As the Premier League continued into the second round this week, after an exciting opening day, Tottenham traveled to the KC Stadium to take in Hull City, who previously lost 2-1 to Chelsea on the weekend.
Jermaine Defoe struck early to put Spurs ahead in the 9th minute. He played across the box and down the left to beat the defense and keeper and knock the ball to the far post. Only minutes later, Wilson Palacios scored a carbon copy of JD’s goal to raise the score to 2-0. In the next minute, keeper Huerelho Gomes required medical attention and was helped off the pitch after landing oddly from collecting the ball off a free kick. Carlo Cudicini came on in his place. Phil Brown then made the decision to make an early substitution and bring Daniel Cousin off and Geovanni onto the pitch. After a foul by Tottenham, Hull were awarded a free kick and Stephen Hunt put the ball in the net. With the half time break approaching, Spurs created a fantastic play into the box and Defoe was on the verge of a hat trick.
Their enthusiasm continued into the second half, as Luka Modrić and Aaron Lennon became more and more influential out wide down the wings. Some excellent chances came from Keane, Modrić, Huddlestone, and Lennon; while Defoe continued to test the keeper. Robbie Keane soon provided a cushion by putting them up 4-1 in the 77th minute. The game looked to be over, but in the added time, Spurs still had another goal in them. Defoe bagged his hat trick and finished off the night 5-1.
Harry once again complimented his squad on their excellent performance by saying, “We looked dangerous every time we had the ball. The movement, passing, the pace – I played with four forwards and we really took it to them. We hit them with pace and skill – we were difficult to live with.”
He continued, “Defoe was absolutely electric and he’s so sharp but it wasn’t just about him, Robbie Keane was excellent and the movement in midfield, the lads in there kept rotating and popping up in areas that made it difficult for Hull. The way we kept the ball and passed it was fantastic. We stated well against Liverpool but I think this was even better, our general play was top class.”
So, with that said, Spurs will travel to Upton Park on Sunday to face West Ham. Despite being only two games into the season, Spurs lead the table.
Jill Guthrie
