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Subs:

Nathan Oduwa (15?) for Darren McQueen, 55.
Victor Zapata-Caceido (17) for Sam Smith, 63.
Dominic Ball (16) for Nabil Bentaleb, 78.

I arrived with a few minutes to spare, and saw the Development Squad doing what looked like the “cool down” part of a training session. I noted that Adam Smith and Massimo Luongo were amongst them, meaning that neither would be on the first team bench for the Everton match.

Spurs lined up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ward playing as an inverted winger on the left. It was mainly Nabil Bentaleb dropping into defence to retrieve the ball with Lameiras a little further forward, so it could almost be classed as a 4-1-4-1 which is the formation Fulham played, with Lasse Christensen sat in front of their defence. Bentaleb captained the team in the absence of Shaq Coulthirst, who was there watching on crutches and with a protective boot on.

Fulham had the early pressure after they pounced on a William Ekong pass and won a corner from an effort on goal. The corner was eventually cleared but Ekong looked a little shaken by his slight mistake and made a similar error moments later, looking to pass to Granger but under-hitting it a little – Granger rushed out and went to ground to clear.

Spurs gained a foot-hold as Alex McQueen charged forward and created a good opening from which Munns managed to get a shot away, low with his left foot, which was deflected wide. Munns’ looped corner was headed on well by Ekong, but Bentaleb put the loose ball wide on the stretch.

Ekong seemed to quickly grow in confidence, and superbly headed a corner away from a dangerous area. From this clearance, Spurs broke – Darren McQueen found Alex McQueen, who played it wide to McEvoy, in a really good position, only for the Ireland U19 international to give it away with a sloppy pass.

Spurs started to monopolise possession, with the intelligent Ruben Lameiras often at the heart of the good work – his close control, quick passing and movement helping our boys to keep the ball even when pressed. As our long spell keep-ball ended, Fulham broke quickly after winning it back, and Ekong made a vital saving challenge after they seemed set to create a scoring chance.

Play went straight up the other end and Munns made a fantastic pass inside the full back for Grant Ward to run on to. His cross was put into a dangerous area, where Darren McQueen attempted an acrobatic scissor-kick, but didn’t connect properly, and it ran to McEvoy. Unfortunately he was left with a difficult chance on the stretch and he sent the ball over with his side-footed attempt.

Next, Alex McQueen made something of what seemed to have been an over-hit pass by Ekong – he charged the defender down, and tackled wrong-side to hook the ball back, but McEvoy took on an ambitious first-time cross and misjudged it a little.

Kevin Stewart then surrendered possession with a short pass out from the back, but quickly redeemed himself with a clever interception.

The visitors took the lead slightly against the run of play – Cauley Woodrow, signed from Luton for a six-figure sum this time last year, got away from his man and shot across Granger from the right channel. Granger made a decent save but Swede Muamer Tankovic was on hand to tuck home the loose ball. As Spurs returned to the centre circle to kick off again, Munns was angrily shouting something at Kevin Stewart, but I couldn’t quite hear what was said – I presume it was regarding how easily Woodrow found room.

The game suddenly became very open and frantic. First, Munns surged forward and found Lameiras, but his weak effort was easily saved. Then Mahrez (“Maz”) Bettache showed some superb skill in the middle of the pitch to beat his man and then tee up Tankovic, who shot wide. Soon after, a corner was swung in dangerously, but Granger stuck out an arm, and it was strong enough to stop it going in directly.

Ekong picked out a lovely pass for McEvoy down the right and nearly set him free – lifting it over his marker, who stretched and managed to get the top of his head to it, which took it out for a corner. Lameiras’ left-footed corner from the right found Kevin Stewart, who bravely headed on, and Bentaleb put the ball over at the back post.

Spurs equalised on 30 minutes – Lameiras picked up the ball, drove forward and found Alex McQueen with an elegant pass. McQueen cleverly played in McEvoy down the line, who outpaced his man, and pulled the ball back into a great area. Jack Munns, playing off the striker, ran on to it and fired home emphatically.

