When Andre met Jose............................ again

The build-up to this high noon showdown at White Hart Lane was unsurprisingly less about Tottenham against Chelsea and more about Andre Villas Boas against Jose Mourinho. Journalists ravenously peeled away at the carcass of a broken relationship between two marquee managers, hoping for an explosive media skirmish. AVB to be fair was quite composed, honest and open in his answer. However, he also betrayed his true feelings in this response, "our break up happened because I was ambitious to give him extra, I felt I could give him much more. But Jose didn't feel the need for somebody near to him or in another position as an assistant, and because of that it was decided that it was time, after Inter Milan, to continue our careers apart." Or “Jose’s record speaks for itself but I am very proud of what I have achieved” code for “Jose did not value me enough but I have proved myself as a manager. Just look at my record”. This was more than just another game for AVB, he wanted to beat this Chelsea team and Jose Mourinho knew it.

Jose Mourinho for his part normally loves pre-match hype as they invariably focus on him and his Machiavellian sense of theatre rather than his players. However, he was clearly irritated in the build-up to this match, refusing point blank to answer questions about AVB, the pre-match handshake was the sort normally reserved exclusively for Rafa Benitez, his old Liverpool adversary and if Chelsea had somehow scored the winner, I half expected him to go sprinting down the pitch as he famously did nine years ago when his Porto side scored late to knock Manchester united out of the champions league.  Jose was not confident he could win this match, but he damn sure did not want to lose it. Not to this Tottenham. Not to Andre Villas Boas.

In the first half, Spurs played some fantastic football. Eriksson played a part in yet another goal, scored by Sigurdsson who is responding to all the midfield arrivals by playing really well and scoring. Kyle walker set up an attack with a delicious back heel that almost ended with another goal by Paulinho. Dembele shimmied, twisted and generally swaggered his way through the first half. There was real purpose and energy about Spurs play and one sensed that Mourinho, looking distinctly unimpressed in the dugout was relieved to get to half time with only one goal in it.

Jose then pulled off the tactical masterstroke (who would have thought of that?!) of bringing on Juan Mata for the second half. He improved Chelsea’s play to the extent they dominated until Fernando Torres got sent off. Torres was unfortunate to be yellow carded a second time but his cynical foul on Jan Vertongen earlier and subsequent attempt at gouging was nasty and deserved a red card on its own. Despite a late flurry from Spurs, 1-1 it finished. Honours even and no manager lost face.

On reflection, Chelsea were beatable on Saturday. It just needed better finishing, which brings me to Senor Roberto Soldado. His goal scoring pedigree is unquestioned; however, he has yet to score from open play this season. While after six games, it is too soon to make a judgement, it is already apparent that he is not the type of striker to create his own goal scoring chances. Might he benefit from a couple of games on the bench while Jermaine Defoe, with the world cup in his sights is unleashed? Also a fired up Emmanuel Adebayor with a point to proof (either to spurs or potential buyers) brings a very potent alternative to Spurs attack. I don’t get the impression he has been a disruptive influence and even If he eventually leaves, he is still a Spurs’ striker right now and I hope AVB gives him a chance and does not cut his nose to spite his face on this.

If the transfer window had shut on 22^nd August 2013, Willian Borges da Silva would have turned out for Tottenham against Chelsea. It didn’t and one week later, he was signed, sealed and delivered in blue. Jose Mourinho enjoyed using his press conference to admire his own audacity in hijacking the transfer and to taunt Tottenham and no doubt AVB in particular. Spurs signed Christian Eriksson and got on with it. Willian was conspicuous by his absence on Saturday. Willian old son, you’re welcome at the Lane anytime. We promise you a warm welcome. The sort of welcome reserved for Mr. Sol Campbell.

Jose Mourinho has had far more to say about Tottenham this season than at anytime during his first tenure at Chelsea. From mocking Spurs over the Willian deal to, “Tottenham are the champions of the transfer window” or “Tottenham are a big title contender” To paraphrase a famous Portuguese coach Jose himself might know very well, He's worried about us, he's always talking about us - it's Tottenham, Tottenham, Tottenham. He is one of these people who is a voyeur - he likes to watch.

Enjoy the view Jose, Spurs are coming after the top four again and we supporters would really, really love it if we finish above your Chelsea. I suspect a certain Andre Villas Boas will be quite pleased too.