Boxing Day Footer!
A very good Boxing Day to all of you out there in LOB-land. We have a long, long festive day of the good stuff today. I'm in Richmond visiting my in-laws and am going to try to steal away from the festivities long enough to watch at least this early one between Spurs and Brighton. That's followed by the 10am EST kick-offs including Chelsea v. Southampton on NBC Sports. I'll be waiting patiently all day for my Leeds boys who are home to PNE today in a crucial promotion fixture on ESPN+. If you still need more, there's the small matter of first v. second - Liverpool v. Leicester at 3pm. Wow!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:14 AM
421 Comments:
Morning, chaps! Brighton bring bad memories to Tottenham, primarily of a 3-0 thwacking at the AmEx Stadium in October, a match full of unfortunate incidents from a Spurs perspective including the dislocation of Hugo Lloris’s elbow, an injury from which he is yet to return. Mauricio Pochettino was sacked the following month, without winning another league game. Results have improved since José Mourinho’s appointment, but Tottenham’s most recent game – against Chelsea on Sunday – was another trial, and Son Heung-min will miss this match as a result of his red card in that one.
Team sheets have been handed in, and these were the names upon them:
Tottenham Hotspur: Gazzaniga, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Sissoko, Winks, Lucas Moura, Alli, Sessegnon, Kane. Subs: Lamela, Vorm, Dier, Lo Celso, Foyth, Eriksen, Tanganga.
Brighton: Ryan, Webster, Duffy, Burn, Stephens, Bernardo, Gross, Mooy, Schelotto, Alzate, Connolly. Subs: Maupay, Bissouma, Trossard, Murray, Montoya, Propper, Button.
Referee: Graham Scott.
Teams are out on the pitch at Shite Fart II for some festive action. Lots of expectation in the ground.
Spurs get us underway on Boxing Day!
Spurs get the game started, and instead of the more common post-kick-off hump forward and straight out of play they pass it around their backline for a while before humping it forward and straight out of play.
Aurier rampages down the right and is picked out by a fine crossfield pass, but he had rampaged a bit too far and is offside.
First half chance falls to Bernardo who scuffs his shot. Should have hit the target.
Lovely ball in from Harry Kane but new boy Ryan Sessegnon can't connect properly.
Oh - Sessegnon is again the target but he's caught offside.
There's nothing like that first sip from the cuppa.
Save! Brighton work the ball across the edge of Tottenham’s penalty area, and Alzate’s shot from 25 yards is pushed to safety by Gazzaniga.
It has been an encouraging start for Brighton, though Kane has looked in worryingly good touch when he has got on the ball, which has been very occasionally.
Oh - half chance for Aaron Mooy. Deflected out for a corner.
The rain is really teeming down now in London.
GOAL! Great ball through from Harry Winks to Kane who beat the offside trap and Kane just dinked it by the on-going rush of Matty Ryan.
There will be a VAR check, of course, for offside.
No goal! Wow!
That's another example of a goal that might have been counted in the old days of human error. Jose not best pleased.
Another long ball to Kane. Duffy seemed to obstruct him but nothing called. When was the last time you saw obstruction called?
Dan Byrne shoves over Lucas Moura in a dangerous area and picks up the match's first yellow card.
Kane and Vertonghen over the ball.
Kane takes and it's deflected out for a corner.
Now it's Duffy who hacks down Moura in about the same area. Another free kick chance for Kane.
GOAL! Webster powers home Gross's delivery from the free kick.
0-1!
Half time: Well, that was not the script that Spurs fans would have written this morning. Spurs troop off a goal behind after having had that early Kane goal chalked off by VAR.
Good morning, Bob. Here to join you after a late lie in for a marathon Boxing Day Footie
Just noticed that Leeds vs PNE, which is 2nd vs 5th , in on Plus with kickoff at 12:15 PM. Our Uniteds on almost simultaneously.
As it stands, Spurs are mired in 7th on 26 points and can be leapfrogged by United later on today.
Brighton have vaulted all the way to 12th and are well and truly out of trouble.
