Reasons to be Cheerful

Spurring on his troops.

The feeling of optimism after a loss today was always going to be dampened but I would argue that there are plenty of positives to take from the game, not least of all the fact that we should learn to trust Pochettino.

Firstly, let's get the negatives out of the way. Danny Rose's unexplained absence despite featuring regularly in pre-season is a worry amid speculation of a £15m Chelsea bid. While Ben Davies is a capable young player, he does not offer the athleticism that Rose provides with his late runs into the box and his ability to get up and down the channel effortlessly for 90 minutes. My worry is that Daniel Levy would sell Rose for the aforementioned fee.

Lloris's absence was also questionable at best. While I trust Pochettino knows who is ready to play and who isn't, the fact that he was fit enough for the bench and didn't play makes me wonder whether we're getting ready for life after the French captain. I'm fairly sure we won't sell him, but there's always a chance United will come in with a late bid when De Gea completed his expected transfer to Real Madrid.

Let's hope these two stay. And Ox fucks off.

Off the pitch and the pressure is beginning to mount on Levy to bring in a few new faces. Any Tottenham fan will tell you we need a DM, winger and a striker.However, there isn't too much cause for concern as I'm confident Pochettino will get his men. Berahino, Njie and Bender would compliment us perfectly.

Onto the positives from today's loss. United, despite spending over £200m under Van Gaal still don't look lightyears ahead of us. A sloppy pass from Bentaleb is all that separated the sides in truth, and I sympathise with Kyle Walker who had to make a challenge. Other than that, I thought the right back had a good game. It's evident that Kieran Trippier will push Walker for the starting role and many are hoping it'll have the 'Danny Rose' effect that the Ben Davies signing provided last campaign.

Let's hope he isn't stood like that on the pitch too often.

Despite not opening his 2015/16 account, I thought Harry Kane played fairly well. Critics will notice that he did not truly test Romero but I implore you to look at his all round game. He held the ball up well, brought others into play effortlessly and always seemed aware of late runs as displayed by a deft chip to put Christian Eriksen through in the first half. While it wasn't his best performance, I think we can rule out he possibility of the young talisman being a one season wonder. There is just so much more to his game than goals.

Future club captain? Potentially.

Another big bonus has to be Toby Alderweireld's presence at centre half.  From what we saw of the Belgian international today and last season for Southampton suggests that he will be a key addition to our defence this summer. Complimenting Jan Vertonghen well with an understanding through international level and their Ajax days, Toby will provide a level of solidity we've lacked since the great Ledley King retired. Hopefully we'll stop conceding too many this season.

Shrewd business.

Finally, I must refer back to the opening paragraph about trusting Pochettino. Many of us (myself included) thought Eric Dier was not suited to the defensive midfield role, certainly not at Old Trafford. But the young defender adapted well to his new position, executing a few perfectly timed slide tackles and using possession wisely. I think he'll be a useful option there throughout the season as players tire and get injured. It also boasts the flexibility of our squad and shows Pochettino's ability to adapt as a tactician by deploying Eric there.

Centre back, right back, defensive mid... anywhere he can't play?

All in all I think there's more than enough reason to maintain an air of cautious optimism about this season. A few more signings, specifically that pacey winger and cover for Kane will do wonders for our chances. While I think top four might be a bit ambitious, I'd settle for another cup run (hopefully resulting in a trophy) and the youngsters all improving again. I think next weekend against Stoke should tell us a lot more, too. COYS!

Have your say on social media by clicking on the links below!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ggthofficial/

https://twitter.com/OneHotspurWay