'You're not singing Maribor'

Well done to everyone who turned up and sang for ninety minutes up in the top corner of the Shelf, Block J. It made such a difference on the night and it proved that there are plenty of like-minded individuals who desire the same match-day experience, to sing continuously without complacency no matter what is happening on the pitch but to also be reactive and proactive at the same time (for example, singing after the Lloris/Naughton mistake and into half-time). The reaction from the rest of the ground wasn't as relentless in response, but perhaps others that witnessed it and couldn't start a song in their block might wish to be part of 1882 next time round.

Spooky9 November 2012Modern football, atmosphere, 1882, white hart lane, the fighting cock

We'll play how we want

Tottenham 3 Maribor 1

Middle ground, discovered and conquered. Although it remains to be seen if we plant a flag and set up camp or move onto more familiar territory. Andre Villas-Boas, with new hair cut and new formation. On paper, a more traditional 442 with both Defoe and Adebayor in the starting line-up. In actuality, it was not too dissimilar to the usual 451 variant but with key differences. Adebayor's inclusion gave us a more refined shape and purpose. The link up play he provided for midfield to attack was imperative to the flow and fluidity of our movement. It rejuvenated us. Sure, with two forwards you can argue it's still a 442 even if one of the forwards is deep-lying and not too dissimilar to the role Dempsey has in the side. Adebayor sacrificing time up front, taking markers with him and freeing Defoe's predatory instincts. Call it what you want on paper, but out on the pitch it worked wonders.