Ramos thoughts on Berbatov in Jan Transfer Window

Courtesy of SportingLife.com-

Juande Ramos has asked Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to do everything possible
to keep Dimitar Berbatov at White Hart Lane after the striker's four-goal haul
against Reading on Saturday.
Berbatov, who proved the difference in a crazy
game that Spurs edged 6-4, has always insisted he is happy at the club but ha
persistently been linked with a move.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson is a known admirer of the 26-year-old, who arrived at the start of last
season from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.9million.
Ramos cannot guarantee that
Berbatov will stay when the January transfer window opens but he wants the
striker in his plans.
"He made a great contribution against Reading.
Magnificent," said the Spurs head coach. "He is a very valuable player for
us.
"But I cannot assure that he is going to stay at the club because the
chairman has to decide that.
"The chairman knows I want Berbatov to stay. If
it was up to me we would not lose him but there are different circumstances and
factors that we have to take into account such as the player's opinion and
feelings.
"If it was up to me he would continue with us."

Linked here: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/12/29/manual_185225.html&TEAMHD=soccer

Match Report Spurs 6 Reading 4

Courtesy of SkySports-

Dimitar Berbatov scored four times as Tottenham defeated Reading 6-4 in an
incredible encounter at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham began the game where they
had left off against Fulham on Boxing Day and took the lead after just seven
minutes through Berbatov, only for Kalifa Cisse to equalise on 16 minutes after
a howler by Paul Robinson.
The real drama was to come in the second half,
and is started in the 53rd minute when Ivar Ingimarsson headed Reading back in
front.
Juande Ramos reacted to the setback by replacing Ledley King with
Jermain Defoe, and from that moment on there was barely a second that passed by
without incident as seven more goals were scored in the space of 20 minutes.
Berbatov capitalised on a dreadful clearance from Graeme Murty to bring
Tottenham level at 2-2, before Dave Kitson glanced in Nicky Shorey's corner.
Berbatov showed good strength to complete his hat-trick, but Kitson struck
again on the break to put Reading 4-3 ahead.
Steed Malbranque equalised
again for Tottenham and Keane then won a penalty after being tripped by Sonko.
Keane's spot-kick was saved by Hahnemann but Defoe headed in the rebound,
and Berbatov made the points safe seven minutes from time with another powerful
strike.
More to follow.

Linked here: http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2848104,00.html

Chris Gunter to Sign

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Cardiff
City for the signing of Welsh international defender Chris Gunter.
The
transfer will be completed upon the opening of the January transfer window. The
18-year-old full-back graduated through the ranks at Ninian Park and made his
First Team debut in August of last year a month after his 17th birthday. He has
since clocked up 33 appearances for the Championship club, while he has won
three full international caps. He made his debut for Wales in May when he faced
New Zealand and has since impressed in the Euro 2008 qualification games against
the Republic of Ireland and Germany.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/guntertosign.html

Match Report: Boxing Day 07, Spurs 5 Fulham 1

Courtesy of Official Site:

The team marked Boxing Day 2007 with a 5-1 victory over Fulham at the
Lane.
Two goals each from Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone, plus one for
Jermain Defoe provided the margin in what was a comfortable win despite
Fulham halving the deficit at one point. The game got underway on a crisp early
afternoon and the early exchanges were not as crisp as the weather. It was
warming, however, to see Ledley King striding across the pitch looking like he
had never been away, just his presence having a calming influence on those
around him. Jamie O'Hara retained his place in the side for his full home debut,
Huddlestone partnering him in the heart of midfield and it was Tom pulling the
midfield strings and providing what creative spark there was in the first third
of the half. Dimitar Berbatov gave Antti Niemi his first work of the afternoon
on 24 minutes when he nodded a Steed Malbranque centre goalwards and the Finn
sprung to his right and saved well. Two minutes later Malbranque came so close
to marking the occasion of playing against his old club with a goal, latching
onto a Pascal Chimbonda knock-down with a rasping drive that crashed off the
inside of the post. Thankfully, Keane was there right on cue to steer home the
rebound. While the boys were not exactly clicking through the gears on a slick
performance level, they were coping with challenge presented by Fulham with
ease. Defensively it was comfortable as the visitors were not bristling with
ambition in the first half and the goal did not change things much. Another goal
should probably have been added before the break but a swift break resulting
from Berbatov dispossessing Danny Murphy was perhaps overplayed a little and
Keane was left with too much to do in the end. It was two in stoppage, a dash
down the left by Malbranque leading to Berbatov teeing up Huddlestone for a
drive. The midfielder's effort completely wrong-footed Niemi in what was a class
piece of finishing. The football remained attack-minded in the second half,
Keane flashing in a shot that Niemi did well to grab and hold. There was a twist
on the hour when Clint Dempsey snatched on back for Fulham from a Hameur Bouazza
cross, but the response was swift - just two minutes later. Berbatov thrust his
head onto an O'Hara corner and nodded towards the post where the knees of Keane
were waiting to divert past Niemi. The chances of a Keane hat-trick were ended
with 22 minutes left when he was withdrawn in favour of Jermain Defoe but, for
Huddlestone, there was still time to make another big impression. Given the ball
by Aaron Lennon around 20 yards out on 70 minutes, the midfielder flicked the
ball up before driving a placed shot that escaped the clutches of Niemi and had
those at the Lane purring in admiration. The was another huge ovation three
minutes later when Juande Ramos decided the time was right for the skipper to
make his exit. The sum up Ledley's performance best you would just say he was
his usual self. Adel Taarabt replaced him and, in a defensive shuffle, Chimbonda
moved centrally, Lee Young-Pyo to the right and Jamie O'Hara slotted in at left
back. Taarabt added a few party tricks to go with the festive mood, while the
substitute Moritz Volz saw a second yellow then red for a barge on
Malbraque. There was still time for Defoe to add to his account -seizing on
a surge from Huddlestone in the final minute to prod past Niemi.This was a case
of job done, three points in the bank and a Merry Christmas.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport261207.html

