Sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone on the bottom of the table, both Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City were looking for 3 points from their next match. With the whole bottom of the table being tied up within points of each other as it is, this game was most important to both clubs. Tottenham kicked off the game with a boost of confidence as Luka Modric supplied their first effort on goal but struck wide three minutes in. For Spurs it was inevitable that a goal was to come soon and, returning from injury, Aaron Lennon was the man to do the job, scoring only his second goal of the season. Seeking another goal, Spurs pushed forward and were rewarded for their efforts. This time, in midfield, Zokora linked up with Modric, who found Pavlyuchenko, who then allowed Defoe to be played into the box and scored a second for the home-side. Another goal seemed to be in store and none other than Luka Modric worked the magic from a short corner to find the head of defender Michael Dawson and from there, the back of the net. Compared to Spurs’ normal play, they performed exceedingly well as they kept their new keeper Carlo Cudicini, who played in place of the injured Gomes, from hardly having to lay a finger on the ball.
Spurs started the second half without as much momentum and Stoke took advantage, scoring their first goal of the night; unfortunately for them, it was also their last. Spurs went on pushing for another goal and, in all, took 15 shots just on goal. Every Spurs player on the pitch seemed to be playing to the best of their ability. Special recognition must go to Luka Modric, who conducted the game from midfield the whole night and showed how skillful he is on the ball, which also shows just how highly important he is to the team.
Spurs gratefully came away with all 3 points which currently places them in 13th on the table with 24 points to their name. Now moving further from the relegation zone, they are looking to keep it this way and work up the table. This win seems to be what Spurs need to take another step in the Premier League and to boost their confidence level. Now with the pressure of the FA Cup gone, they can concentrate more on the Premier League and collecting points. They have another busy month coming up, however. The UEFA Cup returns to action, some players will be away on international duty, and March 1st, marks another earned trip to Wembley in the Carling Cup where they will defend their title against Manchester United. This highly motivated Spurs side needs a win at Bolton on Sunday to stay away from the relegation zone and with a performance like their last, they should be fine.
Jill Guthrie
