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 Three games ago, George Graham was stating that he was pleased with the progress he had made during his spell in charge of Tottenham. But league defeats by Charlton and Leeds, interspersed with a draw against newly promoted Manchester City, have put a different complexion on Spurs 2000-01 season to date. They will try to turn things around again at Highfield Road, when they visit Coventry City.
Things have not gone entirely to plan at Coventry either. The Sky Blues incredibly went the entire 1999-2000 season without recording an away win. But while they have already won twice on their travels this term, they are still languishing in 17th place, mainly because they have conceded an average of two goals per game at home and picked up just one point during their opening four league fixtures at Highfield Road.
Tottenham triumphed 1-0 in last year's corresponding fixture. The odds on Gordon Strachan's team crashing to another 1-0 defeat on Saturday are 6/1.
Since the start of the season (or for the last 10 years to be precise), Spurs fans have complained bitterly about the quality of football on offer at White Hart Lane. However, their side have been far more competent in keeping possession than the Sky Blues. So far this term Graham's team have completed 72% of their passes, six percentage points better than Coventry, who have recorded the lowest pass completion rate in the Premiership.
And if Spurs' Ukrainian international Sergei Rebrov can continue in the same vein of form that he has showed of late, they will certainly stand a chance against Strachan's team. The former Dynamo Kiev forward has fired in 21 efforts this season - the fifth-highest total in the Premiership - and is the Lilywhites' top scorer this year with four goals.
 Rebrov is rated at 10/11 to add another to his tally at Highfield Road, which could prove a good bet if Coventry's woeful home record continues.
However, if Strachan's side can utilise their enviable combative skills, they may prove sterner opposition than Spurs would expect. Coventry have come out on top in 81% of their challenges this term - the best rating in the division - and should hold the edge in any physical tussle with Graham's players, who have won 75% of their tackles.
Tottenham clearly need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and with Coventry looking vulnerable at home, this seems as good a time to start as any. But the Sky Blues also have something to prove, indicating a close match may be in store.
Rupert Webster
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Fri 13 October 2000, 12:00
Tottenham Hotspur
- Coventry doc