Ramos Interview in The Sun

Courtesy of the Sun-

JUANDE RAMOS is a man on a mission. In his first and only interview, the new
Tottenham manager exclusively tells SunSport’s ANTONY KASTRINAKIS how he arrived
to find despondency in the White Hart Lane dressing room; about the futures of
his key players ... and of his long-term plan to eventually take Spurs ABOVE
arch-rivals Arsenal.
Q FIRST, the question that all Tottenham fans will want
answering this morning: Can Spurs win at Arsenal today?
A WE’VE played some
very difficult games. Man City had won all their home games until Tuesday.
Portsmouth hadn’t lost at home, either. The team showed they could cope. Now we
have our most difficult game as we’re playing the leaders. A lot will depend on
the way we play.
Q CAN Spurs take over from Arsenal as kings of North
London?
A THIS is our ambition and dream. But I don’t want to talk long-term
instead of concentrating on the next game.
I want us to take giant leaps.
Our club deserves to fight against the best and challenge for the Premier League
and the Champions League. That’s what I will try to do with all my energy and
strength.
We have the potential to do it. But it doesn’t just depend on one
person, it’s not all about the coach. The manager has to have the collaboration
and the support of the club.
Q WHAT do you think of the job Arsene Wenger
has done at Arsenal?
A HE has done very well — and achieved some magnificent
results. It took him years to achieve that.
This is the basis of it all — to
have faith in one person and let him work. In time, good results will come.
Q SO you are saying if you are given the same backing Wenger has received
from Arsenal, you can bring the same sort of success to Spurs?
Fight with
the best
A I HAVE no doubt about that. The English model is very much like
that and with these conditions I aim to bring success. But it’s not just
Tottenham. Any team that has patience and thinks they’ve found the right person
to carry out a project like that will achieve results.
Q SO how long do you
want to stay as manager at White Hart Lane?
A I’VE signed a five-year
contract, knowing there’s a lot of work ahead of me — beautiful work.
Would
I like to stay here for a long time? Without a doubt. I would love to finish my
five years and sign another one as long as this one. But the most important
thing is that the club are satisfied with my work. I don’t like staying at a
club just because I have a contract. I want the club to be proud of the work I’m
doing.
It’s my dream to stay here for many years and I think it’s highly
likely.
If we are able to improve little by little and fight with the best
in the Premier League it will be a dream for all of us and that is what I am
working towards.
Q WHAT are your long-term plans for Tottenham?
A
LONG-TERM plans are achieved in the short-term. We have to improve things day by
day.
We must fix things tomorrow, then in January — and then in June. This
way, with successive improvements, we will gradually become better. We cannot
lose ourselves by thinking of long-term objectives but find solutions in the
short-term.
Q YOU have been at the Lane since October. What are your early
impressions of the club?
A SINCE my arrival there’s been an enormous change
— especially in the table. Good results have restored the confidence of the
players.
Q SO are you saying Tottenham’s big troubles are behind you after
three wins in a row?
A NO. Three consecutive wins against important teams
re-enforce the confidence and the morale of the team. But we can’t think our
troubles have gone. We still have huge room for improvement. There was an urgent
need to restore the players’ belief in themselves. And we had to rebuild the
faith of the fans.
We couldn’t be a team that leaks as many goals as we did.
In the last three games this situation seems to have come under control.
But
this is something we have to turn into a regular thing. We have to be a solid
outfit in every game.
Q WHAT was your gut feeling when you first walked into
the Tottenham dressing room?
A I was taking charge of a great club but there
was a despondency and a tremendous lack of motivation. There was no hope or
ambition. There was so much self-doubt in the dressing room. That was the most
critical thing we had to change.
Q ARE you saying that you could see that in
the faces of the players at the club?

