Tottenham Thread

[Housethecrowd]

Oh Yes!!!

1st , Andrew, maybe you should not watch any more games live?!?!?! lol, hope you enjoyed the red wine, i am on the Cheers beer and i had 6 of those rather large Blue Bottles Sat night while enjoying all 3 games live. I do rather like that beer and its new i hear, excellent

1st 30 mins of our game!!! never mind now, i have never been that relaxed in the second half with 25 mins left, for years!!!

Was great to score 5 and doesnt Mr Huddlestone look a little like Hods? he is so relaxed on the ball and he wants the ball all the time, a pleasure to watch, front 2 were awsome, and i just hope Jol plays them more together.

8th and on the way up, Dec is always a big month and we should look forward to it all.

Ps......What did you think of Robbo's pass to Berby for the last goal!! hope he gets an assist for that!!!

[chonabot]

Tottenham v Dinamo Bucharest

UEFA CUP

Group B: Tottenham v Dinamo Bucharest

Date: Thursday 14 December

Kick off: 1945 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Coverage on BBC Radio Five Live and this website

Tottenham will give striker Jermain Defoe as long as possible to shake off a hamstring injury ahead of his side's final Uefa Cup group stage game.

Defoe is rated at 50-50 to face Dinamo Bucharest and midfielder Teemu Tainio is also doubtful because of illness.

Spurs are already without Robbie Keane because of a knee injury but their attack is bolstered by Mido, who returned against Charlton on Saturday.

Jermaine Jenas is still out of action with his ankle problem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Chimbonda, Lee, King, Dawson, Huddlestone, Tainio, Zokora, Malbranque, Lennon, Defoe, Berbatov, Mido, Cerny, Assou-Ekotto, Davenport, Stalteri, Ziegler, Murphy, Ghaly.

[chonabot]

Tottenham 3-1 Dinamo Bucharest

Defoe's double helped Spurs to an easy win

Tottenham cruised to an easy victory over Dinamo Bucharest to secure top spot in Uefa Cup Group B.

Dimitar Berbatov netted on 16 minutes, lashing in from 20 yards after keeper Uladzimir Hayeu's poor throw out.

Jermain Defoe, who had already hit the bar, added a second before half-time as he impressively outpaced the visitors' defence before slotting home.

Defoe sidefooted home his second after the break, before Jean-Philippe Mendy grabbed an injury-time consolation.

Interview: Spurs head coach Martin Jol

Spurs began knowing they only needed a draw to guarantee top spot in Group B.

But they played from the outset as though they were keen to teach Dinamo a footballing lesson.

Tom Huddlestone's early effort was tipped round the post by Dinamo keeper Hayeu, while the keeper had to be alert to tip a Defoe cross out of the reach of Berbatov.

But it was the Bulgarian striker who gave Spurs the lead on 16 minutes after an awful error by Hayeu.

The keeper threw the ball out to the feet of the Tottenham striker, who walloped it back with interest into the top corner.

606: DEBATE

Quality goals! This is spurs strike force - looks like defoe is staying put

Ian

606: Have your say

Hayeu redeemed himself as he tipped a Defoe shot on to the crossbar.

But Defoe soon found himself on the scoresheet with a goal of utmost simplicity.

Paul Robinson picked out the striker with a goal kick, and Defoe went around Stefan Radu before outpacing the visitors' defence and finishing low beyond Hayeu.

Whatever was said in the Dinamo changing room at half-time did not work as Spurs increased their lead five minutes after the restart following a fine move.

Defoe got the final touch, sidefooting home after Aaron Lennon was set up by Berbatov only to see his shot parried by Hayeu.

Still the chances came for Spurs - Didier Zokora was denied when his stinging drive was parried by Hayeu, while Huddlestone sent a powerful drive inches wide.

But the Dinamo goal led a charmed life as Benoit Assou-Ekotto sent a free-kick against the inside of the post, and Calum Davenport saw a goalbound shot deflected over the bar.

There was time for a Dinamo reply, however, as Mendy took advantage of a fortuitous deflection to slide home for an ultimately meaningless consolation.

606 DEBATE: Share your thoughts on the match

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Spurs boss Martin Jol:

"We didn't want to get a drop-out from the Champions League, it's why we wanted to be number one in the group.

