Carling Cup 2008 Tottenham Victory!!!!
posted by dgarden at 10:43 am
1 comments
Monday, February 25, 2008
Woodgate winner signals Spurs' new dawn
Jonathan Woodgate should be able to climb on to the London property ladder now. In the house of the rising sums, the £757 million Wembley residence that is the symbol of an exorbitant market that has so shocked Woodgate, the new arrival from Middlesbrough surely earned the deposit for a 'des res' in the capital.
Having surprised many with his comments about how even wealthy footballers found London expensive, Woodgate will not be short of offers of spare rooms in the Tottenham area. Goals pay the rent and match-winning headers like Woodgate's are priceless.
To Woodgate the spoils, to Avram Grant the brickbats. Like a profligate heir, Grant has now squandered half the family silver he inherited from Jose Mourinho. Like a startled fawn, Chelsea's manager failed to react when the team cried out for guidance, for inspiration. Steve Clarke delivered the rallying cry before extra-time. Grant listened.
A manager who never lost a cup final in England, Mourinho would have raged against the dying of the light, exhorting his players to find something extra, enacting one of his substitute master-strokes to vary Chelsea's danger. The Blues' huge army of support, who became so used to trophies under Mourinho, deserve better than Grant.
An authority figure? No chance. When Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech and John Terry lost it with the excellent referee, Mark Halsey, at the final whistle, Grant froze again.
Only a timely run from his assistant, Henk Ten Cate, defused the tension. For all the recent eulogies to Grant about his being a high-class manager, even a worthy successor to Mourinho, the Far-From-Special One has faltered when the pressure has been most intense. Grant's decision to start Frank Lampard ahead of the fitter Michael Ballack certainly backfired. Lampard is a magnificent thoroughbred, but he needed a few more runs on the gallops before such a demanding race as this.
Grant's tactics were patently flawed. It is hard to believe Nicolas Anelka joined from Bolton simply to mark Alan Hutton, the Spurs right-back. Anelka is an exceptional attacking talent, capable of destroying opposing defences when unleashed through the middle but he was allowed to support Drogba properly only after Spurs made it 2-1. Juande Ramos promptly introduced another defensive sentry in Younes Kaboul to help weather the long-ball storm.
With the quality of personnel at his disposal, Grant should be reaching finals. So he has failed his first big test. He was also asked by Roman Abramovich to make Chelsea more entertaining but there is a joylessness about Grant's teams, a machine-like quality that will never endear Chelsea to neutrals or purists.
Unlike Spurs. Yesterday was a fabulous day for football, one that those onlookers whose pulses are quickened by vibrant attacking should mark in their diaries and celebrate every year. Spurs, the team with the more constructive intentions, went home rewarded with the ultimate in footballing 'bling', winners' medals dangling around their necks. The players who finished with champagne poured over their sweat-stained features were entertainers like Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. Good. Here was football in keeping with the Tottenham tradition, that Bill Nicholson would have approved of, that Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Danny Blanchflower, would recognise. Until the final passage of play, when even the back-tracking Berbatov proved you can be famous defensively for 15 minutes, Spurs brimmed with attacking desire.
Even Ramos' defenders exuded adventure at times. Hutton looked to give Spurs some much-needed width. Ledley King, comfortably the man of the match for a series of immaculate interceptions, also stepped into midfield. Woodgate scored. Pascal Chimbonda clipped the bar with an early header.
Enterprise ruled. Anchorman Didier Zokora also moved to an upbeat tempo, although the club should write into his contract that he must lay the ball off the moment he crosses halfway. Some of Zokora's shooting was a danger to traffic on the North Circular. Yet his willingness to race between boxes encapsulated the reality that Spurs wanted victory more. So did the tears cascading down Keane's face. The chants emanating from the Spurs faithful were almost visceral in their intensity. One club, one hunger. Spurs craved this chance to escape the shadows of Arsenal and Chelsea lengthening across the London skyline.
The reasons to be cheerful here contained additional verses. Sharing the silverware around is healthy for football. For those who admire Paul Robinson as a person and as a keeper, who respect the professional way he has focused on rebuilding his career after setbacks for club and country, the sight of him making some fine saves was uplifting.
But when Chelsea took the lead seven minutes from half-time, exploiting Robinson's solitary mistake, romantics and Spurs lovers feared the worst. As cleverly as Drogba disguised his intentions, as swiftly as he placed the ball around the wall, the goal could have been prevented. Keane leapt across, unintentionally freeing up some space for the ball to carry through. Robinson also went to his right, and was caught flat-footed as Drogba's strike curled into the other corner: 1-0.
Spurs players, thrillingly, were certainly prepared to stand up and be counted. Tom Huddlestone arrived to bring better distribution into midfield. Chimbonda, shamefully, walked slowly off and disappeared straight down the tunnel. When Chimbonda learned the English language, he must have missed the lesson teaching words like loyalty, team-work and grace.
With Malbanque now left-back, Ramos' change worked. Lennon sprang to life, running at Chelsea's defence far more potently. Cutting in from the left after 70 minutes, Lennon lifted the ball across to Huddlestone. In a whirl of limbs, Wayne Bridge handled, his offence spotted by the alert linesman, Martin Yerby. Terry ranted away but Halsey was not for turning. And Berbatov was not for failing. The Bulgarian seems to play the game at his own speed, and this penalty was no exception. Berbatov moved in slowly, waiting for Cech to commit himself, and then sweeping the dead-ball the other side: 1-1.
Zokora should really have settled the final during normal time, but never exuded confidence when released through by Keane, allowing Cech to save superbly. Zokora, following up waywardly, accidentally caught the keeper, who required smelling salts.
Whether Cech was still groggy four minutes into the additional period remains a matter of conjecture. What is certain is that one of the world's most respected keepers was strangely uncertain as Jenas' free-kick swerved across. Cech was beaten by Woodgate, whose eventual house-warming promises to be some party.
Man of the match
Jonatahan Woodgate (Tottenham)
• 3 shots, one winning goal
• 89 per cent pass accuracy
Having surprised many with his comments about how even wealthy footballers found London expensive, Woodgate will not be short of offers of spare rooms in the Tottenham area. Goals pay the rent and match-winning headers like Woodgate's are priceless.
To Woodgate the spoils, to Avram Grant the brickbats. Like a profligate heir, Grant has now squandered half the family silver he inherited from Jose Mourinho. Like a startled fawn, Chelsea's manager failed to react when the team cried out for guidance, for inspiration. Steve Clarke delivered the rallying cry before extra-time. Grant listened.
A manager who never lost a cup final in England, Mourinho would have raged against the dying of the light, exhorting his players to find something extra, enacting one of his substitute master-strokes to vary Chelsea's danger. The Blues' huge army of support, who became so used to trophies under Mourinho, deserve better than Grant.
An authority figure? No chance. When Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech and John Terry lost it with the excellent referee, Mark Halsey, at the final whistle, Grant froze again.
Only a timely run from his assistant, Henk Ten Cate, defused the tension. For all the recent eulogies to Grant about his being a high-class manager, even a worthy successor to Mourinho, the Far-From-Special One has faltered when the pressure has been most intense. Grant's decision to start Frank Lampard ahead of the fitter Michael Ballack certainly backfired. Lampard is a magnificent thoroughbred, but he needed a few more runs on the gallops before such a demanding race as this.
Grant's tactics were patently flawed. It is hard to believe Nicolas Anelka joined from Bolton simply to mark Alan Hutton, the Spurs right-back. Anelka is an exceptional attacking talent, capable of destroying opposing defences when unleashed through the middle but he was allowed to support Drogba properly only after Spurs made it 2-1. Juande Ramos promptly introduced another defensive sentry in Younes Kaboul to help weather the long-ball storm.
With the quality of personnel at his disposal, Grant should be reaching finals. So he has failed his first big test. He was also asked by Roman Abramovich to make Chelsea more entertaining but there is a joylessness about Grant's teams, a machine-like quality that will never endear Chelsea to neutrals or purists.
Unlike Spurs. Yesterday was a fabulous day for football, one that those onlookers whose pulses are quickened by vibrant attacking should mark in their diaries and celebrate every year. Spurs, the team with the more constructive intentions, went home rewarded with the ultimate in footballing 'bling', winners' medals dangling around their necks. The players who finished with champagne poured over their sweat-stained features were entertainers like Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. Good. Here was football in keeping with the Tottenham tradition, that Bill Nicholson would have approved of, that Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Danny Blanchflower, would recognise. Until the final passage of play, when even the back-tracking Berbatov proved you can be famous defensively for 15 minutes, Spurs brimmed with attacking desire.
Even Ramos' defenders exuded adventure at times. Hutton looked to give Spurs some much-needed width. Ledley King, comfortably the man of the match for a series of immaculate interceptions, also stepped into midfield. Woodgate scored. Pascal Chimbonda clipped the bar with an early header.
Enterprise ruled. Anchorman Didier Zokora also moved to an upbeat tempo, although the club should write into his contract that he must lay the ball off the moment he crosses halfway. Some of Zokora's shooting was a danger to traffic on the North Circular. Yet his willingness to race between boxes encapsulated the reality that Spurs wanted victory more. So did the tears cascading down Keane's face. The chants emanating from the Spurs faithful were almost visceral in their intensity. One club, one hunger. Spurs craved this chance to escape the shadows of Arsenal and Chelsea lengthening across the London skyline.