The second half is underway from SFL II with the Gooner and Simon pleased
A very good Boxing Day to you and yours, MUR! Thanks for getting up early to watch with me.
Gooner really enjoyed that Sunday tonking for Spurs. He'll be delighted by proceedings so far.
Cheers, Bob. Happy Boxing Day to you and your family. Glad tot join you for this time honored tradition
I bet he did. I'm sure the Gooner is looking for Spurs to get some points deducted for racist abuse from their fans that occurred three times during the second half
How have your holidays been so far?
Spurs should really have the quality to beat Brighton.
GOAL! Kane finally gets his goal after two bites at the cherry!
1-1!
A touch of good fortune there as the ricochet came back to Kane. But there was nothing lucky about that finish.
GOAL !!!HARRY KANE IS ABEL TO TIE IT UP AS HE PUTS AWAY A REBOUND AFTER HIS INITIAL SHOT WAS SAVED BY MATTY RYAN. . NICE RUN BY LUCAS MOURA, BUT SOME GOOD FORTUNES AS A SEAGULLS CLEARANCE BOUNCED OFF HIS OWN PLAYER AND WENT STRAIGHT TO HARRY KANE
Now 1-1 at SFL II
Oh - Gross was found in a good position by Mooy but he badly shanked his shot.
Sessegnon is replaced early on in the second by another debutant Lo Celso who came in the summer from Real Betis.
My apologies for not answering your question. I was, but then the goal was scored. It's been a crazy holiday season, getting used to having m y father-in-law with us, two birthdays and then taking Melanie back to San Marcos yesterday for Winter Camp for indoor precussion. Will try to resume normality.
Oh - almost a carbon copy of the Kane goal with a ricochet that comes to Kane. Couldn't control it this time.
The Gooner will remind us not to give Spurs a victory yet. The Seagulls won at the EM A few weeks ago
Before I forget, we thank you for the lovely card of you and Kate. We all loved it. This year we did not send cards due to the recent crazy schedule , but will try to be better about that.
You're absolutely right, mate. Graham Potter's side does have the habit of beating the big London sides.
You're very welcome, mate - we always love sending those out to friends and family.
It's not the same without UWS. No updates to ignore while he's having a lovely time navigating England's finest motorways on his way to the holy shrine that is OT
Harry Winks is on the edge of being sent off now. Already on a card and he slid in there.
A rocket of a Seagulls free kick is straight at Gazza , but fisted away due to the velocity. That was more than Gross Power.
Oh - great hit there by Gazza was behind it.
Like for like as Neil Maupay is replaced by young Irish striker, Aaron Connolly
No Moura of that as he found out what cul de sac means by running into Webster. The defender, that is, not the dictionary
GOAL! Great goal from Spurs - very classy.
GOAL!!! A GREAT FINISH BY DELLE ALLI PUNCHED IN ON BOXING DAY. NICE DIAGONAL PASS FROM ERIKSEN TO AURIER AND LAID OFF FOR ALLI TO SOFTLY PUNCH IN TO THE UPPER 90 FOR A 2-1 LEAD
Great ball from Ericksen out to Aurier who cushioned a pass for Alli who lifted the most delicate chipped shot into the side netting past Ryan. Lovely stuff.
2-1!
Very fitting that Alli should score on the day named after him. Sound right, mate? Not sure if the Gooner or Webster would agree?
Oh - Aurier whipped another great cross in but Alli couldn't get the final touch on.
Webster wants to know the definition of a fair tackle and Scotty agrees saying nor Moura of that as a booking is given
Maura picks up a late yellow card for a rash slide in on a rainy day.
UWS is trading in the puns for the hustle and bustle of the finest motorways. The reward will be at the end of the journey
Oh - Mooy has a pop from distance but couldn't keep it down.
Eric Dier on to bolt the door for Moura.
A defensive move from Little Joe and no Moura action as Dier is on in his place just minutes after the booking
An attacking move that seems like something out of Harry Potter as a striker is on for a right back. Trossard for Bernardo
Last gambit from Graham Potter - Trossard comes on to try to nick an equalizer.
