. ‘nuff said.

Keane, 1- Ran and waved arms about. His face annoys me. Go away please.

Frustrating. They were there for the taking and a second before the break would have done it. Much like Birmingham last week. **Through gritted teeth** Probably a fair result in the end.

Don’t forget to check out the ispursso YouTube channel after every home game (and the away ones I can make). Will try and upload a couple of clips from each game, they might not all be as good as the Drogsh1t penalty miss however J