The reasons to be cheerful here contained additional verses. Sharing the silverware around is healthy for football. For those who admire Paul Robinson as a person and as a keeper, who respect the professional way he has focused on rebuilding his career after setbacks for club and country, the sight of him making some fine saves was uplifting.
But when Chelsea took the lead seven minutes from half-time, exploiting Robinson's solitary mistake, romantics and Spurs lovers feared the worst. As cleverly as Drogba disguised his intentions, as swiftly as he placed the ball around the wall, the goal could have been prevented. Keane leapt across, unintentionally freeing up some space for the ball to carry through. Robinson also went to his right, and was caught flat-footed as Drogba's strike curled into the other corner: 1-0.
Spurs players, thrillingly, were certainly prepared to stand up and be counted. Tom Huddlestone arrived to bring better distribution into midfield. Chimbonda, shamefully, walked slowly off and disappeared straight down the tunnel. When Chimbonda learned the English language, he must have missed the lesson teaching words like loyalty, team-work and grace.
With Malbanque now left-back, Ramos' change worked. Lennon sprang to life, running at Chelsea's defence far more potently. Cutting in from the left after 70 minutes, Lennon lifted the ball across to Huddlestone. In a whirl of limbs, Wayne Bridge handled, his offence spotted by the alert linesman, Martin Yerby. Terry ranted away but Halsey was not for turning. And Berbatov was not for failing. The Bulgarian seems to play the game at his own speed, and this penalty was no exception. Berbatov moved in slowly, waiting for Cech to commit himself, and then sweeping the dead-ball the other side: 1-1.
Zokora should really have settled the final during normal time, but never exuded confidence when released through by Keane, allowing Cech to save superbly. Zokora, following up waywardly, accidentally caught the keeper, who required smelling salts.
Whether Cech was still groggy four minutes into the additional period remains a matter of conjecture. What is certain is that one of the world's most respected keepers was strangely uncertain as Jenas' free-kick swerved across. Cech was beaten by Woodgate, whose eventual house-warming promises to be some party.
Man of the match
Jonatahan Woodgate (Tottenham)
• 3 shots, one winning goal
• 89 per cent pass accuracy
posted by dgarden at 9:20 am
0 comments
Woodgate caps brilliant Spurs fightback in Carling Cup Final
If Jonathan Woodgate moaned about the cost of houses in the south last week, he is unlikely to have too many complaints about London's most expensive property. Woodgate made Wembley his home yesterday, scoring the goal that not only secured a much deserved victory for Tottenham but proved there is method in the apparent madness of Juande Ramos.
It pays not to eat ketchup and mayonnaise, Tottenham's players must now appreciate, and not just in the pounds they shed but in the currency of trophies.
Thanks to Ramos and the strict diet he has imposed on his squad, those who have lost weight made Chelsea look like lightweights in this final. They out-thought, out-fought and out-ran their much-fancied opponents, restricting them to so few chances that it was only in extra-time that they forced Paul Robinson to make a save from open play.
How much did they say Roman Abramovich had spent on Chelsea? Perhaps it was not the best week to be revealing such figures.
Their performance yesterday would suggest you do not get much for £578million these days (don't tell Woodgate but that is £200m less than the cost of the stadium he now adores), just as it demonstrated that it is better to spend £5m a year on a Jose Mourinho than the £3m salary they now pay Avram Grant.
If Grant deserves credit for the way he stabilised Chelsea in the wake of Mourinho's sudden departure in September, his deficiencies were horribly exposed on this occasion.
His team selection revealed a degree of weakness, his substitutions betrayed an alarming lack of tactical nous and his failure even to engage with his players during the brief interval between normal and extra-time was just embarrassing. It was Steve Clarke who delivered the rousing team talk. Not 'the manager'.
It was coach Henk Ten Cate who sprinted on to the pitch the moment this encounter ended and positioned himself between referee Martin Halsey and an incensed Didier Drogba.
The Chelsea striker was less than impressed with the official's decision to blow the final whistle when his team were on the offensive, having failed to realise that it was only because Tottenham's defenders were starting to celebrate that Salomon Kalou suddenly found himself with only Robinson to beat. As Halsey, and indeed Ten Cate, no doubt pointed out, Kalou missed anyway, driving his shot against the post.
Drogba would have been better off channelling his aggression in the direction of Grant. He, after all, is the player who has objected most to the departure of Mourinho and here was all the ammunition he needed.
Was Grant simply afraid to leave out John Terry and Frank Lampard when the latter, quite clearly, was not fit enough to make the runs that have long been his trademark? Did he not realise that the deployment of Nicolas Anelka to the left of Drogba, with Shaun Wright-Phillips to the right, just was not working?
Joe Cole should have been in this side and the fact that he had to wait until the 99th minute before he was allowed to leave the bench is one of the many charges that will be levelled against Grant. Mourinho, who won all three of the domestic finals he contested as Chelsea manager, would have made such a change after 30 minutes. Not midway through the first half of extra-time.
It was not the way to beat Ramos when five trophies in two years at Sevilla suggested he is something of a master when it comes to cup competitions. When he has instilled so much belief in these players, inspiring them to follow that 5-1 demolition of Arsenal in the semifinal with a victory that meant so much to players like Ledley King and Robbie Keane — not to mention supporters so often left disillusioned by a club who flirt with success but too often fall short.
From the very start yesterday, Tottenham possessed the ambition Chelsea so obviously lacked. They passed with more fluency, attacked with more urgency and dominated possession. In a first half that ended with a 1-0 advantage for Chelsea, Spurs enjoyed 60 per cent of the ball.
Tottenham had the chances that Chelsea simply could not create, but when the otherwise excellent Didier Zokora needlessly chopped down Drogba in the 39th minute, the Ivory Coast striker made him pay. It was a sweetly struck freekick, even if Robinson did make himself look a little foolish by moving the wrong way.
Ramos did not rush into making a response, eventually sending on Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Pascal Chimbonda, who not only chose to walk rather than run off the pitch but then disappeared straight down the tunnel. Not for the first time, he has revealed himself to be as self-indulgent as he is petulant. Not someone, presumably, Ramos will tolerate for too long.
In his absence, Tottenham continued to battle and eventually earned the breakthrough their industry deserved when Aaron Lennon made a darting run down the left in the 70th minute and crossed a ball that fell to Huddlestone. He was met by Wayne Bridge who, with arms like a Harry Enfield Scouser, contrived to handle the ball not once but twice. Penalty to Tottenham and, thanks to Dimitar Berbatov, game back on.
Their fitness, and indeed their hunger, suggested extra-time would suit Tottenham more than it would Chelsea and so it proved when a tired Drogba failed to track Woodgate as he rose to meet a Jermaine Jenas free-kick.
It was Petr Cech who had to make the challenge, and Cech who punched the ball against Woodgate and then looked on as the ball bounced back behind him and across his line.
That goal's value to Woodgate and his Tottenham team-mates? Priceless.
It pays not to eat ketchup and mayonnaise, Tottenham's players must now appreciate, and not just in the pounds they shed but in the currency of trophies.
Thanks to Ramos and the strict diet he has imposed on his squad, those who have lost weight made Chelsea look like lightweights in this final. They out-thought, out-fought and out-ran their much-fancied opponents, restricting them to so few chances that it was only in extra-time that they forced Paul Robinson to make a save from open play.
How much did they say Roman Abramovich had spent on Chelsea? Perhaps it was not the best week to be revealing such figures.
Their performance yesterday would suggest you do not get much for £578million these days (don't tell Woodgate but that is £200m less than the cost of the stadium he now adores), just as it demonstrated that it is better to spend £5m a year on a Jose Mourinho than the £3m salary they now pay Avram Grant.
If Grant deserves credit for the way he stabilised Chelsea in the wake of Mourinho's sudden departure in September, his deficiencies were horribly exposed on this occasion.
His team selection revealed a degree of weakness, his substitutions betrayed an alarming lack of tactical nous and his failure even to engage with his players during the brief interval between normal and extra-time was just embarrassing. It was Steve Clarke who delivered the rousing team talk. Not 'the manager'.
It was coach Henk Ten Cate who sprinted on to the pitch the moment this encounter ended and positioned himself between referee Martin Halsey and an incensed Didier Drogba.
The Chelsea striker was less than impressed with the official's decision to blow the final whistle when his team were on the offensive, having failed to realise that it was only because Tottenham's defenders were starting to celebrate that Salomon Kalou suddenly found himself with only Robinson to beat. As Halsey, and indeed Ten Cate, no doubt pointed out, Kalou missed anyway, driving his shot against the post.
Drogba would have been better off channelling his aggression in the direction of Grant. He, after all, is the player who has objected most to the departure of Mourinho and here was all the ammunition he needed.
Was Grant simply afraid to leave out John Terry and Frank Lampard when the latter, quite clearly, was not fit enough to make the runs that have long been his trademark? Did he not realise that the deployment of Nicolas Anelka to the left of Drogba, with Shaun Wright-Phillips to the right, just was not working?
Joe Cole should have been in this side and the fact that he had to wait until the 99th minute before he was allowed to leave the bench is one of the many charges that will be levelled against Grant. Mourinho, who won all three of the domestic finals he contested as Chelsea manager, would have made such a change after 30 minutes. Not midway through the first half of extra-time.