Little Joe with a big complaint. Cursing in the Streets of Alex over that?
An incident you may find humorous. Elizabeth transported my father-in-law from the bed to the chair and called him the Special One. I told her that Jose is the Special One. She asked me who is Jose?
Long range effort from Gross staight to Gazza. Initially fumbled then caught
A win will vault Spurs back up into that coveted 5th European slot above the Evil Blades.
Now it's Gross who tests the handling of Gazzaniga.
Another Seagulls change as Bissouma on for Schelotto. Will that be some wizardry weaved by Potter?
Hand bags between Sissy and Dan Burn . Not sure if VAR will overrule anything. Sissy booked for acting like a moron.
Should be yellow cards all round.
You need a Webster's dictionary to know the meaning of persistence. That challenge on Kane is a perfect visual
Bissouma should be booked for sandwiching Delle. That was cynical.
What do you think of my puns this morning, Bob?
As Bob stated the Spuds will move up to 5th ahead of the Evil Blades , who entertain the rock bottom Hornets at Bramall Lane in the 10 AM fixtures
Excellent as usual, mate. You are the master puns man.
OH!!! That should have sen up the match . Delle Alli blasts over with just Matty Ryan to beat. Bob singing in a Barber Shop Quartet about stoppage time minutes
Cheers, mate. I'm trying to be impressive as part of the Boxing Day tradition
Great close range block by Steve Alzate on a Spurs break
Oh - Ericksen nearly added a third there. Great block.
e will be a trip to the bog once Scotty blows the final whistle.,
It's over and Spurs come from behind at the half to win 2-1 in a competitive match.
That's that - Spurs run out 2-1 winners on Boxing Day and Jose will be delighted by that.
No Nocito curse for you, mate.
Next up are the 10 o'clock fixtures. Mikel Arteta is leading Arsenal for the first time. Ancelotti leading Everton for the first time.
I'm watching the Chelsea v. Soton match next:
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson, Kante, Jorginho, Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham
Subs: Caballero, Christensen, Barkley, Pedro, Mount, Pulisic, Batshuayi
Southampton: McCarthy, Soares, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand, Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Redmond, Obafemi, Adams
Subs: Gunn, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Ings, Romeu, Boufal, Danso
UWS is not around today to be irritated by the ads during the line-ups.
Back after a hectic intermission. It's Chelsea vs Saints on NBCSN while Premier League Gold Rush on Gold
Cherries vs Gunners in Arteta's first match in charge the featured match on Rush. They're off from SB and Dean's Court
Soton is a frightening Boxing Day kit kicks us off.
We need to mention no ignored updates as well.
LOL! The announcer on Rush mentioned that the kickoff from Bramall Lane has been delayed due to issues. Bob will be amused
In L2 Colchester won 1-3 at the Orient Express. Not sure if Bob will be impressed.
The Evil Blades always have "issues," mate.
In the SPL Hibs had the winning hand in the Edinburgh Derby winning 0-2 at the Queen of Hearts. Hibs up to 5th and Hearts rock bottom. Martin Boyle with a first half double and Scott Allan with both assists
LOL! I thought you would say that
Hibs bottom when they sacked Heckingbottom , now 5th. Replaced by their city rivals at the bottom.
Lots of speculation on the Guardian blog about the "issues" at Bramall Lane.
Agreed, mate. That Saints kit more appropriate for Halloween and only the home defeat against the Foxes was scarier.
Wahay! Lua Lua has opened the scoring for Luton against Fulham.
The Toffees nearly took an early lead n Ancelotti's first match in charge. Free kick headed down by Jerry Minor and Mason Holgate had a close range effort blocked by Nick Pope.
It's a Hassenhultl Horror Show.
Bob will not be pleased that the Baggies have taken the lead at Barnsley. It's expected as one of Slaven's compatriots scored
When my Father-in-law watched a Christmas Story, Ralphie was told that he would blow his eye out. The kit will do it. Is that what you meant?
