Tottenham 3 Wigan 1

Two goals in 89 scintillating seconds inspired Tottenham to victory over battling Wigan at White Hart Lane.

Martin Jol's side had trailed to Henri Camara's 24th-minute opener but fought back in stunning style just prior to the interval through Jermain Defoe, his 50th in the Premiership, and Dimitar Berbatov.

Aaron Lennon completed the scoring in the last seconds of stoppage time to condemn Wigan to their first defeat in six games and help Spurs leapfrog them and move up to 10th place in the league table.

Tottenham began the game in sparkling fashion with Berbatov bringing a save out of Chris Kirkland within the first minute after some clever work on the right flank by the quick-footed Lennon.

In the seventh minute, Defoe's trickery brought the first booking of the afternoon when referee Mark Clattenburg disciplined Wigan's Emmerson Boyce for his late challenge on the England striker.

Six minutes later it the was the turn of Wigan to test Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson when Camara tried his luck with a shot on the turn from 18 yards. However, the England stopper dealt with his low drive in a comfortable fashion.

Tottenham's early pressure failed to bring them the reward of an opening goal and Wigan, with four clean sheets in the last five games, were beginning to enjoy more of the possession.

The visitors deservedly opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Camara. He had been a constant threat to the Spurs defence and made no mistake when he found himself unmarked in the penalty.

A cross to the far post from David Wright gave Lee McCulloch the opportunity to head the ball back to Camara who despatched a volley into the roof of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

It brought an immediate response from Spurs but Kirkland denied Steed Malbranque and then kept out another effort from Defoe.

In the 28th minute Wigan were forced to make a change when Gary Teale was deemed unfit to carry on and he was replaced by former England striker Emile Heskey.

It forced Paul Jewell to switch Kevin Kilbane from the left to the right flank to accommodate Heskey in attack.

Wigan captain Leighton Baines was the next player to end up displeasing referee Clattenburg when he held back Lennon and was shown the yellow card in the 33rd minute.

Lennon got the better of the Wigan left-back moments later though but his final ball was wasted by Malbranque who shot wide of the target from eight yards.

But the home side were enjoying a good spell with teenager Tom Huddlestone at the heart of all their best moves.

In the 41st minute, the England Under-21 international was unlucky with a speculative 30-yard drive which flashed just over the top of Wigan crossbar.

But two goals in 89 seconds put Spurs in front. In the 42nd minute Defoe put Spurs back on level terms when he finished off a neat move in style.

Didier Zokora's through ball to Berbatov saw the Bulgarian striker lay the ball on to Defoe and the England forward's quick feet completely fooled Boyce as he turned and fired home.

Seconds later Berbatov put the home side ahead when he latched on to a pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and raced clear of Matt Jackson before lofting his shot over Kirkland.

Tottenham's storming finish to the first half had clearly rattled Wigan and the home side took advantage by maintaining the momentum after the restart.

However, in the 51st minute Spurs were almost gifted a third goal when Berbatov's cross was deflected into the hands of a startled Kirkland by defender Jackson.

Three minutes later Berbatov and Lennon combined to give Defoe the perfect opportunity to notch his 51st Premiership goal but the England striker sent his shot into the stands from 18 yards.

Moments later referee Clattenburg booked Wigan substitute Heskey after he appeared to catch Michael Dawson with his elbow.

In the 64th minute, a quick break out of defence by Lennon saw the England winger supply Defoe with a clever crossfield pass.

Defoe's skill let him down for once and the retreating Wigan defence managed to clear the danger but Lennon wrapped up a fine afternoon for the home side with the third goal in the last seconds of stoppage time.

Martin Jol admits that Jermain Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov are not guaranteed a place in his next starting line-up despite inspiring Tottenham to victory over Wigan.

Spurs were trailing to Henri Camara's 24th-minute opener when Defoe and Berbatov combined to score two goals in 89 seconds just prior to the interval.

Aaron Lennon wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time as Spurs moved into 10th place in the Premiership table.

Berbatov and Robbie Keane had successfully spearheaded the attack against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek but Jol recalled Defoe to partner the Bulgarian hitman against Wigan and the pair were unstoppable.

But Jol insists his striking selection is based on the approach of the players in training and, while claiming it is not a rotation policy, the Dutchman accepts he is likely to change it again.

Jol declared: 'Nobody at Spurs is dissatisfied with Berbatov. He shows his quality all the time.

'There is every chance I could change the partnership for every game. I will always play my best team for each match.

'They have to push me in every training session, every week. If they can do that they are true professionals.

'It is not rotation, I do not like that because the players then wait for their matches to come around. I don't want that - they must be eager.

'The goal was good for Jermain's confidence, it was his first in open play this season. Berbatov did his job and did it well. He is a good player.'

Berbatov has now scored six goals since arriving at the club in the summer for £10.8 million from Bayer Leverkusen.

His form has helped Spurs to overcome a poor start but Jol was especially pleased that his side coped with the physical approach presented by Wigan.

Jol added: 'They play a style which is very difficult to defend against. We did not pressurise them for the first goal. If you allow them to cross the ball, they are always capable of scoring.

'But this was a game where we needed to win to push on. The Premiership is a tough league and at the end of the season the league table does not lie.

'We are a footballing side but our character came through today. We want to win every game. But we are in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup and have nine points in our group, the most out of any of the teams in the UEFA Cup, and had a good win against Wigan. So we can be pretty satisfied.'

Wigan manager Paul Jewell admitted that Tottenham's two quick goals changed the game and felt his side should have held on to the lead until half-time.

Jewell said: 'I felt Tottenham had run out of ideas a little bit in the first half but then they got two goals in a minute or so and they completely changed the complexion of the game.

'Those minutes cost us. We've been seeing games out of late and while Tottenham will see those two goals as good ones from their point of view, I felt they were poor ones defensively.

'I am disappointed because we wanted to come to Spurs and try and get something out of the game.

'We have got to try and see things out and we didn't today. Sometimes we are a bit naive.

'We know we are not the best team in the world but we are honest. I am disappointed with the result.'

UEFA CUP Group B: Leverkusen 0 Tottenham 1

Dimitar Berbatov scored the winner against his former club Bayer Leverkusen to send Tottenham into the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup.

The 25-year-old tapped in after 35 minutes in the teeming rain at the BayArena, the stadium where he built his reputation before moving to White Hart Lane for £10.9million in the summer.

He had previously talked of his loyalty and closeness to the German club and he barely acknowledged the strike, leaving the celebrating to Spurs' noisy travelling support.

In keeping with his mixed start with his new club - he has now scored four in the UEFA Cup but only against Sheffield United in the Barclays Premiership - he missed an open goal in the second half before receiving a standing ovation from both sets of fans when he was substituted with 13 minutes remaining.

The Bulgaria international's goal kept Spurs' 100 percent record going in the competition and they are now top of group B with a match remaining.

The Germans, however, face a fight for one of the top-three positions for qualification and despite hitting the post through Bernd Schneider, lacked the presence of a Berbatov-style forward.

Berbatov had been hailed by Michael Skibbe prior to the match, the Leverkusen boss describing him as one of the best strikers in the world, and the Spurs signing was at the heart of the visitors' promising attacks.

He was caught a shade offside early on when Didier Zokora broke forward and chipped over the top, then after six minutes he was behind the defence but his cross was easily cut out by goalkeeper Jorg Butt.

