LONDON, England — Following Tottenham’s 5-1 demolition job of Sunderland on Monday night, Spurs have kept their top four dreams alive.
Just.
Tim Sherwood’s side scored three goals late on, as Sunderland’s early lead evaporated when Tottenham piled on the pressure. It was an impressive all round display from the home side, especially as their manager has been under intense pressure in the last few days.
Here’s a gander at three things we learned.
Spurs need to build their team around Christian Eriksen
The little man from Denmark, he can play a bit. With Spurs 1-0 down and struggling to get a grip on the game early on, Eriksen came to life as he set up two goals and terrorized Sunderland’s defense. He cut in from the left flank to tee up Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane, before smashing in a delightful shot himself. On this form, the 22-year-old playmaker Spurs signed from Ajax last summer is the real deal. It has taken him a while to get adjusted to the Premier League, but as the end of the season nears, Eriksen’s magic is there for all to see. If Sherwood is given a chance to rebuild Tottenham’s squad, which is unlikely, then he should build his team around Eriksen. Whoever is in charge of Spurs for the long run, Eriksen should be the talisman the North London club are built around.
Sherwood’s passion an inspiration
When Vlad Chiriches inexplicably gave the ball away on the edge of Tottenham’s box after 17 minutes, which caught goalkeeper Hugo Lloris out of position and allowed Lee Cattermole to slot the ball home, you feared the worst for Spurs. But reminiscent of their manager’s gritty persona, Spurs dug in and turned things around. Swearing on the sidelines, ranting and raving at the referee, turning around to the home fans and asking them to “f****** encourage” players instead of having a go, Sherwood was on top form.
(MORE: Sherwood unfazed by speculation, as Spurs boss impresses with passion)
At one point he ran to the press seats and grabbed a TV so he could see a penalty appeal. Laughing and joking, he looked like a bloke he knew his days are numbered, if you believe reports, as manager at White Hart Lane. But he’s going to go out with a smile on his face. His players laugh and joke along with him, and when Adebayor scored his second, he ran to Sherwood to salute him. Sherwood saluted him back with a smile on his face. No matter if the former Spurs skipper is given the boot or stays on after this summer, his passion is infectious and is one of his biggest assets.
Black Cats in freefall
Monday’s defeat to Tottenham was Sunderland’s fourth in a row, as they are now without a win in nine games since they beat neighbors Newcastle United. Speaking after the game Gus Poyet lambasted his side after a performance riddled with mistakes.
“We cannot defend, we cannot make decisions, we cannot cope with one vs. one’s, we cannot pass the ball, we cannot have a shot on target. There are so many things that we cannot do.”
It’s hard to argue with him. The fiery Uruguayan saw his players squander an early gift, as they led 1-0 after 17 minutes, but despite a few flashes of brilliance from Fabio Borini in the first half, the Black Cats were totally second best as their race against relegation is running out of time. Rock bottom with seven games to go, Sunderland are seven points from safety and now face Everton, Man City and Chelsea in their next three. If they get nothing from those, it could well be ‘bye, bye’ Black Cats. If it isn’t already.
