Tottenham Awards Ceremony 2008/09

After a somewhat turbulent start to the season, some major upheaval, and some fine form to conclude, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club have already hosted their end of season player awards for the 2008/09 season. Aaron Lennon was voted both player of the season, and young player of the season. Tonight will be the “spurs.footballblog.co.uk” awards for, not just player, but also matches and moments. Every few minutes a new award will be announced.

Player of the season

And the award goes to… Aaron Lennon

Runners up – Jonathan Woodgate, Luka Modric.

Despite the signing of David Bentley, Aaron Lennon has made a huge impact on Tottenham’s season, scoring important goals and impressing new boss Harry Redknapp. Lennon has kept Bentley out of the team for the most part this season, going on to play in the Premier League 35 times – more than any other player for Spurs. Lennon has ripped full-backs up and down England to shreds, and his fine performances eventually earned him a belated England recall. Lennon swoops the award due to his consistency, and the fact that he has never gone missing in the big games.

Aaron Lennon – player of the season

Young player of the season

And the award goes to… Aaron Lennon

Runners up – ???

To be honest, Lennon could have had an abysmal season and still won this award. Harry Redknapp’s reluctance to field his youngsters means Lennon is the only young player to make an impact at White Hart Lane this season. He might have come close to leaving for Liverpool in January, but has since proved his worth to Redknapp. See above for full details.

Aaron Lennon – young player of the season

Most improved player of the season

And the award goes to… Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Runners up – Jermain Defoe, David Bentley Aaron Lennon.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s first two seasons in the Premier League were plagued by injury, but he came back a reformed player this season. Keeping Gareth Bale out of the left-back spot, he has been a consistent performer, rarely putting a foot wrong. I think the former Lens defender has surprised everybody within the club with his fantastic season, also making him one of the league’s most underrated players from people outside of the club.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto – most improved player of the season

Match of the season

And the award goes to… Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham

Runners up – Spurs 4-2 Liverpool, Spurs 4-0 Middlesborough

Some fantastic matches have been played on the hallow turf at White Hart Lane this campaign, yet the undisputable game of the season came at the Emirates. David Bentley’s 50-yard striker earned Spurs the lead (though it was downhill from there for Bentley), yet Mikael Silvestre’s header levelled the match just before the interval. Tottenham’s failure to defend set-pieces cost them again just into the second half, as William Gallas put the Gunners in front. Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsenal a third before Darren Bent pulled one back for the visitors; by this time it was evidently turning into one of the best North London derbies in a long time. A mistake from Alan Hutton let Robin van Persie in to make it 4-2, and the game seemed dead. But an even worse mistake from Gael Clichy led the way for a sublime finish from Jermaine Jenas. The equaliser came just seconds before the final whistle, as Luka Modric’s shot rebounded off the post and Aaron Lennon slid home.

Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham – match of the season

Signing of the season

And the award goes to… Luka Modric & Wilson Palacios

Runners up – Heurelho Gomes.

There is just no deciding between these two. Completely different players but world class in their own right. Luka Modric became the club’s joint record signing with his £16.5m summer move. Since then he has adjusted to the English game with an ease that nobody (especially Mr Wenger) didn’t expect. His skills and versitillity either from the middle, or more recently from the left, have cut defences apart. Every minute of the season he wanted the ball, and hardly gave it away as well. Though the biggest surprise was his strength. Despite his tiny frame, the silky Croatian out muscled every midfield paring in the league.

Wilson Palacios only signed in January, but has made an immense impact on the side since his arrival. He has only played twelve games due to suspension and family issues, but has been a rock in Tottenham’s midfield. He takes a weight off the shoulders of everybody he plays alongside, as you know he will be where ever he is needed. Palacios also showed how he can storm forward and join the attacks, sometimes unleashing his rocket of a shot. Top class.

  

Luka Modric & Wilson Palacios – signings of the season

So that concludes the awards for another year. I would also like to give a mention to some of the lads who didn’t receive an award tonight. Harry Redknapp must be thanked for a fantastic turn-around. We were heading towards the same fate as Newcastle United, but finished just outside the Europa league places. Heurelho Gomes must be credited for the same kind of turn-around. Shrugging off numerous mistakes, he went on to let in less goals at home than in any other Premier League season and prove his worth as one of the league’s top goalkeepers. Ledley King for often playing through the pain to serve his side, and with some magnificent performances, and Jonathan Woodgate for a fantastic season at the back. Goodnight.