He has also developed an understanding with Robbie Keane - a partnership which blossomed against Belgian side Club Bruges in their previous group match - and they caused the hosts problems with their movement, although the conditions hindered passing.

A set play was an easier route to goal for Spurs and Berbatov headed over the crossbar when his strike partner's hard work forced a corner which he floated over.

Berbatov forced Butt into the first save of the match, in the 33rd minute, when he collected the ball from Zokora, turned and fired a 25-yard drive which was parried before Juan headed back to his goalkeeper.

But the Bulgarian opened the scoring two minutes later, finishing from close range after Aaron Lennon, returning to the starting XI after a knee injury, had seen a shot parried after being played in by Keane's clever reverse pass.

Berbatov could have doubled the lead when Butt came rushing out three minutes later but failed to clear and collided with a defender, but the Spurs striker dwelled on the ball and the chance was gone.

The hosts, forced to make a change in the 16th minute when Swiss youngster Tranquillo Barnetta picked up a knock and was replaced by Pirmin Schwegler, still offered a threat but found clear opportunities difficult to create.

Andrej Voronin flashed wide late in the first half but Paul Robinson was not forced into a save in the first half, despite Leverkusen enjoying their share of possession.

The hosts replaced Stefan Kiessling with Paul Freier at the break, and the substitute was fortunate not to be booked for chopping down Zokora in the opening exchanges of the second half.

Berbatov was played through in the 49th minute by Steed Malbranque as Spurs swept forward, but he slipped as he looked to cut inside on his left foot and Gonzalo Castro was able to clear.

Robinson was forced into his first save of the match, in the 53rd minute, when Simon Rolfes broke forward and played in Freier, but the England goalkeeper saved with his legs.

It marked a busy period for Robinson, and he made a much easier stop from the resulting corner as Sergej Barbarez's header lacked power.

Robinson was called upon again four minutes later when Rolfes again passed to Freier, whose pull-back found Voronin in plenty of space but his effort was saved.

At the other end, Berbatov missed his open goal when he failed to connect with Keane's cross from the left.

Keane was found in a similar position in the 65th minute by Lennon but this time went for goal and forced Butt into a save.

In the next attack, the hosts hit the post through Schneider's drilled long-range effort, with the ball bouncing to safety.

Voronin forced Robinson into a save with 20 minutes remaining, while Keane's mazy run at the other end was only just blocked, and Spurs held on for the points.

Blackburn 1 Tottenham 1

Veteran Blackburn playmaker Tugay endured the highs and lows of football as his side had to settle for a point at home to Tottenham today.

He made the breakthrough with a stunning 25-yard volley only to be sent off in an incident which led to Spurs' equaliser.

Tugay was adjudged to have hauled back Hossam Ghaly, and Jermain Defoe scored from the penalty spot.

Ghaly was later sent off in this Barclays Premiership match between the UEFA Cup contenders.

Shabani Nonda found the net for Blackburn after only seven minutes following a through ball from David Bentley - but his effort was ruled out for offside. p>• Gray slams Tugay dismissal

Tottenham responded two minutes later, and Young-Pyo Lee swung in a deep cross from the right - forcing Brett Emerton to head over his own bar.

Then Edgar Davids tried his luck from 25 yards, only to see his effort whistle past the post.

A poor clearance from Andre Ooijer was picked up by Mido, who snatched at the half-chance in the 14th minute and failed to test goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Blackburn took the lead in the 22nd minute with a stunning 25-yard volley from Tugay which gave England number one Paul Robinson no chance at all.

The former Turkey player, 36, latched on to a clearance from Ledley King to fire an unstoppable shot into the corner.

It was only Tugay's second goal of the season, and the other was something special as well - an instinctive strike from distance in the UEFA Cup victory against Basle.

Tottenham were rattled, and Mido was booked in the 26th minute after a tussle with Stephane Henchoz.

Defoe then got away from Henchoz and fired in a shot which Friedel did well to parry in the 33rd minute.

Blackburn were again on the back foot three minutes later when Defoe made space for himself on the edge of the area, but his effort cleared the bar.

Defoe was looking lively up front, but Tottenham were struggling to get their game together in the winter chill.

Blackburn carved out a good opening in the 43rd minute when Emerton delivered a cross from the right. Morten Gamst Pedersen came in at the back post but was marginally off target with his header.

Mido twice found room in stoppage time, but on each occasion his finish was wasteful.

The Egyptian glanced a header into the net in the 47th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

However, it was a warning shot to Blackburn and emphasised just how slim their advantage was.

Tottenham were beginning to knock the ball around, and Defoe was putting in a hard shift.

They drew level in the 61st minute when Defoe scored from the penalty spot, after Tugay was ruled to have brought down Ghaly.

Referee Phil Dowd made the decision after speaking to his assistant.

To make matter worse for the home side Tugay was sent off - leaving them with ten men.

Blackburn then had loud appeals for a penalty waved away when Mido appeared to handle in the penalty area.

Manager Mark Hughes was enraged at what he saw was a clear injustice.

With a man to the good, Tottenham continued to press forward in a difficult spell for Blackburn.

Benni McCarthy almost regained the lead for Blackburn in the 78th minute after a cross from Michael Gray.

He back-heeled the ball from six yards out, but Robinson was alert and made the save.

Defoe came off with eight minutes to go and was replaced by Dimitar Berbatov.

Ghaly was dismissed in stoppage time for elbowing Gray.

Spurs boss Martin Jol was incensed at losing Ghaly - and was sent off himself for his protests.

• Gray slams Tugay dismissal Man of the match Michael Gray claimed the sending off of Blackburn team-mate Tugay was a key moment.

Gray told Sky Sports: 'Tugay is an honest guy - he was just running back and slipped. It certainly changes the game and it was farcical to send him off

'The linesman was trying to tell him he was last man. I can't see how he could see it anyway.'

On the Ghaly dismissal, he added: 'There was a few (elbows) flying around actually. If you are swinging your arm it can get dangerous. Maybe he got his just desserts, but I don't think we did as a team.

'We showed what we are all about today, the passion we showed was first class and if we had 11 men the result might have been different.

'We have been playing really well lately but everyone looks at the results. But we will get it right and be in the right half of the table at the end of the season.'

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes believes referee Phil Dowd was all that prevented his Rovers side from winning the game.

On the penalty conceded by Tugay, which also saw the player dismissed, he said: 'I'm incensed, it was genuine attempt to get across the guy, no intent whatsoever.

'We tried to get the assistant to change his mind but he decided to send him off. Mido clearly handballed soon afterwards and these are big decisions.

'This is three or four occasions this season when referees have not got these big decisions right.

He added: 'It has taken the edge off the game for Tugay. Everybody was very disappointed he was sent off because you want to see people like him play.'

And Hughes believes Rovers would have taken all three points but for the referee's intervention.

'It's a game we should have won comfortably,' he said. 'We were by far the most strong and powerful team and, with an even wicket, we would have won comfortably

'Mr Dowd did not have the best of games to say the least, I'm sure he would admit he has had a shocker.'

Tottenham manager Martin Jol claimed he did not deserve to be sent off for protesting after the dismissal of Ghaly for leading with his arm in an aerial challenge on Gray.

'It is an emotional game and I thing the referee was a bit emotional,' Jol said. 'All I wanted to do was protect my player. I said 'you are totally wrong' and he said `you can go as well'.

