Regardless of the result, Ramos is right not to view the game as two points lost. With our league campaign so badly hampered by the awful start that cost Martin Jol his job for the most part Spurs fans may have to content themselves with gauging the clubs progress under Ramos through the performances rather than league position. Judging on 93 of the 94 minutes played at White Hart Lane yesterday, we've come a long way in a short space of time.
Whilst I could wax lyrical over individual performances the improvement hasn't just been limited to a couple of games. Yes Ramos has proved himself the match for our rivals in terms of tactical acumen and dynamic substitutions but perhaps more importantly he has garnered consistently excellent performances from players who under Jol only showed only an occasional glimpse of their ability. Add to this the fact that the Dutchman managed to guide these inconsistent players to fifth in two successive seasons, you have to wonder just what Ramos can achieve if given the time and investment to work his brand of disciplined magic.
So which members of the playing squad have particularly improved since Ramos arrived?
1. Steed Malbranque Steed didn't enjoy the most consistent of début seasons with the club and was hampered by having to adapt to playing out of position on the left-hand side of midfield. Since Ramos took charge Steed has made that spot on the left his own and has, arguably, been the most improved player this season. In recent weeks his determination and work rate have been exemplary and whereas last year he was criticised by some sections of the fans for neglecting his defensive duties and thus leaving his left back, over the past few months he has matured and can often be seen tracking back and making his presence felt at the back. Though not blessed with pace, the bite he adds to midfield is a real asset and yesterday he out-battled an out-hassled his more glamorous opponents. A real gauge of how much he has improved is that fans have even started to forget about the 'left hand side problem' and it is a credit to how well Steed has played that Gareth Bale, who played so superbly in a more attacking role during few appearances for the club, may well be deployed at the back to accommodate the former Fulham man.
2. Tom Huddlestone A lot has been made of the impact Ramos' tenure has had on the fitness of the players and few of the squad exemplify this more than Tom Huddlestone. Under Jol Tom was clearly a few pounds overweight and often a few seconds off the pace. No one doubted his ability with a football - few can pick a pass like he can - but his ability to get round the pitch was a subject of great debate. Often tiring during matches and being outclassed by nippier midfielders, there were those who doubted he could fulfil his obvious promise. Though I still believe he has a way to go before he can claim to have done this, under Ramos' guidance, Huddlestone is certainly making giant steps in the right direction.
The evidence was clear to see yesterday afternoon. Few fans could have imagined last year that they'd see a svelte Huddlestone dictating vast swathes of a match in which his opponents were the wily Paul Scholes and the dogged Owen Hargreaves. But dominate he did, with slick, sometimes beautiful passes and calm and unflustered spells were he helped the team keep possession. Although he showed his naivety by not clearing the ball leading up to United's equaliser, his performance was otherwise highly impressive. If Ramos can continue to keep him at his physical peak then Tom could become a massive player for us - this time for the right reasons.
3. Aaron Lennon When Lennon burst on to the scene at Tottenham during the 05-06 season he seemed to have the world at his feet. Ridiculously quick, the diminutive winger could beat a man and put the ball in the box before defenders even knew he was there. England call-ups beckoned and the fans, who like nothing more than to watch a winger beat his man (take a bow David Ginola), felt they had a superstar in the making. Then came the 2006-2007 season and things went a little, well, 'flat'. As Lennon adapted to being relied upon to start rather than come off the bench, his performances floundered and large swathes of the game would pass him by. Aside from a few superb performances, most notably during the 2-1 defeat of Chelsea, Lennon was too often anonymous. It seemed as though defenders had worked him out and even when he managed to beat his man, the crosses were too often over or under hit. The surprise factor that had aided his initial impact had gone. The Premiership was biting back and Lennon didn't seem to have an answer.
Roll on Ramos and 2008 and things are looking rosy again for Aaron Lennon. Since the Spaniard signed up fans will have noticed a significant increase in Aaron's impact on matches, with the winger a key part of Ramos' counter-attacking philosophy. If used correctly, Lennon's pace is a devastating weapon on its own but with his end product improving game by game, Lennon is once again getting the Tottenham faithful purring. Though his delivery is by no means perfect, the number of assists he has in the league this season (3) belies the impact his buccaneering runs have in open up space for others. But Lennon hasn't just improved going forward - Ramos has clearly pulled him aside and explained to him that he has defensive responsibilities as well. In this aspect of his game, Lennon has matured significantly. Time and time again over the past few games Lennon can be seen tracking back and helping out his full-back and -given his searing pace - you'd be foolish to dismiss how effective this can be.
These are just three players who I believe Ramos has got more out of since joining the club. There are certainly other examples, not to mention the sort of performances he might inspire by our expensive array of new signings. Although it may seem like some Spurs fans are getting carried away by the progress made under Ramos, I can honestly say I haven't been as positive about the clubs future for a very long time. Just what we might be able to achieve under Ramos isn't certain but I wouldn't bet against him continuing to vindicate the boards decision to bring him to the club.