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE CLUB INHIS
HANDS ... Ramos plots future glory
A YES, yes. I noted an air of abandonment
and resignation like it didn’t really matter. It was a worrying situation as I
realised my players were resigned to losing and to disaster. They got used to
defeats and looked to be in a daze. This alarmed me enormously as we had to
change it radically.
I was worried if we’d be able to change this dynamic,
this is logical. But I have to say the collaboration of the players has been
superb and they’ve made a tremendous effort to change this situation.
Q
TOTTENHAM have placed tremendous faith in you. That must give you an immense
sense of pride and responsibility?
A TOTALLY. I hope I will repay the faith
of the club with good results but I also think we’re just at the start. There’s
a lot left to do and a lot of work awaits us. Little by little, we will try to
change the situation and the mentality of the club.
Q TOTTENHAM have a
shortage of defenders. Can we expect you to make signings in January?
A
UNTIL the window opens we can’t do something so I don’t want to speculate. But
defence is the area where we have the most limitations. We will evaluate what we
need.
Q WHAT about Paul Robinson’s future? There were rumours that you were
looking to replace him?
A HIS future is very good. We’re very happy with
him. The other day against Manchester City he helped us a lot to win the game
and we hope he’ll continue like that.
Q HOW worried are you that Jermain
Defoe might want to leave the club? And is it important that he stays?
A A
PROFESSIONAL has to accept a squad does not have just 11 footballers. There are
20-odd players and only 11 can play. So the others have to wait for their
moment. I think yes. He’s a very good player for us. It would be great if he
continues here.
Q FINALLY, what is your message to Tottenham fans ahead of
today’s big derby?
A OUR fans must let themselves dream. They must feel
confident that we will do everything to beat Arsenal. In any case, we’re going
to continue on the path we’ve taken in the last games where we played well and
got great results.

Linked here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article611872.ece

'Paying the Penalty' NLD Arse 2 Spurs 1 - 12/22/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

There were no surprises as Juande Ramos reflected a disappointed away dressing
room after the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates.
The game turned when Robbie
Keane's penalty was saved by Manuel Almunia in the 72nd minute.
Having gone
1-0 down just three minutes into the second half, Robbie hit the crossbar after
66 minutes and seconds later, Dimitar Berbatov made it 1-1 from a tight
angle.
We were on top and the penalty gave us the opportunity to take
control but just a few minutes after Almunia's save, the tide had turned
back to the home side as Nicklas Bendtner headed home from Cesc Fabregas' corner
for what turned out to be the winner.
"Robbie's upset about the
penalty and we're all disappointed," said Head Coach Juande. "He's normally
certain with penalties but today he missed when we needed a goal - but these
things happen.
"The game was very evenly balanced and we had that chance at
1-1, we didn't take it and Arsenal went on to win the game.
"To
concede a goal from a corner when all 10 outfield players are in the penalty
area isn't normal either and that mistake cost us, we shouldn't concede goals
like that."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/payingthepenalty221207.html

North London Derby 12/22/07 TV in the US

Tottenham at Arsenal, 12/22/07

Live on Setanta Sports TV coverage beginning at 7:30 am EST.

Live on Sirius Radio Channel 125 starting at 7:40 am EST

Uefa Cup draw Round of 32

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn against Slavia Prague in the round of 32 of
the UEFA Cup, with the first leg to be played away from home.
We progressed
from our qualifying group with seven points while the Czech side finished third
in their Champions League group, which included Arsenal.
The tie will be a
repeat of last season's qualifying round clash, which we won 2-0 on aggregate.
The first leg is scheduled to be played on Thursday February 14, with the
return leg the following week.
Should we progress from the round of 32, we
will face the winners of the tie between PSV Eindhoven and Helsingborgs IF in
the last 16, with the first leg to be played at White Hart Lane.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/slaviapragueinuefacup.html

UEFA cup Group Stage Results

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have finished second in Group G of the UEFA Cup after the final round of
matches played on Wednesday night.
Getafe beat Anderlecht 2-1 at the Coliseam
Alfonso Perez to top the group. Anderlecht finish third on five points and go
through to the Round of 32 ahead of Danish side Aalborg, who beat
Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Finishing second means we will face
one of the eight third-placed sides from the UEFA Champions League groups -
Olympique de Marseille, Rosenborg BK, Werder Bremen, SL Benfica, Rangers,
Sporting Clube de Portugal, PSV Eindhoven and SK Slavia Prague - with home
advantage in the second leg.
UEFA Cup group winners will be drawn against
teams finishing third.
The draw for both the Round of 32 and Round of 16 of
the UEFA Cup takes place in Nyon, Switzerland at noon on Friday.
The
first leg of the Round of 32 will be played on February 13/14 with the return on
February 21.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/uefacupupdate191207.html

