FA Cup - Tottenham 3 Southend 1

Aaron Lennon dazzled on the flanks at White Hart Lane as Tottenham reached the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at the expense of Southend.

Robbie Keane had scored the opening goal before Lennon set up Jermaine Jenas for the second with a splendid run from the left of midfield.

Freddy Eastwood's penalty dragged the Championship's bottom-placed club back into the tie, but Lennon then created a goal, this time from the right, for Mido to score.

Although Stewart Downing has played himself into form for Middlesbrough, Lennon could offer a solution to England's problem on the left when England play next month.

Lennon's next task, however, will be to continue his impressive form when Spurs face Arsenal in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday as Martin Jol's men look to extend their unbeaten run of 13 cup-ties.

Southend never looked like ending Spurs' fine run in the cup competitions, despite Eastwood's penalty giving them hope.

They also missed a chance to score immediately after Spurs' first two goals - both misses were by former Tottenham players - and their season will now be focused on survival.

Jenas was making a return from nearly two months out with an ankle injury and he slipped straight back into the pace of the game despite his spell on the sidelines.

He went on a mazy run early on which nearly set up Keane, only for Steven Hammell to get back just in time.

It was Jenas' central-midfield partner, however, who set up the opener in the 12th minute.

Didier Zokora carried the ball from defence to attack over 40 yards before finding Keane on the edge of the area and his shot took a wicked deflection off Hammell to wrong-foot Darryl Flahavan.

Southend, who had lost only one of their last seven matches, immediately missed a glorious chance to restore parity.

Mark Gower, a former Spurs player, was found at the far post by Eastwood's cross, but the midfielder could not get purchase on his volley and Radek Cerny claimed the ball easily.

Cerny, the Czech Republic goalkeeper standing in while Paul Robinson rested, was then reduced to a role of a spectator for the rest of the first half as Spurs went in search for a second.

They peppered Flahavan's goal from all angles, Zokora starting their moves and finding runners such as Lennon to continue attacks.

Keane had chances to add to his opener before the break, screwing a shot wide after Hossam Ghaly got behind the Southend defence, then seeing Flahavan tip his flicked finish onto the bar.

He also attempted an impish first-time volley when there was plenty of time to spare, but the effort flew over the bar.

Lennon was deployed on the left flank and could have doubled the lead in the 19th minute, but his effort was blocked by Adam Barrett and his rebound flew over the bar.

Flahavan, whose heroics kept Southend in the game when they were at White Hart Lane earlier in the season for their Carling Cup quarter-final, was kept busy throughout.

He had to be down smartly at the feet of Paul Stalteri, who was returning from a hip injury, and the goalkeeper then saved at his near post on the half-hour mark from a Young-Pyo Lee shot.

Even Ricardo Rocha, the Portugal centre-back who was making his Spurs debut following his midweek move from Benfica, had a chance, but he headed across the face of the goal from the corner.

Spurs also had two first-half penalty shouts turned down, the first when the ball struck Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the second when Jenas was hauled down by Barrett.

Jenas doubled the lead in the 49th minute, but it was Lennon's pace that created the chance.

The England winger left Lewis Hunt bemused when he flicked the ball around him, and he then twisted and turned his way beyond Campbell-Ryce, with Jenas scuffing the cross in.

Kevin Maher, another former Spurs player, could have reduced the deficit two minutes later, but Cerny tipped over his powerful effort.

Southend, however, were handed a lifeline when Ghaly handled in the area, with Eastwood scoring the penalty.

Mido restored the two-goal advantage, though, with a finish off the underside of the crossbar in the 75th minute after Lennon had crossed, this time from the right.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol praised the versatility of Aaron Lennon after the England winger helped his side reach the fifth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Southend.

Lennon was dazzling on either flank at White Hart Lane, creating two goals in the 3-1 win and causing constant problems for the Coca-Cola Championship's bottom side.

Jol made a raft of changes ahead of the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday against Arsenal, but Lennon was not given a rest and showed how he could solve England's problem on the left of midfield.

'We had many changes, some players give us spark and that was Lennon,' Jol said.

'Lennon was good. The evidence is that he had an assist from the left and the right. He can play on either side.

'He's getting stronger. Against Arsenal, he was the probably the best on the pitch and he was the best again.'

It was Didier Zokora, rather than Lennon, who set up the opener.

Zokora broke from defence in the 12th minute and passed to Robbie Keane, whose effort from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection off Steven Hammell.

'We should have scored more goals in the first half,' claimed Jol.

Jermaine Jenas doubled the lead three minutes after the break, scuffing in after Lennon had outfoxed Lewis Hunt and Jamal Campbell-Ryce on the left.

'I was happy that he was there again, full of energy and chasing people down,' said Jol of Jenas, who returned following almost two months out with an ankle injury.

Freddy Eastwood pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Hossam Ghaly handled, but Lennon crossed for Mido to seal the victory.

'I can't say that 2-0 is comfortable,' said Jol.

'It made it exciting luckily enough we scored the third one.'

Mido picked up a back problem which will require assessment before the Arsenal game.

Dimitar Berbatov has travelled to Germany to see specialist Hans Muller-Wolfhart about his groin injury, and it could leave Jol with just Jermain Defoe and Keane in attack on Wednesday.

Mido has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but Jol said: 'Mido is important because Berbatov is out. We are a club that keeps our best players.'

Southend boss Steve Tilson believes his defenders will not be the last to be troubled by the pace of Lennon.

'He runs most full-backs ragged, whether it's from our league or the Premiership,' said Tilson.

'He played ever-so well.

'Any full-back knows what Lennon is about. When he's on form, he's a very difficult person to mark.'

