Tottenham Say “Thank you, Mr Abramovich” For Andre Villas-Boas

As Tottenham’s season goes from strength to strength, HotspurHQ’s newest writer, Charlie Bee, believes that Spurs have cause to thank the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich for discarding Andre Villas-Boas twelve months ago.

Andre Villas-Boas proving his doubters wrong. [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Article written by a new writer to HotspurHQ: Charlie Bee

Whilst many place Gareth Bale as one of the hottest prospects in world football, surely Andre Villas-Boas heads the list as one of the hottest managers in world football, as he finally proves his worth to the English media after a tumultuous spell at Chelsea. He was sacked after 28 games, the Chelsea side reported to be unwilling to take on his tactics and the old guard of John Terry more than happy to conspire behind his back, preventing him from ever being a success. His fresh tactical approach, proved a far cry to the “Go out and run” tactics professed under Harry Redknapp and the new winning mentality installed, sees Tottenham sit 3rd in the League on a strong 12 game unbeaten run.

At first most Spurs fans consigned this season to an induction season of sorts, early results reflecting this; late goals conceded at home to West Brom and Norwich, something media were quick to latch upon. The boos and jeers were well documented in the press as we threw away points in the final minutes of matches against lower table opposition. Yet slowly and surely, we began to adapt – the introduction of several new signings helping us to adapt and thrive under the new high line formation implemented without the core of the side that served us so well last year. The introduction of Hugo Lloris in goal, arguably one of the best keepers in the Premier League on current form, stabilised the back line, his quick reflexes and pace off the line allowing the high line formation to be fully utilised whilst providing Brad Friedel the respect he deserved as he was slowly wired out of the first team.

Michael Dawson has proved his worth to AVB [Photo: Jav The_Doc]The return of Michael Dawson to the side, a player with a point to prove in the absence of Younes Kaboul, has served us tremendously well; the 29 year old arguably at the pinnacle of his career as his recent performances suggest. His hardy, determined attitude combined with the cultured Jan Vertonghen has made for a reliable defensive line which has conceded the fewest shots on target all season. Although Kyle Walker’s form has been somewhat erratic this season he has proven himself to be a consistent starter on the right side behind Aaron Lennon. The rotation of left back and centre back according to opposition has also been a trait which has served us well, showing not only does AVB do his homework but he’s willing to rotate and let others show their worth to the team, a trait lacking from Redknapp and something Niko Kranjcar  complained about on his departure from Spurs. The decision to start Caulker against West Ham for his aerial provenance an example as is Jan Vertonghen back at centre back against Arsenal for his ability to read the game.

Even though Sandro was ruled out for the season, after having an incredible first half, Scott Parker has bridged the gap successfully alongside Moussa Dembele whose physical presence, pace and power proved a stark juxtaposition to the likes of Sean Davis and Michael Brown who had previously filled the role in Spurs teams of yester-year. Whilst Bale has encountered a splintering run of form, Aaron Lennon on the opposite flank has proved equally reliable, his run against Arsenal off Thomas Vermalean’s shoulder a sign of the work and training that goes in on the training ground, his reading of the game having increased ten-fold this season as has his defensive work rate, clearly a sign of progress under AVB. The return of Jermain Defoe from injury hopefully singles an end for the frankly abysmal performances offered from Emmanuel Adebayor, the only player AVB has failed to bring back to form as he has done elsewhere, the Togolese striker struggling to adapt to a role which on paper suits him perfectly.

If you re-call the pessimism at the start of the season with reports of “overworked players” and bust ups behind the scenes, it only serves to highlight how far the Portugese manager has come in such a short space of time with so much against him. The reports of three games to save his job seem hilarious in retrospect as you count the firsts we’ve achieved this season; Getting four points off United for the first time in years, longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, most away wins in a Premier League season and my favourite; a winning mentality that serves us so well in games. So I say – on behalf of all of us – “Thank you Mr Abramovich for the greatest “cast-off” or sacking you’ve ever given us.”