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.
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.
posted by dgarden at 8:33 am
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