After taking Spurs to extra-time in the Carling Cup quarter-final last month, Tilson admitted his side were outclassed this time around.

'We were lucky to go into half-time just one down,' he said. 'Tottenham didn't let us play. They closed us down quicker than in the previous tie.

'Credit to them because they made life very difficult for us. That's why they're earning the money they are earning.'

NO HOPE, SPURS

Arsenal came from two goals down to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in this morning's Carling Cup first-leg semi-final tie.

ERNEST: Spurs were leading 2-0 against an Arsenal team of mainly youngsters, but seemed to throw it away. With the second leg next Thursday morning, can Spurs still do it and reach the Carling Cup final?

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Spurs' Steed Malbranque tussle for the ball.
TOHARI: Spurs have no hope. Realistically speaking, (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger may just add one or two more big names to the team, since they were already able to pull off such a comeback this morning.

Logic tells me that Arsenal will kill them off next week.

What do you make of Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson?

I think England are in trouble if he keeps playing this way.

His club form at this level is questionable. There's no command at set-pieces or the high balls.

In such a tense game, you depend on the goalkeeper to help with the confidence.

When he missed that ball from a free-kick in the 61st minute, you could see that the Spurs defence were shaken badly.

For Julio Baptista's second goal, Robinson rushed out too quickly, and really shouldn't have, because it was quite obvious Justin Hoyte was going to cross the ball.

He left an empty goal.

Arsenal boasted a number of youngsters, but was the win entirely due to them?

In the end, it came back down to the more senior players.

Baptista is an experienced player and a Brazilian international.

The key Gunners this morning were Fabregas, the two substitutes (Emmanuel) Eboue and (Aleksandr) Hleb, and Baptista.

The youngsters provided the speed past the older Spurs players in the second half.

So what was Wenger's tactical masterstroke?

Eboue and Hleb, coming on after the 56th minute, provided more stability in Arsenal's midfield.

That helped Fabregas string the passes from central midfield.

Baptista got more service as a result.

Will Wenger keep the youngsters for the second leg next week?

I think the youngsters will be full of confidence after this.

Wenger may keep faith in them, because he knows they will surely want to repay him with another good performance to reach the final.

SPURS' ROBOFLOP

FOOTBALL games often have their heroes and villains.

So if Arsenal's Brazilian striker Julio Baptista was the hero this morning in the Carling Cup first-leg semi-final tie, then Tottenham's goalkeeper Paul Robinson was the villain.

When his team looked to him for stability, 'Roboflop' single-handedly caved in to nerves.

That despite seeing his side enjoy a 2-0 lead right up till the 65th minute.

With Dimitar Berbatov heading home from a Jermain Defoe cross in the 12th minute, it seemed Spurs had started off on the right foot against Arsenal.

After all, they were hoping to repeat their road to the 1999 League Cup win, their last piece of silverware.

In the 21st minute, Spurs went one step closer.

A free-kick from Spurs' Tom Huddlestone saw team-mate Michael Dawson jumping over it for a dummy.

The ball then deflected off an unsuspecting Baptista and into goal.

By then, it seemed as if Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's decision to field a reserve team of mainly youngsters, with an average age of 21, had backfired, as Spurs controlled the midfield and all-round possession.

But Robinson gave the first clue of what was to prove fatal eventually.

In the 24th minute, he completely failed to make a catch or a clearance of the ball at a corner-kick, but was saved by team-mate Didier Zokora heading it away to safety.

Perhaps Wenger saw something fans didn't.

Arsenal needed more crosses whipped in to test Robinson.

In the second half, he made two tactical changes to do more of that, and Arsenal's ability to hold onto the ball long enough, for more incisive attacks.

On came Aleksandr Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue in the 56th and 60th minutes respectively (for Vassiriki Diaby and Jeremie Aliadiere).

They not only provided width but more composure on the ball.

In the 61st minute, a Cesc Fabregas free-kick saw Robinson clearly beaten to the ball first by Philippe Senderos in the box.

He glanced the ball over and it was headed for the far corner of the goal net, before Dawson rushed back in time to head it off the goal-line.

Robinson's second notable failure to be commanding at set-pieces seemed to cause more nerves in the Spurs defence.

Four minutes later, the added danger from the flanks, saw the ball sent into Tottenham's penalty box as Baptista managed the scramble the ball free from Dawson.

His shot left Robinson rooted.

And then, in the 77th minute, came the moment when Robinson made a suicidal dash from his goal-line, only to end up looking like the buffoon he had been all night.

Justin Hoyte beat the offside trap on the right flank and raced towards the penalty box.

Even with two defenders in front of him to anticipate the cross, Robinson rushed out too early.

Caught in no-man's land, Hoyte's low cross beat him, and fell straight to Baptista, who slotted home easily into an empty goal.

Just what was Robinson thinking?

Already, Spurs fans know that Robinson has a tendency to react late to long shots from outside the box.

Now, this?

No doubt, he was the villain who caused the cracks in the Spurs side this morning, which partly led to Arsenal's dramatic comeback.

Spurs wasted a glorious chance against a team of Arsenal youngsters, no thanks to Robinson.

And now, the smart money will be on Arsenal to add one or two more big names in next Thursday morning's second leg, to simply kill off Spurs' hopes of repeating their 1999 League Cup triumph.

League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg - Spurs 2 Arsenal 2

Julio Baptista continued his fine goalscoring form in the Carling Cup to put Arsenal in the driving seat to reach next month's final following the 2-2 semi-final first leg draw at Tottenham.

The Brazilian, who scored four against Liverpool in the previous round, scored an unfortunate own goal as their rivals stormed into a two-goal lead before half-time.