It was not the way to beat Ramos when five trophies in two years at Sevilla suggested he is something of a master when it comes to cup competitions. When he has instilled so much belief in these players, inspiring them to follow that 5-1 demolition of Arsenal in the semifinal with a victory that meant so much to players like Ledley King and Robbie Keane — not to mention supporters so often left disillusioned by a club who flirt with success but too often fall short.
From the very start yesterday, Tottenham possessed the ambition Chelsea so obviously lacked. They passed with more fluency, attacked with more urgency and dominated possession. In a first half that ended with a 1-0 advantage for Chelsea, Spurs enjoyed 60 per cent of the ball.
Tottenham had the chances that Chelsea simply could not create, but when the otherwise excellent Didier Zokora needlessly chopped down Drogba in the 39th minute, the Ivory Coast striker made him pay. It was a sweetly struck freekick, even if Robinson did make himself look a little foolish by moving the wrong way.
Ramos did not rush into making a response, eventually sending on Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Pascal Chimbonda, who not only chose to walk rather than run off the pitch but then disappeared straight down the tunnel. Not for the first time, he has revealed himself to be as self-indulgent as he is petulant. Not someone, presumably, Ramos will tolerate for too long.
In his absence, Tottenham continued to battle and eventually earned the breakthrough their industry deserved when Aaron Lennon made a darting run down the left in the 70th minute and crossed a ball that fell to Huddlestone. He was met by Wayne Bridge who, with arms like a Harry Enfield Scouser, contrived to handle the ball not once but twice. Penalty to Tottenham and, thanks to Dimitar Berbatov, game back on.
Their fitness, and indeed their hunger, suggested extra-time would suit Tottenham more than it would Chelsea and so it proved when a tired Drogba failed to track Woodgate as he rose to meet a Jermaine Jenas free-kick.
It was Petr Cech who had to make the challenge, and Cech who punched the ball against Woodgate and then looked on as the ball bounced back behind him and across his line.
That goal's value to Woodgate and his Tottenham team-mates? Priceless.
posted by dgarden at 9:01 am
0 comments
It's all white now - Woodgate ends Spurs' 9-year trophy drought
Jonathan Woodgate headed the extra-time winner that earned Tottenham the Carling Cup, then insisted it would be the first of many trophies. Spurs' 2-1 victory over holders Chelsea continued a phenomenal run in knockout competitions for manager Juande Ramos and ended the club's nine-year wait for silverware since they last lifted the League Cup in 1999.
Woodgate said after netting his first goal for more than two years: "It is not often you get to score the winner in a cup final and it's a great feeling. We have won the trophy and hopefully we will win many more. We have the calibre of players to go on and win things. We showed that all game.
Woodgate caps brilliant Spurs fightback in Carling Cup Final
GALLERY: How Spurs won the Carling Cup
The first date with destiny for Hutton, a Spurs legend in the making Jose would not have blown it
"It's my first goal since Real Madrid. To be honest, I wasn't planning on going up. It was either me or Ledley King. JJ (Jenas) put a great ball in and I just took a chance."
Didier Drogba's free-kick had given Chelsea a first-half lead before Dimitar Berbatov equalised from the penalty spot after Wayne Bridge handled. The win came four months into Ramos's reign and took his cup successes to six in three seasons.
The Spurs manager said: "It's tremendously satisfying to get the title and the trophy. It has been a long time since we've achieved success like this and, for a club as big as Tottenham, such a period without a trophy seems longer. This one perhaps has a special flavour because it was against a side who were supposedly superior to us, so it's similar to Sevilla playing against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and beating them."
The Spaniard allowed his players to stray from their diet as the celebrations continued last night, saying: "It's not a particularly strict diet. Sometimes it allows them to eat and drink totally out of control — and, yes, that includes champagne."
Chelsea boss Avram Grant was left complaining about the penalty which gave Spurs a route back. He said: "We hadn't started the game well. We got better, scored a goal, then the second half, until we conceded, we were dominant, and the penalty gave Tottenham a way back. Very disappointing. It was a rash decision."
The Israeli defended his decision to start with Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, even though the France striker struggled on the left of an attacking trio.
"That was the first time they've played together and I think it will be a good combination,' Grant said. 'It wasn't an easy game for them. We wanted to play Anelka on the side because he's a creative player and quick."
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "We've had lots of good moments at Tottenham but it's a wonderful feeling to lift the cup and I'm very proud of the team and all the coaches.
"There was no pressure on Ramos and clearly it's a wonderful achievement for him but, really, the players deserve a lot of credit. 'We hope we've got a very good manager and I think he's proved that today."
Woodgate said after netting his first goal for more than two years: "It is not often you get to score the winner in a cup final and it's a great feeling. We have won the trophy and hopefully we will win many more. We have the calibre of players to go on and win things. We showed that all game.
Woodgate caps brilliant Spurs fightback in Carling Cup Final
GALLERY: How Spurs won the Carling Cup
The first date with destiny for Hutton, a Spurs legend in the making Jose would not have blown it
"It's my first goal since Real Madrid. To be honest, I wasn't planning on going up. It was either me or Ledley King. JJ (Jenas) put a great ball in and I just took a chance."
Didier Drogba's free-kick had given Chelsea a first-half lead before Dimitar Berbatov equalised from the penalty spot after Wayne Bridge handled. The win came four months into Ramos's reign and took his cup successes to six in three seasons.
The Spurs manager said: "It's tremendously satisfying to get the title and the trophy. It has been a long time since we've achieved success like this and, for a club as big as Tottenham, such a period without a trophy seems longer. This one perhaps has a special flavour because it was against a side who were supposedly superior to us, so it's similar to Sevilla playing against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and beating them."
The Spaniard allowed his players to stray from their diet as the celebrations continued last night, saying: "It's not a particularly strict diet. Sometimes it allows them to eat and drink totally out of control — and, yes, that includes champagne."
Chelsea boss Avram Grant was left complaining about the penalty which gave Spurs a route back. He said: "We hadn't started the game well. We got better, scored a goal, then the second half, until we conceded, we were dominant, and the penalty gave Tottenham a way back. Very disappointing. It was a rash decision."
The Israeli defended his decision to start with Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, even though the France striker struggled on the left of an attacking trio.
"That was the first time they've played together and I think it will be a good combination,' Grant said. 'It wasn't an easy game for them. We wanted to play Anelka on the side because he's a creative player and quick."
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "We've had lots of good moments at Tottenham but it's a wonderful feeling to lift the cup and I'm very proud of the team and all the coaches.
"There was no pressure on Ramos and clearly it's a wonderful achievement for him but, really, the players deserve a lot of credit. 'We hope we've got a very good manager and I think he's proved that today."
posted by dgarden at 8:56 am
0 comments
This victory is just the start, says Ramos
Spurs manager savours 'beautiful' Carling Cup win
Chelsea rage at referee after Woodgate's winner
David Hytner at Wembley
Monday February 25, 2008
The Guardian
Juande Ramos savoured a "beautiful" victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley yesterday, which arrived courtesy of Jonathan Woodgate's extra-time winner, and said it represented a psychological breakthrough for his club.
The Spaniard, who took over the managerial reins from Martin Jol at the end of October, believes the team have shown themselves capable of competing with the leading lights of the English game and is determined to use Tottenham's first silverware since 1999 as the springboard to better things.
"The team has been improving little by little in the terms of the security and confidence that they feel," said Ramos, whose men beat Arsenal in the semi-final in January. "This final reaffirmed that. They have improved their general demeanour, like in the [recent] games against Arsenal and Manchester United, and Chelsea are another one of those teams, they are on the same level.
"They have shown they are able to concentrate, to fight with the best of them. The key was not making mistakes. They managed that.
"It's always a tremendous satisfaction to win a trophy, especially for the club itself. This one perhaps has a special flavour to it because it was against a team that was supposedly superior to us. It's similar to [his former club] Sevilla playing against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and beating them.
"The truth is that this was a beautiful experience. The format is very different to the finals that I've been involved in in Spain before, having the red carpet and so on. We've enjoyed very much this victory with our fans in the stadium, it's been a unique experience and one I hope to repeat in the future."
Tottenham trailed to Didier Drogba's first-half free-kick but equalised through a Dimitar Berbatov penalty, after Wayne Bridge had handled. Woodgate headed the winner with the aid of a ricochet off Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper. The defender, an £8m January signing from Middlesbrough, was an accidental hero, having not intended to go forward for Jermaine Jenas's 94th-minute free-kick. He was among a host of Tottenham players to marvel at what was a victory against the odds and the culmination of personal journeys. Weeks ago glamorous ties were distinctly lacking for him at Middlesbrough.
"It was my first goal since Real Madrid," he said. "I wasn't planning on going up. I just took a chance. Everyone dreams of scoring the winning goal in a cup final and I'm delighted. Hopefully this isn't going to be the last trophy. We're still in the Uefa Cup and that is definitely a possibility."
Woodgate took the man-of-the-match award, edging out his central defensive partner Ledley King, the captain, who returned from his knee injury to last the 120 minutes with some distinction.
"This was the sort of game that it was very important that Ledley played in," said Ramos. "He made a tremendous effort to be able to play. Having lost the last time he played in a final [the 2002 League Cup against Blackburn], this was a new experience for him and one which he deserved.