League Cup Draw

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn against Arsenal in the semi-final of the Carling Cup.
We
will travel to the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, week commencing January 7.
The return leg at the Lane follows on the week commencing January 21.
We will
publicise exact dates, kick-off times and ticket news for these semi-final
legs as soon as we have them.
Chelsea face Everton in the other
semi-final with Chelsea at home first.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/arsenalinsemifinal.html

'Best Yet' Carling Cup ManCity 0 - Spurs 2

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos had no hesitation in describing our Carling Cup quarter-final win
at City as the best display under his charge so far.
Tuesday night's 2-0
triumph was a display full of character, determination and no little skill
as we overcame losing Didier Zokora as early as the 21st minute to a
controversial red card, forcing Juande into a tactical switch and leaving us
with the prospect of facing a City side with a home record of played 10, won 10
going into the game with 10 men for 70 minutes. Thankfully, we were already 1-0
up by then as Jermain Defoe converted Aaron Lennon’s cross in the fifth minute.
JD had to be sacrificed following the sending off with Teemu Tainio coming in at
right-back and Pascal Chimbonda switching to central defence. The lads relished
the challenge and appeared determined that nothing was going to stand between
them and another shot at a Wembley final. When we were breached, Paul Robinson
stood firm. He produced arguably his best save of the season to tip over Darius
Vassell’s point-blank header and, with the score still 1-0, matched that with
another reaction stop to palm away Rolando Bianchi’s header, Younes Kaboul
hacking the rebound off the line. We wrapped it up in the 82nd minute when the
outstanding Dimitar Berbatov found Jamie O’Hara, he picked out Steed Malbranque
and the Frenchman slotted provided the finish. The victory – our third on the
trot – booked a place in the semi-finals of the competition for the
second-successive year and made it one defeat in 11 games since Juande took
up his Head Coach role.“It’s a positive result and sets us up for the rest of
the season,” said Juande. “To win away from home in a cup tie against a team
like Manchester City, who are up there in the league at the moment and on a good
run of form at home, having been one man down after 20 minutes, it’s something
really positive. “We had to work extra hard after being down to 10 men to make
up for having that inferior number. We ended up with just rewards for our
efforts and the result will stand us in good stead in terms of the mindset of
the lads. “Paul Robinson did his job and I’d like to give credit to the rest of
the side. The players who are meant to score goals found the net and everyone
else on the pitch worked so hard, particularly the midfield.” As for the red
card – a decision that was at the least harsh, as Didier appeared to win the
ball and make very little contact with Elano – Juande made clear his thoughts.
“It was absolutely undeserved, unjust and it wasn’t a sending off, no way. We
then had to pay the penalty of being a man down.”

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/bestyet.html

'JJ - Cup hurt will drive us'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Jermaine Jenas believes the agony of near misses in cup competitions last season will drive the lads to succeed this time around.
It really was a case of so near, so far in all three competitions.
We led 2-0 in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal only to go out after extra time in the second leg, we led 3-1 at Chelsea in the FA Cup only to go out in a replay and then led 1-0 at Juande Ramos' Sevilla in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final only to go out 4-3 on aggregate.
With a place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup already in the bag, we turn our attention to the Carling Cup tonight (Tuesday December 18) and a quarter-final against Manchester City at Eastlands.
Wembley is three steps away and JJ - pictured crestfallen after the exit against Sevilla - is determined to help take us there. "We were so close last season, ended up getting beaten and we all know what that feels like," he stated. "It wasn't nice and we're all desperate for silverware - we keep saying it and it's the truth.
"Everyone connected with Spurs knows how much it hurt last season. You could see the reaction of the lads, everyone was upset and we need to reflect on that, remember how we felt and use it to drive us forward.
"City away isn't an easy game but we intend to go there and win."
JJ expects this match to take a different pattern to our 2-1 league win over Sven Goran Eriksson's men a little over a week ago at the Lane.
"It will, I'm sure," he added. "When we played at home we did all the attacking, they camped in, made it diffucult for us, frustrated us and tried to turn the crowd. They are at home now and have to come out and attack, so it will be a different game."
Everton are already in the hat for the semi-finals after beating West Ham last week. Blackburn face Arsenal at Ewood Park tonight while Chelsea host Liverpool in the final tie of the last eight on Wednesday night.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/jjhurtwilldriveus.html

'Instant Impact'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos was impressed with Jamie O'Hara's cameo role at Portsmouth as the
young midfielder made an impact on his debut at Fratton Park.
Recently back
from a loan spell at Millwall, Jamie, 21, entered the fray for Kevin-Prince
Boateng with 13 minutes remaining and the match finely balanced at
0-0.
It took less than a minute for his first contribution, a cross-field
pass into the path of Jermain Defoe, who controlled and lifted a tricky chance
over David James but over the bar.
Then, two minutes later, Jamie's most
telling contribution as he led a counter-attack from the left and carried
the ball some distance before picking out Aaron Lennon on the right,
Aaron's cross turned home for the winner by Dimitar Berbatov.
"It was
his debut and he had 15 very good minutes," said Head Coach Juande. "He
understood perfectly what I asked of him when he came on.
"He played very
well and I'm very happy with him."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/instantimpact171207.html

