Many thanks to John Ellis for his comments (and picture) after our win at Brighton
Brighton and Hove Albion 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
This was a very emotional day for the club in which we mourned the passing of one of our great strikers and best fitness coaches.
John Duncan goals were instrumental in Tottenham returning to top flight football in the 1977/78 promotion season. John was a top notch clinical goal scorer for club and country. He was also a wonderful man.
Fast forward several decades to this week and we lost our fitness coach Gian Ventrone.
Gian is best known in England for bringing Kane and Son to their knees in South Korea last summer. His popularity amongst the players was shown by the tributes from the players through social media this week who clearly adored him.
The last days must have been very difficult for Antonio Conte who has had Gian alongside him for many years.
We will never know how much our losses galvanised the players today but this was a tremendous rearguard and resolute performance which delivered a massive three away points away to a very good Brighton side.
There were some excellent performances not least from Dier and Sessegnon alongside Hojbjerg and Lloris when called upon.
Playing three in midfield gave the team balance and an element of control especially in the early exchanges.
Doherty acquitted himself very well and almost scored with a rising half volley.
Having said that, Brighton could still have scored three in the first half…
The second half saw Spurs defend with tenacity, getting blocks and last ditch tackles in to protect our precious one goal lead scored courtesy of Harry Kane and another Son assist. They continue to extend their record partnership.
Given the results earlier today, if Spurs were to keep pace with the early pacesetters, this felt a must-win game.
Given Brighton were just three points behind us in fourth place and unbeaten at home, our rivals would have been hoping for at least two dropped points.
Spurs though prevailed and having played four out of five difficult away games, are now well set for the season ahead.
· Spurs Odyssey match report.
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