But Arsene Wenger's loan signing from Real Madrid then pulled his side back into the tie by using his power for his first goal, then taking advantage of poor positioning from goalkeeper Paul Robinson to level.

Theo Walcott missed a glorious late chance to establish a lead to take to next week's second leg but the England Under-21 forward stabbed wide and Arsenal settled for a draw.

It denied Spurs their first win over Arsenal since 1999 after they initially took the game to Arsenal and grabbed the lead through Dimitar Berbatov and Baptista's unfortunate own goal.

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as Arsenal's bus waded through sticky traffic in north London, and the visitors' early progress was halted by the pace of Aaron Lennon.

Much was made of Gunners boss Wenger fielding youngsters like Denilson, Justin Hoyte and Walcott, but in Lennon Spurs have a Premiership regular who is still 19.

In the third minute he set the tone by riding challenges from Abou Diaby and Armand Traore before his cross was scrambled clear by Hoyte.

Pace was the theme throughout the clash, with both sides barely pausing for breath between attacks, and it was the visitors who had the first sight of goal.

After Anthony Gardner had lost the ball, Cesc Fabregas swept pass Robinson but was forced wide before Michael Dawson cleared.

Spurs took advantage of their reprieve and were ahead in the 12th minute when Berbatov headed home to add to his tally this season.

Pascal Chimbonda had shifted the ball wide to Jermain Defoe, who crossed from the right and Bulgaria striker Berbatov had the simplest of tasks to head past Manuel Almunia.

However, it was Berbatov's last significant contribution and he was taken off in the 18th minute for Robbie Keane after appearing to pick up a groin injury.

Spurs were not knocked off their stride, though, and doubled the lead two minutes later in fortuitous fashion. Tom Huddlestone, another youngster who has made great strides under Martin Jol, fizzed in a free-kick from the left which flew in off Baptista's heel.

Huddlestone and Fabregas could not be more contrasting in build but they dictated from the middle of the park and both have been tipped to do so for the next decade.

The pair had little time on the ball after the second went in, though, and play was broken up with three quick bookings.

Baptista received the first, Kolo Toure then clattered into Lennon going at full speed and Defoe clipped Denilson.

There was still time in the first half for Dawson to head over from a Huddlestone cross and Baptista to waste a chance at the far post.

Graham Poll was reported to have spent the interval in a dressing room darkened by a power cut, and the Tring official then double checked with the touchline who was to start the second half.

The second period started with the same pace of the first but not the same amount of chances.

The visitors signalled their intent by bringing on Alexander Hleb for Diaby, who was making his first start since his horrific ankle injury last May.

Jeremie Aliadiere then picked up a knock and was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue, and Arsenal's new shape started to look threatening.

Dawson was forced to clear off the line after Philippe Senderos beat Robinson to a free-kick, then Fabregas failed to get power on his header with just the goalkeeper to beat.

But Baptista handed Arsenal their lifeline after 63 minutes, receiving the ball from Eboue and bundling his way through Spurs' centre-back and finishing.

Sensing the next goal to be the most important of the tie, Arsenal attacked and levelled through Baptista with 13 minutes remaining, with Robinson rushing out and Hoyte crossing for the Brazilian to tap in.

But for Walcott's miss, Arsenal would have completed the most remarkable of comebacks.

'The first half, I didn't think we played well,' man-of-the-match Fabregas said on Sky Sports 1.

'They started really strongly, putting a lot of pressure.

'We had to change something at half time because we were not playing as we are used to playing. 'Coming back is not easy. Playing at Tottentam is very difficult.

'Second half, we were amazing.

'At the end, we could've won. Theo had a great chance. I had one as well.

'We have to happy with the draw. because coming here, losing 2-0 and drawing in the last 20 mintues is good for us because now we play at home.'

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted his youthful side had been slow to get going.

The Frenchman said: 'We were surprised by their start - they started well. We looked at that stage like we were lacking experience.

'We showed in the second half that we have talent and made a great comeback. We could have got a third goal.

'When you are a young player, you are very down and I tried to give them the mood to come back and not be too down.'

Wenger does not feel his side have secured a significant advantage ahead of the second leg but was pleased with the performance of his young side and plans to field most of the same players at the Emirates Stadium next week.

He added: 'It is difficult to say - at the half I would have settled for 2-2. We will focus well and prepare well and most of them will play again.'

Spurs boss Martin Jol said: The second half was a different story. It wasn't a tactical problem but they came out differently.

'We couldn't keep the ball and we were under pressure.

'Maybe we were a bit tired, but we didn't have Berbatov to hold the ball up. The only way to win against Arsenal is to control the game, and we weren't able to do that.

'I think at 2-2 we still have chance.'

Fulham 1 Tottenham 1

Pascal Chimbonda scored a late leveller to earn Tottenham a point after Vincenzo Montella's penalty looked to have earned 10-man Fulham victory at Craven Cottage.

The hosts had Heidar Helguson dismissed in the second half but almost snatched victory when Michael Dawson conceded a penalty for handball and Montella broke the deadlock with eight minutes left.

But the lead did not last long and Chimbonda finished at the far post, meaning Fulham have drawn their last six Barclays Premiership games, all against teams in and around London.

Steed Malbranque was making his first appearance back at Craven Cottage since being sold five months ago, with the home fans never wasting an opportunity taunt the Frenchman.

He was booked late in the first half and also drew a lunge from Helguson which earned the Iceland striker his first yellow card.

Despite being in fine form recently, Malbranque struggled to impose himself in a poor game.

Both sides had scored four times in their midweek FA Cup replays, but early blustery conditions made a it difficult for another goal feast.