Fulham missed a good chance to regain the lead when Derek Tieky showed decent ability to find Bettache, who in turn found Woodrow. He lacked the required assuredness in front of goal and Granger saved again. Sam Smith then surrendered possession, and Tieky looked to find Woodrow in the centre again, but Kevin Stewart made a timely interception, nicking it away from the front man.

Spurs had another spell of good possession around the edge of the Fulham box, which ended with Lameiras’ bending shot being comfortably saved. The game was still going from end to end, and Tieky picked out Woodrow, who had pulled away from Ekong at the back post, but he headed harmlessly over when he really should have hit the target.

Granger saved yet again from Woodrow before Grant Ward nicked the ball with the high energy pressing that he displayed all game, and found McEvoy. He steadied himself and slammed the ball home for 2-1 – probably against the run of play yet again!

Things got even better for this clinical Spurs team when Ward picked up possession again through pressing high up the pitch, moved to the left-hand edge of the box, and curled a fantastic right-footed  into the far corner.

The second half kicked off on time, with the Fulham players given a relatively short team talk at the side of the pitch, and then sent to get warm again. I overheard a couple of them praising our number 10 (Munns), implying that he was running things.

We looked really confident at the start of the half – Lameiras showing good skill and picking out Ward, who was forced to cross with his left foot and couldn’t quite hook it back, and then Alex McQueen finding Ward again with a good long pass, with Ward winning a corner. Munns’ deep, looping corner was cleared easily this time.

Lameiras hit a firm shot wide, before Ward cut in and found Munns making a move wide to the left – his low cross was attacked by Darren McQueen but the ball was bundled out for a corner. At the other end, Lameiras sold Stewart a little short with a pass, and he was forced into bringing down his man, which gave Fulham a free kick in a dangerous area. Fortunately they elected to cross rather than shoot, and Della Verde’s rather weak effort was easily cleared away.

Nathan Oduwa came on to replace Darren McQueen just before the 60-minute mark. Oduwa is a player that I’d not seen before, and I gather that he is only 15. He has been included in England U16 squads, and so is clearly highly thought of. He replaced McQueen in the striker role, and we scored almost immediately after he came on.

He had little to do with the fourth goal, though – Jack Munns took control of the ball, strode forward, and unleashed an absolute rocket into the goalkeeper’s top left corner – a wonderful strike which seemed to have little back-lift but which positively flew into the net. He was rightly mobbed by his team mates after it went in!

Stewart made a very good challenge on the edge of the box as the tide turned. Fulham made a couple of changes and one of the new players, Omri Altman, looked very tidy. Spurs responded with a further substitution themselves, removing Smith and replacing him with Zapata-Caceido. This resulted in a bit of a re-shuffle, with the new man going up front, Oduwa moving to the left, and the versatile Ward dropping to left back.

Ekong found the only remaining McQueen, who went inside to McEvoy – he clipped the ball back to McQueen over the head of the left back, Richards. McQueen intelligently held the ball up and waited for McEvoy to advance. The Irish winger took up possession and found Lameiras, whose far post effort was well saved.

Fulham got a goal back when they got down the right, and a good pull back found Christensen – who had been playing so deep until then – in a good position, and he turned and finished well (although was given too much space).

Spurs lost some intensity and Fulham had the bit between their teeth now, and Altman found himself in the clear, only for Granger to pull off a fantastic save with his legs to keep Spurs two ahead.

Dominic Ball came on for Nabil Bentaleb to add a bit more physicality in an attempt to stem the flow of Fulham attacks. At the other end, Spurs were struggling to keep the ball, although Oduwa did draw a foul from substitute Robert Maloney. Oduwa’s initial touch was heavy and it looked like he might lose the ball, but his sudden turn of pace meant that he toed the ball away as Maloney’s reckless challenge came in, and he was taken out, earning the Fulham man a yellow card.