'Hopefully he will rethink the situation.'

On Ghaly's red card, he added: 'He never did something intentionally, so I think it was harsh.'

Jol also admitted his side found it difficult to break down 10-man Rovers when they reorganised after Tugay's dismissal on the hour.

'It is difficult,' he said. 'They were full of energy and tried to break us.

'It was an eventful last five minutes so we couldn't make it (the one-man advantage) count.

'If they had carried on playing with two strikers it would have been different, but their changes made it more difficult for us.'

Friendly : Holland 1 England 1

Rafael van der Vaart's late equaliser denied Steve McClaren's England a morale-boosting win over Holland in Amsterdam.

Pilloried in the wake of last month's defeat by Croatia and under siege at his pre-match media briefing, McClaren seemed certain to be celebrating England's first win in the Dutch capital since 1969 after Wayne Rooney had put the visitors in front before the interval.

But, just as it appeared England had seen off the last of a sporadic attacking threat from Marco van Basten's men, they suffered a major defensive breakdown, allowing Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to flick Arjen Robben's long throw to the far post where Van der Vaart drilled home.

It was tough luck on McClaren, whose side played with far more conviction than they had done in Zagreb, showing no sign of being affected by the pressure being heaped on them to produce a performance even though they found out before kick-off results elsewhere mean they will enter the New Year outside the automatic qualifying spots for Euro 2008.

Although McClaren has steadfastly refused to go public with the reasons he insisted had been found for the shambolic performance against the Croats, there was clear evidence of the improvement England's beleaguered coach had promised, and a number of individual reasons to cheer as well.

In opting to dispense with the orthodox right-sided wide player as he abandoned the disastrous 3-5-2 in favour of 4-3-3, McClaren showed plenty of faith in rookie full-back Micah Richards.

At 18 years and 144 days, the Manchester City man eclipsed Rio Ferdinand as the youngest defender to play for his country and became the seventh youngest England international of all time.

His task was to stop Arjen Robben. With one notable exception, when Robben skipped past him inside the penalty area and smashed a shot at goal Paul Robinson did well to turn away, Richards carried the job out to perfection.

The full-back's physique belies his tender years and his raw pace, energy and natural confidence allowed him to bomb down the wing in a manner Gary Neville would have been proud of.

Steven Gerrard and Andrew Johnson, on only his second international start, also made a positive contributions but of the four changes to the side which subsided so badly in Zagreb, it was Joe Cole who really stood out.

Starting on the left and slowly drifting across to the right, Joe Cole was at the heart of all England's best work and proved exactly what a big miss he was when a knee injury kept him out of all five games since McClaren took charge.

Although the touch Rooney supplied to turn home Joe Cole's 36th-minute cross could hardly be described as convincing, it brought relief not just to McClaren but the Manchester United striker himself.

Since netting in the win over Argentina, Rooney had waited 12 months to score his 12th England goal. His drought should have come to an end eight minutes earlier but, on the ground where he was sent off on club duty in pre-season, Rooney spurned the type of chance he normally buries.

Again Joe Cole was the architect, lofting a cross into the Dutch box which Andre Ooijer, under pressure from Johnson, nodded straight to the England forward.

Totally unmarked on the penalty spot, Rooney had time to control and shoot. Instead, he nodded tamely at Henk Timmer.

Offered his chance due to the absence of Edwin van der Sar, Timmer had also come to the hosts' rescue when Gerrard pounced on Ooijer's underhit back-pass, only for the Feyenoord keeper to save with his legs.

Aside from Robben's effort, Holland did not create much for all their pretty passing and Dirk Kuyt's selfless running, Van der Vaart firing wide on a couple of occasions.

Van der Vaart was off target with two more half-chances after the break and Richards intervened to end more Robben scheming, but it was England who continued to look the most likely scorers for most of the second period.

Rooney went for placement rather than power and found neither when he sidefooted Cole's lay-off straight at substitute keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, then Michael Carrick blasted narrowly wide when he tried his luck from 25 yards.

Victory seemed assured until the lapse that gifted Van der Vaart his chance.

Even then, England might have snatched it but Stekelenburg superbly denied Gerrard and Rooney could not pick out a team-mate after bursting into the area in stoppage time.

Reading 3 Tottenham 1

Reading's run of five consecutive defeats came to an end with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham inspired by midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Another defeat looked probable for the hosts when Robbie Keane gave Spurs the lead from the penalty spot at the Madejski Stadium, but Steve Coppell's side were ahead by half-time in front of a record attendance of 24,110 at the ground.

Nicky Shorey drilled in a leveller after 38 minutes and Sidwell finished from close range, before Kevin Doyle wrapped up the points late on.

It capped a fine performance from Sidwell, who dominated the midfield with his energy and accurate distribution, bringing to an end Spurs' 10-match unbeaten run.

Sidwell won his personal battles in midfield, while most of Reading's players did the same against their opposite numbers.

Lee Young-Pyo deputised for full-back Pascal Chimbonda, who had medial ligament damage, and was up against South Korea team-mate Seol Ki-Hyeon in Spurs' right flank.

The pair tussled in the first exchanges, with Spurs winning a free-kick on the right flank but failing to take advantage of their set piece.

It was not long until Royals midfielder Sidwell was in the game. He fired a volley wildly over then surged forward to create a chance which Doyle wasted from a tight angle.

Former Arsenal trainee Sidwell also clattered into Lee and escaped a booking, but his influence on the midfield was increasing as he formed a partnership with another ex-Gunner in James Harper.

Spurs' response was to find Keane in wide areas, and the Republic of Ireland international was able to create from his left-flank berth.

His wayward shot found Hossam Ghaly in an offside position, with the midfielder putting the ball in the net long after play had been pulled back.

Ghaly was onside, however, two minutes later when Keane lofted a ball through, and the midfielder found Dimitar Berbatov six yards out, only for Graeme Murty to block when an opener looked likely.

Spurs were ahead in the 24th minute, with Keane and Ghaly again involved. Keane played Ghaly through and the midfielder was tripped by Ibrahima Sonko, with referee Rob Styles pointing to the penalty spot. Keane sent Marcus Hahnemann the wrong way and Spurs were ahead.

Keane was finding Berbatov regularly behind the Reading defence but the Bulgaria striker could not find a finishing touch, failing to find his team-mates or straying offside when Hahnemann had saved from Keane.

However, Reading were level in the 38th minute when Shorey collected the ball from Glen Little 25 yards from goal, took one touch and then unleashed an unstoppable left-footed drive which found the bottom corner.

As their confidence increased, Spurs were merely looking to get to the break on level terms. It was not to be, with Sidwell bundling in from close range after losing Didier Zokora and meeting Little's corner in first-half injury-time.

Chances proved difficult to come by early in the second half, and Seol was booked for a challenge on Zokora in a congested midfield.

Little saw plenty of the ball and he dribbled his way to the by-line after 55 minutes and Ledley King had to time his challenge to perfection to concede a corner, with home fans calling for a penalty.

It was from the opposite right flank where Spurs created their next chance, Ghaly crossing and Berbatov heading straight at American goalkeeper Hahnemann.

With 23 minutes remaining, Spurs boss Martin Jol responded by taking off Zokora and Lee for Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone.

