NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 494
Submitted by Norman Giller

So, there I was at my child bride's 90th birthday party trying to cock a deaf 'un to any mention of the match being played at the same time at the Etihad. My step son-in law, Mischievous Mick, decided to have some fun as he checked the result on his mobile. Keeping a straight face, he said: 'See if you can guess the score.' Pessimistic Norm replied: 'Four-nil.' Mick managed to keep the stress going, 'Well, let's just say you're remarkably close.'

Eventually I went home from the hugely recommended Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay with my suitably celebrated wife on my arm, convinced Spurs had lost by at least 4-0. As I watched Match of the Day and the developing drama I had to be scraped off the ceiling, I was, of course, spot on with my score forecast, except it was an amazing 4-0 to Tottenham. Once again we had proved Pep Guardiola's nemesis, with a ninth defeat by Spurs for him to ponder on.

Now I can shout from the rooftops at the Lynch Mob, please lay off Ange Postecoglou. The danger is that the strong-minded Greek Aussie could walk if the keyboard warriors keep up their nonsensical call for his head.

Yes, the Ipswich defeat was hard to stomach. But these things happen in football and it is a sign of extreme immaturity or ignorance for people to shout 'off with his head' as soon as things go wrong.

Ange has a plan and we must stick with him as he seeks to get it to work. There was plenty of evidence that he is getting it to function with the superb standard of the football against a City team not knowing what had hit them.

I have been saying all season that James Maddison is a confidence player, who needs to feel wanted. When he is cocky and full of himself, the Tottenham team grows in confidence and is more cohesive. Madders was full of fire and desire against City and bossed the midfield. We must convince him it's his birthday every week!

It's no good wasting time wondering why they could not play like this when lowly Ipswich were the opposition. Let's be positive and think of how they continually took the much-vaunted City defence apart, with Sonny and box-of-tricks Kulu adding buoyancy to the performance.

For those still with doubts about the quality of this Tottenham team, just bear in mind that last season they failed to win away at any of the traditional Big Six in the Premier League ... This campaign they have won both matches they have played, scoring seven goals in total and each time registering clean sheets.

Our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith gives his account of the sensational events at the Etihad HERE, providing all the facts that I missed while celebrating my wife's birthday ... and, of course, coupled with best wishes for birthday boy Maddison.

Next up, Roma in the Europa League and then Fulham at home on Sunday. Meantime, my bride and I are spreading the pollen of love. Grab some if you can. It will take years off you.

COYS!

Ps. Christmas galloping up. Get your order in for a signed copy of our 'Sir Bill' Nicholson biography direct from my writing partner Steve Perryman at https://steveperryman.com/product/sir-bill-the-book/.

If you want to hear me talking about the book with Steve, please tap into his immensely popular pod-cast at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP44UZwbDv8.

Week 14 of our eleventh season of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League, and the question is:

Who has won 92 caps for his country, played many of his early youth matches in Denmark and what number Spurs shirt does he currently wear?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 14. 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 ten 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 real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2025, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week's question: Who was Bill Nicholson's first (and arguably greatest) signing for Spurs in 1958-59 and from which Scottish club did he join Tottenham?

Answer:Dave Mackay/Hearts

See you back here on Monday. COYS!

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