Tottenham are finding their feet under Andre Villas-Boas.
Saturday’s goalless stalemate against ex-Spurs manager Harry Redknapp’s Queens
Park Rangers was the first time the lilywhites had failed to score in an away
game in the league, and the clean sheet was Hugo Lloris’ fourth in six games.
However, failure to break down organised and determined
opponents is becoming a recurrent theme for AVB and his men, and the absence of
one of their two front line strikers would exacerbate the problem, you might
think. Emmanuel Adebayor, after much to-ing and fro-ing, will join the Togo
team in South Africa for the African Cup of Nations, but his departure may
actually improve Tottenham’s chances of scoring.
Over the festive and New Year period Spurs picked up 11 points
from 15 on offer, however delve deeper and you’ll find a Tottenham team
dominating possession but struggling to create clear cut chances, and when they
do create a chance their conversion rate is not good.
A goalless draw at home to a defensive and resolute Stoke
team was remarkable only for the lack of entertainment on offer and was
rightfully the last game on that day’s Match of the Day. The 4-0 win at Aston
Villa was 0-0 at half time (this against a side who had conceded eight at
Chelsea four days prior) and if Villa had not come out in the second half and
attacked the game may have stayed goalless.
Two goals in four minutes saw of Sunderland 2-1 but the game
could and should have been far more comfortable, Reading were on top when Clint
Dempsey scored to make it 3-1 and put the game to bed, and apart from a couple
of chances QPR were barely tested. One of the few clear openings in that game
fell to Adebayor but he fluffed his chance.
Two goals in13 league games (3 in 17 in all competitions) is
a poor return for a striker, let alone one of Adebayor’s quality. He missed two
clear chances against Sunderland, smacking the bar from four yards and missing
a one on one with the goalkeeper. When Spurs need a focal point in attack,
someone who can offer a physical threat and hold up the ball for others to play
off, the ex-Manchester City and Arsenal forward has wilted. His lack of desire
and fight is noticeable and as Dempsey returns from injury there has been a
good case for Adebayor to be dropped, irrespective of his ACN involvement.
The problem with Adebayor has always been his attitude. When
he so desires, he can trouble any defence in the world. Tall, strong, but
athletic, agile and with a fine technique, he can offer everything, but when he
decides he cannot be bothered his team look like they are playing with ten men.
Adebayor’s departure to South Africa must have been assumed,
although the manner in which the will-he-won’t-he saga unfolded will have
frustrated the Tottenham hierarchy. Spurs were a striker light when the summer
transfer window shut, and with Adebayor’s poor form and his ACN absence
confirmed, Spurs are walking a fine line. An injury or suspension to Jermain
Defoe will leave them with no recognised striker, which will make it
exceedingly difficult to break down teams happy to settle for a point.
Maybe some time away will suit both parties. Adebayor can
enjoy being the main man for Togo, find some form, and come back to England
firing. Perhaps he will realise what he has at Spurs and show greater desire
upon his return. Or could AVB find that his side operates better without a
moody front man breaking down attacking moves?
Spurs fans would love to see the club sign another striker
regardless, with Leandro Damiao eternally linked to White Hart Lane, but after
his recent displays it has to be said Emmanuel Adebayor will not be missed when
he sets off on his Cup of Nations journey.