"Europe has certainly been a big challenge for us and a great experience. I am very pleased.

"I think we did well. Dinamo Bucharest are 14 points ahead of everyone (in the Romanian league) and they will almost certainly play in the Champions League next year. If they are as strong as they are in Romania we knew they must have a good team.

"I don't know what happened to them here but maybe you have to give us credit as well."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda (Stalteri 76), Dawson, King (Davenport 68), Assou-Ekotto, Ghaly, Zokora, Huddlestone (Malbranque 68), Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe.

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Lee, Mido, Murphy.

Goals: Berbatov 16, Defoe 39, 50.

Dinamo Bucuresti: Hayeu, Daouda, Radu, Moti, Pulhac, Cristea, Margaritescu (Blay 65), Ropotan, Munteanu (Goian 57), Danciulescu (Mendy 77), Ioan Viorel Ganea.

Subs Not Used: Matache, Pascovici, Codreanu, Predescu.

Booked: Goian.

Goals: Mendy 90.

Att: 34,004

Ref: Bernhard Brugger (Austria).

Can't wait for the draw tomorrow!!!!

[Mobi]

They certainly seem to be on a roll at the moment after an uncertain start to the season.

Dare we hope that this is the start of something good

COME ON SPURS - Make an old fan happy.

[Backpack_thailand]

Jermaine Jenas is still out of action with his ankle problem

Not a bad thing..!!!

[bkkandrew]

Great result.

Now we have Feyenoord. Same lot we lost to in the final in '74. I think that we can do them if we play to present Euro form. Defoe seems to be getting into his stride!

[chonabot]

Tottenham paired with Feyenoord

First Leg games to be played on 14 & 15 February. Second Leg games to be played on 22 February

Tottenham have been drawn against Feyenoord in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup - a repeat of the 1974 final that the Dutch side won 4-2 on aggregate.

Newcastle United have been paired with Belgian side Zulte-Waregem while Blackburn Rovers must play Germany's Bayer Leverkusen.

Rangers will take on Israeli side Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Holders Seville face a tricky tie against Steaua Bucharest, who finished third in their Champions League group.

The first leg of each tie will take place on 14 or 15 February, with the return on 22 February.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol expects Feyenoord to offer his side a tough test.

Jol told his club's website: "It could have been worse and it could have been better but I am looking forward to going to Rotterdam.

"They are probably not as good as when they played Spurs in the Uefa Cup final in 1974, but it is still a big club.

"It will be difficult going over there because they are strong at home. But we have the advantage of playing the second leg here."

Teams also found out their potential opponents in the last 16.

If they progress, Spurs will face Braga or Parma while Newcastle will play Fenerbahce or AZ Alkmaar.

[chonabot]

Man City v Tottenham

City of Manchester Stadium

Sunday, 17 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live, and highlights on MOTD2

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Manchester City defender Micah Richards and goalkeeper Nicky Weaver (dead legs), Claudio Reyna (hamstring) and Dietmar Hamann are doubtful.

Ben Thatcher and Bernardo Corradi are both suspended while Trevor Sinclair and Sun Jihai (both knee) are out.

Tottenham will still be without striker Robbie Keane (knee) and midfielder Jermaine Jenas (ankle).

Didier Zokora is suspended and Teemu Tainio missed the midweek Uefa Cup win over Dinamo Bucharest through illness.

606 DEBATE: Give your thoughts on this match

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man City (from): Weaver, Isaksson, Hart, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, M Mills, Jordan, Ireland, Reyna, Barton, Dabo, Trabelsi, Beasley, Hamann, Vassell, Samaras, Dickov, Miller.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Chimbonda, Assou-Ekotto, King, Dawson, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Ghaly, Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe, Mido, Tainio, Lee, Stalteri, Murphy, Davenport, Davids, Ziegler, Cerny.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce on Tottenham:

"They spent a few bob in the summer on Dimitar Berbatov, Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Malbranque so they should be respected but not feared.

"Their away form's been reasonably poor this season, and they will be disappointed with that.

"We have to work very hard for any win we get and I don't think complacency will ever creep into our squad."

