Dimitar Berbatov scored four goals as Spurs beat Reading in a ten goal thriller in an amazing game at White Hart Lane.
In the first half Berbatov opened the scoring before Kalifa Cisse levelled for Reading after a poor punch by Paul Robinson.
Ivar Ingamarsson headed Reading in front from a corner in the 53rd minute and Juande Ramos responded by sending on Jermain Defoe for Ledley King.
Good work from the striker and a poor Reading clearance allowed Berbatov to make it 2-2.
Spurs were vulnerable at set pieces and Dave Kitson put Reading back in front with a header from another Shorey corner in the 70th minute.
But Berbatov grabbed his hat-trick with a close range volley two minutes later.
Every attack was resulting in a goal as Reading went straight down the other end and Kitson scored his second.
And the drama continued as Malbranque curled a fine shot past Hahnemann in the Reading goal to make it 4-4.
In the 78th minute Robbie Keane won a and missed a penalty but substitute Defoe headed home the rebound to spare the Irishman's blushes.
And Berbatov completed the scoring as he smashed in from 16 yards to make it 6-4.
Saturday 29 December 2007
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Tottenham 5 Fulham 1
Tottenham bounced back from last week's defeat at Arsenal to fire five past Fulham.
A brace apiece from Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone, and a late Jermain Defoe goal gave Spurs a convincing win over managerless Fulham.
Keane kept his composure to open the scoring after Steed Malbranque's shot came back off the post.
Huddlestone made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time when he scored with a deflected shot from the edge of the area after a lay off from Dimitar Berbatov.
Fulham got back into the game when American Clint Dempsey bundled the ball home from close range on the hour mark.
But little more than a minute later Keane grabbed his 100th Premier League goal, tapping in a Berbatov flick after a Jamie O'Hara corner.
And 10 minutes later Huddlestone got his second of the game when he fired in an Aaron Lennon cut back.
Moritz Volz was sent off for Fulham for a second bookable offence before substitute Defoe scored a late goal to complete the scoring.
It was a good day for Tottenham, who also welcomed back captain Ledley King.
The England defender played over 70 minutes on his comeback from injury after a surprise start.
A brace apiece from Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone, and a late Jermain Defoe goal gave Spurs a convincing win over managerless Fulham.
Keane kept his composure to open the scoring after Steed Malbranque's shot came back off the post.
Huddlestone made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time when he scored with a deflected shot from the edge of the area after a lay off from Dimitar Berbatov.
Fulham got back into the game when American Clint Dempsey bundled the ball home from close range on the hour mark.
But little more than a minute later Keane grabbed his 100th Premier League goal, tapping in a Berbatov flick after a Jamie O'Hara corner.
And 10 minutes later Huddlestone got his second of the game when he fired in an Aaron Lennon cut back.
Moritz Volz was sent off for Fulham for a second bookable offence before substitute Defoe scored a late goal to complete the scoring.
It was a good day for Tottenham, who also welcomed back captain Ledley King.
The England defender played over 70 minutes on his comeback from injury after a surprise start.
Saturday 22 December 2007
ARSENAL 2 TOTTENHAM 1
Tottenham blew the chance to secure a rare win over their North London rivals as Arsenal went four points clear in the Premier League table.
With the scores level Robbie Keane's penalty was saved by Manuel Almunia on 71 minutes, and substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed in the winner with his first touch five minutes later.
A weakened Spurs side had frustrated Arsenal in the first half, but Emmanuel Adebayor put the home side in front after being sent clear by a Cesc Fabregas backheel at the start of the second half.
Spurs should have equalised when Keane volleyed against the bar from point blank range.
Keane then flicked the ball for Dimitar Berbatov to smash home an equaliser from a tight angle on 66 minutes.
And the Irishman should have given the underdogs the lead after Berbatov was brought down in the box by Kolo Toure.
But Arsenal punished Spurs for their missed chances when Bendtner lost Tom Huddlestone and powered in from close range.
With the scores level Robbie Keane's penalty was saved by Manuel Almunia on 71 minutes, and substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed in the winner with his first touch five minutes later.
A weakened Spurs side had frustrated Arsenal in the first half, but Emmanuel Adebayor put the home side in front after being sent clear by a Cesc Fabregas backheel at the start of the second half.
Spurs should have equalised when Keane volleyed against the bar from point blank range.
Keane then flicked the ball for Dimitar Berbatov to smash home an equaliser from a tight angle on 66 minutes.
And the Irishman should have given the underdogs the lead after Berbatov was brought down in the box by Kolo Toure.
But Arsenal punished Spurs for their missed chances when Bendtner lost Tom Huddlestone and powered in from close range.