Match Report: Pompey vs Spurs 12/15/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dimitar Berbatov scored the goal that secured us a first Premier League away win
of the season against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
It was fifth
goal of the season for the striker in all competitions and it provided the
perfect pre-Christmas tonic of three points banked.In what felt like sub-zero
temperatures on the South Coast, Juande Ramos handed a second Premiership start
to Kevin Prince Boateng in central midfield alongside Jermaine Jenas, while
Darren Bent got the nod to begin up front in tandem with Dimitar Berbatov.
Michael Dawson was unavailable due to illness, so Didier Zokora once again
occupied a central defensive berth alongside Younes Kaboul. Pompey had four
former Spurs in their 16 on duty - Sol Campbell, Noe Pamarot, Pedro Mendes and
Sean Davis. It was John Utaka who made the first purposeful surge, one that it
took Jenas to speed back and repel. Utaka was looking the principal threat for
the home side, while there was a good tempo and some crisp passing from the team
in white, with Bent dispatching the first shot that flew a foot or so wide of
the top corner. Steed Malbranque thought he was on the scoresheet for the second
time in as many seasons at this venue in the 16th minute when, from an Aaron
Lennon cross, Boateng struck in on goal and was foiled by David James.
Malbranque poked home the rebound, but the flag of the assistant was aloft. Papa
Bouba Diop attempted to muscle his way through at the other end and had his
effort diverted away by Zokora, before Berbatov flicked just over the bar from
an offside position. A Sulley Muntari free-kick was, moments later, smothered
well by Paul Robinson. Bent then evaded his marker and worked himself a shooting
position but failed to generate enough power to trouble James. Lennon and Bent
combined to create an opening for Berbatov in front of goal, with only a late
Campbell intervention preventing the Bulgarian stroking home. Malbranque buzzed
into the box at the start of the second half but clipped a cross-shot to the
unoccupied far post, while Lennon and Bent both had opportunities to stretch the
home defences with their pace. Lennon fizzed in a cross with 53 minutes on the
clock that James attempted to prevent making a connection with the head of Bent.
What he did do was ensure the ball struck the back of Glen Johnson, but Bent had
already advanced and was unable to seize on the loose ball. Neither side was
really establishing superiority in the game, one which was a little frenetic and
lacking some poise from individual playmakers. It was punctuated with fouls,
which was not helping the flow of the contest, but the home crowd were voicing a
degree of frustration - something that is normally a good sign. Berbatov strode
goalwards at the midway point in the half but the on-rushing James got just
about enough on the ball to prevent him making capital before the substitute
David Nugent headed narrowly over at the other end. On 74 minutes Berbatov was
joined by Jermain Defoe with Bent making way and he was quickly followed by
Jamie O'Hara, who got to make his Premier League debut in place of Boateng. He
made a quick impression with an angled ball that picked out Defoe, who proceeded
to ping it over James but also over the bar. The changes breathed new life into
attacking intent and the deadlock was broken on 81 minutes. Lennon zipped a
cross off the back of his marker Hermann Hreidarsson and the deviation in flight
deceived the defenders and Berbatov was waiting at the back post to steer past
James before joining the Spurs fans for a celebration.
O'Hara might have
netted were it not for the head of Niko Kranjcar getting in the way but it
mattered little when the referee sounded the whistle to send us home happy.
Cold, but very happy.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport151207.html

Bale out 3 months

Gareth Bale out 3 months due to foot injury.

League Cup draw for Quarterfinal round

Fifth Round (Quarterfinal)

Matches will be played in the week beginning 17
December 2007, with the exception of West Ham United vs Everton, which will be
played on 12 December due to Everton's European commitments.

Home team Away team

Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal
DateKick offStadium
18 December 200720:00Ewood Park, Blackburn

Chelsea vs Liverpool
DateKick offStadium
19 December 200719:45Stamford Bridge, London

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
DateKick offStadium
18 December 200719:45City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

West Ham United vs Everton
DateKick offStadium
12 December 200719:45Boleyn Ground, London