Tottenham captain Ledley King on trying to record a first away win in the Premiership this season:

"It's been a problem this season and something we want to put right as soon as possible.

"It's a tough place to go, we got a good result up there last season and, with the way it is starting to come together, we will be confidence again.

"City are a good side at home and it could take some doing to win there."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

MANCHESTER CITY defend an unbeaten home Premiership record against Tottenham, who are yet to win away.

Stuart Pearce's men have won four and drawn four of their eight League engagements at Eastlands, and are the lowest ranked of the four clubs still to lose a home top flight match this season. They were held to a goalless draw by lowly Watford in the last home game - their fourth scoreless encounter of the season, all of which were recorded on home turf.

City have only won two of 18 Premiership clashes with Spurs. The most recent was 0-2 at White Hart Lane on 18 April 2003. Their only home maximum against the Londoners was an emphatic 5-2 triumph on 22 October 1994 when Paul Walsh got a brace, and Niall Quinn, Steve Lomas and Garry Flitcroft helped themselves to one each.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager Martin Jol selects a side for the 100th time since officially being installed as Spurs manager, and will be hoping it's a winning team for the third League match on the trot. The Londoners beat Middlesbrough and Charlton in their last two outings, both at White Hart Lane, but haven't registered three top tier victories on the bounce in 39 League outings spanning just over a year.

The North London club beat Dinamo Bucharest 3-1 at home on Thursday night to finish top of their group in the Uefa Cup. But in the Premiership, they are the highest ranked of the five clubs still to record an away victory this term. They've completed 10 away League games without a maximum, since defeating Everton 0-1 on 15 April.

Spurs are looking for a 50th competitive victory over City, which would extend their winning run against them to five and unbeaten League streak to seven. The Londoners were chasing Arsenal to the fourth Champions League spot when they last visited Manchester City and came away with a 0-2 triumph against mediocre opposition.

REFEREE

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

Premiership referees' table

Rob Styles's 2006-07 Premiership card count

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

MANCHESTER CITY

Club stats

Fixtures

Going into the weekend: 12th 20 points

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

1. Won one of four and two of seven Premiership matches.

2. Failed to score in four of seven top flight contests and six of 10.

3. Won all five League matches in which they had scored first.

4. Holding a 100% record when leading at half time (four of four).

5. Not won any game in which they were trailing at half time - drawn one and lost five of six.

6. Kept clean sheets in seven of the eight home Premiership matches. Fulham's Collins John is the only visiting player to have scored at Eastlands.

7. Completed 12 top flight matches since suffering successive defeats.

8. Only Watford have recorded more Premiership goalless draws than City. The Hornets have been involved in five, City four.

9. Need to score twice to bring their all time total of home Premier League goals to 250.

10. A home fixture against Bolton remains before Christmas. A trip to Sheffield United is scheduled for Boxing Day, followed by a visit to West Ham and a New Years Day home game against Everton.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Club stats

Fixtures

Going into the weekend: 9th 25 points

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

1. Won 13 and lost two of the last 18 in all competitions.

2. Won three of four Premiership matches, and six of 11.

3. Lost one of the last five League matches.

4. Won the last three in all competitions, with an aggregate of 10-3.

5. Holding a 100% record when leading a Premiership match at half time (won five of five).

6. Conceded 753 goals in Premier League history, and gained 753 points all time.

7. Failed to score in one of the last seven Premiership matches, and not managed a clean sheet in seven top flight outings.

8. Won one of the last five away in all competitions.

9. Gained just three points from a possible 24 away from home this term.

10. A Carling Cup quarter-final tie, home to Southend, follows this and a pre-Christmas Premiership visit to Newcastle. Two home fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool are scheduled for Boxing Day and the following Saturday respectively, before a New Year's Day match at Portsmouth.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

MANCHESTER CITY

Squad profiles

Joey BARTON is City's top scorer with four goals.

BARTON and Richard DUNNE are the only remaining players to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Manchester City's League and Cup matches this season. They are also the club's only ever-presents in the Premiership.

If he participates, Sylvain DISTIN will be playing the day after turning 29.

If on the field from the outset, Darius VASSELL will be making his 50th start for the Citizens.