Ball got away with a shirt pull in the box as the Fulham player went to ground and the handful of Fulham fans/parents protested to the referee – there wasn’t an awful lot in it, but it’s one that could easily have been given.

Stewart gave away a free kick on the edge of the box with a clumsy but totally unintentional tangle of legs, but Tankovic put it narrowly wide of Granger’s left hand post.

The away side had another penalty appeal when a forward turned sharply in the box, and was taken down by his own momentum – Ekong was obviously leaning on him, though, as when the Fulham man went over, so did Ekong. For me it was less of a penalty than the previous one, but the fans next to me weren’t impressed with the referee!

Oduwa took off down the left, urged on by John McDermott, and beat two men. Unfortunately as he hit the line, he over-hit his cross slightly and it went out for a goal kick.

Spurs saw out the final few minutes for a very good win and, overall, it was an excellent performance, with several long spells of impressive possession football where we passed and move with confidence, style and togetherness. Once we started to make changes we lost a bit of intensity and Fulham took advantage of that, taking the momentum. Once they got to 4-2 there was a spell where it looked like they might come back, but Granger’s superb save with his legs kept us in the game, and he should take great credit for that.

Billy Granger 8 – Definitely won his personal battle with Cauley Woodrow, keeping him at bay on several occasions! His save from Altman was vital. Distribution was generally sound – always looking to play it short – and he was vocal throughout. Could be a little more pro-active in coming off his line, but that will come in time.
Alex McQueen 7 – As energetic as ever – he is becoming a very important player in this team. He has the pace to be able to support the forward but also to quickly track back when necessary. Showed some nice interplay with McEvoy.
William Ekong 7- A slightly shaky start was swiftly put behind him, and he impressed with some dominant headers. His distribution from the back was initially off, but he picked a couple of excellent passes, and turned defence into attack on a few occasions.
Kevin Stewart 8- Really impressive display. Made interceptions, carried the ball out from the back, occasionally switched roles with Bentaleb, and was integral to a good team performance.
Sam Smith 6 – Put in a functional display at left back, and used both feet to pass the ball, which was nice to see. Primarily a central midfield player, though, and will need to take his opportunities there if he is to become a regular.
Nabil Bentaleb 7 – Generally composed on the ball, although did try to force things a little too much – one example being a shot from about 35-40 yards, when keeping the ball was the better option. I liked the fact that he was happy to drop in to cover when Stewart moved forward in possession. Clearly a talented boy, and once he settles he could be a very useful asset.
Ruben Lameiras 8 – I really like the way he plays. In a way he is a little like Tom Carroll – very left footed, great technique, intent on keeping the ball, but he is also more of a goal-scorer, and he had numerous shots in this match. He is becoming one of the real stand-out players in this group.
Kenneth McEvoy 8 – He wasn’t particularly involved for long periods of the game, but everything he was called upon to do, he did well, and he took his goal really well. He tends to explode into life at times, and his link-up with McQueen shows signs of a great understanding. A goal and assist for him – he’ll be happy with that.
Jack Munns 8 – He typically receives the ball with his back to a physically bigger centre back or midfield player, but nearly always manages to wriggle free and turn away. He seems to be one of the main “go to guys” when team-mates want to get rid of the ball, as he will take it anywhere and will generally keep it. His second goal was absolutely sensational.
Grant Ward 8 – His work rate is fantastic, and it was his high tempo pressing that got us ahead. Wanted to come inside more often than not, but his excellent goal made his cutting in worthwhile. Like McEvoy, he got a goal and an assist.
Darren McQueen 6 – He came alive in the box on a couple of occasions, but was largely quite well marshaled by the Fulham centre backs. His pace, however, did mean that they had to be wary and it probably helped to create space for our midfield players.