'Supre-Sub Defoe' Spurs 2 - Man City 1

Courtesy of Sky Sports-

Super-sub Jermain Defoe stepped off the bench to secure a vital three
points for Tottenham and continue Manchester City's away-day blues.
The
England international was on hand to drill home the rebound after Steed
Malbranque's curling cross-shot had hit the base of the post seven minutes from
time.
City had been reduced to 10 men just seconds earlier with Stephen
Ireland shown a straight red card for a late two-footed lunge on Lee Young-pyo,
and the visitors never fully cleared their lines from the resulting free-kick.
It had looked as though it would be Sven-Goran Eriksson celebrating an
inspired change after Rolando Bianchi had headed City level in the 61st minute,
powering home Martin Petrov's corner just minutes after coming on.
Pascal
Chimbonda had given Spurs the lead in controversial circumstances seconds before
the interval, deflecting Dimitar Berbatov's cheeky flick from Jermaine Jenas'
low free-kick beyond Andreas Isaksson with his arm when stood in an offside
position.
But it was left to Defoe to grab the headlines with his goal just
six minutes after coming on as City, who boast a 100 per cent record at home,
suffered a fourth defeat on their travels and a seventh in succession against
Spurs.
With Spurs' top scorer Robbie Keane out for another two matches
through suspension, he also offered head coach Juande Ramos an indication he is
ready to step in.
Elano absent
City were without the influence of Elano,
the Brazil playmaker having failed to recover from a hamstring complaint, so
their creativity came from Martin Petrov on the left wing.
Petrov's delivery
from the flank went some way to explain why Dimitar Berbatov wanted his Bulgaria
team-mate at White Hart Lane this summer.
However, with £8.8million striker
Bianchi on the bench, Petrov only had Darius Vassell to aim for initially,
giving Younes Kaboul time to settle after getting dropped for the midweek UEFA
Cup clash against Anderlecht.
However, the young French defender's passing
range was awful, and he was nowhere to be seen for City's equaliser.
Bent
wasteful
At the other end, Darren Bent was wasteful. Berbatov's silky touches
sent Bent through on goal in the ninth minute but Andreas Isaksson rushed out to
save with his feet.
Javier Garrido picked up a booking for tripping Aaron
Lennon, and from the resulting attack Berbatov was on the floor but managed to
clip the ball through to Bent. He snatched at his shot with Jermaine Jenas
waiting with an open goal in front of him.
Berbatov was full of invention,
drilling a cross for Malbranque to sweep a shot towards goal but Richard Dunne
got himself in the way of the effort.
City showed pace on the break when
Kelvin Etuhu, making his first start for the club, smashed into the
side-netting, while Michael Johnson was patrolling the midfield area with
authority on his return to action.
The opener came on the stroke of
half-time, with Berbatov getting fouled on the touchline by a combination of
Gelson Fernandes and Vedran Corluka. Jenas drilled the ball across, Berbatov
flicked and Chimbonda angered City with the finish off his arm - he also
appeared to be standing in an offside position.
Eriksson responded by
bringing on Bianchi for Etuhu just before the hour mark, with the substitute
making an instant impact.
Robinson
Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson would
have been braced for a busy spell but he also had time to banter with the City
fans, who dubbed him "England's number four" after his recent troubles at
international level.
He could do nothing about Bianchi's equaliser, the
Italian striker rising to thump home a header from Petrov's corner.
City
were putting Spurs under intense pressure and Lee had to make a last-ditch
clearance from another Petrov cross. Petrov also fizzed a long-range effort just
wide.
The game turned when Ireland was given his straight red card by Mark
Halsey for a slide on Lee.
Defoe grabbed the winner from the free-kick, with
Malbranque hitting the post and the substitute smashing the rebound between
Micah Richards' legs.

Linked here: http://origin.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2908997,00.html

Anderlecht under Disciplinary Proceedings

Source: Sporting Life

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Anderlecht after objects
appeared to be thrown from the crowd during the tie with Tottenham.Spurs' Didier
Zokora appeared to be struck by lighter thrown from the crowd and goalkeeper
Paul Robinson also picked up a metal rod which he handed to the fourth official
after the final whistle of the 1-1 draw at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in
Brussels."UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Anderlecht for the
throwing of objects by spectators," said a UEFA spokesman.The Belgian side have
already been fined for crowd disturbances during a Champions League qualifier
earlier in the season against Fenerbahce and UEFA officials will take previous
cases into consideration when they meet.The punishments range from a fine to
expulsion from the tournament."The control and disciplinary body will meet on
December 13 to make a decision on this case," the spokesman added.Zokora claimed
afterwards that he was targeted as he used to play for Anderlecht's rivals Genk
at the start of his career, yet he also had cause for celebration as the point
earned Spurs a place in the knockout stages of the competition.Spurs head coach
Juande Ramos was hit by Real Betis fans when he was at Sevilla and although he
did not see Zokora struck, the Spaniard said: "This is very bad for the players
and those who work in football."We have to be left in peace on the pitch and you
can't have objects thrown because somebody could get hurt."