Doyle forced Robinson into a save after Sidwell had played him through with 20 minutes remaining, and the hosts appeared determined not to sit back on their lead.

Jermaine Jenas thought he had a sight of goal but Sidwell was back to steal the ball off his toes, while Ghaly and Defoe were off target from promising positions.

Seol was taken off for Leroy Lita, and the striker flicked on from the goal-kick in the 79th minute, with Doyle finishing past Robinson.

Defoe hit the post late on but Reading held on for the points.

Carling Cup : Tottenham 3 Port Vale 1

Tom Huddlestone proved the difference as Tottenham came from behind to grab an extra-time win to reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup at Port Vale's expense.

The League One side had scented an upset when Leon Constantine scored after 63 minutes, but Spurs were level in the fourth-round tie when Huddlestone's free-kick appeared to be glanced in off the Vale striker.

England Under-21 midfielder Huddlestone then drove home eight minutes into extra-time, and Jermain Defoe settled the fourth-round tie when he slid in for a third.

The result was particularly harsh on goalkeeper Mark Goodlad, who had denied the Premiership side with a number of fine saves as Vale impressed against Martin Jol's team at White Hart Lane.

Vale had knocked out Norwich, QPR and Preston in previous rounds and looked comfortable with the pace of the game in the early exchanges as they looked to replicate the famous 1988 FA Cup upset against the same opposition.

Spurs' pacy young striker Andy Barcham, one of the radical changes the hosts made to their line-up, got behind the Vale defence in the opening two minutes but was forced wide, and the visitors then created problems of their own.

Vale had the first shot on goal when Danny Sonner was off-target with a long-range effort, while Jeff Smith hit the side netting from the edge of the area after the ball broke to him in the 11th minute.

The early warning stirred Spurs into a spell of attacking - Young-Pyo Lee forced Goodlad into a save at his near post from a short corner - but the League One side continued with their positive approach.

French midfielder Steed Malbranque, who was making his Tottenham debut after recovering from a hernia operation, carelessly lost the ball with a cross-field pass after 20 minutes to set up Vale's next attack.

The visitors worked the ball to Smith, who found Constantine in the area before Michael Dawson and Dorian Dervite did enough to put the striker off.

Defoe, who had been overlooked recently in favour of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. The England striker picked the ball up on the halfway line before gliding past Sonner and attempting to chip Goodlad from 30 yards, with the goalkeeper getting back to tip the ball around the post.

Opportunities were then limited to long-range efforts - Paul Harsley and Huddlestone exchanged efforts for each side - before Spurs started to assert themselves towards the end of the first half.

Firstly, Goodlad tipped over after Phil Ifil's cross almost dipped under the bar.

Colin Miles was then booked for a foul on Malbranque, and George Abbey made a last-ditch tackle to deny Danny Murphy from the resulting free-kick.

Goodlad had to save from Defoe at his near post after the England striker danced inside from the left and unleashed a powerful drive, with Spurs finishing the first half impressively.

Edgar Davids had an effort early in the second half fly wide from the edge of the area, while Richard Walker was booked for a clash on the touchline.

Constantine had an overhead kick drift wide to underline the visitors' threat, and home fans called for Aaron Lennon's introduction off the bench.

Defoe had another effort on goal, after 56 minutes, and was even closer to breaking the deadlock. Goodlad was forced to tip around the post at full stretch as Defoe drove to cap a sweeping move.

Lennon was brought on with 28 minutes left, replacing Malbranque, but Vale were ahead with their next attack.

Constantine prodded home from close range after Spurs had failed to clear and Akpo Sodje headed the ball back into the danger area. It was his 11th of the season.

Spurs responded by taking Barcham off for Dimitar Berbatov in the 65th minute.

Danny Whitaker forced a save from Spurs goalkeeper Radek Cerny, while Berbatov tested Goodlad at the other end.

Goodlad had to be at his best to deny Defoe after another dangerous run, with Vale scenting an upset.

Defoe went wide with 13 minutes remaining, but Spurs were level moments later as Huddlestone's free-kick from the left flank drifted in as Dervite and Constantine tussled. Huddlestone claimed the goal although it may have come off the Vale player.

Goodlad tipped over from Berbatov, but he had no answer to Huddlestone's drive eight minutes into extra-time.

Davids' cross broke to Berbatov who laid the ball back to Huddlestone 25 yards out, whose drive flew in off a Sonner deflection.

Defoe's goal came in the second period of extra-time when he slid in to meet Ifil's cross, adding gloss to the scoreline.

Carling Cup 4th Round: Tottenham 3 Port Vale 1

Tom Huddlestone proved the difference as Tottenham came from behind to grab an extra-time win to reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup at Port Vale's expense.

The League One side had scented an upset when Leon Constantine scored after 63 minutes, but Spurs were level in the fourth-round tie when Huddlestone's free-kick appeared to be glanced in off the Vale striker.

England Under-21 midfielder Huddlestone then drove home eight minutes into extra-time, and Jermain Defoe settled the fourth-round tie when he slid in for a third.

The result was particularly harsh on goalkeeper Mark Goodlad, who had denied the Premiership side with a number of fine saves as Vale impressed against Martin Jol's team at White Hart Lane.

Vale had knocked out Norwich, QPR and Preston in previous rounds and looked comfortable with the pace of the game in the early exchanges as they looked to replicate the famous 1988 FA Cup upset against the same opposition.

Spurs' pacy young striker Andy Barcham, one of the radical changes the hosts made to their line-up, got behind the Vale defence in the opening two minutes but was forced wide, and the visitors then created problems of their own.

Vale had the first shot on goal when Danny Sonner was off-target with a long-range effort, while Jeff Smith hit the side netting from the edge of the area after the ball broke to him in the 11th minute.

The early warning stirred Spurs into a spell of attacking - Young-Pyo Lee forced Goodlad into a save at his near post from a short corner - but the League One side continued with their positive approach.

French midfielder Steed Malbranque, who was making his Tottenham debut after recovering from a hernia operation, carelessly lost the ball with a cross-field pass after 20 minutes to set up Vale's next attack.

The visitors worked the ball to Smith, who found Constantine in the area before Michael Dawson and Dorian Dervite did enough to put the striker off.

Defoe, who had been overlooked recently in favour of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. The England striker picked the ball up on the halfway line before gliding past Sonner and attempting to chip Goodlad from 30 yards, with the goalkeeper getting back to tip the ball around the post.

Opportunities were then limited to long-range efforts - Paul Harsley and Huddlestone exchanged efforts for each side - before Spurs started to assert themselves towards the end of the first half.

Firstly, Goodlad tipped over after Phil Ifil's cross almost dipped under the bar.

Colin Miles was then booked for a foul on Malbranque, and George Abbey made a last-ditch tackle to deny Danny Murphy from the resulting free-kick.

Goodlad had to save from Defoe at his near post after the England striker danced inside from the left and unleashed a powerful drive, with Spurs finishing the first half impressively.

Edgar Davids had an effort early in the second half fly wide from the edge of the area, while Richard Walker was booked for a clash on the touchline.

Constantine had an overhead kick drift wide to underline the visitors' threat, and home fans called for Aaron Lennon's introduction off the bench.

Defoe had another effort on goal, after 56 minutes, and was even closer to breaking the deadlock. Goodlad was forced to tip around the post at full stretch as Defoe drove to cap a sweeping move.

