An unwelcomed draw shows Spurs weaknesses

WBA held Spurs to a 1-1 draw yesterday at the Hawthorns. In the end it was probably a fair result but WBA will look at hitting post and bar while Defoe, Keane and Davies all had chances they should of taken.

WBA started far brighter exposing Tony Gardner as the weak member in our back four. Spurs couldn't cope with the pressure after they had just hit the bar and a cross from the left let Earnshaw to nip in between Robinson and Gardner to knock home. Spurs rallied though and took the game to their hosts which led to a penalty when Defoe was taken down in the box. He stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty.

In the second half WBA were still strong. Kanu showed his trickery and bamboozled King a couple of times forcing Robinson into a fine save. Keane came on a did a lot in 15 minutes being very busy. He intercepted a back pass but was forced wide by the keeper. Atouba and Kanoute both headed into the box but Keane shot from a very tight angles and hit the side netting. Simon Davies also headed wide when it was easier to score so the replay looms on the 12th of February.

The match highlighted that the squad still needs work. Atouba, the worlds most skilful left back, is not good enough. His usual heart stopping party tricks were missing today and he failed to beat the WBA right back on any occasion that I can remember. Simon Davies is also not the answer on the right wing. He sees himself, much like Anderton, as a better central midfielder, a position he won't be taking anytime soon, especially with Sean Davis returning to the side soon. His main problem is that he drifts in too much. We broke forward quickly and width on either side would have stretched the home defense. However most of the time Atouba either got the ball and lost it or Davies was poncing around in the middle leaving no option on the right. His drifting also left Kelly hopelessly exposed at right back with the WBA right side winger and full back giving him a torrid time. If Simon had been where he was supposed to be then he could of helped to prevent many West Brom attacks down our right side.

Jol speaks often about playing to our strengths which he claims is our forward players. Kanoute offered height yesterday which we have lacked in recent weeks but a long ball game is not the answer. Wide players are needed to deliver balls into the box for Defoe, Keane, Mido and Kanoute. However, with Zielger injured and Davies not sure of his position on the pitch we will continue to struggle to supply the front men. Unfortunately the signings in the transfer window, while strengthening the squad, do not address the weakness in the side, especially on the right.