Suspended: Ben THATCHER, Beranrdo CORRADI

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Squad profiles

Dimitar BERBATOV is Tottenham's top scorer with 10 goals, five of which were in the Premiership.

Goalkeeper Paul ROBINSON is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Tottenham's Premiership matches this term.

If involved, Jermaine JENAS will be making his 50th appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

Suspended: Michael DAWSON, Didier ZOKORA

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Manchester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

2 January 2006 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Spurs scorers: Mido 31, Keane 83

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Man City 44 wins, Spurs 40, Draws 30

Prem: Man City 2 wins, Spurs 12, Draws 4

at Man City only

League: Man City 30 wins, Spurs 13, Draws 14

Prem: Man City 1 win, Spurs 6, Draws 2

[Housethecrowd]

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Man City 44 wins, Spurs 40, Draws 30

Prem: Man City 2 wins, Spurs 12, Draws 4

Couldnt believe the above Stat, due to our recent form against them, amazed

We have to win , they have around 10 possible starters out. Only problem i can see is our Midfield as we have 3 out, but we have depth in numbers now so bring it, another big 3 points up for grabs.

Another good evening of footy on and we are live again , Happy Days

Sold out our allocation of tickets again

COYS

SUFC also sold out next week, should be able to see this game on the internet as i guess its not on TV

Shame Pompey couldnt hold on yesterday, i was going mental in my room, knocked over my beer, my neighbours must think i'm mad. "kin yes" "yessss" "get in there" were the screams as the second went in, now i'm just glad they couldnt get a winner!!

Just of to 7/11 to get the Cheers in

[mrbojangles]

We have to win , they have around 10 possible starters out. Only problem i can see is our Midfield as we have 3 out, but we have depth in numbers now so bring it, another big 3 points up for grabs.

Yep, looking mighty iffy for us today with so many of our first team out............again !! Bunch of old fcukin crocks

[chonabot]

Man City 1 Spurs 2

Tottenham secured their first away win in the Premiership this season with a 2-1 victory at Manchester City.

City were uncharacteristically off-colour as their unbeaten home record came to an end, but they did give Spurs some anxious moments in the second half as they valiantly fought back from 2-0 down.

Martin Jol's side carved out the first opportunity of the afternoon after 15 minutes when Teemu Tainio bisected the City defence with a fine through-ball and Jermain Defoe outpaced Richard Dunne to latch onto the pass. Dunne managed to stretch out a leg to tackle but, with Nicky Weaver grounded, it was left to Sylvain Distin on the goal-line to block Dimitar Berbatov's effort.

It was a cagey start from both sides but City were the more cautious and fell behind after 16 minutes as Tom Huddlestone floated a delightful free-kick into the area from deep and Calum Davenport beat Dunne and Micah Richards in the air to cleverly flick a header past Nicky Weaver.

City briefly looked like responding but went 2-0 down after 24 minutes when Huddlestone sent a stunning half-volley into the bottom left corner from 20 yards. Running onto a Hossam Ghaly pass from the right, the young midfielder showed expert technique to curve a powerful shot beyond Weaver.

City's spirit seemed to desert them and they could have been further behind by half-time as poor defending presented Tottenham with a host of chances.

Steed Malbranque had the best opening as City left him to attack a loose ball in the box, but his strike lacked punch and Dunne was able to block.

Berbatov also drew a save out of Weaver after being given far too much time to set his sights by Distin, while Huddlestone almost grabbed his second with a thunderous shot from 30 yards which flew just over the crossbar.

To make matters worse for City, Richards had to be replaced by Stephen Ireland on the half hour mark, as he had failed to run off the dead leg that had made him a doubtful starter.

Although they were without Aaron Lennon due to a knee injury Spurs looked fluent as their confidence grew, with Huddlestone the stand-out performer in midfield.

Paul Robinson was only called upon to make a couple of comfortable saves from distance, and a chorus of boos rang out at half-time as the City of Manchester crowd vented their frustration.

A different City side emerged after the interval and they began much more positively as Tottenham looked to protect their lead.

Dunne could not find the target with a header from a Joey Barton corner, while Ireland blazed over after being released by a cunning chip from Claudio Reyna.