Volley from Cally Wilson just over for the Cherries. Steve will not be pleased with the gunners start in the Arteta era
While reading La Cazette , I read that Cherries keeper, Aaron Ramsdale saved at the feet of a Gunners striker
I'm not surprised. As I've said, I'm not that concerned about the Baggies. We just need to keep the lead over the trailing pack.
Mixed news for Bob. Bobby Reid ties it up for the Cottagers at Luton, but the Potters take a surprise lead against a Not So Big Club
Forest take the lead at the Tigers
I'm pleased to see that Arteta has started with an attacking side with Lacazette and Aubama up front.
That's alright, then. Par for the course.
Richard Burton on top vs Tranny. I will be more than happy to supply a visual
In a match between two teams in the drop zone, the Fake Dons take the lead at hapless Southend on Sea a sea
Salford City two up vs high flying Motley Crewe. A Christmas hangover for Tommy Lee?
In A relegation six pointer between newly promoted teams, the Canaries nearly take the lead at Villa Park. Sam Byram with a shot off the bar off a corner
High flying Swindon, takes the lead vs Cambridge
Close range effort from Aubama blocked by Simpson
Donny Trump on top at Posh. The Tractor Boys back in second place
The Canaries should have taken the lead at Villa Park, but Pukki took too long to shoot on the break
Bob will be relieved that the Evil Blades did not take the lead. Ben Foster with a great close range save from Ollie McBurnie
Eight point lead over Not a Big Club now. I'm hoping to increase that to 11 point again by the end of the day.
The Bees take the lead vs the Swans and move up to 5th place
Sorry,mate .Bees up to third. It's now a seven point lead over the Bees that we would love to see increased.
Not a single goal in the Premier League thus far. One assumes all the players ate too much goose yesterday.
Celtic on top at St. Helen Mirren. As if she would stand a chance against the Big Bhoys!
Are they hung over, mate?
Bob probably wishes the Bess ate too much
Tranny ties it up at Richard Burton. Bob wants a visual
Yeah - we just need a win today and need to keep on winning.
Bob may not want to read my update about the Bees. I don't blame you, mate
Hoping that the Bees will get stung.
Bees now two up vs the Swans. You definitely need to defeat PNE
BOOM BOOM , BASIL!
Bob will be pleased that the Evil Blades had a goal disallowed for offside
GOAL!!! YOUNG MICHAEL OBAFEMI GIVES THE SAINTS THE LEAD AT SB WITH A SUPERB CURLER IN THE UPPER 90. HIS FIRST FOR THE SAINTS AND WHAT PERFECT TIMING
GOAL! The Saints take the lead in the 30th minute!
Bob will be delighted that Luton now lead the Cottagers 2-1
A world class save by Nick Pope from Sidibe to prevent the Toffees taking the lead.
Wahay! Marvelous!
GOAL !!!DAN GOSLING GIVES THE CHERRIES THE LEAD WITH A CLOSE RANGE EFFORT FROM A RUN AND CROSS FROM JACK STACEY AFTER THE GUNNERS WERE PHAFFING ABOUT
Cursing in the Streets of Alex?
Oh dear - some swearing from Alex as the Cherries take the lead.
Bob will be delighted that Deulofeu has given the Hornets the lead at Bramall Lane
Lovely - go on, you Hornets!
The Teesiders in the lead vs the Terriers
Oxford Shoes on top vs Abe Lincoln while Southend on Sea ties it up vs the Fake Dons
Josh King on a solo run then a a close range save and block for a Cherries corner
Chris Mepham heads wide off the Cherries corner
Banjo Boys lads on top vs Bristol Titties, making a clean breast of it
Nasty fall there for Hudson-Odoi - he's able to recover quickly.
Rochdale on top vs Fleetwood Mac
Chelsea last lost at Home on Boxing Day in 19995. That's pre Lamps
The Evil Blades tie it up vs the Hornets. Will Hughes tripped George Baldock in the box and Olly Norwood scored from the spot
It's halftime in all the matches except for the late kickoff at Bramall Lane
Half time and Soton go in one goal to the good.