"He and Woodgate had magnificent games but that was the case with the team as a whole. We were playing against a team of great players like Drogba so they had to concentrate to the maximum possible. We managed and in the end, we deserved to win this title."
Ramos joked that he would relax his strict rules on diet to allow his players to celebrate but thoughts had already begun to turn to the future. "Hopefully this can be the start of something special, hopefully we can kick on now," said Robbie Keane, the striker. "This was a massive test for us and it's unbelievable and a dream come true to come out as winners. I dreamt of this moment as a kid, I'm speechless."
The Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, criticised the penalty decision, while he was upset that the full-time whistle sounded as Salomon Kalou, the substitute, bore down on the Tottenham goal.
"It was a rash decision, it touched the hand of Bridge but it was a rash decision, like the one in the last minute when Kalou was through," said Grant. "Every time the ball touches a player's hand, it's not a penalty. If it's deliberate, yes ... if not, no."
Chelsea rage at referee after Woodgate's winner
David Hytner at Wembley
Monday February 25, 2008
The Guardian
Juande Ramos savoured a "beautiful" victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley yesterday, which arrived courtesy of Jonathan Woodgate's extra-time winner, and said it represented a psychological breakthrough for his club.
The Spaniard, who took over the managerial reins from Martin Jol at the end of October, believes the team have shown themselves capable of competing with the leading lights of the English game and is determined to use Tottenham's first silverware since 1999 as the springboard to better things.
"The team has been improving little by little in the terms of the security and confidence that they feel," said Ramos, whose men beat Arsenal in the semi-final in January. "This final reaffirmed that. They have improved their general demeanour, like in the [recent] games against Arsenal and Manchester United, and Chelsea are another one of those teams, they are on the same level.
"They have shown they are able to concentrate, to fight with the best of them. The key was not making mistakes. They managed that.
"It's always a tremendous satisfaction to win a trophy, especially for the club itself. This one perhaps has a special flavour to it because it was against a team that was supposedly superior to us. It's similar to [his former club] Sevilla playing against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and beating them.
"The truth is that this was a beautiful experience. The format is very different to the finals that I've been involved in in Spain before, having the red carpet and so on. We've enjoyed very much this victory with our fans in the stadium, it's been a unique experience and one I hope to repeat in the future."
Tottenham trailed to Didier Drogba's first-half free-kick but equalised through a Dimitar Berbatov penalty, after Wayne Bridge had handled. Woodgate headed the winner with the aid of a ricochet off Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper. The defender, an £8m January signing from Middlesbrough, was an accidental hero, having not intended to go forward for Jermaine Jenas's 94th-minute free-kick. He was among a host of Tottenham players to marvel at what was a victory against the odds and the culmination of personal journeys. Weeks ago glamorous ties were distinctly lacking for him at Middlesbrough.
"It was my first goal since Real Madrid," he said. "I wasn't planning on going up. I just took a chance. Everyone dreams of scoring the winning goal in a cup final and I'm delighted. Hopefully this isn't going to be the last trophy. We're still in the Uefa Cup and that is definitely a possibility."
Woodgate took the man-of-the-match award, edging out his central defensive partner Ledley King, the captain, who returned from his knee injury to last the 120 minutes with some distinction.
"This was the sort of game that it was very important that Ledley played in," said Ramos. "He made a tremendous effort to be able to play. Having lost the last time he played in a final [the 2002 League Cup against Blackburn], this was a new experience for him and one which he deserved.
"He and Woodgate had magnificent games but that was the case with the team as a whole. We were playing against a team of great players like Drogba so they had to concentrate to the maximum possible. We managed and in the end, we deserved to win this title."
Ramos joked that he would relax his strict rules on diet to allow his players to celebrate but thoughts had already begun to turn to the future. "Hopefully this can be the start of something special, hopefully we can kick on now," said Robbie Keane, the striker. "This was a massive test for us and it's unbelievable and a dream come true to come out as winners. I dreamt of this moment as a kid, I'm speechless."
The Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, criticised the penalty decision, while he was upset that the full-time whistle sounded as Salomon Kalou, the substitute, bore down on the Tottenham goal.
"It was a rash decision, it touched the hand of Bridge but it was a rash decision, like the one in the last minute when Kalou was through," said Grant. "Every time the ball touches a player's hand, it's not a penalty. If it's deliberate, yes ... if not, no."
posted by dgarden at 8:54 am
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Match Report from Official Homepage
Jonathan Woodgate's header in extra time deservedly clinched the Carling Cup at Wembley and secured a place in Europe for next season.
'Woody' threw himself at Jermaine Jenas' free-kick with 93 minutes and 25 seconds on the clock, got his head in front of Petr Cech and gleefully ran off in celebration as it nestled into the corner.
It was no less than we deserved after dominating chances created at Wembley. Quite how Chelsea went in 1-0 up at half-time was mystery with a chance count of eight-two in our favour but once Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, the tide turned in our favour.
More chances came and went - Cech saved brilliantly again - but once Woodgate's header landed it was a case of seeing the game out and we did it in superb style, Ledley King and man of the match Woodgate absolutely magnifent.
Robbie Keane set about making his mark on the final in the first minute when a Juliano Belletti pass went astray and the striker fizzed in a shot that only diverted wide via the inside of John Terry's leg. Ledley King, in the side to the biggest cheer of the pre-match build-up, then nearly latched onto a Dimitar Berbatov header from the resulting corner.
The atmosphere from the Spurs end of this gigantic arena was spine-tingling and the boys looked intent on feeding off the support with a purposeful beginning that plonked Chelsea right on the back foot.
The flags placed on every seat on Saturday provided a scenic and colourful backdrop to the occasion. There would have been an explosion of colour at our end had a Pascal Chimbonda header bounced under rather than on top of the bar from a deep Steed Malbranque corner then seconds later Berbatov's heading direction was lacking a little when he nodded wide with a free header from a Keane cross.
Chelsea edged into the contest and Jonathan Woodgate had to be sharp in front of goal to block a Shaun Wright-Phillips cross being met by a boot wrapped around a blue sock. A flying header from Woodgate at the other end was too far off making capital from an expertly flighted free-kick from Jermaine Jenas.
Petr Cech later showed sharp reactions down to his right to foil a Malbranque shy on goal which was swiftly followed by Frank Lampard trying his luck at the other end - Chelsea's first shot just before the half hour mark. Quite a telling stat that went a long way towards explaining the story of the first third.
Two free-kicks in quick succession from 20-odd yards out taken by Lampard and Didier Drogba - neither troubling Paul Robinson - topped up Chelsea's shot count.
Another free-kick - given for a Didier Zokora chop on Drogba with 38 minutes in the clock - did come at a cost. The burly striker from the Ivory Coast recovered to take it himself and, with Chelsea players in our wall, arrowed the ball through the protective layer and into the net.
Berbatov had the chance to level just before the break when Keane slotted him through on goal, but the Bulgarian tangled with Ricardo Calvalho and slipped in the area rather than quickly getting his shot away.
The second half did not get off to an explosive start as Chelsea sought to slow the game down and dull the tempo.
Juande Ramos made his first change just after the hour, introducing Tom Huddlestone for a disconsolate Chimbonda. Malbranque appeared to make the switch to left-back, but it was on the other side that King was at his masterful best in denying Nicolas Anelka a shooting chance.
The twist in the tale came on 68 minutes when Huddlestone attempted to work himself a spot of shooting space and the ball struck the hand of Wayne Bridge. The assistant spotted the offence and referee Mr Halsey eventually gave the penalty.
Berbatov was ridiculously cool in applying his finish from 12 yards.
A chance to double advantage came ten minutes from time when Zokora was sent clean through, his first effort being saved by Cech and his rebound chance flying over the bar.
Extra time seemed almost inevitable after this point and the additional period was duly ushered in without too much further incident.
Less than four minutes in a Jenas free-kick was latched onto by the head of Woodgate, who had made a clever marker-evading dash round the back, and his flick into Cech came back onto him before rolling into the empty net. Woodgate set off on a charge and half of Wembley went very quiet.
Another change was made a few minutes before the end of the first 15 minutes, with Keane making way for Younes Kaboul. With Chelsea likely to go long and fire balls into Drogba and Anelka, a central defensive three was deemed the way to repel the threat.
It worked a treat - although Robinson was forced into key late action to deny Cole from 12 yards and there were the usual scares to overcome.
Ultimately, the right team won on the day - and how great it felt to watch Ledley lift the trophy.
'Woody' threw himself at Jermaine Jenas' free-kick with 93 minutes and 25 seconds on the clock, got his head in front of Petr Cech and gleefully ran off in celebration as it nestled into the corner.
It was no less than we deserved after dominating chances created at Wembley. Quite how Chelsea went in 1-0 up at half-time was mystery with a chance count of eight-two in our favour but once Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, the tide turned in our favour.
More chances came and went - Cech saved brilliantly again - but once Woodgate's header landed it was a case of seeing the game out and we did it in superb style, Ledley King and man of the match Woodgate absolutely magnifent.
Robbie Keane set about making his mark on the final in the first minute when a Juliano Belletti pass went astray and the striker fizzed in a shot that only diverted wide via the inside of John Terry's leg. Ledley King, in the side to the biggest cheer of the pre-match build-up, then nearly latched onto a Dimitar Berbatov header from the resulting corner.
