Fan power can put us on Road to play-offs
LEEDS boss Garry Monk wants Elland Road “bouncing” for tomorrow’s clash with Wolves.
Monk and his side are still on a high after Friday’s dramatic 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
A 95th-minute Chris Wood volley earned Leeds a point at St James’ Park and kept them fourth as they battle to finish in the play-offs.
Monk said: “We’ll take a lot of confidence from that result into the game with Wolves but it is important we recover and are ready.
“We need a big crowd at Elland Road, we need it to be rocking to give the team a push over the line in that game.
“Every point is crucial now, the stadium needs to be packed out and we need our supporters to create that positive atmosphere.
“We have two games left at home and we want to finish on a high, it is important Elland Road is bouncing and we need everyone to come out and fill the stadium.”
Monk was delighted with the team spirit and desire shown by his side to grab that late Wood leveller.
“It was a dramatic ending, the feeling was very good and afterwards it was great in the changing rooms with the players, which is important going into Monday’s game,” said Monk.
“I really have to credit the players, the mentality and togetherness is really strong and it was clear there was a real belief to keep going right until the end.
“Sometimes when you show that mentality and resilience, along with that determination, you pick up points.
“I think that shows the ingredients of a very strong team.
“We were really resilient and mentally strong against a very good Newcastle side, who are going to get promoted for sure.”
Wolves head coach Paul Lambert is relishing the task ahead of this side but is aware his side will have to silence the crowd.
“Leeds away is a great game, it’s a great place to go and play so we’re looking forward to going there and we’ll go to win,” he said.
“We’re going to have to combat the crowd but it’s a great place to go and play.
“The game comes onto you pretty quickly, we’ll look at Helder Costa and see how he progresses through and one or two lads who haven’t been starting might get a go as well.”
That was his battle cry going into this match – and with a team like this, his belief is understandable.
The Spurs boss said: “We still believe anything is possible this season – all we can do is focus on ourselves and try to win every match.”
At the moment, that is exactly what Spurs are doing and it is now eight wins in succession in the league and cup.
The title? If it does not come this time – and overhauling Chelsea will take some doing – do not bet against it next season.
Mousa Dembele – who was outstanding in midfield – Heung-Min Son, fit-again Harry Kane and substitute Vincent Janssen were the scorers yesterday against a Cherries side who still have relegation concerns.
The only surprise was that Tottenham did not score even more, such was their domination. But they still set more club records. They became the first Spurs team to win seven Premier League games in a row and also the first to win 15 home matches in a season.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said: “Spurs are the team we would aspire to be but they are a level above us at the moment.
“It’s an understatement to say that was tough. Tottenham were everything we expected them to be.
“And we weren’t where we needed to be. In fact, we contributed to our own downfall and I was disappointed with the manner in which we conceded goals.
“We know we still need points. The danger is people saying we are safe already.
“There are five games to play but our destiny is in our own hands.”
Spurs’ early pressing and pressure saw Kane denied a fourth-minute goal on his return to the starting line-up.
The Cherries’ Steve Cook blocked the England striker’s shot at the expense of a corner.
Dembele then had a drive beaten out by Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc.
But Tottenham were not to be denied for long, taking a grip on the match with two goals in three minutes.
Toby Alderweireld flicked on Christian Eriksen’s left-wing corner in the 16th minute for Dembele to drive home his first Premier League goal for 15 months.
That was quickly followed by a goal from a player who cannot stop scoring – Son.
Jack Wilshere lost possession when challenged by Eric Dier and the ball broke to Kane, who flicked it on to Son. A burst into the box and right-foot finish gave the South Korean forward his 19th goal of the season. Eriksen was then close on two occasions to increasing Spurs’ lead before half-time.
He was denied by the overworked Boruc after being set up by Kane and then clubbed an effort just a shade over the crossbar.
But the sight of Pochettino shaking his head as he walked down the tunnel at the break, despite his side’s impressive dominance, just served to illustrate the Spurs manager’s high standards.
He was much happier, though, after only three minutes of the second half when Kane made it 3-0.
Dele Alli played the ball in from the right and Kane turned before striking a left-foot shot into the corner of the net for his 25th goal of the season.
Spurs then peppered the Bournemouth goal and on-loan Wilshere’s unhappy afternoon – he was booed throughout for being an Arsenal player – was ended by an ankle injury.
Kane was denied three times by Boruc – he should have scored on the first occasion – and the Bournemouth keeper also saved well from Eriksen.
It was not until added time that Spurs finally scored a fourth.
Substitute Janssen had been on the pitch only five minutes when he scored at the second attempt from close range after full-back Ben Davies had crossed low from the left.
Eventually, the Cherries were pleased to get off the pitch having not suffered a heavier defeat.