Fulham skipper Michael Brown, who was signed from Spurs a year ago, had a chance in the first minute but headed over from a Franck Queudrue free-kick.

Brown then had a shot from the edge of the area which Chimbonda blocked for a corner as the hosts started the brighter of the two teams.

Spurs boss Martin Jol left Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane on the bench - possibly with an eye on Wednesday's Carling Cup clash against Arsenal - and one of the players drafted in had an early sight on goal.

Hossam Ghaly cut inside on the right but could not get power on his shot, but it was a rare first-half attack from the visitors.

Aside from Anthony Gardner heading over from a Tom Huddlestone free-kick, Spurs were restricted to long shots and were guilty of indecision as they attacked.

Fulham built momentum through Brian McBride, the American striker finding the side-netting after Tomasz Radzinski found room on the left to cross.

The hosts almost took the lead in the 28th minute when Carlos Bocanegra was found at the far post by Queudrue and pulled back for Helguson, but the striker's back-heel from close range was saved by Paul Robinson.

McBride had three efforts late in the first half but could not find a way past Robinson.

The England goalkeeper caught a straightforward but powerful effort, but then denied the American striker from close range.

Queudrue, so dangerous with his left foot from the flank, curled in a cross beyond the Spurs defence to find McBride only for Robinson to produce a reaction save to keep the scores level.

Didier Zokora, an early replacement for Teemu Tainio, also scrambled clear when McBride had an effort from the edge of the area.

McBride's poor luck continued after the restart. Spurs were fortunate when Dawson's clearance came off the striker and into the arms of Robinson.

However, the hosts were dealt a blow in the 52nd minute when Helguson left a foot in on Huddlestone and was given a second yellow card by referee Mike Dean.

Huddlestone and Zokora tried their luck from long range but neither were close to troubling Lastuvka.

Spurs then brought Lennon on for the last 30 minutes as they looked to chase the game, while Keane came on for Jermain Defoe.

Montella came on for Radzinski and Clint Dempsey was brought on for his debut, with Fulham awarded a penalty with eight minutes remaining when Dawson handled McBride's shot from the edge of the area.

Montella sent Robinson the wrong way but Chimbonda was found at the far post from a Huddlestone free-kick and earned a point with a low finish.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman felt his side were unfairly denied victory against Tottenham - even though the linesman made the right decision for Pascal Chimbonda's equaliser.

Chimbonda levelled with two minutes remaining at Craven Cottage, with Tom Huddlestone's free-kick being challenged by Franck Queudrue and Dimitar Berbatov before the ball fell to the full-back at the far post.

Although Queudrue had the final touch, Coleman needed several replays before it became clear the linesman was correct.

'It looked like the last touch was off Franck Queudrue but if the linesman can see it he's superman,' said Coleman.

'If he's seen it I'll apologise, I'll be amazed if that`s the case. If he thinks Berbatov has won the header I would like to know why it wasn't offside.'

Coleman's men looked set for victory after Vincenzo Montella's penalty with eight minutes left after Michael Dawson had handled in the area.

They had played much of the second half with 10 men after Heidar Helguson was dismissed, receiving a second yellow card after leaving a foot in on Huddlestone.

'I said to `H` to be careful but he's 100% - that`s him,' added Coleman. 'I don't think he touched him but he's come off the floor with his feet.'

Despite being down to 10 men, Coleman brought on Montella and debutant Clint Dempsey to remain an attacking threat.

'You can only be on the ropes for so long,' said Coleman. 'We've been down to 10 men before and you can only hold on for so long.

'We were camped in our own half with 4-4-1.

'Vincenzo's reputation is something Tottenham would know about, so that's why we wanted him on the pitch.'

Montella tucked away his penalty but the lead did not last long and Chimbonda levelled, meaning Fulham have drawn their last six Premiership matches.

'We're unbeaten on one hand but three points would have made us 10th,' added Coleman.

Spurs boss Martin Jol had Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane on the bench - possibly with the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday in mind - and Jermain Defoe could not reproduce his recent impressive form.

Steed Malbranque was making his return to Craven Cottage after being sold to Jol nearly five months ago, but the Frenchman struggled to impose himself in a scrappy game.

Jol admits his side are struggling to create the same chances away as they do at White Hart Lane. 'I'm disappointed,' said the Dutchman. 'At home we create sometimes 20 chances, we are not as good away.'

Berbatov and Hossam Ghaly both had sight of goal early on but were guilty of indecision before the danger was cleared.

'I always say you have to be ambitious to score in the first 15 minutes,' the Dutchman said.

'There was no danger. If they play against us they use a certain style which can be a problem but we matched them.

'We brought Lennon on and he was dangerous a couple of times with our width. We also had two strikers high up the pitch.'

Jol, who had to replace Teemu Tainio early on with an ankle injury, faces Arsenal this week at the start of a hectic period for the club as they remain in three trophies.

Jol, however, has been spared a trip to back to Holland as Feyenoord have been excluded for the UEFA Cup.

'I feel for Feyenoord because it's only 50 or 100 lunatics that spoil it for the rest,' said Jol.

Tottenham 4 Cardiff 0

Robbie Keane returned to the starting XI and helped Tottenham cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup - 4-0 at the expense of Cardiff.

The Republic of Ireland international, in his first start since returning from a knee injury, had a cheeky hand in Aaron Lennon's opener by allowing the ball to run through to his team-mate while offside.

He then smashed in the second before Steed Malbranque added a third by half-time in the third-round replay at White Hart Lane.

Keane had replaced Jermain Defoe in the starting line-up but the in-form England striker then came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline with 10 minutes remaining.

