Ben & Rob talk Spurs

No game this weekend, so N17 Live presenter Ben Haines and Club Commentator Rob Daly do what they do best - talk Spurs...

State of play

Where do the guys see us at the moment?

Ben: “I’ve been so impressed with the way Antonio Conte has started to organise things, especially the structure defensively. We’re starting to make positive strides going forward as well, creating overloads, creating chances, the front three really starting to click. Oliver Skipp as well, he’s done the transitioning so well for the team.”

Rob: “It feels like we were starting to build a bit of momentum, a little rhythm around the way the team is attacking and defending. There seems to be improved cohesion there, and improved results against Brentford and Norwich. I’m reluctant to get too carried away after wins and clean sheets against two promoted teams - it will be interesting to see what happens when we face bigger tests in the Premier League - but three at the back, the new use of wing-backs, a lot to like about the Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg/Skipp midfield pairing, the front three looking sharp, it’s all encouraging for the rest of the season.”

GOTS, so far...

After Lucas Moura’s wonder strike against Norwich, what do the guys think is the goal of the season, so far?

Ben: “For quality, it has to be Lucas against Norwich City, but I absolutely loved Tanguy Ndombele’s at Newcastle (3-2 win, 17 October). Remember, it was the first match of the new regime up there, all the fanfare that day, Newcastle scored after two minutes, but then Tanguy scored, and we slowly siphoned the energy out of the stadium.”

Rob: “I agree with Ben, surely it’s Lucas’ goal against Norwich. It was a ridiculous piece of skill, trademark Lucas in many ways, cutting inside and disorienting the defence. Every touch, and there are several before he shoots, is ridiculous. In terms of moments, the pure euphoria in the stadium when Heung-Min Son swept home the only goal of the opening day against Manchester City, that was special. I’m sure, with the team looking so sharp in attack, we’ll see plenty more brilliant goals between now and the end of the season.”

Random question - kits

What is your favourite Spurs kit?

Ben: “I’m going for the yellow away kit, 1996/97, think it was PONY/Hewlett Packard, yellow shorts as well, with the blue trim. I loved that. The first kit I ever owned was the home kit. I was also a huge fan of the Nike blue kit.”

Rob: “I love a bit of kit chat. I’ve got three. The 2001/02 home kit, the adidas/Holsten with sky and dark blue in the collar. I know someone who just got hold of an 1979/80 Admiral kit, the one with the badges printed all along the sleeves and the collar, with the gold Admiral badge. However, my favourite is an away kit, I’m a bit of a sucker for dark blue and gold, and the PONY/Hewlett Packard away kit from 1997/98 is just dreamy. I will say though, this season’s ‘cosmic’ Nike away kit will go down as a cult classic. It’s a brilliant kit, the best in the Premier League this season.”

Random question - you're up top...

Imagine you are playing up front for Spurs - pick your ideal strike partner...

Ben: “Teddy Sheringham, every day of the week. I’d make use of that extra yard in his head and make sure he taught me a thing or two. He was my idol growing up. I loved him. Teddy, Dimitar Berbatov or even Sergei Rebrov. Maybe I could have been the guy to help Sergei meet his peak potential. Nah, it’s Teddy.”

Rob: “I’m worried about the mobility of Ben and Teddy up front. Teddy is the brains of that operation, I’m a bit worried about Ben’s pace in there. Are you smart enough to play with Teddy Sheringham? I’m sceptical! I’m Irish, Essex accent, but I am Irish, and it would be sacrilege to my parents from Dublin if I didn’t pick Robbie Keane. He’ll do all the running, I’ll be the link man, the number 10. Then, when he does his front flip celebration, I’ll do a little roly-poly behind him!”