Way back in the mists of time, post Tottenham's Champions League Choke and on the coat tails of our Great Escape, there were rumours that the Cockyfools wanted to sign Luis. They needed somebody to play wide left with the ability, not only to cross, but to chip in with goals, and Luis seemed to fit the bill. He had, after all, netted during our Great Escape and, although that was, and remains, his solitary goal for the club, he had an impressive reputation based upon his days at Fulham. Sadly, Curbishley didn't want to let him go and his wages were also an obstacle - or so the red tops would have us believe. Some transfer stories are obviously stupid but this one made some sense. Tottenham still have not solved the problem of who to play on the left of midfield.
In many ways LBM is the "typical Tottenham signing", a player who has flattered to deceive elsewhere and who is then found wanting when moving to a bigger club - I offer you Bentley, Pavlova, Robinson, Bent et all. Whereas players grow when they move to some clubs, at Tottenham they shrivel into a shell. Perhaps it is because the need for the snip is hidden in the small print!
And the point of all this? Well in his third season, and after 72 appearances in Claret and Blue, Luis actually had a very good game for us last week. His all round contribution over the 90 minutes was impressive and his pass for the Stanislas goal was, in my opinion, the "pass of the season" from a Hammer this year. This came on the back of a thoroughly committed performance against Blackburn and a vital assist (albeit from an offside position). All that is missing is a goal - and whilst I never make predictions about West Ham games, I have this feeling in my water that today is the day for Luis, the day he moves from zero to hero and from Fool to Crown Prince. The picture suggests that he isn't called donkey based on his ability after all!
The odds are against us. Tottenham's home form has been good and 'Arry turns us over every time we play one of his sides. We were terrible at Upton Park against them and memories of the 4-0 thumping from last season are still all too fresh. Add in the fact that The Foe is set to return and we are without half a team of first pick players and it doesn't look too hopeful does it? But then it was going to be a walk over in May 2006 and Tottenham were going to be playing Champions League football the following season weren't they?
Last season Boa was vilified after being sent off in the corresponding fixture. That was the final straw for many of us. We thought he was useless, and this confirmed he was a total liability. Even Curbishley moved off script, interrupting his post match rant about Anton to criticise one of his own "untouchables", actually saying that a player he had signed had put in a less than perfect performance. Boa owes us, this is his Day of Destiny! If he does net the winner, remember you heard it here first. If he has a mare, just read what else I've posted about him in the past.
But for now, immortality beckons, come on Boa, you can do it!