Spurs will now face Southend in the fourth round, the Championship strugglers who they defeated in the Carling Cup quarter-final last month.

With five games in 16 days starting with the Premiership clash against Fulham on Saturday, the victory against the Bluebirds could hardly have gone better for Spurs boss Martin Jol as he gave players returning from injury and poor form a confidence-boosting run-out.

Anthony Gardner made his second start of the season after his knee troubles - centre-back Calum Davenport was not in the squad - while Didier Zokora and Benoit Assou-Ekotto also featured.

Keane, of course, also returned in emphatic style, skippering the side in Ledley King's absence with a bruised foot.

The Republic of Ireland striker was clattered by Kerrea Gilbert, the right-back on loan from Arsenal, in a scrappy opening which had the hallmarks of the goalless draw at Ninian Park.

But Spurs started building momentum in the 11th minute when Malbranque slipped a pass to Dimitar Berbatov, who fired just wide.

Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Alexander was forced into a save in the 24th minute after Malbranque had exchanged passes with Assou-Ekotto on the left, with the Championship side able to scramble clear as Keane rushed in for the rebound.

But Spurs were ahead in the 27th minute with a sweeping counter attack from a Cardiff corner.

Berbatov flicked the ball out to Lennon, who dashed down the right before laying the ball off to Zokora. The Ivory Coast midfielder played the ball through the visitors' defence and Keane, in a offside position, let it run through for Lennon to finish as Cardiff waited for a flag.

Berbatov was offside when he had the ball in the net a minute later - but the Bulgaria striker set up Spurs' second on the half-hour mark.

He chased a long ball down the right, tricked his way past Glenn Loovens and crossed for Keane to smash into the roof of the net, his sixth of the season.

Malbranque had tested Alexander with a deflected shot but extended the lead in the 42nd minute, collecting a pass from fellow Frenchman Assou-Ekotto and drilling into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Full-back Pascal Chimbonda, another Frenchman, had the chance for a fourth in the 50th minute but sliced his finish from Tom Huddlestone's free-kick to the back post.

The pace of the game predictably slowed in the second period, with Cardiff's boisterous travelling support given little to shout about other than a tame penalty appeal when Michael Chopra went over in the area.

There may be optimism following the takeover of the club earlier in the week but the post-Sam Hammam era needs a win to revive the club who started the season so promisingly.

Their winless streak, which now stands at 13 matches, has seen them drop from first in the Championship to eighth, although the hard work of Chopra and Steve Thompson in attack offered them hope.

Despite their lead, Spurs went in search for a fourth and brought on Defoe for Berbatov.

Defoe almost set up Keane only for Cardiff to clear, but the England striker bundled in a fourth with 10 minutes left after Hossam Ghaly's shot was fumbled by Alexander. It was his 13th of the season, giving Jol plenty of options in attack as they continue to challenge on four fronts this season, with the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal next week.

Spurs manager Martin Jol told Sky Sports: 'We knew we had to score an early goal.

At home we are a very good footballing side, and we created three or four chances and didn't score, so that is about all I can be critical of.

'After that we scored in crucial moments, and we did enough to win the game.

On meeting Southend in the next round he added: 'They are a good side, they showed that in the last round and we'll look forward to playing them again in the fourth round'.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: 'Our forwards are having a torrid time, but hopefully this will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.

'It's frustrating, but we came here to try and match Tottenham and we gave it our best.'

Tottenham 2 Newcastle 3

Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt was involved in an ugly half-time bust-up at White Hart Lane then responded by firing in the winner against Tottenham.

The former England midfielder was raging at the interval after he appeared to be slapped by Pascal Chimbonda, but he then helped his side complete a fine comeback to win a thrilling Barclays Premiership clash 3-2.

Paul Huntington's first goal for Newcastle had cancelled out Jermain Defoe's opener before Dimitar Berbatov restored the lead in the end-to-end clash.

Obafemi Martins stunned Spurs with a spectacular strike with 19 minutes left then set up Butt for the winner two minutes later, giving Newcastle hope of establishing themselves in mid-table.

Martin Jol's men have now lost consecutive games at home - after winning 12 in a row - and wasted their best chances as they looked for the points to help them break into the top six.

The opening half was full of chances and highlighted the strengths and weakness of each side, Spurs attacking with pace but also looking shaky without the influence of skipper Ledley King in defence.

The visitors could not be faulted for effort but were struggling for numbers, in particular a partner for Martins in attack.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Michael Owen pick up his famous metatarsal injury, and Newcastle's injury worries had increased in the year that has passed.

Only two players remained from that clash - Nolberto Solano and Shay Given - and Glenn Roeder was without midfield pair Emre and Scott Parker.

Emre, who was charged by the Football Association earlier in the week for using racist language, had been struggling with a groin injury while Parker was back from suspension but not in the matchday squad.

Spurs attempted to capitalise on Newcastle's inexperience and Given kept the visitors in the game early on.

He used his chest to deny Defoe in the fifth minute when Steed Malbranque slid him through, then the England striker hooked a volley over the bar.

Given, the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, also had to save from a Berbatov drive and a dipping volley from Malbranque, the latter after Solano's clearance had struck team-mate Steven Taylor in his own six-yard area.

The Newcastle stopper then produced a stunning save to claw away a Defoe header, but the England striker was not to be denied in the 14th minute.

Spurs switched the ball from right to left and Malbranque crossed for Defoe, who had stayed just level with the last defender, and he finished with confidence from close range.

The visitors, however, were level within two minutes when James Milner's free-kick found Huntington unmarked at the back post. The left-back's first effort rebounded back to him off Antoine Sibierski, and he then fired through Paul Robinson's legs at the near post.

