A final dose of optimism…

By: Gary | August 11th, 2008

Spurs 5-0 AS Roma

I beg myself every year not to get too excited as we approach the start of a season.

But how can you resist when your side hands you such a stunning display on the eve of the new campaign?

I would be going over the top if I said Sunday’s 5-0 demolition of Serie A runners-up Roma was simply scintillating. Because quite frankly for as good a performance the new-look Spurs produced, we were up against a bang average Italian outfit still some way off their best. And still some way from the kind of display they will need to battle for major honours next term.

But why not bask in our fine result somewhat. We beat a very reputable side in comfortable fashion, however out of tune they were on the day. And all that while Arsenal fans vowed we would be taught a footballing lesson in the final game nefore the big kick-off.

We outclassed a regular Champions League side – and yet we know we can do better.

We were balanced, strong and clinical. We have shown what we are capable again.

But it is a too familiar story. It is time for us to convert our consistent pre-season hopes into early points in the Premier League campaign.

There is definitely plenty to crow about ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough are far from world-beaters and another display of such quality will surely bring us three points. But we will need to find a focus and find a ryhthm in what will surely be a more boystrous and physically demanding Premiership game.

Stroking the ball around in the build-up to a season is a far cry from the tenacity required in an opening game in the world’s toughest division.

We say the same year on year but after a taste of the polished masterpiece Juande Ramos appears to be creating; can you really blame us this time round for such high levels of optimism?

When in the two season’s gone by, we may have relied on a certain sulky Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov to inspire Tottenham to their peak, in fact his likely departure is not that greatly feared.

After all it is Darren Bent who is pulling in all the plaudits after adding another two goals to his astounding pre-season tally.

There are no tears for Robbie Keane either, in fact we have found another man to play for the badge – in the shape of England winger David Bentley, who also grabbed a double on his White Hart Lane debut.

While the likes of Giovani Dos Santos, Jonathan Woodgate and Didier Zokora yet again impressed, Sunday also saw encouraging displays from Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas.

For as much as Roma were poor in this game, it cannot hide how sharp and eager Spurs look to put right the wrongs of last term’s disappointing league campaign.

I vowed to enter the season with a fresh air of caution. I’m sorry but I just cannot keep my feet on the ground.

Here’s hoping to a very special season indeed.

Come on you Spurs!

Star Man: David Bentley

Arguably drifted in and out of the match but to score two goals on his home debut and two crackers at that, he deserves the credit.

Must do better: Dimitar Berbatov

Maybe we will not care in a week’s time. But if Berbatov is staying with us then a whole new attitude and application is required. An absolute shocker. If you think the fans will stand for that, you can think again. He can only dare to pull in a performance like that on the big stage.