MATCH REPORT: ANDERLECHT 1, SPURS 1

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dimitar Berbatov provided the cool head needed to book our place in the last 32
of the UEFA Cup with the penalty to secure a 1-1 draw at Anderlecht on Thursday
night.
On as a second half substitute, Berba calmy slotted home the spot
kick won by Jermaine Jenas as keeper Daniel Zitka dived the other way in
the 71st minute. The point means we'll finish second place at worst in Group H
with the final round of matches to follow on December 19.
It was just what
the doctor ordered on a rain-soaked night in Belgium as the home side took the
lead two minutes earlier, Bart Goor slotting home from 16
yards.
There were a couple of changes to the starting line-up from the team
that took on Birmingham on Sunday, with Lee Young-Pyo drafted in for the injured
Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone taking the place of Younes Kaboul. It was
naturally not a straight swap as it was Didier Zokora who took up position at
centre half. Darren Bent retained his place in the side, this time in a
two-pronged attack alongside Robbie Keane - featuring in his final game before
serving a three-match suspension. There was not a huge amount of meaningful
activity in the opening 15 minutes as the teams sized each other up, as well as
attempting to get used to the new UEFA ball - which seemed to fly around a bit.
Mbo Mpenza nearly stole a march on Lee midway through the half, but his touch
was heavy and Paul Robinson was able to advance and collect before Jermaine
Jenas issued Daniel Zitka with his first assignment of the game with a low drive
that the goalkeeper foiled. Robinson denied Roland Jahasz with a similar smother
at the other end ten minutes before the break as Anderlecht increased the
intensity slightly, although it was Jermaine Jenas who received the first
caution of the evening after 41 minutes. The home side did manage to rouse their
supporters just ahead of half-time when Martin Wasilewski forced Robinson into
action and Nicolas Frutos looked set to profit from the rebound but failed to
capitalise and shot wide. In truth, it was a poor half in which both sides
displayed little creativity or, apart from late on, looked like altering the
scoreboard. Keane did test Zitka in the opening moments of the second half and
Pascal Chimbonda seized on the loose ball but could not break the deadlock.
Robinson then ensured parity remained with a smart block to deny the rampaging
threat of Frutos, who made a powerful run into the area. An Mpenza surge
followed and this time it was an excellent challenge from Zokora that quelled
the potential danger. Berbatov entered the stage in the 58th minute, taking the
place of Keane, and it was the Bulgarian who stepped up to take charge of a
free-kick 66 minutes in after the felling of Steed Malbranque. Zitko, however,
was equal to the challenge. Just two minutes later though, Anderlecht snatched
the lead when an Mpenza cross from the right was not dealt with by Michael
Dawson or Jenas and Bart Goor was able to steer past Robinson. A quick
response was called for and we didn't have to wait too long - just a couple of
minutes. Jenas was bought down in the area and the referee pointed spot-wards to
the despair of the home support and Berbatov, cool as you like, slotted his
penalty past Zitka. Jermain Defoe came on for Bent but it was Robinson who made
the next significant contribution with a superb stop to deny the substitute
Cyril Thereau.
Typically sharp off the bench, JD then tested Zitka twice, the
home keeper producing a smart save to tip the second effort over.
That was
just about that - our last moment of concern as a corner bobbled around - and
the whistle signalled further progress in the competition. The only worrying
note Young-Pyo Lee's departure on a stretcher after a clash of heads.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport061207.html

Ledley King on his return (Reserve action)

Courtesy of Official Site-

Ledley King admits he did not anticipate beginning his season on a cold December
night by the River Thames.
That's how it turned out though with his first
window of opportunity for some match minutes coming in a reserve team contest
against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday. Ledley was pencilled in for a 45
minute work-out after recovering from knee surgery carried out in May and the
Club skipper eased through the examination with his usual cool before
contemplating the next step on his comeback trail. "I suppose not, but it was in
June when I had the operation and I knew there was a lot of work to do to get
back," said Ledley when the setting of his seasonal opener was mentioned. "I am
now just thinking about trying to get as many minutes under my belt as I can
before trying to get back into the First Team squad. "It was nice just to come
through 45, my first in six months or so, and it feels good," added Ledley, who
pointed out that nerves still play a part for him no matter what the game.
"Every time I go on the pitch they are there, it is the pressure I put on myself
to perform. Even at school, where I was the best player, I felt them and that is
the way it should be when you go on the pitch." Even though he suffered a few
match night nerves, what Ledley did have was confidence in his knee standing up
to the test. "That is the main thing. The medical staff have been brilliant and
have helped me to get to where I am now. I had confidence in the knee going out
there and that is a good feeling. "I feel fine, it was good to come through it.
As long as the knee is fine I am happy. "I've had my fair share of injuries, but
this has been the longest one. They are all as frustrating as each other, but
this has been the one I've had to be most careful with and I had to make sure I
was right before coming back so that I don't have any more problems. I feel I
have done that and hopefully I will get the rewards from it."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/ledleyonreturn041207.html

FA Cup Third Round tie

Courtesy of Official Site-

Our FA Cup Third Round tie at home to Reading is now confirmed for Saturday
January 5, kick-off 3.00pm.
If a replay is required this will take place on
Tuesday January 15, kick-off 8.00pm.
Please note that the date and kick-off
time of the replay are still subject to change in the event of it being selected
for live TV coverage.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/facupdate041207.html