Both sides had half chances to grab the advantage, Malbranque wasting the best of them just before the half-hour mark when he lobbed wide after Given had rushed out to clear and was out of position.

Peter Ramage and Solano picked up yellow cards before the interval for fouling Aaron Lennon and Malbranque respectively, and there was added needle in the game stemming from Berbatov trying to block Given's kicks.

Given confronted referee Steve Bennett about it at the break, with Butt and Chimbonda also clashing. Chimbonda appeared to slap Butt, who reacted and pushed the Spurs full-back in the chest, with Butt fuming as he was ushered down the tunnel. Both were booked.

After the break, Matthew Pattison was found at the far post by Milner but could not get power or direction on his header.

Spurs restored the lead in the 54th minute when Chimbonda raced down the right and crossed, Teemu Tainio's finish was blocked by Solano but Berbatov steered his volley into the top corner.

Defoe then stung the palms of Given with a drive as Spurs looked for a third, with Tom Huddlestone's fierce volley dipping just wide with 22 minutes left.

But Martin levelled for the visitors with 19 minutes left, exchanging passes with Kieron Dyer before finding the top corner from the edge of the area.

They were ahead two minutes later when Martins threaded the ball through to Butt, who squeezed his finish in at the far post.

Robbie Keane came on and had a shot blocked by Solano on the line, while Defoe hit the post - but Newcastle held on for victory.

Match-winner Nicky Butt hailed Newcastle's spirit as they twice came from behind to beat Tottenham 3-2 at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe gave Spurs a deserved lead early on but Paul Huntington levelled almost immediately for the visitors with his first senior goal for the Magpies.

Dimitar Berbatov restored Tottenham's advantage shortly after half-time but a stunning strike from Obafemi Martins and Butt's first goal of the season snatched the points for Newcastle.

'It's very pleasing, it shows good team spirit,' Butt said.

'Obviously, we're down to our bare bones with the squad with the injuries we've got.

'We stuck at it. It wasn't a great performance but we got the goals at the right time and a great victory.'

Butt was only just passed fit after coming down with the 'flu and he was delighted to make a decisive contribution.

'It's nice scoring goals but even more important in the position we're in is to get three points and that shoots you straight up the table,' he said.

Man of the match Martins was delighted with his spectacular strike, saying: 'It's a great goal and I'm very happy that we didn't give up.'

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder described his side's comeback as 'absolutely brilliant' and was fulsome in his praise of the young players who he has been forced to field in the wake of the club's injury problems.

'The young boys fully deserve the three points here this evening,' he said.

'These young boys out there today, three or four of them who've come through the academy, it's been a tough baptism for them over the past six or seven weeks because of all the injuries.

'I thought today they were absolutely tremendous, as were the senior players.'

Roeder also hailed Shay Given as 'the best goalkeeper in the Premiership' but saved the biggest compliment for Butt, saying: 'Nicky Butt has been in bed for five days with a heavy dose of 'flu, lost nine pounds of weight before the game. I don't think many players would have got out of their sick bed to play.

'Not only has he played for the whole 90 minutes, he's been magnificent.'

Tottenham boss Martin Jol added: 'We played marvellous football at 1-0, then they scored from a free-kick and that didn't help. Even at 2-1 we should have scored.

'Overall this afternoon we are very unfortunate not to get more out of this game.

'If you've got a lot of experience you keep your shape but we looked for a third goal and it didn't come.

'But all credit to Newcastle - if you score three goals at White Hart Lane you have done something well.'

FA Cup: Cardiff 0 Tottenham 0

Cardiff battled to earn a replay against Tottenham in a goalless FA Cup third-round tie marred by crowd trouble at Ninian Park.

Riot police were needed at the away end with 12 minutes left of the goalless draw in the Welsh capital.

Michael Chopra had missed the target with the Championship's side best chance, while Jermain Defoe came closest for the visitors.

It was the first time this season Spurs had not won a cup tie they played in, and the replay adds to their congested schedule following success in the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup.

The two teams last played in the FA Cup 30 years ago and, aside from roofing, not much had changed at Ninian Park, including the hostile atmosphere.

Dimitar Berbatov almost latched onto a Defoe back-heel for an early chance to silence the boisterous home fans but goalkeeper Neil Alexander rushed out to clear the danger.

After the early threat from Spurs, Cardiff then looked threatening with Chopra leading their attack and almost grabbing an early lead.

The former Newcastle striker dropped deep early on to collect the ball, with only Teemu Tainio's tackle preventing him having a sight of goal on the edge of the area.

He then latched on to a terrible header back to goalkeeper Paul Robinson from Young-Pyo Lee, but his finish drifted wide after slotting under Tottenham's stand-in captain.

Robinson, skipper as Ledley King was still suffering from a bruised foot, looked nervous with his kicking and handling as Cardiff applied pressure, mostly stemming from Chopra's tireless chasing.

Chopra had another chance in the 17th minute but could not direct his header from a Stephen McPhail cross, then he crossed to the far post and forced Calum Davenport into a desperate clearance.

Chopra crossed again from the right flank in the 32nd minute after making the most of indecision in the Spurs midfield, but strike partner Steve Thompson was inches from connecting with a finish.

Berbatov, making his FA Cup debut, had been Spurs' main source of attacking threat in the opening half. The Bulgarian had a fierce shot blocked by Cardiff skipper Darren Purse early on, and forced Alexander to save midway through the first half when Pascal Chimbonda's free-kick broke to him on the edge of the area.

Defoe, however, had Spurs' best opportunity of the opening period when he flashed wide after chasing Robinson's free-kick, then missed an equally clear chance four minutes after the restart.