The atmosphere from the Spurs end of this gigantic arena was spine-tingling and the boys looked intent on feeding off the support with a purposeful beginning that plonked Chelsea right on the back foot.
The flags placed on every seat on Saturday provided a scenic and colourful backdrop to the occasion. There would have been an explosion of colour at our end had a Pascal Chimbonda header bounced under rather than on top of the bar from a deep Steed Malbranque corner then seconds later Berbatov's heading direction was lacking a little when he nodded wide with a free header from a Keane cross.
Chelsea edged into the contest and Jonathan Woodgate had to be sharp in front of goal to block a Shaun Wright-Phillips cross being met by a boot wrapped around a blue sock. A flying header from Woodgate at the other end was too far off making capital from an expertly flighted free-kick from Jermaine Jenas.
Petr Cech later showed sharp reactions down to his right to foil a Malbranque shy on goal which was swiftly followed by Frank Lampard trying his luck at the other end - Chelsea's first shot just before the half hour mark. Quite a telling stat that went a long way towards explaining the story of the first third.
Two free-kicks in quick succession from 20-odd yards out taken by Lampard and Didier Drogba - neither troubling Paul Robinson - topped up Chelsea's shot count.
Another free-kick - given for a Didier Zokora chop on Drogba with 38 minutes in the clock - did come at a cost. The burly striker from the Ivory Coast recovered to take it himself and, with Chelsea players in our wall, arrowed the ball through the protective layer and into the net.
Berbatov had the chance to level just before the break when Keane slotted him through on goal, but the Bulgarian tangled with Ricardo Calvalho and slipped in the area rather than quickly getting his shot away.
The second half did not get off to an explosive start as Chelsea sought to slow the game down and dull the tempo.
Juande Ramos made his first change just after the hour, introducing Tom Huddlestone for a disconsolate Chimbonda. Malbranque appeared to make the switch to left-back, but it was on the other side that King was at his masterful best in denying Nicolas Anelka a shooting chance.
The twist in the tale came on 68 minutes when Huddlestone attempted to work himself a spot of shooting space and the ball struck the hand of Wayne Bridge. The assistant spotted the offence and referee Mr Halsey eventually gave the penalty.
Berbatov was ridiculously cool in applying his finish from 12 yards.
A chance to double advantage came ten minutes from time when Zokora was sent clean through, his first effort being saved by Cech and his rebound chance flying over the bar.
Extra time seemed almost inevitable after this point and the additional period was duly ushered in without too much further incident.
Less than four minutes in a Jenas free-kick was latched onto by the head of Woodgate, who had made a clever marker-evading dash round the back, and his flick into Cech came back onto him before rolling into the empty net. Woodgate set off on a charge and half of Wembley went very quiet.
Another change was made a few minutes before the end of the first 15 minutes, with Keane making way for Younes Kaboul. With Chelsea likely to go long and fire balls into Drogba and Anelka, a central defensive three was deemed the way to repel the threat.
It worked a treat - although Robinson was forced into key late action to deny Cole from 12 yards and there were the usual scares to overcome.
Ultimately, the right team won on the day - and how great it felt to watch Ledley lift the trophy.
posted by dgarden at 8:53 am
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - CARLING CUP CHAMPION!!!!
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Chelsea 1
England defender Jonathan Woodgate capped a remarkable Tottenham fightback with an extra-time winner over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.
A first-half goal from Didier Drogba, his 10th of the season, put Chelsea on the brink of a second successive Carling Cup triumph but a second-half penalty from Dimitar Berbatov sent the game into extra-time.
Then just four minutes into the extended period, a somewhat fortunate header from Woodgate earned Spurs their first trophy since they claimed the Worthington Cup in 1999.
The pre-match focus had revolved around Chelsea coach Avram Grant's team selection with Frank Lampard and captain John Terry, omitted from the Champions League side against Olympiacos the previous Tuesday, unsure of their places.
But the 52-year-old Israeli, who replaced Jose Mourinho as manager last September, cleverly avoided more controversy by selecting them both in his final line-up.
Instead, it was troubled England left-back Ashley Cole, France veteran Claude Makelele, Germany captain Michael Ballack and England midfielder Joe Cole who found themselves out of luck.
Grant also paired new £15 million signing Nicolas Anelka and Drogba together for the first time in attack but the former was largely anonymous throughout.
The opening half was dominated by Spurs even though they found themselves behind at the interval.
Tottenham's supremacy began from the kick-off when Chelsea full-back Juliano Belletti gave the ball straight to Robbie Keane.
The Irishman couldn't believe his luck but his shot was deflected to safety by Terry - an instant repayment of Grant's faith. In the ninth minute Spurs hit the crossbar when Aaron Lennon's corner was met by the head of Pascal Chimbonda at the far post. Fortunately for Chelsea, the ball dropped onto the top of the bar and out to safety.
Seconds later it was the turn of Berbatov to squander a gilt-edged opportunity when he headed Keane's cross wide of the target from six yards.
Tottenham continued to remain in the ascendancy and in the 27th minute Steed Malbranque brought a fine diving save from Petr Cech when he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area.
Chelsea, in contrast, had failed to find their normal free-flowing football but Tottenham's inability to find some reward for their control eventually let Grant's side seize back the initiative.
The warning signs were there for Spurs when Didier Zokora brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips on the edge of the penalty area in the 33rd minute.
Drogba's free-kick was a foot wide of the target but when Zokora fouled his Ivory Coast team-mate four minutes later, the misdemeanour had major implications for Juande Ramos' side.
Firstly, Zokora was booked by referee Mark Halsey but the more lethal punishment was to follow.
It arrived a minute later when Drogba's free-kick found the back of the net with the Spurs wall and, more importantly, goalkeeper Paul Robinson completely flat-footed.
Robinson was playing only his second game since being recalled by Ramos following a long spell as number two to Radek Cerny.
Robinson's season has been littered with mistakes and poor judgement both at domestic and international level and his positional questioning was at fault again as Drogba curled his effort into the Spurs net with ease.
Tottenham's response was immediate when Berbatov flicked the ball on to Keane to shoot straight at Cech.
Chelsea continued to look comfortable after the re-start and although Tottenham raised their game it took a fine stop from captain Ledley King to prevent Anelka from increasing their lead in the 65th minute.
But Tottenham found a way back into the game in controversial circumstances in the 69th minute.
Wayne Bridge was adjudged to have handled the ball under pressure from Spurs substitute Tom Huddlestone and the referee's assistant immediately signalled a penalty.
Bulgarian striker Berbatov stepped up to send Cech the wrong way and keep Tottenham's dreams alive.
Spurs were now inspired and they should have gone in front in the 80th minute when Keane sent Zokora clean through with just Cech to beat.
The Chelsea 'keeper saved Zokora's first effort with his face and the Ivory Coast midfielder then blasted the follow-up over the bar.
Grant was clearly concerned by Tottenham's resurgence and he had every right to be especially when Berbatov brought another stunning save from Cech in the 84th minute.
Chelsea were now hanging on like a punch-drunk boxer in the final rounds but Spurs could not find the knockout salvo.
Keane then wasted a chance to win it at the death when a long through ball from Huddlestone was flicked on by Woodgate for the Irishman to hook his shot over the bar.
But Ramos clinched his first trophy as Spurs manager when Anelka fouled Lennon midway in the Chelsea half just four minutes into extra-time.
Woodgate, signed from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window for £8 million, glanced the free-kick from Jermaine Jenas onto Cech's gloves and the ball then rebounded off the Spurs defender's face and into the net.
Robinson justified his selection with seven minutes remaining when he saved superbly to deny Chelsea substitute Salomon Kalou.
Spurs had to withstand some more anxious moments as Chelsea threw everyone forward in an attempt to equalise but the final whistle signalled a fabulous triumph for Ramos who had won his first silverware just four months after taking over from Martin Jol.
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane admitted it was a 'dream come true' after his side's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.
Keane said: 'Hopefully this is start of something special, hopefully we can kick on now. It's special for the fans,' he told Sky Sports 1.
'This was a massive test for us and it's unbelievable and a dream come true to come out as winners. I dreamt of this moment as kid and I'm speechless.'
Woodgate said: 'I don't really go up for corners but I took a chance and was able to get my head on it and luckily it went it.
'I think we were the best team and hopefully we can push on from this next year. Chelsea are a top side and they showed that today but we did it.'
Spurs manager Juande Ramos added: 'I am happy because the people (fans) are very happy.'
Spurs defender Ledley King hailed the 'spirit' of his side after they battled back from a goal down to claim the trophy.
'Its amazing. It's been a long time to get here - too long. The only other time we got to a final we lost and we didn't want that to happen today,' King told Sky Sports 1.
'You saw the commitment levels from the players today and we showed we're a good team when we got going today.
'It is tough being 1-0 down. Their goal came from a free-kick but I thought they didn't really create much more than that.
'The spirit was fantastic and at 1-0 down a lot of teams would have folded but we were fantastic to come back and win.
'We have some good players here and hopefully we can use this win and move forward.'
Jermaine Jenas added: 'This is the biggest moment of my career and we've worked so hard for this moment.
'As soon as we got in the changing rooms at half-time we knew we could get back in the game. Then we got that first goal and didn't look back.'
Chelsea boss Avram Grant felt his side were unlucky to lose the match but called on his players to regain focus for the challenges ahead.