Lennon was brought on with 28 minutes left, replacing Malbranque, but Vale were ahead with their next attack.

Constantine prodded home from close range after Spurs had failed to clear and Akpo Sodje headed the ball back into the danger area. It was his 11th of the season.

Spurs responded by taking Barcham off for Dimitar Berbatov in the 65th minute.

Danny Whitaker forced a save from Spurs goalkeeper Radek Cerny, while Berbatov tested Goodlad at the other end.

Goodlad had to be at his best to deny Defoe after another dangerous run, with Vale scenting an upset.

Defoe went wide with 13 minutes remaining, but Spurs were level moments later as Huddlestone's free-kick from the left flank drifted in as Dervite and Constantine tussled. Huddlestone claimed the goal although it may have come off the Vale player.

Goodlad tipped over from Berbatov, but he had no answer to Huddlestone's drive eight minutes into extra-time.

Davids' cross broke to Berbatov who laid the ball back to Huddlestone 25 yards out, whose drive flew in off a Sonner deflection.

Defoe's goal came in the second period of extra-time when he slid in to meet Ifil's cross, adding gloss to the scoreline.

Tottenham
12 Radek Cerny
20 Michael Dawson
35 Dorian Dervite
22 Tom Huddlestone
29 Philip Ifil
3 Young-Pyo Lee
5 Edgar Davids
15 Steed Malbranque
13 Danny Murphy
39 Andy Barcham
18 Jermain Defoe

Substitutes
17 Marton Fulop
16 Reto Ziegler
14 Hossam Ghaly
25 Aaron Lennon
9 Dimitar Berbatov

Substitutions
A Lennon for S Malbranque (63)
D Berbatov for A Barcham (66)
H Ghaly for D Murphy (70)

Yellow Cards
Michael Dawson (101)

Tottenham 2 Chelsea 1 - Lethal Lennon ends years of agony

THEY had been waiting 19 years here for the day to come, so when it did it needed to be special.

But as the Spurs supporters, who have grown sick and tired of the cockerel being left tattered and torn by Chelsea, went home crowing about Aaron Lennon last night, there was a new strut in their stride.

Lennon's bright yellow boots meant the England flier had put himself under pressure to deliver, especially with Chelsea already casting envious eyes in his direction.

Yet on an evening when rockets were all the rage, Lennon's explosion of pure skill finally ended the Blues taunts about "Three Point Lane" and ensured that the tear-up at Tottenham caused Chelsea far more damage than the Battle of Barcelona.

While Jose Mourinho went away moaning about John Terry's red card and Didier Drogba's disallowed goal, the home fans were only interested in the courage of their team and the special moment from Lennon.

Mourinho dismissed any notion that he is interested in Lennon but as the jet-heeled winger killed Ashley Cole stone dead when Robbie Keane's cross deflected into his path, and then steered nervelessly past Hilario with his left foot, he displayed all the attributes of a player who would fit perfectly into the Stamford Bridge machine.

In the end, despite a nerve-shredding last 10 minutes even when Terry's ridiculous red card left the Blues a man short, they just about deserved it too and even Mourinho allowed Spurs their day of delight, clasping Martin Jol firmly by the hand, congratulating each and every member of the Tottenham team and even applauding the home fans who had baited him relentlessly.

Yet if anybody had suggested the champions would end up on the losing side after the first 20 minutes, they would have been halfway to the funny farm.

Chelsea had begun in belligerent, remorseless fashion, looking as if they would simply bulldoze Spurs off the park.

Only a brilliant, lastgasp recovery challenge by Ledley King prevented Arjen Robben from converting Drogba's clever clip over the top but the relief lasted as long as the resulting corner.

King probably thought he had done enough to nod away Frank Lampard's delivery, despite Benoit Assou-Ekotto's failure to clear, as the ball fell to Claude Makelele 23 yards out.

The France midfielder had only netted once previously for the Blues, but his superb strike bent beyond Paul Robinson's groping fingers.

Graham Poll's early whistle, for an alleged foul by Terry on King, then chalked off a Drogba header.

Spurs were still in the contest and suddenly Dimitar Berbatov began to play, with his immaculate first touch giving Jol's men a platform.

When Berbatov induced a rash foul from Paulo Ferreira on 25 minutes, Tottenham got their reward. Jermaine Jenas hit in with pace and conviction from the left and Michael Dawson got in front of Drogba to flick a header beyond Hilario and in off the inside of a post.

Jol moved Lennon to the right and flooded midfield as Berbatov did the work of three on his own up front and, while Drogba's overhead kick flashed wide, Keane wasted a glorious chance to capitalise on Lennon's precocious genius, as the winger zipped past Cole and Lampard and picked out the Irishman's head.

But when Keane returned the compliment seven minutes after the break with a great run, Lennon's perfect first touch past Cole was matched with his second into the net.

Hossam Ghaly escaped with a booking for a blatant elbow on Michael Essien, but Spurs were looking for more.

Berbatov, brought down for Terry's first booking, prodded weakly at a gaping chance.

Then Terry's minor tug on King as they battled for Robben's free-kick saw Poll taking over-the-top action on the England skipper.

Even with Chelsea down to 10, it was hairy for Spurs. Robinson denied substitute Salomon Kalou, King deflected Lampard's effort over the bar and then Robben collected from Michael Ballack and beat the England keeper all ends up with a curler that bounced back off the far post.

But it was not meant to be and suddenly Chelsea are three points adrift of Manchester United. Fergie must have been beaming. Spurs, for once, could not believe their luck either.

Jol revealed he was going to play Jermain Defoe and Mido but changed his mind on Friday after seeing Keane and Berbatov destroy Bruges.

He said: "It's been a great week for us, first in Europe and then beating the champions, especially as Chelsea had two more days to prepare."

41% POSSESSION 59%


2 SHOTS ON TARGET 4


5 SHOTS OFF TARGET 9


1 OFFSIDES 2


7 CORNERS 10


17 FOULS 16


3 YELLOW CARDS 4


0 RED CARDS 1


ATTENDANCE: 36,070


MAN OF THE MATCH: King


TEAMS AND RATINGS


TOTTENHAM: Robinson 7, Chimbonda 7, Dawson 8, King 9, Assou-Ekotto 6, Ghaly 6, Jenas 7, Zokora 7, Lennon 8, Berbatov 8, Keane 8 (Defoe, 85, 6)


CHELSEA: Hilario 6, Ferreira 5 (Boulahrouz 46, 4 (Kalou, 63, 6), Carvalho 6, Terry 6, A Cole 5, Essien 7, Ballack 7, Makelele 6 (Wright-Phillips, 68, 5), Lampard 6, Drogba 6, Robben 6


Referee: GRAHAM POLL

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Chelsea 1 - Mourinho rages at referee Poll

THE BURGHERS OF BARCELONA WILL no doubt feel that the biters have been bitten. After threatening to overpower Tottenham Hotspur in the opening stages, Chelsea ended up toppling themselves, losing the plot and their captain, John Terry, en route to their first defeat in this fixture for 16 years.

After all the tributes and dinners, Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite 20th anniversary present came courtesy of Aaron Lennon, whose 52nd-minute shot settled an absorbing London derby, but the Manchester United manager should also send a thank-you card to Graham Poll. The referee’s contentious decision to dismiss Terry — for holding on to Ledley King in the home side’s area after a deserved booking for a late tackle on Dimitar Berbatov — thwarted Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback, while he had earlier disallowed a header by Didier Drogba that would have put the visiting team 2-0 up.