City's pressure was rewarded in the 64th minute, when Paul Dickov picked up the ball down the left and spotted Barton steaming in unmarked at the far post. Dickov's delivery was inch-perfect and Barton slammed the ball home on the volley from six yards.

With City's back four still out of sorts Tottenham remained dangerous on the counter-attack and Defoe saw a goal ruled out for offside moments later, but Huddlestone was no longer bossing the midfield and City were firmly in the ascendancy.

City peppered the Spurs area with crosses as their desperation grew but did not manage to test Robinson, while the increasingly influential Reyna had to be withdrawn after suffering an injury.

They were perhaps unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Barton was bundled over by Malbranque, but Spurs succeeded in taking some of the sting out of the game as Mido was introduced for Defoe seven minutes from time.

The Egyptian held the ball up well and Spurs restricted their chances in the closing stages to cling on for three valuable points.

Up to 7th place , hopefully the real season starts now !!!

[bkkandrew]

Critical games next Sat. We travel to Newcastle - a must-win, given their poor season. This, given that the dirty Arse have a home banker against Blackburn, same as Pompy (hosting Sheff Utd) and Liverpool (entertaining Watford of all teams!), Bolton travel to hapless Man City, Reading at home to Everton, another 3-points likely there...

All in all, 3-points is a must next weekend, or all the good work will be undone...

[soihok]

Critical games next Sat. We travel to Newcastle - a must-win, given their poor season. This, given that the dirty Arse have a home banker against Blackburn, same as Pompy (hosting Sheff Utd) and Liverpool (entertaining Watford of all teams!), Bolton travel to hapless Man City, Reading at home to Everton, another 3-points likely there...

All in all, 3-points is a must next weekend, or all the good work will be undone...

Well done done putting Manc Cee in their place.I was happy to see that not one City player saw fit to get their ass out ,which is an achievement for them!

Dont be so quick to put Sheff U down.....as this weekend showed with West Hams win over Man U ....nothing is certain.

[soihok]

Good luck at Newcastle by the way!

Cheers

[Housethecrowd]

City (A)

A game of two halfs !!!

I'm sure i will die of a heart attack following THFC, we should have been 3-5 nill up at HT and Defoe should have had one inside 4 mins of re start, but no, 2-0 and they get one, 1st shot on target i think !!! then its backs to the wall and me holding my breath everytime they came forward !!!

Anyways, Tommy H, you are a Hoddle in the making , what a goal, i was going mental, my viens were showing in my neck as i jumped around the room, shouting YESSSSS. Brilliant

SeeSiders at Home next, i cant find anywhere to view this game on the TV or Internet, i will keep looking but if anyone knows any different , then let me know please ??

Lennon may be fit, Whats happened to Davids ??? where he go!

[bkkandrew]

City (A)

A game of two halfs !!!

I'm sure i will die of a heart attack following THFC, we should have been 3-5 nill up at HT and Defoe should have had one inside 4 mins of re start, but no, 2-0 and they get one, 1st shot on target i think !!! then its backs to the wall and me holding my breath everytime they came forward !!!

Anyways, Tommy H, you are a Hoddle in the making , what a goal, i was going mental, my viens were showing in my neck as i jumped around the room, shouting YESSSSS. Brilliant

SeeSiders at Home next, i cant find anywhere to view this game on the TV or Internet, i will keep looking but if anyone knows any different , then let me know please ??

Lennon may be fit, Whats happened to Davids ??? where he go!

Match only on Five live sports extra I am afraid...

Davids just dropped, thats all.

You around for New Years Day game?? - I will be in Xtra Time as I fly in on the 28th!!

[chonabot]

Tottenham v Southend

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is still troubled by an inflamed knee and Hossam Ghaly (thigh) is also a doubt.

Robbie Keane (knee) and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) are definitely out while Michael Dawson returns from suspension but Didier Zokora is still banned.

Southend boss Steve Tilson could name an unchanged starting line-up.