Keane appeal Rejected

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can confirm that the appeal against Robbie Keane's red card for
serious foul play has been rejected.
Robbie will now serve a three-match
domestic suspension as a result of his dismissal in our Premier League fixture
against Birmingham City on Sunday.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/keaneupdate.html

Match Report Spurs v Birmingham City

Courtesy of Official Site-

It turned out to be an afternoon of conflicting emotions for Robbie Keane at the
Lane, his two goals against Birmingham turning the contest on its head before a
red card cut short his contribution and the visitors went on to grab the
initiative and snatch a late winner.
Keane struck twice - once
from the spot - to overturn a first half deficit and it appeared that three
points would be making a happy deposit in our account. However, Birmingham
struck again out of the Blue and then the skipper was given his marching orders
following a decision that is likely to be debated for a little while yet.
Sebastian Larsson had the last and dramatic say in the encounter.Younes Kaboul
and Darren Bent were restored to the side in place of Lee Young-Pyo and the
injured Jermaine Jenas. It was certainly an attacking hand played by Juande
Ramos, with Keane and Steed Malbranque occupying a central midfield anchored by
Didier Zokora. Dimitar Berbatov was first to cause concern to the Birmingham
bench of newly appointed manager Alex McLeish and his assistant Jim Aitken when
he seized on defensive uncertainty and worked Maik Taylor for the first time of
the afternoon. Keane should then have worked him further after Bent slotted him
through on goal, but his effort was slashed high and wide. It was a lively
affair though under lights in the late afternoon winter darkness and drizzling
rain. You knew we are now well into the winter programme when news of the FA Cup
Third Round draw filtered through - Reading to visit the Lane in early January.
There was a blast from the past working with a Belgian TV crew on the Press Box,
one Nico Clausen, no doubt gathering preview material for our UEFA Cup clash
with Anderlecht on Thursday. Watch this space for Nico's thoughts. Berbatov and
Keane combined to create half a chance through the Bulgarian's header before the
same player dispatched a superb cutting throughball for Bent to pounce on. Bent
went for it first time and the legs of Taylor were enough to divert wide.
Completely against the run of play, Gary McSheffrey darted into the area and
Kaboul came across to deal, but ended up making more contact with the man than
the ball and referee Mr Dowd instantly pointed to the spot. McSheffrey did the
honours himself and drove down the middle to make it 1-0 to Birmingham on 23
minutes. The pressure continued to head in one direction only, with Lennon
posing the biggest threat, but Taylor really had to be at his best to keep out a
Gareth Bale free-kick that was arrowing into the top corner in the 36th minute.
There was some resolute defending in front of goal by the visitors, who managed
to slide in and apply a block to just about every low cross in the first period.
Like on Thursday it was the whistle for the beginning of the second half that
provided the spark. Zokora sped forward and linked up with Berbatov, who was
felled in the area by Johan Djourou. Again Mr Dowd showed no hesitation in
pointing spot-wards. Despite a delay due to Pascal Chimbonda receiving
treatment, Keane stayed cool and hit his penalty high into the net. There were
changes again at the resumption of play after the interval, Tom Huddlestone
being drafted in along with Jermain Defoe in place of Kaboul and Bent. The
introduction of Huddlestone once more paid dividends when a delicious chip into
the area was gobbled up by Keane, who hit his shot downwards and the bounce of
the ball beat Taylor and it was 2-1 with 53 minutes on the clock. It should then
have been three when Berbatov hit the post rather than the back of the net after
a stray defensive header fell to him in front of goal. The crowd of 35,635, bar
700 in the top corner, were stunned into silence just after the hour when
Cameron Jerome ventured forward and escaped Zokora before pinging in a low shot
between two defenders and beyond the reach of Paul Robinson's outstretched left
hand to make it an unlikely 2-2. Berbatov peeled away to connect with a Bale
corner a few minutes later and it took Stephen Kelly to chest away off the line.
There was a twist in the tale on 67 minutes when Keane challenged Fabrice Muamba
and Mr Dowd showed the skipper a red card. Replays showed there was contact, but
no way did it look a sending off offence and Keane looked suitably bemused as he
was leaving the field. Bale then had to be withdrawn following a hefty challenge
from Muamba and, with Lee now on the pitch, it was a case of seeing whether the
ten men could net the three points. It was Birmingham who next came closest to
winning the day with two minutes left on the clock when Mikael Forssell grazed
the bar from all of a few yards out when he connected with a low Olivier Kapo
delivery. Kapo went on to test Robinson with a fierce drive before, in stoppage
time, Larsson picked up the ball some thirty yards out and fizzed the ball past
Robinson and into the top corner.
If you needed a game to sum up
the term 'smash and grab' then this was it.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport021207.html