Live Match Center: Tottenham v Gillingham
By Ryan Wrenn
Halftime Thoughts
A fantastic strike from distance off of the boot of Christian Eriksen is all that separates Tottenham and Gillingham after the first half.
Well, that and a whole lot of possession, passes and shots. Tottenham, predictably, have camped in Gillingham’s half for much of the match so far, and don’t seem likely to concede their grip after the interval.
That said, there appears to be something timid about Tottenham’s efforts. Gillingham are putting nine outfield players behind the ball, but the central midfield duo of Carroll and Winks aren’t doing much to test them regularly. Onomah’s dropped deep to help spice things up, but only a few through balls and crosses from deep have made it pass Gillingham’s backline.
Janssen’s looked eager however, and when the ball has come his way he’s shown some considerable technical ability. A bobbled through ball late in the half was controlled by the Dutchmen and might have created a fine cross had he had a better angle to kick it.
Gillingham’s forced keeper substitution will certainly be a topic in Pochettino’s half-time talk. As exceptional a strike as Eriksen’s was to score Tottenham’s opener, the keeper could have done better to get to it. Tottenham should be peppering Gillingham’s goal from just outside the box to see if they can build on Eriksen’s success.
Gillingham’s forays forward have been limited, but they’ve been enough to demonstrate what a budding prospect Carters-Vickers really is. For only being 18-years-old, he looks especially mature and confident on the ball. It’s no wonder he’s found himself rise up the pecking order.
Check back after the whistle for some final thoughts.