Defender Adam Barrett is training following an abdominal problem but is not ready to play, while Billy Paynter is fit again and could be on the bench.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Lee, Dawson, King, Stalteri, Davenport, Ifil, Gardner, Assou-Ekotto, Dervite, Davids, Tainio, Murphy, Ghaly, Malbranque, Ziegler, Huddlestone, Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe, Mido, Barnard, Barcham.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Hunt, Prior, Sodje, Gower, Maher, Campbell-Ryce, Hammell, McCormack, Eastwood, Bradbury, Hooper, Welch, Francis, Clarke, Paynter, Cole, Lawson, Wilson, Moussa.

[bkkandrew]

Just taken the lead. Defoe. Bloody extra time though. I hope that this does not bode ill for Sat...

Anyway, 4 mins to go

[chonabot]

Tottenham 1-0 Southend

Southend had knocked out Man Utd in the previous round

Spurs scraped past Southend into the Carling Cup semi-finals thanks to Jermain Defoe's extra-time winner.

Darryl Flahavan was superb in the Southend goal, saving first-half shots from Steed Malbranque and Danny Murphy.

Mido also hit the bar for Spurs with a powerful volley in the first half with Flahavan only able to look on.

In the final minute of stoppage time Mido was denied by another superb Flahavan save, but the Southend keeper could nothing about Defoe's 115th goal.

The impressive Mido played an important part in the goal, providing the pass for Defoe, who had had a quiet game up to that point, but finished with aplomb.

Southend had reached the last eight of the competition after their thrilling win over Manchester United, courtesy of a stunning Freddy Eastwood free-kick.

Eastwood's reputation ensured he was given plenty of attention by the Spurs defence and he found it difficult to influence the game.

It was a defender - Efetobore Sodje - who had Southend's best chance, the Nigerian going close with a second-half header.

Former Spurs player Mark Gower made a lively start for the visitors, sending in a dangerous cross from the left in the fourth minute.

Gower also forced Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson into a save at his near post at the other end.

Robinson's counterpart Flahavan was busier saving efforts from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Steed Malbranque.

But didway through the first half Flahavan had a lucky escape as Spurs hit the bar through Mido.

After good work by Danny Murphy and Jermain Defoe, the Egyptian striker Mido a volley against the bar.

Murphy and Defoe had chances themselves with the former Liverpool midfielder going close with a flicked header, while Flahavan had to save a headed effort from the Spurs and England striker.

Early in the second half Flahavan was forced into another save as he dealt with a curling shot from Malbranque and a Murphy effort.

Defoe also glimpsed goal when Efetobore Sodje misjudged a ball over the top but the England striker lobbed wide.

Sodje went close for Southend with a header, while in the last minute of stoppage time Mido came desperately close to winning the game for Spurs, only for his header to be superbly saved by Flahavan.

The draw for the semi-finals will be held on Saturday

Nice !

[Housethecrowd]

Draw for semi final is 12 noon GMT , fingers crossed for WWFC !!

NUFC (A) can be viewed on Sun 8pm ESPN

Merry Xmas fellow Yidos

ps.bkkandrew, i will let you know about NY Day game in extra time, cheers bud

[soihok]

Ouch!

The loss is as bad as Sheff Utds defeat at Portsmouth

[soihok]

It would seem that the whole of the Spurs appreciaetion society has either gone underground or commited mass suicide

[bkkandrew]

It would seem that the whole of the Spurs appreciaetion society has either gone underground or commited mass suicide

No. Just getting unashamedly and totally drunk...

(Not So) Merry Christmas fellow sufferers...

[chonabot]

It would seem that the whole of the Spurs appreciaetion society has either gone underground or commited mass suicide

Just a minor blip..............................

[chonabot]

It would seem that the whole of the Spurs appreciaetion society has either gone underground or commited mass suicide

No. Just getting unashamedly and totally drunk...

(Not So) Merry Christmas fellow sufferers...

Merry Xmas !!!

[soihok]

Cheers

Merry Xmas from Mr & Mrs Soihok(although Mrs Soihok dont like football......does,nt know what she,s missin)

[Mobi]

It would seem that the whole of the Spurs appreciaetion society has either gone underground or commited mass suicide

I was underground for ...... T H I R T Y F I V E Y E A R S ........

And every time I put my head above the parapet, something like this happens....

Oh Well, back to the salt mines.