Friday 21 December 2007
SPURS FACE SLAVIA PRAGUE IN UEFA CUP
Tottenham will take on Slavia Praque in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
Spurs will travel to Praque for the first leg on the 13th or 14th February before the return at White Hart Lane a week later.
And if they get past Slavia, Spurs will face PSV Eindhoven or Helsingborg in the last 16.
Spurs beat the Czech side in the first round of last season's competition, and they were thrashed 7-0 by Arsenal in the Champions League earlier this year.
Spurs must fancy their chances to reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup for the second year in row, after being knocked out by new boss Juande Ramos' old club Sevilla at that stage last season.
Spurs will travel to Praque for the first leg on the 13th or 14th February before the return at White Hart Lane a week later.
And if they get past Slavia, Spurs will face PSV Eindhoven or Helsingborg in the last 16.
Spurs beat the Czech side in the first round of last season's competition, and they were thrashed 7-0 by Arsenal in the Champions League earlier this year.
Spurs must fancy their chances to reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup for the second year in row, after being knocked out by new boss Juande Ramos' old club Sevilla at that stage last season.
Wednesday 19 December 2007
SPURS DRAW ARSENAL IN REPEAT SEMI-FINAL
Tottenham have drawn North London rivals Arsenal in a repeat of last season's Carling Cup semi final.
Spurs will be looking for revenge after Arsenal's youngsters knocked Spurs out at the same stage last season.
The first leg at the Emirates will be played on the week commencing the 7th January, with the return leg at White Hart Lane two weeks later.
Chelsea have been drawn at home to Everton in the first leg of the other semi-final, after knocking out Liverpool with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night.
Spurs will be looking for revenge after Arsenal's youngsters knocked Spurs out at the same stage last season.
The first leg at the Emirates will be played on the week commencing the 7th January, with the return leg at White Hart Lane two weeks later.
Chelsea have been drawn at home to Everton in the first leg of the other semi-final, after knocking out Liverpool with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night.
Tuesday 18 December 2007
MAN CITY 0 TOTTENHAM 2
Ten man Tottenham produced a resolute performance to end Manchester City's winning home run and progress to the Carling Cup semi-finals.
Spurs took the lead after just five minutes when a through ball from Jermaine Jenas to Aaron Lennon resulted in the England winger crossing for the recalled Jermain Defoe to open the scoring.
Didier Zokora was then harshly sent off for an alleged two-footed lunge on Elano in the 21st minute.
Goalscorer Defoe was sacrificed by Juande Ramos as Teemu Tainio slotted into a makeshift back four.
Paul Robinson produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Darius Vassell, and referee Steve Bennett waved away a penalty appeal when Pascal Chimbonda challenged Richard Dunne in the box.
City pushed forward in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was Spurs who secured victory with the outstanding Berbatov combining with substitute Jamie O'Hara to pick out Steed Malbranque in the 83rd minute.
The Frenchman beat Joe Hart with ease to wrap up a well deserved win for a resurgent Spurs' side.
Spurs took the lead after just five minutes when a through ball from Jermaine Jenas to Aaron Lennon resulted in the England winger crossing for the recalled Jermain Defoe to open the scoring.
Didier Zokora was then harshly sent off for an alleged two-footed lunge on Elano in the 21st minute.
Goalscorer Defoe was sacrificed by Juande Ramos as Teemu Tainio slotted into a makeshift back four.
Paul Robinson produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Darius Vassell, and referee Steve Bennett waved away a penalty appeal when Pascal Chimbonda challenged Richard Dunne in the box.
City pushed forward in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was Spurs who secured victory with the outstanding Berbatov combining with substitute Jamie O'Hara to pick out Steed Malbranque in the 83rd minute.
The Frenchman beat Joe Hart with ease to wrap up a well deserved win for a resurgent Spurs' side.
Monday 17 December 2007
CARLING CUP QUARTER FINAL - TIME TO GIVE DEFOE A CHANCE?
With Robbie Keane set to serve the final game of his suspension in the Carling Cup quarter-final against Man City this week - it may be time to give Jermain Defoe a chance to impress Juande Ramos.
The England man has looked lively in two substitute appearances of late, hitting the post against Portsmouth and coming off the bench to score the winner against City in the previous game.
£16.5million man Darren Bent appears to have struggled under the expectations of his transfer fee - while Spurs system does not appear to suit his style of play.
At Charlton Bent was most effective as the focal point of a team that looked to hit teams on the break, with Bent using his pace to break off the last defender.
In recent appearances Defoe has shown himself - while not with the technique on the ball of Dimitar Berbatov or Robbie Keane - to be able to get involved in play and create chances for himself.
And in this period on the bench he was resisted the temptation to rant and complain to the press about his lack of first team action.
The League Cup presents the club with one of their better chances of silverware this season, and Defoe is worthy of his chance to shine.