Terry took the first sending-off of his Chelsea career on the chin, removing his armband before he was formally dismissed, but José Mourinho was less impressed, launching a forthright attack on Poll. “Two matches with him and we’ve lost five points,” he said, referring to Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in September. “One was disallowed and only Mr Poll can say why. I’ve seen it on TV with ten different angles and I don’t know why.

“Mr Poll goes home and we cannot ask him the reason for these decisions. I didn’t ask because they always have some excuse. He will say something like ‘Didier was free to head the goal but I saw a foul 30 yards away.’ He has very good eyesight. I don’t understand why John Terry was sent off. I’ve seen it also on TV and cannot find a reason. He sent Terry off while he was holding King and kept (Hossam) Ghaly on after he elbowed Michael Essien. Referees should come to the press conference and explain decisions, but it would be a fake conference.”

For all his own excuses, Mourinho was uncharacteristically gracious in defeat, leaving Martin Jol to bask in the glory of victory. In addition to Tottenham’s first league win over Chelsea in 33 attempts, this was Jol’s first victory over one of the big four in two years at the club. While Lennon will steal the headlines, this was a team performance, with the spine of the side outstanding, from Paul Robinson and King to Berbatov, all the more impressive given they had only three days to recover from a Uefa Cup victory over FC Bruges.

“It’s a great week for the club, first Europe and then beating the champions,” Jol said. “It’s evidence of our spirit and character. Everyone was saying we never beat a top side and it’s been a long time since we beat Chelsea. I was still playing in those days. It was a great performance, but I had a heart-rate of 189 at the end, which is close to a heart attack.”

With only two defenders on the pitch, Chelsea pummelled their opponents in the final minutes, reprising the opening to the match that they utterly dominated. Arjen Robben was denied by a despairing tackle from King in the fourteenth minute before Claude Makelele gave them the lead a minute later, scoring his second goal for the club and surely the best of his career with a wonderful volley. Tottenham were clinging on as Drogba had his effort disallowed, but struck back ten minutes later. Jermaine Jenas’s free kick from the left was headed home by Michael Dawson, who outjumped the more muscular Drogba.

With Berbatov increasingly impressive, Tottenham were the better side from that moment and were rewarded at the start of the second half. Robbie Keane sped away from Khalid Boulahrouz, a half-time replacement for Paulo Ferreira, before crossing for Lennon, who cut inside Ashley Cole and then placed a beautifully-struck left-foot shot past Hilário.

Boulahrouz suffered the indignity of being withdrawn only 24 minutes after coming on as Chelsea went for broke, but for once in his life, Mourinho had no answer.

TIME TRAVEL

Tottenham Hotspur’s run of 32 league games without beating Chelsea in the league featured 21 defeats and 11 draws. Their previous league win, 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on February 10, 1990, was achieved through goals by David Howells and Gary Lineker, with this team:


E Thorstvedt — C Hughton, J Polston, G Mabbutt, P van den Hauwe — Nayim, D Howells, P Gascoigne, S Sedgley — G Lineker, P Walsh.

BILL EDGAR

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Chelsea 1 - Lennon the hitmaker in Chelsea defeat

A curious fear seems to ripple through the hierarchy of those picking sporting teams that holds back young men with prodigious talent.

Instead of handing gifted starlets his chance, managers and coaches continue to plump for the safe option and while Sven Goran Eriksson came close to taking a gamble by picking Theo Walcott for his World Cup squad, his refusal to play the Arsenal boy-wonder spectacularly undermined his original decision.

Yet with national team manager, Steve McClaren, sitting in the stands as Chelsea came to White Hart Lane, a young man did more than enough to be handed a regular role in his England team. This was the day that Aaron Lennon confirmed his potential can no longer be bottled.

A young man who has shot to prominence in spectacular fashion of the last 12 months, Lennon's pace and skill stood the test against the best in England as he proved he has what it takes to win games against some of the finest defenders in the game. Ashley Cole has been a match for the most threatening wingers in the last five years, yet he was running scared every time the jet-propelled Lennon was released down the right flank and when he switched to the left, Paulo Ferreira was no match either.

That he capped his sparkling performance with a coolly taken winning goal merely confirmed what those who watch this young man in action each week have been saying for some time. He is the most dynamic player eligible to play for England and as McClaren apparently dispensed of David Beckham's services because of the former captain's lack of pace, he must now name Lennon as a regular in his side for the rest of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

'Aaron is one of the best talents in England and he showed that against a great team today,' said jubilant Spurs boss, Martin Jol. 'I wouldn't like to play against him and the same is true of Ashley Cole. He may be a great defender, but I don't think he enjoys facing Aaron and I can understand that.

'The boy had one chance in the game and finished it perfectly. He missed so many openings last week at Watford, but this time he finishes so well on his left foot and you can't explain how he was so clinical this time. It was a special moment for Aaron and a great day for Tottenham. They always say we never beat the top sides, but that accusation can be forgotten now.'

This sensational 90 minutes of action provided compelling evidence that the Premiership is the most thrilling competition in world football. There are not many leagues where a team sitting in mid-table can take on the reigning champions without fear and match them blow for blow.

While Chelsea started with a hugely impressive opening burst that could have yielded two or three goals, Tottenham's ability to soak up the punishment and strike back was impressive.

Only a liar could claim he had invested any money in Claude Makelele firing the opening goal of the game, yet that was the scenario played out as his stunning 20-yard volley curled past the despairing Paul Robinson to give Chelsea a deserved lead. The smiles sported by all associated with the Stamford Bride club confirmed that the Frenchman was not meant to score a goal anywhere near as good as that.

Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba could have extended Chelsea's lead before Tottenham struck back and the latter of that duo had a goal disallowed when few saw any offence in the box.

Yet the next goal was to rock Mourinho's men in their tracks as Jermaine Jenas provided an immaculate ball for Michael Dawson to attack and the flame-haired defender got the ideal weight on his header to pull the scores level.

It was the combination of Keane and Lennon that created the winning goal six minutes after the restart, with the former filling the latter's boots as creator-in-chief, allowing the teenager to control the ball and finishing like a seasoned professional. It was a clinical and cool finish from a player oozing class.

Chelsea's hopes of an equaliser were not aided by the madcap Graham Poll's decision to send off their captain, the talismanic John Terry, for what seemed to be a minor scuffle with Ledley King the box. Television replays failed to show what inspired the first red card of Terry's Chelsea career and while boss Jose Mourinho was infuriated by that decision, he was unusually magnanimous in defeat.

'We didn't deserve to lose the game,' was his familiar opening gambit. 'We played well enough to get a different result, but at the same time I think Tottenham fought and gave everything to get their victory. It was a special result and you have to say congratulations for their defending in the last 20 minutes.

'In the first half, we had a very high quality period, two goals, one disallowed and only Mr Poll can say why because I can't. Then they score due to a mistake from us and they had a good emotional reaction to that goal and in the second half, I don't understand why John Terry was sent off. I saw on TV and cannot find a reason for that.

'From that moment, Chelsea were brilliant again. We were playing with just two defenders in Carvalho and Cole and created chances in the latter stages, but we lost. I don't blame the referee and I congratulate Martin Jol and Tottenham because they fought hard for their special day.'