Merry Christmas, fellow demented Spurs fans

[bkkandrew]

Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa

(Courtesy of BBC)

Defoe has scored six league goals for Spurs this season

Jermain Defoe's goalscoring instincts led Tottenham to a deserved win over Aston Villa in an entertaining game.

Villa had frustrated Spurs for nearly an hour when Dimitar Berbatov's pass released Defoe, who sidefooted home.

The impressive Berbatov also set up Defoe's second goal, the Bulgarian flicking on for the England forward, who thumped a shot past Gabor Kiraly.

Gareth Barry reduced the deficit when he bulldozed his way past the home defence before scoring with a shot.

Defoe might have had a hat-trick but Kiraly did well to save with his feet after the striker had beaten Gary Cahill with a deft piece of skill.

Both Spurs goals highlighted the ability and intelligence of their two forwards as well the weakness of their opponents' attack.

For Defoe's first goal, Berbatov turned deftly away from a couple of Villa defenders before sliding a weighted pass behind the visitors' defence.

Defoe used his first touch to create space to widen the angle for him to shoot and his finish was perfectly placed.

For Spurs' second goal, Berbatov used his height and strength to head on to Defoe, whose brilliant first touch carried the ball forward before he crashed his shot past Kiraly.

Before Spurs' two forwards took centre stage, Tom Huddlestone, who turns 20 on Thursday, had excelled for Martin Jol's team, moving them forward with a series of inventive passes, both long and short.

As well as linking the play, Huddlestone found time to conclude it, getting forward to unleash a shot that was tipped over the bar by Kiraly.

Huddlestone was responsible for the pass of the game when he dinked the ball over the Villa defence to Berbatov, whose shot was well saved by Kiraly.

The excellence of Defoe and Berbatov only served to highlight the failings of Villa's attack.

Gabriel Agbonlahor, who only turned 20 in October, troubled Spurs' defence with some strong running but his partner Milan Baros was altogether more ineffective.

That Villa survived for nearly an hour owed much to Kiraly's impressive keeping as he made a series of saves to frustrate Spurs.

This was only Villa's second away defeat of the season - Martin O'Neill's side have notched up seven draws on their travels - and the manner in which they kept going after falling two goals behind said much about their tenacity.

Barry typified that dogged nature when he barged past a succession of Spurs defenders before shooting past Paul Robinson.

Although Robinson had to punch clear after Barry's goal in a nervy moment for Spurs, Villa's inability to create clear chances ensured the home side held on to win.

Tottenham coach Martin Jol on striker Jermain Defoe:

"Jermain was probably the sharpest player this season, that is why he started most of times.

"If you have three games in six or seven days we've got the quality to change. It's better for the clubs if we have more options.

"Today there was no other option - Mido and Robbie Keane were injured."

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Lee, Dawson, King, Malbranque, Zokora, Huddlestone, Ghaly (Murphy 69), Defoe (Davenport 89), Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Assou-Ekotto, Ziegler.

Booked: Malbranque.

Goals: Defoe 58, 77.

Aston Villa: Kiraly, Mellberg (Osbourne 46), Hughes (Ridgewell 36), Cahill, Gardner, Barry, McCann, Petrov (Bouma 46), Davis, Agbonlahor, Baros.

Subs Not Used: Olejnik, Angel.

Booked: McCann, Cahill.

Goals: Barry 81.

Att: 35,293.

Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).

__________________________________________________

Great result! Bring on the thieving scousers on Sat!!! A win would see us go level on points with them and they lost yesterday to Blackburn...

[Housethecrowd]

Oh well, 3 points out of 6 so far over the Xmas period aint to bad.

New (A) Just a real bad start !!! 1st 15 mins we were all over the show, after that we were in the game, lucky goal !

Villa (H) 2 well taken goals from the boy Defoe, he is on fire and its sad to say that Keano being injured was a blessing in disguise, i do believe Defoe is one of the best and he is getting back to his old form simply by playing games, he needs to play all the time.

Micky Mousers at home next on Sat and i cant wait , this is always a corker of a game, and its about time we beat em, so glad Rovers beat them last week

Fingers crossed

Its live again, enjoy

COYS

[Housethecrowd]

Happy New Year to all Yidooos out there

May we win a trophy please, please

Heres to a winnable 2007 THFC N17 COYS