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Tottenham finally managed to break down a Crystal Palace side with a deserved goal in the 83rd minute of the first game of the last season at the ‘old’ White Hart Lane. It was newcomer Victor Wanyama who powerfully headed in to make the net bulge via an assist from Harry Kane from Erik Lamela’s corner, much to the relief of the home supporters.

The match did not reach great heights as a spectacle, with Spurs in the ascendancy for most of the 90 minutes. Vincent Janssen, Tottenham’s other debutant, looked lively and really should have scored from the chances that he had. First game nerves, perhaps. Spurs fans will be hoping that he breaks his duck soon to banish the ghosts of the Roberto Soldado era.

What really changed the game was the subsitution of Christian Eriksen, who was not enjoying the best of games for the Lilywhites, for the mercurial Dele Alli on 68 minutes. The England rookie’s impact was felt almost immediately, Alli showing great vision and accuracy with a one touch pass that was perfect for Janssen who went on-on-one with Eagles’ goalkeeper Hennessey. Janssen managed to chip the keeper, who came off his line to meet him, but the ball went wide. His influence on the match seemed to turn the tide for Spurs.

Andros Townsend was lively for Palace, and showed great pace and industry throughout the game. However, despite this, he was not able to create enough for the away to team to fashion many chances. He was also subjected to an audacious nutmeg by Erik Lamela right at the end of the match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JZyQNdqANQ

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew can have few complaints about the result, and will hope that the signing of Christian Benteke will give the team a reliable target man. They hardly looked like scoring in this game, despite fashioning a few decent chances – with the home team creating (and wasting) several good chances throughout.

Next up for the Eagles, it’s a home EFL Cup Second Round match on Tuesday night and then another home game against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. Both teams (19th & 20th in the table) will be looking to pick up their first points of the season.

Spurs are also at home, hosting the hot and cold Liverpool FC, on Saturday 27th in the early Premier League kick-off.

Tottenham: Vorm, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier, Wanyama, Lamela (Carroll 90), Janssen, Eriksen (Alli 68), Kane (Onomah 90). Subs not used: McGee, Davies, Carter-Vickers, Mason.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Delaney (Tomkins 82), Souare, Ledley (Cabaye 45), Puncheon, Zaha, Lee (Mutch 82), Townsend, Wickham. Subs not used: Speroni, Kelly, Mutch, Anderson, Ladapo.

Ipswich Town 4 v Barnsley Match 2

Portman Road, 6th August, 2016

Bathed in Suffolk’s finest August sunshine, Ralph and I sauntered to Portman Road meditating upon why we loved football. New seasons and opening fixtures are always special, of course. For one day only and for every single club, supporters authentically can dream ‘this year – could be our year’. That new signing, this fresh formation, a crafty combination of youth and experience and hey: miracles can happen!

Only for most of us they don’t and by 45 minutes into Ipswich Town’s new season, they definitely hadn’t. Ipswich’s starting eleven contained attractive, attacking players. Unfortunately they were still squeezed into the dull and narrow 4-4-2 system that last season bored the Portman Road faithful, and many opposing teams, into sullen submission. It was a stifling first half but Barnsley were the brighter. Despite nine signings they looked every inch the side still on that amazing run, starting in the depths of League 1 at Christmas 2015, and ending in Wembley promotion glory some six months later. Indeed Barnsley should have led at half time, but for a wasted close-range header from Bradshaw straight at the goalkeeper; then a stunning reflex, strong wristed save by Ipswich’s excellent Bialkowski. Diving low to his right somehow, in the 43rd minute, he punched out Bradshaw’s six yard slam-and-dip shot for a corner.
Cue half time Ipswich yawns. Then adventurously and out of character, came two McCarthy substitutions. Home wishes were granted (groan) via second half debuts for permanent signing Grant Ward (from Tottenham) and year-long loan Connor Grant (from Everton). Within a minute the 4-3-3 formation paid off and Ward reacted coolly to slot home from inside the box.

Three minutes later Barnsley captain Hourihane deservedly pulled The Terriers level from close range before Ward, with another right foot shot ten minutes later, hit a second from 15 yards out. That was closely followed by a McGoldrick penalty, created by Murphy’s excellent run in the box. Still Barnsley refused to give in and a powerful header into the far corner, from a fine Hourihane free kick, saw Watkins reduce the deficit. Then and perhaps inevitably, given the carnival that had been the second half, Grant Ward completed a debut second-half hat-trick. From the edge of the Barnsley area he telescoped a sweet shot, so low into the corner that Barnsley’s goalkeeper could only assist it into the net, via an outstretched left hand.

Despite the result and far fewer summer signings than Barnsley, Ipswich looked markedly the less coherent side. They cannot rely on another hat-trick miracle next week at Brentford on 13 August and will quickly need to graft the right combination of their squad’s younger midfielders and defenders, with their more experienced attackers. Meanwhile if Barnsley can pick up a win in the next couple of games, starting at home to Derby next Saturday, there is no reason why they shouldn’t maintain their momentum from last year: at least whilst the August sun shines.
Betting
Ipswich are currently 15-8 to win away at Brentford, where they have struggled to win in recent seasons despite playing well. Man to watch – Daryl Murphy with two great assists against Barnsley.
Barnsley’s 2-1 to beat Derby home, which given their two goals and further chances against Ipswich, is well within their capability. Man to watch – Bradshaw who won’t want to miss any more chances and was unlucky not to score on Saturday.

Match report by Grant Bage

Category Archives: Football Match Reports

Match Review 20/08/2016 Tottenham 1 Crystal Palace 0

Match Review 20/08/2016 Tottenham 1 Crystal Palace 0

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Match Report: 6/8/2016 Ipswich Town 4 Barnsley 2

Match Report: 6/8/2016 Ipswich Town 4 Barnsley 2

Ipswich Town 4 v Barnsley Match 2

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