With the London derby coming up at the weekend, he will be eager to impress, and unlike Bent at the current time, he appears to have the confidence and ability to do so.
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Tuesday 18th December
19:45 Kick Off
The England man has looked lively in two substitute appearances of late, hitting the post against Portsmouth and coming off the bench to score the winner against City in the previous game.
£16.5million man Darren Bent appears to have struggled under the expectations of his transfer fee - while Spurs system does not appear to suit his style of play.
At Charlton Bent was most effective as the focal point of a team that looked to hit teams on the break, with Bent using his pace to break off the last defender.
In recent appearances Defoe has shown himself - while not with the technique on the ball of Dimitar Berbatov or Robbie Keane - to be able to get involved in play and create chances for himself.
And in this period on the bench he was resisted the temptation to rant and complain to the press about his lack of first team action.
The League Cup presents the club with one of their better chances of silverware this season, and Defoe is worthy of his chance to shine.
With the London derby coming up at the weekend, he will be eager to impress, and unlike Bent at the current time, he appears to have the confidence and ability to do so.
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Tuesday 18th December
19:45 Kick Off
Sunday 16 December 2007
No need to panic buy in January
It's that time of the year again - as the January transfer window edges Spurs will surely be linked with a whole host of players once again, especially considering their poor first half of the season.
A makeshift Spurs central defence made up of midfielderDidier Zokora and the often calimatous Younes Kaboul saw out a rare clean sheet at Fratton Park on Saturday.
With Welsh wizard Gareth Bale also out you could forgive Juande Ramos for begging Daniel Levy to get the checkbook and by in defensive reinforcements when the window opens in the new year.
And it wouldn't be Spurs if there wasn't room for another central midfielder or two would it?
But when was the last time a January signing went on to make a real immediate impact at White Hart Lane?
The likes of Danny Murphy show the most likely results of unconsidered, panic signings in mid-season transfer windows.
And with Ledley King and Ricardo Rocha close to first team comebacks, and Kaboul showing signs of adapting to the pace of the Premier League, would defensive reinforcements benefit the club in the long run.
The away performance at Portsmouth showed a Spurs team playing compact football away from home, and the progressive attacking play at White Hart Lane should only grow as Berbatov continues to improve his attitude.
So please Mr Levy, put your chequebook away and give the players at the club the rest of the season to display their talents to Ramos - recent results suggest they might just be up to the job.
A makeshift Spurs central defence made up of midfielderDidier Zokora and the often calimatous Younes Kaboul saw out a rare clean sheet at Fratton Park on Saturday.
With Welsh wizard Gareth Bale also out you could forgive Juande Ramos for begging Daniel Levy to get the checkbook and by in defensive reinforcements when the window opens in the new year.
And it wouldn't be Spurs if there wasn't room for another central midfielder or two would it?
But when was the last time a January signing went on to make a real immediate impact at White Hart Lane?
The likes of Danny Murphy show the most likely results of unconsidered, panic signings in mid-season transfer windows.
And with Ledley King and Ricardo Rocha close to first team comebacks, and Kaboul showing signs of adapting to the pace of the Premier League, would defensive reinforcements benefit the club in the long run.
The away performance at Portsmouth showed a Spurs team playing compact football away from home, and the progressive attacking play at White Hart Lane should only grow as Berbatov continues to improve his attitude.
So please Mr Levy, put your chequebook away and give the players at the club the rest of the season to display their talents to Ramos - recent results suggest they might just be up to the job.
Saturday 15 December 2007
Portsmouth 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1
A late Dimitar Berbatov goal gave Spurs their first away win of the season against high flying Portsmouth.
Bulgarian ace Berbatov tapped in the 81st minute winner from an Aaron Lennon cross after good build up play from substitute Jamie O'Hara.
Jermain Defoe, a 74th minute substitute for the ineffective Darren Bent, nearly made it 2-0 late on but his fierce shot hit the post.
Portsmouth sub David Nugent missed the home side's best chance when he headed over a Niko Kranjcar corner.
Juande Ramos was forced to field a make shift defence of Younes Kaboul and Dider Zokora after Michael Dawson pulled out late on.
But Spurs put in a battling performance and hung on for a deserved win and a rare clean sheet for much maligned England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Bulgarian ace Berbatov tapped in the 81st minute winner from an Aaron Lennon cross after good build up play from substitute Jamie O'Hara.
Jermain Defoe, a 74th minute substitute for the ineffective Darren Bent, nearly made it 2-0 late on but his fierce shot hit the post.
Portsmouth sub David Nugent missed the home side's best chance when he headed over a Niko Kranjcar corner.
Juande Ramos was forced to field a make shift defence of Younes Kaboul and Dider Zokora after Michael Dawson pulled out late on.
But Spurs put in a battling performance and hung on for a deserved win and a rare clean sheet for much maligned England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
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