Steed Malbranque fed the ball to the England striker, who raced through but drilled wide with his finish when behind the Cardiff defence.

Defoe then got on the end of a lofted through-ball from Tom Huddlestone, who was trying to control matters from centre midfield, but the Spurs striker could not get an effort on goal. Alexander had to punch clear in the 63rd minute when Defoe charged in on goal to chase a Berbatov flick, and the England marksman could not break the deadlock.

Despite the threat of Defoe, Cardiff continued to attack and Thompson had a long-range effort fly over.

Joe Ledley stabbed over for the hosts after another cross from Chopra, while Riccardo Scimeca fired wide on the hour mark.

Spurs brought on Aaron Lennon after 67 minutes for Danny Murphy, the England youngster having recovered from an inflammation to the knee.

Malbranque saw an effort creep wide with 17 minutes remaining.

With 12 minutes left riot police were needed to control a disturbance at the away end, while home fans lit a flare in the same stand.

The disturbance had calmed with five minutes left in the match and Cardiff held on despite Spurs sending on Robbie Keane for his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol admitted he was desperate to avoid becoming another high-profile victim of the FA Cup third round and was happy with a 0-0 draw against Cardiff.

The Coca-Cola Championship side fought out a goalless draw with Spurs but Jol is confident his team will not join the likes of Charlton and Sheffield United in losing to lower league opposition when the replay takes place at White Hart Lane.

Jol said: 'When you don't score this is the maximum result. You saw what happened to other Premiership clubs [on Saturday] so to take them back to White Hart Lane was the maximum result.

'Even if they are a Championship side [that] doesn't mean anything if you're playing for the FA Cup.

'As soon as we saw the draw we knew it would be difficult because it is the FA Cup.'

Spurs captain Paul Robinson was equally satisfied with the outcome in unhelpful conditions at Ninian Park.

He said: 'It was a difficult atmosphere and overall it was fair result on a poor game.

'It's a difficult place to come as we're reasonably pleased to get them back to the Lane.'

Cardiff manager Dave Jones was proud of his players' efforts and called on them to maintain such standards in the league.

He said: 'It was a tough game but a good cup tie. There were no goals but it was entertaining. Could we have sneaked it? Maybe but they had some chances too. We matched them in every department.

'The players proved they're good players. To match Tottenham [by reaching the Premiership] they've got to do that week in week out.'

Michael Chopra refused to believe that Cardiff's best chance of victory had gone after drawing 0-0 with Tottenham, insisting the Bluebirds could pull off a result at White Hart Lane.

'I don't think our best chance is gone because we know what we have and we know what we have to do,' he said.

Portsmouth 1 Tottenham 1

A half-time reshuffle and Steed Malbranque's header into an empty net rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham at Fratton Park, but Martin Jol's side are still suffering Premiership travel sickness after just one away win all season in the league.

They deserved credit, though, for a gallant fightback after Portsmouth conjured a goal out of nowhere to go head just before the half hour through recalled striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

In the end, David James' goalkeeping athleticism was needed to deny the disappointing Jermain Defoe and the highly promising Tom Huddlestone, although Linvoy Primus was near to another unlikely winner in the last few minutes for the Harry Redknapp's team.

In an undistinguished first half Spurs looked likelier winners and former favourite Sol Campbell had to produce a smart block to deny the dangerous Dimitar Berbatov a clear shot after the Bulgarian had earlier gone close with a header and then laid on a chance for Hossam Ghaly with a blistering left-wing run and cross.

Matt Taylor's last-ditch tackle prevented a goal and Pompey were thankful after a sluggish start despite the return of their two main strikers Kanu and Benjani

But, as so often, they produced a goal out of nothing - this time from their first direct shot at goal after nearly half-an-hour.

Benjani, who has been out with hamstring trouble, and has an unwanted reputation as a misser of chances, received the little bit of luck he needed when returning to the side in tandem with Kanu.

After taking substitute Niko Kranjcar's pass in space he saw his shot fly in off the belated challenge of Tottenham's Calum Davenport, deputising for the injured Ledley King.

Spurs looked stunned because it was the first genuine threat to their defence, but six minutes later they were almost handed a gift equaliser when Campbell left it to Taylor to clear from the edge of the area after hunting down Defoe's run at goal.

Alarmingly, the midfielder who has shown a recent penchant for scoring, swiped his effort dangerously near James' far post for a corner.

It was probably nearer than any Tottenham player had managed so far despite their early dominance and it was a rarity for James when he was called upon to pluck Ghaly's cross out of the air just before half-time.

Egyptian Ghaly, who had lost four teeth when caught on the head by former Spurs defender Noe Pamarot's wild tackle in the opening minutes, did not come out for the second half.

Spurs, who had no place for their other Egyptian, striker Mido, in the squad, sent on the versatile Murphy for the second half to aid the attacking efforts of Berbatov and Defoe.

All changed after the break, with James having to keep out Davenport's shot following a lack of control for once by the talented Berbatov as Huddlestone's cute cross came swirling in.

But the 6ft 5in keeper was helpless to prevent Malbranque heading into an empty net for Tottenham's equaliser in the 50th minute, courtesy of Murphy's spot-on cross.

Until the galvanising force of veteran Andy Cole sent on in the 73rd minute - it was Spurs who ruled the roost, with James forced into two more superb stops.

He kept out Defoe's drive after a lively run and then Huddlestone's vicious low shot near the foot of a post.

In the end, though, it was yeoman defender Primus - a two-goal Boxing day hit-man against West Ham - who had the best chance to win it with a header over the angle from Taylor's cross.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol described as 'cynical' the high challenge by Portsmouth defender Noe Pamarot which left Egyptian winger Hossam Ghaly with four teeth missing and nursing a split lip.

