Success or failure?
With Tottenham facing up to the possibility of missing out on a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, some are keen to point the finger at Andre Villas-Boas. But Adam Bate argues that the Spurs coach should not be deemed a failure this season if his side misses out.
Friday 19 April 2013 16:14, UK
With a top-four finish in the balance for Tottenham, how should Andre Villas-Boas be judged?
"AVB should be fired," wrote former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar on Twitter. "No tactics. Been lucky up till now with results." While the world of social media is littered with high-profile personalities with jerky knees, Sugar's view of Andre Villas-Boas is one that some are persisting with. The apprentice that can't cut it. The next month could dictate whether or not this view wins out. There is a reluctance to credit Villas-Boas for even the most obvious of strides forward this season, with the performances of Gareth Bale being the prime example. The narrative is that Bale's improvement has bailed him out, when it is surely fairer to argue that the team is helping to bring out the best in their star player. Last season, the Wales international scored nine Premier League goals and provided 10 assists. But there remained uncertainty regarding his best position and Harry Redknapp was criticised when he moved Bale into a central role, enduring chants of: "Gareth Bale, he plays on the left." This season under Redknapp's Portuguese successor, it is more accurate to say that he plays from the left. "He has been prolific in front of goal this season and I think he is enjoying getting into those positions," said Villas-Boas when asked about the Welshman. The statistics highlight this change of emphasis. Bale has just three assists in the current campaign but has scored 17 Premier League goals.| Gareth Bale - PL year-on-year | ||
| Season | 2011/12 | 2012/13 |
| Appearances | 36 | 27 |
| Goals | 9 | 17 |
| Assists | 10 | 3 |
| Shots per game | 3.8 | 4.9 |
| Key passes per game | 2.3 | 2.4 |
| Dribbles per game | 1.8 | 2.1 |
On the face of it, given that he no longer restricts himself to the left flank, Bale appears to have more freedom to roam this season. In fact, Villas-Boas has put a structure in place - with a compact midfield and a high-line - that has allowed Bale to flourish. It's something the player himself seems aware of given the celebrations with his boss after the last-gasp winner against West Ham. He told Sport magazine: "Harry was more 'go out there and play how you feel and express yourself'. With Andre, there's a certain shape and a style we play. I think Harry was more free and let you do what you want. Andre does that too, but there's a lot more tactical work. I think it's something that's good to learn. We've done well this year and I think that's down to our defending as well as attacking."