Nathan Oduwa – Despite his age, his is tall and well built, and reminded me a little in style of Adebayor – always looking to feint to go one way, only to drag the ball the other. Definitely an interesting prospect, and quite different to our other players, so one to keep an eye on.
Victor Zapata-Caceido – He tried hard to impose himself in his short time on the pitch, but Fulham had taken the initiative at that point, so it was difficult for him to have an impact.
Dominic Ball – His first few passes were wayward, but he soon settled and his physicality proved very useful. He was quite lucky not to give away a penalty for a tug back, though.

Re my ratings: Stewart, Munns and Lameiras were probably the best players across the whole game, but due to McEvoy and Ward getting a goal and assist each, and Granger keeping us in the game with key saves, it is hard not to give them 8/10 for their performances (and I don’t do half marks!).

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Joel Byrom’s goal – Byrom makes a burst forward in the inside right channel – Nelsen goes with him, but rather than shepherding him out, he tries to nick the ball. Byrom sends Cudicini the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Kranjcar is slow into a challenge in the midfield area.

Byrom bursts beyond him, and looks to run past Nelsen.

Nelsen is quite slow on the turn, but seems to have done enough to shepherd Byrom out (or at least into a less dangerous area).

Instead, he makes a desperate lunge in an attempt to nick the ball. He misses the ball, and clips Byrom.

Byrom’s penalty is taken expertly, sending Cudicini the wrong way.

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Rooney’s goal – Rooney makes a run ahead of Walker, and meets Young’s corner to score from close range.

Walker’s headed clearance from a United free kick loops into the air, and Friedel seems to slightly misjudge his position. The ball is seemingly going over the bar, but he elects to punch it over to make sure.

As the corner is about to be taken, Kyle Walker has a close eye on Rooney.

Walker seems to be paying more attention to Rooney than the ball but, as the kick is taken, Rooney makes a burst ahead of him.

That tiny bit of movement is enough to get him a yard of space, and so he is able to make the header largely unchallenged.

The ball is past Friedel before he can react.

Young’s first goal – Spurs are caught out defensively by a quick throw-in, and Nani runs clear. His cross is partially blocked by Kaboul, and then half-cleared by Walker, but runs through to Young who acrobatically scissor-kicks home.

Phil Jones takes a quick throw-in to Nani. Modric has failed to mark properly, meaning that Nani has a free run in behind.

Our defenders do relatively well to close off the options…

…and Nani takes a chance in just feeding the ball across goal. Kaboul manages to half-block the ball, and the deflection takes it beyond Friedel.

Kyle Walker should hack this away with his left foot, but is presumably worried about slicing the ball on the goal line, so attempts to clear with his stronger right foot.

Unfortunately his weak clearance comes straight out to Young. He still has an awful lot to do, with not much goal to aim at and the ball at an awkward height. He manages to scissor-kick the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Friedel no chance.

Young’s second goal – Spurs are caught pushing too many players forward at once, and as Evra charges down the left, he finds Young beyond our midfield. He is given time to line up a shot, and finds the far corner.

United have possession at the back, with little pressure on the ball. It is played wide to Evra, who has space to push on.

Evra charges forward, unchallenged, and is able to slide a pass in to Young, who has got beyond our midfield. Kaboul is wary of Welbeck making a run in behind, so cannot instantly come out to press the ball.

As Young advances and winds up to shoot, Kaboul makes a late charge…

But unfortunately it is too little, too late, and Young picks out the far corner in some style.

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Sagna’s goal – after van Persie hits the post, Arsenal keep possession through Gibbs, and Sagna moves with intent to power home a header from an Arteta cross.

Robin van Persie’s shot comes off the post, and Gibbs is first to react. Kranjcar goes to close him down.

When Arteta moves to give Gibbs an option, Scott Parker goes out to him, but doesn’t get close enough to stop him doing anything other than advancing forward himself. He is almost encouraging him to cross the ball – risky given how many bodies they have in the box.