Not a lot of goals is the Prem as of yet:
Not a single goal in the Premier League thus far. One assumes all the players ate too much goose yesterday or some other cliched line I am too lazy to think of.
The second half is underway from Dean's Court
Second half underway from SB
I'm sure the last Dessert on Steve's mind is Cherries Jubilee. Is that right Bob?
Close range effort from Tammy Abraham in the side netting
Swindon three up vs Cambridge
Aubama curls an effort just wide off a pass from the Beaker
Bristol Rovers in a real lead vs the Real Dons
As we start the second half, my Leeds boys are still seven points up on Brentford in third.
St. Helen Mirren being screwed by the Bog Bhoys as Celtic goes two up
Bristol Titties ties it up at Banjo Boy's lads
A Presidential debate gone nasty as Thomas Jefferson Lerma booked for nasty foul from behind on Aubama
Alexander Tettey has a shot cleared off the line off a corner by Douglas Luiz then Tom Heaton with a fantastic save from a Tom Trybull header off the resulting corner. Two chances for the Canaries to take the lead at Villa Park
Arsenal need to pull their fingers out and win one for the new gaffer.
Torreira and Maitland-Niles booked for mistimed tackles for the Gunners
Agreed, mate. It's not as if Steve is wanting Cherries Jubilee for dessert. Is that right mate?
Snoddy gibes the Hammers a much needed lead at Selhurst Park with a nice curler off a through ball from Antonio
Blackburn takes the lead vs Brum. Now 7th, but out of the playoffs on goal difference
Tomori booked for a foul from behind on Che Addams as Chelsea become increasingly frustrated
GOAL !!!AUBAMA TIES IT UP FOR THE GUNNERS
It came off a shot from Reiss Nelson that took a ,lucky deflection, but a nice passing possession as the Gunners score the first goal in the Arteta era
Bristol Titties have come from behind to lead 1-2 at Banjo Boys lads and now up to 8th, out of the playoffs on goal difference
Saints nearly two up at SB as Redmond was put through and an ice save by the Chelsea Kepa
That'll cheer up the household in Alex.
The Canaries pay for their missed chances as Connor Hourihane score with a nice finish off a run and pass from Jack Grealish
Pulisic on for Hudson-Odoi
Christian Pulisic comes off the bench for Hudson-Odoi now.
The Coyote ties it up for Palace vs the Hammers with a volley . His first for Palace and no celebrations as it's vs his former club
Cardiff took the lead vs the Evil Lions then Neil Harris's former mates tied it up
Brum ties it up at Ewood Park while the Swans pull it back to 2-1 at the Bees. Hope for Bob
My Howe the Cherries hope this change has top Billing as he's on for scorer, Dan Gosling
Bob will not be pleased that Not a Big Club has ties it up at he Brit
GOAL !!! SAINTS GO TWO UP AT SB AS NATHAN REDMOND SCORES PAST THE STRANDED CHELSEA KEPA
Wow! Ward-Browse seals it for the Saints!
The Chelsea faithful starting to leave the ground with fifteen minutes to play.
Joe Willock on for the none too pleased Beaker. Arteta says he will watch player reactions. He will grade that a D minus
YIKES. Not a Big Club have come from behind to lead 1-2 at the Brit and only five points behind Leeds. Your team has to win today, mate
MOT! COME ON LEEDS!
Villa still in the drop zone, but two points behind four different teams. It's tight in the battle to avoid the drop.
Canaries now bottom.
Snickering from Bob as Connor Bloody Whickham misses a sitter for Palace. Shoots against Roberto with just the keeper to beat
Yes, we do indeed.
Ben Foster with a world class reflex block from a few yards out to prevent the Evil Blades taking the lead
Steve will be relieved as Cally Wilson has a goal disallowed for offside. Nice run and pass from Harry Wilson
Banjo Boys lads ties it up vs Bristol Titties. Now desmond
Post a Comment
<< Home