'I think even in the second half Tottenham were not in the game and that we were the better side,' Grant said.
'The penalty put them back in the game and that turned the match. The second goal was from a set piece so we are disappointed.
'I did not think it was a penalty. Wayne Bridge could not keep his hand behind his back when he was challenging for the ball and you saw it was not the referee who gave it but the linesman.
'It was always going to be close because cup finals are like this and it was not a great performance from both teams. We tried to score a goal and keep it tight but we lost.'
Grant also admitted he was baffled by referee Mark Halsey's decision to blow the final whistle as Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou broke clear of the Spurs defence in the dying seconds.
'I have never seen such a thing in my life and I have never before seen the referee finish a match when this situation is happening,' Grant added.
'Also in extra time it was not a proper football match with all the stoppages.
'The players are disappointed because we have come a long way to get to the final and we are proud to get here.
'But we still have the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup so we must now focus on them.'
England defender Jonathan Woodgate capped a remarkable Tottenham fightback with an extra-time winner over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.
A first-half goal from Didier Drogba, his 10th of the season, put Chelsea on the brink of a second successive Carling Cup triumph but a second-half penalty from Dimitar Berbatov sent the game into extra-time.
Then just four minutes into the extended period, a somewhat fortunate header from Woodgate earned Spurs their first trophy since they claimed the Worthington Cup in 1999.
The pre-match focus had revolved around Chelsea coach Avram Grant's team selection with Frank Lampard and captain John Terry, omitted from the Champions League side against Olympiacos the previous Tuesday, unsure of their places.
But the 52-year-old Israeli, who replaced Jose Mourinho as manager last September, cleverly avoided more controversy by selecting them both in his final line-up.
Instead, it was troubled England left-back Ashley Cole, France veteran Claude Makelele, Germany captain Michael Ballack and England midfielder Joe Cole who found themselves out of luck.
Grant also paired new £15 million signing Nicolas Anelka and Drogba together for the first time in attack but the former was largely anonymous throughout.
The opening half was dominated by Spurs even though they found themselves behind at the interval.
Tottenham's supremacy began from the kick-off when Chelsea full-back Juliano Belletti gave the ball straight to Robbie Keane.
The Irishman couldn't believe his luck but his shot was deflected to safety by Terry - an instant repayment of Grant's faith. In the ninth minute Spurs hit the crossbar when Aaron Lennon's corner was met by the head of Pascal Chimbonda at the far post. Fortunately for Chelsea, the ball dropped onto the top of the bar and out to safety.
Seconds later it was the turn of Berbatov to squander a gilt-edged opportunity when he headed Keane's cross wide of the target from six yards.
Tottenham continued to remain in the ascendancy and in the 27th minute Steed Malbranque brought a fine diving save from Petr Cech when he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area.
Chelsea, in contrast, had failed to find their normal free-flowing football but Tottenham's inability to find some reward for their control eventually let Grant's side seize back the initiative.
The warning signs were there for Spurs when Didier Zokora brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips on the edge of the penalty area in the 33rd minute.
Drogba's free-kick was a foot wide of the target but when Zokora fouled his Ivory Coast team-mate four minutes later, the misdemeanour had major implications for Juande Ramos' side.
Firstly, Zokora was booked by referee Mark Halsey but the more lethal punishment was to follow.
It arrived a minute later when Drogba's free-kick found the back of the net with the Spurs wall and, more importantly, goalkeeper Paul Robinson completely flat-footed.
Robinson was playing only his second game since being recalled by Ramos following a long spell as number two to Radek Cerny.
Robinson's season has been littered with mistakes and poor judgement both at domestic and international level and his positional questioning was at fault again as Drogba curled his effort into the Spurs net with ease.
Tottenham's response was immediate when Berbatov flicked the ball on to Keane to shoot straight at Cech.
Chelsea continued to look comfortable after the re-start and although Tottenham raised their game it took a fine stop from captain Ledley King to prevent Anelka from increasing their lead in the 65th minute.
But Tottenham found a way back into the game in controversial circumstances in the 69th minute.
Wayne Bridge was adjudged to have handled the ball under pressure from Spurs substitute Tom Huddlestone and the referee's assistant immediately signalled a penalty.
Bulgarian striker Berbatov stepped up to send Cech the wrong way and keep Tottenham's dreams alive.
Spurs were now inspired and they should have gone in front in the 80th minute when Keane sent Zokora clean through with just Cech to beat.
The Chelsea 'keeper saved Zokora's first effort with his face and the Ivory Coast midfielder then blasted the follow-up over the bar.
Grant was clearly concerned by Tottenham's resurgence and he had every right to be especially when Berbatov brought another stunning save from Cech in the 84th minute.
Chelsea were now hanging on like a punch-drunk boxer in the final rounds but Spurs could not find the knockout salvo.
Keane then wasted a chance to win it at the death when a long through ball from Huddlestone was flicked on by Woodgate for the Irishman to hook his shot over the bar.
But Ramos clinched his first trophy as Spurs manager when Anelka fouled Lennon midway in the Chelsea half just four minutes into extra-time.
Woodgate, signed from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window for £8 million, glanced the free-kick from Jermaine Jenas onto Cech's gloves and the ball then rebounded off the Spurs defender's face and into the net.
Robinson justified his selection with seven minutes remaining when he saved superbly to deny Chelsea substitute Salomon Kalou.
Spurs had to withstand some more anxious moments as Chelsea threw everyone forward in an attempt to equalise but the final whistle signalled a fabulous triumph for Ramos who had won his first silverware just four months after taking over from Martin Jol.
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane admitted it was a 'dream come true' after his side's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.
Keane said: 'Hopefully this is start of something special, hopefully we can kick on now. It's special for the fans,' he told Sky Sports 1.
'This was a massive test for us and it's unbelievable and a dream come true to come out as winners. I dreamt of this moment as kid and I'm speechless.'
Woodgate said: 'I don't really go up for corners but I took a chance and was able to get my head on it and luckily it went it.
'I think we were the best team and hopefully we can push on from this next year. Chelsea are a top side and they showed that today but we did it.'
Spurs manager Juande Ramos added: 'I am happy because the people (fans) are very happy.'
Spurs defender Ledley King hailed the 'spirit' of his side after they battled back from a goal down to claim the trophy.
'Its amazing. It's been a long time to get here - too long. The only other time we got to a final we lost and we didn't want that to happen today,' King told Sky Sports 1.
'You saw the commitment levels from the players today and we showed we're a good team when we got going today.
'It is tough being 1-0 down. Their goal came from a free-kick but I thought they didn't really create much more than that.
'The spirit was fantastic and at 1-0 down a lot of teams would have folded but we were fantastic to come back and win.
'We have some good players here and hopefully we can use this win and move forward.'
Jermaine Jenas added: 'This is the biggest moment of my career and we've worked so hard for this moment.
'As soon as we got in the changing rooms at half-time we knew we could get back in the game. Then we got that first goal and didn't look back.'
Chelsea boss Avram Grant felt his side were unlucky to lose the match but called on his players to regain focus for the challenges ahead.
'I think even in the second half Tottenham were not in the game and that we were the better side,' Grant said.
'The penalty put them back in the game and that turned the match. The second goal was from a set piece so we are disappointed.
'I did not think it was a penalty. Wayne Bridge could not keep his hand behind his back when he was challenging for the ball and you saw it was not the referee who gave it but the linesman.
'It was always going to be close because cup finals are like this and it was not a great performance from both teams. We tried to score a goal and keep it tight but we lost.'
Grant also admitted he was baffled by referee Mark Halsey's decision to blow the final whistle as Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou broke clear of the Spurs defence in the dying seconds.
'I have never seen such a thing in my life and I have never before seen the referee finish a match when this situation is happening,' Grant added.
'Also in extra time it was not a proper football match with all the stoppages.
'The players are disappointed because we have come a long way to get to the final and we are proud to get here.
'But we still have the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup so we must now focus on them.'
posted by dgarden at 8:22 am
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Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
UEFA CUP: Tottenham 1 Slavia Prague 1
Paul Robinson was back in goal as Tottenham reached the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with a 1-1 draw on the night against Slavia Prague - putting himself in the frame for Wembley this weekend.
Robinson was dropped last month and missed 10 games, losing his England place in the process, but was granted a return after Radek Cerny's blunder allowed Slavia Prague back in this tie a week ago.
It meant Robinson and Spurs only had a slender 2-1 lead to protect from Prague.
The north London side extended their advantage when Jamie O'Hara netted early on but Matej Krajcik's goal - which left Robinson with no chance - meant a nervous second half.
Spurs could not conserve energy for the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Chelsea, but at least the likes of Darren Bent were given a chance to impress.
Head coach Juande Ramos confirmed in his programme notes: 'Nobody has secured their position in the side yet and so it is important that every single player puts in a maximum performance to demonstrate they are in the best condition to be considered for future fixtures.'
Robinson impressed too, with a string of saves to keep his side ahead.
Ramos must decide whether to go with Robinson's big-match experience this weekend or leave him out if he feels the goalkeeper has been scarred by a year of inconsistency.
The 28-year-old was even named skipper for the first half before Robbie Keane was introduced. The omens are not necessarily good - Jermain Defoe was given the armband just before he left for Portsmouth recently.
Robinson was a bystander for the opening exchanges, with Spurs extending their aggregate lead in the seventh minute through O'Hara's first goal for the club.