When pushed on the Terry dismissal, Mourinho offered this enlightening suggestion to the assembled media pack. 'Referees should come to press conferences after the game, I have said this for some time,' he stated. 'How can he send Terry off and leave Hossam Ghaly on when he elbows Michael Essien in the face? You tell me this.

'Now Mr Poll goes home and no one can ask him why he made these decisions. I never bothered to ask because referees always have an excuse. He will say something about someone 30 metres away making a foul. Have you ever seen a referee admit he influenced the game? It will not happen. Mr Poll wanted to be part of the show and he got his wish.'

For once, Mourinho's analysis of a rare defeat inflicted on his team offered some valid points and he should be given credit for that. Indeed, had Arjen Robben's late effort dipped inside the post rather than striking it, his side would have left White Hart Lane with a hard earned point.

Instead, Tottenham were left to toast their long-awaited first ever Premiership victory against Chelsea, with Aaron Lennon left to reflect on what may have been the defining game of his young career.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Aaron Lennon

The sponsors named the impressive Robbie Keane as this game's star turn, but Lennon was the man who frightened the champions into submission.

FOOD WATCH: A meat loaf offering was a daring attempt at top quality cuisine and while Gordon Ramsay may not have been impressed, the press pack were not arguing.

INJURY UPDATE: Mourinho denied reports Andriy Shevchenko has been dropped for the last two games and revealed he only returned to full training yesterday. As for Spurs, Pascal Chimbonda suffered a knee ligament injury in this game.

TIME TO RETIRE: Referee Graham Poll should have quit after his unforgivable clanger in last summer's World Cup clash between Australia and Croatia. His insistence on throwing cards around in this game suggested he is now out of his depth at this level.

TOTTENHAM VERDICT: They may have been fortunate to ride their luck at times, but this Spurs side that beat the champions fair and square.

CHELSEA VERDICT: Chelsea don't lose too often, but they beaten by a decent side at White Hart Lane and there was no shame in their performance. Showing guts and fight right through to the final whistle, this is not a result that will leave a lasting scar on Mourinho's men.

Tottenham 2 Chelsea 1

Sir Alex Ferguson will have even more reason to smile on his 20th anniversary in charge of Manchester United after Tottenham stunned 10-man Chelsea with their first home league victory over the champions since 1987.

In a pulsating clash at White Hart Lane, which saw Chelsea's England captain John Terry sent off in the second half, Spurs produced a fine comeback to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games.

The victory left Chelsea three points adrift of United at the top of the Barclays Premiership and facing the prospect of more disciplinary action after collecting six bookings for the second successive game.

France midfielder Claude Makelele had put the Blues ahead in the 14th minute but Tottenham centre-half Michael Dawson levelled 10 minutes later with a deft header.

Teenage England winger Aaron Lennon earned Spurs a deserved victory when he controlled a cross from Robbie Keane and calmly slotted the ball beyond Hilario for the winner in the 51st minute.

Tottenham's hopes of such an outcome had looked distinctly unlikely in the opening 20 minutes as Jose Mourinho's side took full control.

They should have been in front in the 13th minute but Spurs captain Ledley King made a last-ditch tackle to thwart Arjen Robben.

However, it was only a temporary reprieve for Spurs as they failed to clear the resulting corner and Makelele beat Paul Robinson with a 25-yard volley.

Three minutes later Robinson made two superb saves in as many minutes. First he kept out Michael Ballack's free-kick and then tipped Frank Lampard's drive over the bar as the champions threatened to over-run their hosts.

But Spurs were level in the 24th minute when Dawson glanced Jermaine Jenas' free-kick into the net after Paulo Ferreira had been booked for bringing down Dimitar Berbatov.

Dawson's strike put an extra zip into an already pulsating encounter between two attack-minded sides and five minutes later Berbatov forced Hilario to turn his right-footed drive for a corner as the ball threatened to creep in at the near post.

But Chelsea were still dangerous and Didier Drogba, who signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge on Friday, was inches away from restoring Chelsea's lead when he turned spectacularly to unleash an overhead kick which flashed wide of Robinson's left-hand post.

Spurs full-back Pascal Chimbonda was at the centre of controversy before when he appeared to stamp on John Terry inside the six-yard box. But referee Graham Poll did not punish the Spurs defender much to the chagrin of Terry.

In the 37th minute Robbie Keane squandered the simplest of chances when Aaron Lennon's cross found him unmarked at the far post. The Republic of Ireland striker had time and space to pick his spot, but headed the ball over the crossbar with only Hilario to beat.

Chelsea coach Mourinho opted to replace Ferreira with Khalid Boulahrouz at the start of the second half and the visitors were quickly into their stride.

But in the 51st minute it was Tottenham who took the lead for the first time in the game.

Boulahrouz inexplicably allowed Keane to make 50 yards on the left flank despite challenging him twice and when the Irishman's eventual cross arrived it was deflected into the path of the lurking Lennon.

The winger controlled the ball superbly with his right foot before calmly slotting it beyond Hilario to put the home side in front.

Lennon's goal, in front of watching England boss Steve McClaren, gave Spurs the impetus to try an increase their advantage. The tricky Berbatov was felled by Terry in the 61st minute and the Blues skipper was yellow-carded for his trouble.

In the 65th minute Michael Ballack was booked for dissent as Chelsea were clearly rattled by Tottenham's fightback.

It got worse for the Blues when Mourinho chose to replace his half-time substitute Boulahrouz with Salomon Kalou in the 68th minute and the departing defender stormed down the tunnel in disgust.

Terry was then sent off three minutes later for a second bookable offence to leave Chelsea with 10 men and in danger of incurring an FA charge as their booking count reached six for the second successive game.

In a frantic finish it was the woodwork which came to Tottenham's rescue four minutes from time when Arjen Robben sent his curling shot against Robinson's right-hand post.

Jose Mourinho had no complaints about his side's performance after Chelsea's first defeat at White Hart Lane in 19 years - but referee Graham Poll did not earn any plaudits from the disgruntled Blues coach.

Mourinho's side failed to capitalise on an early lead and had England captain John Terry sent off for a second bookable offence as Tottenham fought back to win 2-1 thanks to a goal in each half, from Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon.

But it was Poll who figured highly in Mourinho's post-match analysis of a defeat which leaves the Blues three points behind Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premiership.

The under-fire official disallowed a Didier Drogba goal and dismissed Terry - while, according to Mourinho, failing to red-card Tottenham's Hossam Ghaly for elbowing Michael Essien.

Mourinho said: 'I don't understand why John Terry was sent off. I cannot find a reason for that.

'The team gave everything and played high-pressure football. We had chances with one player less. But Mr Poll goes home, and nobody can ask him about the reasons behind his decisions.

'I never ask referees about their decisions because they always have an excuse. So why should I ask him? He would say something like Didier Drogba was free and had a clean header but somebody 30 metres away made a foul. They always have an excuse for their decisions.

'Have you ever seen a referee come and say `It was my mistake, and I influenced the game?'

'I don't want to speak any more about that because we lost. I don't want people to make a confusion between the defeat and ref.'

Despite his intention to change the subject, Mourinho continued in similar vein.

'He sends john Terry off because he is pulling Ledley King and keeps Ghaly on the pitch when he gives a clear elbow on Michael Essien's face. They always have an excuse. He has perfect vision - two matches with him, and five points we have lost.

