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Whether the draw at Stamford Bridge was a success or
not, it was one of Ghaly's finest performances in the
white shirt and saw him net for only the second time
as a Spurs player. The Egyptian received deserved praise
after his play and goal, and EP presents a tactical
summary of his game from an English newspaper, as well
as all the latest news from Tottenham.
Read also:
Ghaly celebrates his delightful goal
Good Game All Round:
Hossam Ghaly's match saw him earn one of the highest
ratings in The Guardian's FA Cup ratings: 7 out of 10.
Only Aaron Lennon earnt more in the Chelsea-Spurs game,
meriting an 8.
"Ghaly showed 'admirable determination'..."
But it wasn't just the goal that earned the Egyptian
praise. Expert David Pleat pinpointed Ghaly's energy
as "beneficial" for Spurs in his post-match
tactical analysis, adding that he was essential in stopping
Chelsea from having freedom in the attack. He did "a
help-out job with (Paul) Stalteri against the revitalised
Robben" and "sat narrow with Teemu Tainio
to frustrate the home side's midfield", indicating
that Ghaly completed his defensive duties on the right
flank, as well as settling into the defensive midfield
to stop Michael Ballack and co. from creating real danger
for periods of the game.
Pleat added that the third goal "was a credit
to Ghaly" whose 70-yard run showed "admirable
determination".
The tactical chalk-board highlighted Ghaly's input
in all three goals, as he was constantly a threat for
Chelsea's left-hand side. EP's interpretation of Pleat's
chalk-board puts much praise on Ghaly. The Egyptian
picked the ball up in the centre and drew Arjen Robben
and on occasions Lassana Diarra towards him, allowing
space for Aaron Lennon to expose in the centre of the
attack. Lennon could subsequently find Dimitar Berbatov
on the right on more than one occasion. His positioning
just in front of the half-way line meant Didier Zokora
was free to settle right in the centre of the park,
waiting for any Chelsea attacks. This meant that Michael
Ballack's effect on the game was minimal.
Some Criticism for Mido:
Ahmed Hossam still needs playing time, it is fair to
say. The Egyptian was played from the 66th minute, when
the score was 3-1 to Spurs. Tottenham fans, who are
beginning to be known for their overly harsh views on
Mido, were not happy with the decision to bring him
on. Fans writing to English newspapers complained openly
about the Egyptian star's fitness. A number added that
he lost possession far too often, meaning that Spurs
had to defend deep on more occasions. This was also
a factor which forced the entry of Anthony Gardner -
incidentally for Hossam Ghaly - in order to recover
the lost possession, meaning that Spurs were allowing
Chelsea to attack them heavily by replacing a midfielder
with a defender.
"Mido needs playing time to quieten his critics..."
However, Mido needs playing time if he is to quieten
his critics. The striker has promised to perform if
given the chance, and so far this season has done so
when played from the start. In the Carling Cup, for
example, he has looked sharp.
Mido was keen on leaving Marseille a few seasons ago
but specifically told EgyptianPlayers: "Faith made
me stay." This is also the reason he remained a
Spurs player on the 31st of January, but is a clear
indication that should faith be put into him, he will
be able to offer more.
He has the perfect chance to do so on Wednesday against
Sporting Braga at White Hart Lane. Both Dimitar Berbatov
and Robbie Keane are injured, and unless Jol opts for
an unusually defensive formation, Mido should start
up-front with Jermain Defoe.
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