Jol said: 'I asked the referee and he said it wasn't a foul but when I looked at it again (on tape) I thought it was cynical.

'I know Pamarot and he is a terrific lad, exceptional, but not when he is on the pitch. Ghaly was unbelievable. I thought at first the doctor told me he lost his false teeth but he was really saying four teeth.

'Most people would have gone to hospital and stayed there a week with that injury but he went back on to play and it was only later I noticed some dangerous signs and took him off again for the second half.

'If I had known the full extent of the injury I would never have let Ghaly go back on but I took notice of my doctor. I always do that.'

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp rejected Jol's claims over Pamarot, who moved from Spurs to Portsmouth a year ago in a £7million triple transfer along with Pedro Mendes and Sean Davis.

Redknapp said: 'That is nonsense. It was a pure accident. Pamarot hasn't got a cynical bone in his body and often I wish he was a bit more aggressive. Cynical ? Is that what is being said. I don't think so.

'I am sad the poor kid lost a few teeth but what can you do?'

Jol said: 'Although we played some very good football at times in the first half you get nothing without spirit and determination which we showed in the second half.

'Murphy did well again after his performance against Liverpool on Saturday when I thought we were unlucky to lose.

'It is good to get a point here because Portsmouth are so good at set-pieces but I thought we had four or five possibilities to score and their goal came from their first shot on target.

'We are doing okay. We are missing players like Ledley King and Robbie Keane and now Ghaly will be out. But when players like Davenport show character and determination like today you can get by.

'I don't know if I will buy anybody in the transfer window but if I had been told at the start of the season we would be in the top seven in the semi-final of the Carling Cup and had won six games in Europe out of six at this stage I would have taken that.'

Redknapp said: 'Benjani worked hard and deserved his goal but David James was fantastic. If he is no longer in the England squad then there must be something wrong.

'After Robinson the other England keepers are lads who cannot get places in their own club teams like Liverpool and Manchester United and are out on loan. He is still the best keeper I've worked with.

'The team did well after a hard game on a heavy pitch at Bolton on Saturday and our aim is still to stay as high up the table as possible.'

Tottenham 0 Liverpool 1

Luis Garcia scored on the stroke of half-time to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory and bring Tottenham's run of home success to a halt.

Spurs had won their previous 12 games at White Hart Lane but were undone in first-half stoppage time when Liverpool took advantage of poor defending.

Liverpool have been poor on the road this season - this was just their third away win in the Barclays Premiership - but they looked comfortable until the hosts started chasing the game.

Reds defender Steve Finnan hit his own crossbar, but goalkeeper Jose Reina was largely untroubled until late on, when he beat a Jermain Defoe drive away.

Defeat dented Spurs' hope of breaking into the top six, while Liverpool's victory gives them an ideal platform for being in the Champions League places during the second half of the season.

Spurs were without captain Ledley King and his stand-in at centre-half, Calum Davenport, had an unfortunate hand in Liverpool's opener.

Without King, Spurs' defence looked less assured from the opening exchanges - Lee Young-Pyo giving Paul Robinson a dreadful back-pass with two minutes gone.

The England goalkeeper, captain for the day, scrambled clear as Dirk Kuyt closed in, but the pattern of slack passing continued from both sides.

Spurs fashioned the first real effort on goal, but Mido flashed wide when he had plenty of time following a slip from Jamie Carragher while under pressure from Steed Malbranque.

Defoe had a couple of efforts off target and had also been caught marginally offside when Tom Huddlestone played him behind the Liverpool defence, but it was the visitors who applied the first spell of pressure.

Craig Bellamy forced Robinson into a low save after move started by Steven Gerrard and helped along by Kuyt.

The Dutch striker, linked with a move to Spurs two summers ago, then curled an effort just wide of the upright after Bellamy had laid the ball back to the edge of the area.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol has always been an admirer of his compatriot, and it was Kuyt who was soon a threat again - trapping a poor kick from Robinson beautifully but having his eventual effort blocked.

Xabi Alonso flashed a drive wide as the interval drew closer, but the visitors broke the deadlock before the whistle by taking advantage of Spurs' defensive frailty.

Gerrard robbed Didier Zokora before stubbing his shot into the floor from the edge of the area. The ball was headed by Davenport towards Luis Garcia and the Spaniard had little trouble finishing from the edge of the six-yard area.

Bellamy had a long-range drive saved by Robinson two minutes after the restart, but it was the last action he saw, as he was replaced by Jermaine Pennant and headed down the tunnel for treatment.

Zokora came off for Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool player, just after Garcia had missed a glorious chance to double the lead by directing his free header into the ground.

In the 59th minute Jol answered the chants from the crowd to introduce Dimitar Berbatov, who replaced Mido. The Bulgaria striker had been ill this week and was left on the bench until the hosts needed to chase the game.

Reina fumbled a straightforward free-kick, but there was little else for the Spaniard to do for the first hour.

Davenport diverted Pennant's cross into his own side-netting as Liverpool went in search of another rather than sitting back.

They brought on Peter Crouch in place of Kuyt for the last 25 minutes, which also featured a storm as conditions got worse.

Spurs almost grabbed a leveller when Berbatov's cross was headed by Finnan against his own bar from point-blank range.

Malbranque then came close with a drive as the rain eased slightly, while Hossam Ghaly sliced horribly wide from close range as Spurs applied late pressure.

The visitors held on for victory, but Reina had to beat away a drive from Defoe and Berbatov had an effort ruled out for offside.