From Brendan : about Leicester
Hi Myles
I thought Atishay’s post was spot on about Leicester. It’s not hard to see why they are getting that kind of benefit of the doubt. And Vardy has done great things, amazing things.
But if you see someone diving, or playing a situation to get a penalty, say it. And I think he’s right that in Britain we give a homegrown lad an easier ride for stuff like that.
I think Arsenal have exposed Leicester’s limitations in both games we played against them. We have to do that to Tottenham. Because they have limitations too.
However, I think – on the way things look at the moment – the team that finishes above Tottenham wins the league.
Myles says :
We do give spiky British players an easier ride. Especially younger ones.
Last night Hoddle and Bilic were on ITV doing the Europa Cup headlights.
Both said that Dele Ali needs to watch himself because he could have been sent off against Fiorentina. The European refs all know each other. Forwards must refrain from kicking defenders when they’re on the ground and being 19 is no excuse.
Spurs are not like Leicester because Leicester defend from the back and break, while Spurs press and win it higher and like to make one killer pass, as Lamela did for that Eriksen goal last weekend.
There are limitations in this Spurs side, Brendan, but they have better players than Leicester.
Pochettino wants a certain shape, a lot of flank attacks by his full backs, an interception followed by a short pass followed by a forward pass, very often.
I like the Spurs style because it’s very direct and penetrating. It’s strategic, modern and combative.
Although Pochettino has been there less than two years, he’s improved the culture and the style, and raised expectations. And, as of this post, Spurs are still above Arsenal on goal difference.
Tottenham can beat Fiorentina but Arsenal can’t beat Barcelona.