Arteta clips in a decent cross to around the penalty spot, but look at Sagna – unmarked with Bale marking nobody at the far post.

Bale attempts to make up the ground, but Sagna is unchallenged when he makes contact.

 

Bale simply reacted too late.

It is a fine header, though, as he has to generate all of the power himself. Right into the corner, leaving Friedel little chance.

van Persie’s goal – Assou-Ekotto’s weak clearance comes out to van Persie, who bends home an unstoppable finish.

As Arsenal pour forward in midfield, their tails up, Spurs look a little desperate.

Song slips a pass forward…

…Kaboul loops a header up, and with two players advancing (and Parker stood still), this could spell danger.

It falls kindly for us, but Assou-Ekotto weakly clears with an overhead.

The ball falls nicely for van Persie, who has Kranjcar one side of him, and Parker the other.

Between Parker and Kranjcar, we fail in stopping him from getting the ball on to his left foot.

He really punishes us – bending a fantastic shot into the corner, as Parker lunges for the ball. Too little too late.

Rosicky’s goal – Rosicky starts a move and runs beyond King to get on the end of it and nick the ball beyond Friedel.

We had already had warnings early in the second half (with Benayoun’s shot), but we continued to throw bodies forward during a very dangerous period of the match.

Song wins the ball back for Arsenal with van der Vaart going to ground…

Song plays a one-two with Gibbs, as Sandro also recklessly commits himself a long way up the pitch.

As Song receives the ball back, he plays forward to van Persie ahead of Parker, with our entire midfield now out of the game.

Van Persie moves the ball on to Rosicky, who has no direct opponent on that side of the pitch.

He charges forward, with Sagna on his outside, and plays Sagna in. Arsenal have worked a 5 vs 4 thanks to our reckless midfield play.

Assou-Ekotto doesn’t get anywhere near close enough to Sagna, although the cross flicks off his trailing leg.

Rosicky seems to show more desire to get to the ball ahead of King, who seemed so well-positioned in the previous image. Friedel is also very slow to react, and not brave enough – had he dived at Rosicky’s feet, he may have saved this.

Rosicky gets to the ball before Friedel, and lifts it over him. A shambolic goal to concede.

Walcott’s first goal – van Persie holds the ball up, and King and Kaboul seem to have the situation under control, but Walcott makes an unchallenged supporting run, and although he takes the ball wide, he finds a fantastic finish, clipped over Friedel.

A long ball is played forward, with van Persie the lone front man. We have King and Kaboul in pursuit, and we seem to have things under control.

Kaboul almost nicks the ball, but van Persie manages to retain possession.

With neither King or Kaboul able to rob him, and all of our other players attracted to the ball, van Persie looks wide.

 

Walcott has made a fantastic supporting run, with Parker unable to keep up with him, and Assou-Ekotto trotting back without any purpose.

Walcott, so poor in the first half, does not have the best touch here, and is taken wide. Notice Friedel, though – he seems to be in no man’s land, presumably trying to narrow the angle.

In my opinion Friedel makes Walcott’s mind up for him, and he clips it over him effortlessly. Had he stayed on his line, he may have forced him into taking the ball even further wide.

Walcott’s second goal – Spurs’ high line is horribly exploited, as Rosicky’s fine pass finds Walcott, and he in turn finds the corner.

Song is on the end of a King clearance, and out-muscles Adebayor.

Rafael van der Vaart makes a feeble attempt to win the ball, but Song emerges. Modric is too slow to press him, meaning that he has time to get his head up.

He curls a simple ball forward…

…and with Walcott having come off the line and running between King and Kaboul, our high line fails. Kaboul is the last man out, but when there’s no pressure on the ball, you simply can’t attempt to play offside in this way anyway.

Walcott sprints beyond King and, with his confidence having returned, he takes on an early shot, picking out the corner.

What a hideous exercise.