Friday night sees the Eagles welcome table topping Spurs to Selhurst. Ahead of the game I caught up with lifelong Spurs fan Rory Gallagher to get the lowdown on the Aussie takeover.
TEB – So Rory, a great start to the season? What has been most pleasing for Spurs fans?
RG – The vibes. Big Ange has brought the fun and football back, and our fans are loving every moment. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric – long may it continue.
TEB – Now everything seems to be gelling, what‘s the ambition for the season?
RG – To keep playing the same way – high tempo and brave with the ball. We’re Spurs, so we don’t deal in silverware, and the race for the top four looks like it will be a belter this season. I’m more focused on enjoying the journey than the destination bu it would be nice to finish above the noisy neighbours.
TEB – So, who’s been your star of the season so far?
RG – The midfield and attack have been getting most of the plaudits, understandably so. Maddison has been the Premier League’s best (and player) of the season so far, and his partnership with Son is looking very promising. Bissouma and Sarr’s work on and off the ball in midfield has also been outstanding. As a defender myself, I have to give the standout performance award to our backline. That is what has let us traditionally let us down, and why we’ve won tight games this year. Udogie and Porro have been sensational, while van de Ven and Vicario have slotted in so seamlessly. It looks like the backline have played together for years, not weeks. The real unsung hero is Romero, he has thrived in a new leadership role as vice captain. Less rash, but still brutally effective at stopping our opponents. What a guy.
TEB – For any Palace fans who haven’t seen a lot of Spurs this season, what can we expect?
RG – A pretty consistent shape and style; 4-3-3, with full backs coming inside to help press and move the ball up the pitch. Maddison and Bissouma pulling the strings in midfield and feeding Son. Richy should get another chance to run about like a madman and hopefully get on the scoresheet. Johnson is waiting in the wings to challenge for a starting role.
TEB – Who are your pantomime villains at the moment?
RG – Mikel Arteta. Annoyingly, most of the Arsenal team are hard to dislike, but the Arteta histrionics are hilarious. I’m loving the goalkeeper meltdown he is creating. Sadly, I imagine Poch is going to get quite a spicy reaction when we play Chelsea in a few weeks.
TEB – If you had a magic wand, which Palace player would you have in your line up?
RG – No offence, but I wouldn’t change the Spurs line up at all at the moment. We’re cooking. Would love to have Eze and Olise in our squad though – ballers!
TEB – Cheers Rory. Lastly what is your prediction for the game?
RG – We’re Spurs, so there a strong chance you burst our bubble, especially with Monday – Friday games, but I’ve got to back the lads and the momentum and go 2-1 Spurs!
TEB – Anything else you want to share?
RG – As a Spurs fan living in Australia, Big Ange is forging a special link between my new home and club. It’s great to see the interest it’s generating here. I just hope Manchester City make a fight of it. Spurs just marching to the title will be boring for the neutrals!
TEB – Thanks Rory, here’s to a great Friday night clash!