Frantisek Drizdal failed to clear a cross convincingly, allowing Dimitar Berbatov to control on the edge of the area. O'Hara took over and his left-footed drive took a deflection off Martin Latka to wrong-foot Michal Vorel.
Robinson started Spurs' next attack with a long ball to Pascal Chimbonda. The full-back was fouled on the touchline and Vorel was required to push Tom Huddlestone's set-piece to safety.
Vorel also saved well when Huddlestone tried his luck from long distance midway through the half, and Aaron Lennon made a mess of the rebound when he had time to spare.
With Spurs looking for shooting practice ahead of their Wembley final, O'Hara flashed a volley wide when he met Teemu Tainio's hanging cross.
O'Hara was in the thick of the action and set up Bent with a cross just before the half-hour mark - but the striker's effort struck the crossbar after looping over Vorel.
Midfielder O'Hara also went just over with a dipping free-kick, while a foul on him by Krajcik earned a booking.
Robinson was finally called into action 10 minutes before the break and he was down well to parry Jaroslav Cerny's low, swerving shot.
Keane came on at half-time and almost scored with his first touch when he hooked a Lennon cross just wide.
But Slavia got back in the tie in the 50th minute when Krajcik stabbed in at the far post after Daniel Pudil curled a cross beyond the Spurs defence.
Keane had a strike ruled out but it was his team-mates who appeared to be offside.
Chimbonda was replaced by Steed Malbranque on the hour - and worryingly for Spurs headed down the tunnel for treatment.
There were more concerns when Drizdal was given a free header in the next move but his effort went straight at Robinson.
David Strihavka then brought a diving save from Robinson and also struck the post as the visitors sensed panic.
Robinson was needed to push Milan Ivana's free-kick around the post as Spurs held on, before Bent struck the crossbar again for the hosts in the closing stages.
Robbo hopeful for Cup final
Paul Robinson is targeting a place in goal at Wembley after earning a recall for Tottenham UEFA Cup victory over Slavia Prague.
It put him in the frame for the Carling Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.
'I'd like to think so,' he said on ITV4. 'I hope so.'
Robinson saved in the first half from Jaroslav Cerny's swerving shot, then in the second half he was tested by David Strihavka and Milan Ivana as Spurs nervously closed out victory.
'I've just got to answer to myself,' he added. 'I know how I've been playing, or not playing as the case has been.
'I just wanted to get back in the team and back on track.
'I'm delighted to be back in the team, in a team that's playing well.'
Ramos was full of praise for his goalkeeper.
'He did a great job, he did everything he had to do,' said the Spaniard. 'We want him to produce the best performance possible and give the best of himself. He was out for a while but his performance was magnificent.'
The Spurs head coach also could not guarantee a Wembley place for Robinson.
'We have three days to recover,' he added. 'We can have a close look at the line-ups, how they recover. There is a lot of things to consider before deciding on the final team line-up.
'It's important that all the players are fit enough and in the right condition.'
'We were disappointed in the second half. We sat back and should have got two or three - but we are glad to have gone through,' O'Hara said.
Pascal Chimbonda was substituted after picking up what appeared to be a knee injury but he should be fit to face Chelsea.
'It doesn't seem like a particularly serious injury and he should recover in the three days before the final,' Ramos said. 'But the most important time is the first 24 hours and we will check on him and see how he is.'
Slavia boss Karel Jarolim felt conceding an early goal immediately put his side on the back foot.
'We didn't start well. When they took the lead nobody was doubting that they would go through,' Jarolim said. 'After the equaliser we put them under pressure and created promising chances.
'We saw an aggressive, compact team and the only thing that was missing was a goal to send it into extra-time.'
Robinson was dropped last month and missed 10 games, losing his England place in the process, but was granted a return after Radek Cerny's blunder allowed Slavia Prague back in this tie a week ago.
It meant Robinson and Spurs only had a slender 2-1 lead to protect from Prague.
The north London side extended their advantage when Jamie O'Hara netted early on but Matej Krajcik's goal - which left Robinson with no chance - meant a nervous second half.
Spurs could not conserve energy for the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Chelsea, but at least the likes of Darren Bent were given a chance to impress.
Head coach Juande Ramos confirmed in his programme notes: 'Nobody has secured their position in the side yet and so it is important that every single player puts in a maximum performance to demonstrate they are in the best condition to be considered for future fixtures.'
Robinson impressed too, with a string of saves to keep his side ahead.
Ramos must decide whether to go with Robinson's big-match experience this weekend or leave him out if he feels the goalkeeper has been scarred by a year of inconsistency.
The 28-year-old was even named skipper for the first half before Robbie Keane was introduced. The omens are not necessarily good - Jermain Defoe was given the armband just before he left for Portsmouth recently.
Robinson was a bystander for the opening exchanges, with Spurs extending their aggregate lead in the seventh minute through O'Hara's first goal for the club.
Frantisek Drizdal failed to clear a cross convincingly, allowing Dimitar Berbatov to control on the edge of the area. O'Hara took over and his left-footed drive took a deflection off Martin Latka to wrong-foot Michal Vorel.
Robinson started Spurs' next attack with a long ball to Pascal Chimbonda. The full-back was fouled on the touchline and Vorel was required to push Tom Huddlestone's set-piece to safety.
Vorel also saved well when Huddlestone tried his luck from long distance midway through the half, and Aaron Lennon made a mess of the rebound when he had time to spare.
With Spurs looking for shooting practice ahead of their Wembley final, O'Hara flashed a volley wide when he met Teemu Tainio's hanging cross.
O'Hara was in the thick of the action and set up Bent with a cross just before the half-hour mark - but the striker's effort struck the crossbar after looping over Vorel.
Midfielder O'Hara also went just over with a dipping free-kick, while a foul on him by Krajcik earned a booking.
Robinson was finally called into action 10 minutes before the break and he was down well to parry Jaroslav Cerny's low, swerving shot.
Keane came on at half-time and almost scored with his first touch when he hooked a Lennon cross just wide.
But Slavia got back in the tie in the 50th minute when Krajcik stabbed in at the far post after Daniel Pudil curled a cross beyond the Spurs defence.
Keane had a strike ruled out but it was his team-mates who appeared to be offside.
Chimbonda was replaced by Steed Malbranque on the hour - and worryingly for Spurs headed down the tunnel for treatment.
There were more concerns when Drizdal was given a free header in the next move but his effort went straight at Robinson.
David Strihavka then brought a diving save from Robinson and also struck the post as the visitors sensed panic.
Robinson was needed to push Milan Ivana's free-kick around the post as Spurs held on, before Bent struck the crossbar again for the hosts in the closing stages.
Robbo hopeful for Cup final
Paul Robinson is targeting a place in goal at Wembley after earning a recall for Tottenham UEFA Cup victory over Slavia Prague.
It put him in the frame for the Carling Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.
'I'd like to think so,' he said on ITV4. 'I hope so.'
Robinson saved in the first half from Jaroslav Cerny's swerving shot, then in the second half he was tested by David Strihavka and Milan Ivana as Spurs nervously closed out victory.
'I've just got to answer to myself,' he added. 'I know how I've been playing, or not playing as the case has been.
'I just wanted to get back in the team and back on track.
'I'm delighted to be back in the team, in a team that's playing well.'
Ramos was full of praise for his goalkeeper.
'He did a great job, he did everything he had to do,' said the Spaniard. 'We want him to produce the best performance possible and give the best of himself. He was out for a while but his performance was magnificent.'
The Spurs head coach also could not guarantee a Wembley place for Robinson.
'We have three days to recover,' he added. 'We can have a close look at the line-ups, how they recover. There is a lot of things to consider before deciding on the final team line-up.
'It's important that all the players are fit enough and in the right condition.'
'We were disappointed in the second half. We sat back and should have got two or three - but we are glad to have gone through,' O'Hara said.
Pascal Chimbonda was substituted after picking up what appeared to be a knee injury but he should be fit to face Chelsea.
'It doesn't seem like a particularly serious injury and he should recover in the three days before the final,' Ramos said. 'But the most important time is the first 24 hours and we will check on him and see how he is.'
Slavia boss Karel Jarolim felt conceding an early goal immediately put his side on the back foot.
'We didn't start well. When they took the lead nobody was doubting that they would go through,' Jarolim said. 'After the equaliser we put them under pressure and created promising chances.
'We saw an aggressive, compact team and the only thing that was missing was a goal to send it into extra-time.'
posted by dgarden at 10:32 am
0 comments
Thursday, February 14, 2008
UEFA CUP: Slavia Prague 1 Tottenham 2
Tottenham edged towards the last-16 of the UEFA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague but Radek Cerny handed his former club a lifeline with a second-half blunder in the first-leg clash.
Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, who now have 36 goals between them this season, struck in the first half at the Strahov Stadium to provide a cushion for Juande Ramos' side as they prepare for the Carling Cup final.
In sub-zero temperatures in the Czech Republic capital, Spurs were cruising until Cerny dropped the ball under his crossbar and David Strihavka finished.
Spurs will face PSV Eindhoven or Helsingborg if they defend their lead in the second leg of the tie next week, although their eyes may be on Wembley the following Sunday if they are not already.
Ledley King was on the bench in Prague but his knee was not risked in the freezing conditions for fear of missing the showpiece against Chelsea.