'I have had in my mind for a long time that referees should come to press conferences after the game to explain their decisions. But it would be a fake press conference, because they would come with their excuses and you can do nothing about it.'

Mourinho was less hard on his own players.

'I am happy with my team,' he said.

'We made a couple of individual mistakes and we paid for that. We conceded two goals because of these individual mistakes - clear individual mistakes.

'It was a big effort from Martin Jol and his team. They had victory in the UEFA Cup and they beat Chelsea - and I hope they enjoy it.

'We are three points from the top of the league. I prefer to be three points in front but I don't think it is a drama. We are playing very well and we showed quality in the first half against Spurs and character in the second.

'We don't feel happy when we lose local derbies because we feel for the fans.'

Tottenham's teenage England winger Lennon, linked with a move to Chelsea in the days leading up to this fixture, grabbed the winner in the 51st minute.

But Mourinho firmly quashed any further speculation over their interest in signing the 19-year-old.

The Chelsea coach declared: 'No, completely not interested. The boy is good, but we have no interest in buying or changing anything.

'Our interest is to keep Shaun Wright-Phillips - who was supposedly involved in any deal. No way. It's not true.'

Tottenham coach Martin Jol was delighted with the club's first league victory over Chelsea at White Hart Lane since 1987, and their first in the league over the Blues since 1990.

The victory was made even more remarkable by the fact that full-back Pascal Chimbonda played throughout the game with medial ligament damage to his knee, following a bruising challenge from Frank Lampard.

The win took Tottenham's unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games, and it was a satisfying moment for the Dutchman.

Jol said: 'I feel it has been a great week for the club, with us winning in the UEFA Cup and beating the champions. It is an achievement.

'They said we had never beaten a top side, and that was a bit annoying. But we did that today. It was a great performance, aside from the fist 25 minutes.

'We woke up when they scored and we had nothing to lose. We said before the game we had to be brave and play with confidence - and we did that in the second half.

'Chimbonda was injured and really couldn't play on. But I had no defenders, so he did. He was the best evidence of our spirit and character.'

UEFA Group B: Tottenham 3 Club Brugge 1 - Berbatov brace seals win

Dimitar Berbatov's brace helped Tottenham maintain their 100% record in the UEFA Cup this season after they went a goal behind to Club Bruges to hit back and win 3-1 at White Hart Lane.

Salou Ibrahim had given the Belgians a 14th-minute lead in the Group B clash with a spectacular strike, but Berbatov levelled almost immediately with a cool volley.

Aaron Lennon had been deployed on the left and created plenty of chances for himself but, like against Watford at the weekend, failed to produce the finishing touch.

It was left to Bulgaria striker Berbatov to unlock the visitors, sending through Robbie Keane for Spurs' second before heading in a third.

It took his tally to the season to four goals - three have come in the UEFA Cup - and he received a rapturous ovation when substituted 11 minutes from full-time.

It also meant Spurs have maximum points at the halfway stage of the group stage, with the knockout round within sight and a trip to Bayer Leverkusen next up.

The Belgians, who included former Spurs midfielder Jonathan Blondel in their starting line-up, came into the clash in fine domestic form - and they found their stride quickly.

After Bosko Balaban - the striker who flopped at Aston Villa - had held up play, he found Gaetan Englebert on the edge of the area after four minutes.

The midfielder's shot was deflected off Michael Dawson, with England goalkeeper Paul Robinson reacting well to make a save at his near post.

Spurs had a penalty appeal for handball against Birgir Maertens turned down, and Jermaine Jenas provided their first effort on goal in the seventh minute - but his effort from the edge of the area drifted wide.

Lennon hugged the left touchline and it was from there that Spurs threatened next, although Keane's cross resulted in no more than a penalty-box scramble which was cleared.

Just as Spurs thought they were establishing a foothold, the visitors were ahead in spectacular fashion in the 14th minute.

Englebert fed Ibrahim on the edge of the area and the Ghana striker turned and found the corner of the net over Robinson's dive.

The fine strike was the first goal Spurs had conceded in this season's competition.

But the hosts were level within three minutes, after Lennon had forced a handball from Sven Vermant 40 yards from goal.

Jenas' free-kick was headed up by Pascal Chimbonda and Berbatov steered his volley into the bottom corner.

Clive Allen's goals had proved the difference when the two teams played in the 1985 campaign and the Spurs legend, now reserves boss at the club, would have approved of the finish.

The hosts appeared to grow in confidence after they levelled, and they had another weak penalty turned down when Maertens appeared to handle in the area.

Hossam Ghaly then curled a shot over after Lennon had committed goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen. Keane had played the winger through, he danced around Stijnen before Berbatov prodded the ball to Ghaly, but his finish was inaccurate.

Jenas had an effort from the edge of the area saved easily as Spurs pushed forward, with Stijnen then denying Berbatov with a save at the near post.

Neither side made changes at the break, with Spurs continuing to press after the restart.

Keane was the sent through two minutes in the second half but Stijnen saved at his near post with the striker bearing down on goal.

Lennon had an effort from a similar position, but Maertens blocked to deny Spurs again, while the England winger also saw a curled effort saved by the goalkeeper.

Jeanvion Yulu-Matondo earned the first booking of the night for a trip on Berbatov.

And it was Berbatov who set up Spurs goal as they took the lead in the 63rd minute, the Bulgaria striker hooking the ball over the Bruges defence before Keane raced through and scored with a precise drilled finish.

Berbatov established a two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when Ghaly's cross from the right was headed in by the striker, capping fine performance when he was often seen back in midfield retrieving the ball.

With 11 minutes left, Lennon was taken off for Danny Murphy, while Berbatov left to a standing ovation when Mido replaced him.

There was even time for substitute Jason Vandelannoite to almost score an own goal as Spurs held on to their lead comfortably.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol hailed the performance of Dimitar Berbatov after he struck twice against Club Bruges in the UEFA Cup.

'He was good against Besiktas and today he was better than good,' said Jol.

Of Berbatov's first goal, Jol added: 'It was a striker's goal.'

Jol, however, was not entirely happy with his side's performance when they fell behind.

'I wasn't that impressed with their goal, that was disappointing, and we didn't play particularly well in the first half,' he said.

'It was not easy for find the forward players and the link between the midfield and forwards was not good.

'The second half was probably the best this season, flank play, the build-up was good and we could have had five or six goals.'

'There were some very good performances and they have to do that every game.'

Berbatov has impressed in patches since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he has failed to transform his prolific Bundesliga form to the Premiership.

However, he was pleased with his side's performance against Bruges.

'We looked like a team and everyone fought for the club,' Berbatov said on ITV4. 'We were winners in the end and that is the most important thing. We showed team spirit and courage.'

Keane and Berbatov formed an impressive partnership, and the Republic of Ireland striker added: 'He was superb, he's been like that since he's come here and his goals speak for themselves.

'He holds the ball up well and brings other people into play - he showed that tonight.'

Bruges coach Emilio Ferrera thought Spurs' equaliser had come at a crucial time in the game as the visitors were looking to defend their lead.

'I thought that first half was good match for us, we knew beforehand it would be difficult,' he said.

'The goal from Spurs came very fast after ours and I thought in second half they were able to take control.

'But we should be happy with our first-half performance. We then lost a bit of concentration and players had difficulties.'