Not exactly a flying start :-(

Sunderland 1 Spurs 0

Well after all the optimism being banded about pre-season, how Tottenham could break the top four etc...today's performance was a complete let down. It was like the same old Spurs - frustration frustration frustration!

In defence, where we might have had problems due to injuries (King, Bale, Lee, Essou-Akotto, and Dawson who went over on his ankle in training yesterday), was in fact the most solid part of our game. New signing Younes Kaboul looks a quality player - very strong, and it seems he likes to go forward occasionally. Thankfully, Gardner was not sold as he came in to replace Dawson and didn't put a foot wrong as far as I could see. Stalteri came in on the left, out of position, but did okay. Chimbonda, sporting a new haircut, also did okay.

Now for the problem. Midfield. It simply isn't strong enough. For some unknown reason, Jenas seems to be Martin Jol's golden boy and always plays despite his previous performances. Surely you should only win your place in the team based on performance, and that alone? Once again he was weak and uninspiring. Zokora was average, and Tainio was non existent. Malbranque was the only one who made an effort. If only he would get his head UP, he would do more damage and not lose the ball so often. Without Lennon, there is no width or pace - it's really noticeable when he's not there. Hopefully he be fit again in a couple of weeks. Another new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng was not included today - agreed it is probably a bit too soon, but surely he will feature soon. Get JJ off and get the Prince on!!!

Up front, the old familiar partnership of Keane and Berbatov didn't really click today. Nor, in fact did the midfield link up well with the strikers. This resulted in hardly any goalscoring opportunities. Even when Darren Bent came on for Tainio, things didn't improve much. Then Jol substituted Berbatov to my amazement and he showed his disappointment too. I really didn't see the point; he wasn't having a great game but taking off one of your big players usually means bad news - as we saw last season. Huddlestone replaced Zokora, and instantly became a liability, giving the ball away far too much and conceding a free kick in a dangerous position.

The last five minutes were a little frantic but it looked as though it would remain 0-0. However, football is such a cruel game when a last gasp winner goes against your team. I believe it was eight seconds after the three minutes injury time was up. ARGH! It fell so kindly for Sunderland and Robbo had no chance. My head fell into my hands and remained there for minutes after the final whistle. I couldn't believe it.

Things are going to have to improve drastically before Tuesday's match at home to Everton. I'm just dreading us having the same awful start to the season as we had last year.