Tottenham's Misfiring Strikers Hit Their Stride

Jermain Defoe had not scored a league goal in 327 before his two strikes, separated by only five minutes, against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux on Sunday. Defoe's Tottenham Hotspur strike partner Roman Pavlyuchenko also managed to find the net with a brilliant strike of his own giving him seven league goals on the season.

Spurs' strikers have been much maligned this season. Not one of the three strikers currently on the books has reached double digit goals for the season and none of them have been anywhere close to consistent. Peter Crouch, perhaps the fans least favorite striker, has been consistent in the Champions League, but has been unable to replicate that form in the Premiership.

Spurs fans had hoped for a resolution to our goal-scoring woes in the January transfer window, but nothing happened. Now Tottenham supporters must rely on the players currently on the team and dream wistfully of what the summer will bring.

Despite what I may think of Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's tactics (and after another late game equalizer, I've got plenty to say about that) it's obvious to all that Harry wants to score goals. He's not Jose Mourinho, content with a 1-0 or 2-0 victory.  The problem is, though, that with Spurs' strikers failing to convert so many guilt-edged chances it's a lot harder to score goals in the fashion that Harry would like.

Tottenham have done a wonderful job this year of getting goals from their midfield. Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart have put this team on their backs and carried them to fifth place, but for the stretch run Defoe, Pav, and Crouch need to all start putting the ball in the back of the net.

Defoe and Pav are both confidence players and though they seem unlikely to start mid-week against A.C. Milan given the fits Crouch gave their defense last time, we should see them against West Ham...in twelve days. This long layoff isn't going to help either of them, but hopefully they'll keep their confidence up and continue to score.

As always, rumors continue to swirl about who Spurs will acquire in the off-season. Didier Drogba is the newest player with whom Tottenham Hotspur have been linked. To be honest, it doesn't matter who Spurs sign. Obviously, whether or not we will be participating in the Champions League will be a huge factor in who is willing to sign with us.

What's important is that Spurs land a striker who is comfortable playing upfront alone, who has the skill to provide that moment of magic and inspiration when it's most needed, and the right attitude. To me attitude is the most important thing to consider with strikers. Look at a player like Peter Crouch, he's not the most talented, but when he's called on he goes out and gives his all for the club. He doesn't pout when he doesn't start and you don't hear him making negative comments in the press about his team or his manager.

Honestly, most of all I miss Dimitar Berbatov. He is the striker that Spurs need. Yes, I know I just spent two sentences talking about "attitude" and then said what we need is Berba back, doesn't make much sense does it. Think about it though, Dimitar had that ability to provide magic, and can certainly play up front alone. I know there's no way he's ever coming back, but if he did I'd welcome him with open arms.

Spurs need goals in this stretch-run and they'll need even more next season to continue their fight for a Champions League place. It's up to Defoe, Pavlyuchenko, and Crouch to somehow fire Tottenham into the top four and I think most would agree with me when I say that it seems like a big ask.