NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 470
Submitted by Norman Giller

When exciting "e-man" Eberechi Eze fired Crystal Palace into a shock lead with a stunning free-kick on Saturday I half expected some Spurs players to join in the celebrations. Anybody who witnessed his warm pre-match welcome from skipper Son Heung-min and several team-mates will know what I mean.

A roving television camera just happened to pick up the on-pitch gathering and added fuel to the speculation that Eze will be a Spurs newcomer this summer. I have never seen a player from the opposition being greeted so ecstatically.

Eze's goal - completely against the run of play - brought out the worst from the army of so-called Spurs supporters, who seem to delight in castigating the team. The social media almost exploded with the anger of fans turning on Spurs in general and Ange Postecoglou in particular.

Oh, how they had to change their tune as Spurs showed great character and composure, finally winning the game with a 3-1 scoreline that was a fair reflection of the game (Spurs Odyssey report to be published later in the week).

Highlights for me were the determination of Timo Werner to up his game after missing an easier chance than he took for his first goal for Spurs, the 'super sub' performance from Brengun Johnson, the leadership and cool goal from Sonny and, above all, the central defensive work of Micky van de Ven, on a par with what we used to see from Ledley King but even faster!

Bill Nicholson's mantra in Tottenham's glory-glory years was always the three Ps: 'Patience, patience, patience.' A lot of Spurs followers need to adopt that attitude. I just cannot see what is gained by vilifying your own players and manager.

Now comes the most crucial game in Tottenham's season to date. Sunday's visit to Aston Villa will decide whether Spurs can maintain their challenge for a top four place. Defeat would almost certainly mean the end of that dream in Postecoglou's first season as he concentrates on building for the future ... which, reading all the signs, will include the Greenwich-born, effervescent Eberechi Eze. Eeh!

Ps Tottenham's women gave a spirited, backs-to-the-wall performance against Arsenal in the North London Derby yesterday before going down 1-0 to their classy neighbours. Note that the attendance at the Emirates for the second successive week totalled over 60,000. The revolution is well under way.

COYS!

Week 27 of season nine of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League challenge, and the question is:

Which Yorkshireman won 21 England caps, started his career with his hometown Leeds United team and to which club did Tottenham sell him in 2015?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 27. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous eight seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. That's when I become as popular as Sol Campbell in an Arsenal shirt.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2024, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date. We have retired the omniscient David Guthrie after his three victories.

Last week's question:

Who won eight England caps, has played for Real Madrid and his hometown Middlesbrough club and against which team did he score the winning goal for Spurs the last time they won a trophy?

Answer: Jonathan Woodgate /Chelsea

See you back here ... on Monday. COYS!

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