Once a lead was established, Spurs did not want to risk adding to their injury list which already has Michael Dawson and Kevin-Prince Boateng on it, both with hamstring complaints.
But for Cerny's error, the plan would have worked perfectly.
If King's role as a substitute reflected Ramos protecting his skipper, Berbatov requiring treatment on his ankle in the first half would have struck fear into the Spaniard. Berbatov was fine to continue, though, after his treatment.
Losing Jermaine Jenas to injury would arguably be just as damaging to Spurs given his recent form that has earned a recall to the England squad.
Jenas set up both first-half goals, the opener coming in the fourth minute after a typical surging run.
He was stopped on the edge of the area but Berbatov pounced on the loose ball and his low volley caught goalkeeper Martin Vaniak poorly positioned. It was the Bulgaria striker's 16th of the season and his third in as many Spurs games.
The Czechs, who are top of their domestic league but have not played for two months due to their winter break, almost replied immediately.
Daniel Pudil and Jaroslav Cerny had efforts on goal but neither tested Spurs stopper Cerny, and the hosts appeared to be rusty without a rhythm of games behind them.
The visitors grabbed their second on the half-hour mark when Keane struck his 20th of the season.
Spurs worked the ball out of defence with Jenas again making the yards. His ball split the Slavia defence and Keane finished calmly past Vaniak, who got his angles wrong.
David Hubacek was cautioned for protesting, then Teemu Tainio joined him in the book for a challenge on Pudil.
Tainio was playing at right-back, with Pascal Chimbonda on the left and Didier Zokora in central defence - meaning three of Spurs' four defenders were playing out of position.
It mattered little at first though as it looked like Spurs would add to the scoring, even if they were not playing at full tilt.
Berbatov forced Vaniak into a double save just before the break when he almost finished off a flowing move with flicks from Keane and Aaron Lennon confusing the hosts.
Tom Huddlestone also forced a full-stretch save from the Slavia goalkeeper, who was atoning for his part in Spurs' goals.
Huddlestone beat Vaniak early in the second period after weaving through the Slavia defence - but his finish smashed off the woodwork.
Slavia defender Mickael Tavares did have a glimpse of goal but headed over when he met a free-kick. Up to that point it was a quiet night for Spurs goalkeeper Cerny, who was given a warm reception by home fans on his return.
Spurs fans also asked him to salute them, normally a request for Paul Robinson, reflecting how he has cemented his place in the team in the last month. But his night changed with 21 minutes remaining when he failed to deal with Hubacek's hanging cross. Strihavka, who challenged him, prodded the ball over the line.
Erich Brabec could have levelled but hit the bar from a corner with five minutes left, with Cerny left stranded.
Ramos defends Cerny
Tottenham head coach Juande Ramos refused to single out Radek Cerny for criticism after the goalkeeper handed his former club a UEFA Cup lifeline.
Spurs were cruising against Slavia Prague and Cerny had little to do at the Strahov Stadium until he dropped David Hubacek's hanging cross with 21 minutes left and David Strihavka prodded in.
It means Spurs have a slender 2-1 advantage to defend next week if they are to make it the last 16 of the competition.
'The mistakes can always happen, that is the world of football,' said Ramos.
'This time it was the turn of Cerny.
'It's quite possible that he seemed really nervous after the goal, more than normal.
'It must be very difficult for him to be at his home ground to play against his former club.'
Robbie Keane, who scored Spurs' second goal, added: 'Things happen. He made a mistake but he's big enough to accept that.'
Spurs could probably have done with wrapping up victory in the Czech Republic capital, given that they have the Carling Cup final three days after the second leg.
'Before the cup final we have the second leg of this tie and all our efforts are now concentrated on this match, and before we finish it we won't be thinking about Wembley,' said Ramos.
'I think we really controlled the play in the first hour but we became quite nervous and could have achieved a better result,' said Ramos.
'We allowed Slavia to react and find a way back and now we have a tough second leg to play.
'The match lasts 90 minutes and we have to take it like that.
'We have to accept it. We could have achieved a better result, a more definite win but we can't change it.'
Keane added on five: 'In the first half we played brilliantly, they didn't get a sniff.
'We came out in the second half and I don't know what happened, we knew they would come out and make it difficult for us. The second half performance was not good enough.
'We've won the game, that's the most important thing. But we wanted to get the job finished.
'There's still a bit left in this game, we'll get them back to White Hart Lane and there's no reason why we can't go through.'
Slavia coach Karel Jarolim felt his side relaxed after falling two goals behind.
'We knew there was nothing to lose,' he said. 'Radek Cerny helped us because he did not catch the ball but it was good from our player.'
Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, who now have 36 goals between them this season, struck in the first half at the Strahov Stadium to provide a cushion for Juande Ramos' side as they prepare for the Carling Cup final.
In sub-zero temperatures in the Czech Republic capital, Spurs were cruising until Cerny dropped the ball under his crossbar and David Strihavka finished.
Spurs will face PSV Eindhoven or Helsingborg if they defend their lead in the second leg of the tie next week, although their eyes may be on Wembley the following Sunday if they are not already.
Ledley King was on the bench in Prague but his knee was not risked in the freezing conditions for fear of missing the showpiece against Chelsea.
Once a lead was established, Spurs did not want to risk adding to their injury list which already has Michael Dawson and Kevin-Prince Boateng on it, both with hamstring complaints.
But for Cerny's error, the plan would have worked perfectly.
If King's role as a substitute reflected Ramos protecting his skipper, Berbatov requiring treatment on his ankle in the first half would have struck fear into the Spaniard. Berbatov was fine to continue, though, after his treatment.
Losing Jermaine Jenas to injury would arguably be just as damaging to Spurs given his recent form that has earned a recall to the England squad.
Jenas set up both first-half goals, the opener coming in the fourth minute after a typical surging run.
He was stopped on the edge of the area but Berbatov pounced on the loose ball and his low volley caught goalkeeper Martin Vaniak poorly positioned. It was the Bulgaria striker's 16th of the season and his third in as many Spurs games.
The Czechs, who are top of their domestic league but have not played for two months due to their winter break, almost replied immediately.
Daniel Pudil and Jaroslav Cerny had efforts on goal but neither tested Spurs stopper Cerny, and the hosts appeared to be rusty without a rhythm of games behind them.
The visitors grabbed their second on the half-hour mark when Keane struck his 20th of the season.
Spurs worked the ball out of defence with Jenas again making the yards. His ball split the Slavia defence and Keane finished calmly past Vaniak, who got his angles wrong.
David Hubacek was cautioned for protesting, then Teemu Tainio joined him in the book for a challenge on Pudil.
Tainio was playing at right-back, with Pascal Chimbonda on the left and Didier Zokora in central defence - meaning three of Spurs' four defenders were playing out of position.
It mattered little at first though as it looked like Spurs would add to the scoring, even if they were not playing at full tilt.
Berbatov forced Vaniak into a double save just before the break when he almost finished off a flowing move with flicks from Keane and Aaron Lennon confusing the hosts.
Tom Huddlestone also forced a full-stretch save from the Slavia goalkeeper, who was atoning for his part in Spurs' goals.
Huddlestone beat Vaniak early in the second period after weaving through the Slavia defence - but his finish smashed off the woodwork.
Slavia defender Mickael Tavares did have a glimpse of goal but headed over when he met a free-kick. Up to that point it was a quiet night for Spurs goalkeeper Cerny, who was given a warm reception by home fans on his return.
Spurs fans also asked him to salute them, normally a request for Paul Robinson, reflecting how he has cemented his place in the team in the last month. But his night changed with 21 minutes remaining when he failed to deal with Hubacek's hanging cross. Strihavka, who challenged him, prodded the ball over the line.
Erich Brabec could have levelled but hit the bar from a corner with five minutes left, with Cerny left stranded.
Ramos defends Cerny
Tottenham head coach Juande Ramos refused to single out Radek Cerny for criticism after the goalkeeper handed his former club a UEFA Cup lifeline.
Spurs were cruising against Slavia Prague and Cerny had little to do at the Strahov Stadium until he dropped David Hubacek's hanging cross with 21 minutes left and David Strihavka prodded in.
It means Spurs have a slender 2-1 advantage to defend next week if they are to make it the last 16 of the competition.
'The mistakes can always happen, that is the world of football,' said Ramos.
'This time it was the turn of Cerny.
'It's quite possible that he seemed really nervous after the goal, more than normal.
'It must be very difficult for him to be at his home ground to play against his former club.'
Robbie Keane, who scored Spurs' second goal, added: 'Things happen. He made a mistake but he's big enough to accept that.'
Spurs could probably have done with wrapping up victory in the Czech Republic capital, given that they have the Carling Cup final three days after the second leg.
'Before the cup final we have the second leg of this tie and all our efforts are now concentrated on this match, and before we finish it we won't be thinking about Wembley,' said Ramos.
'I think we really controlled the play in the first hour but we became quite nervous and could have achieved a better result,' said Ramos.
'We allowed Slavia to react and find a way back and now we have a tough second leg to play.
'The match lasts 90 minutes and we have to take it like that.
'We have to accept it. We could have achieved a better result, a more definite win but we can't change it.'
Keane added on five: 'In the first half we played brilliantly, they didn't get a sniff.
'We came out in the second half and I don't know what happened, we knew they would come out and make it difficult for us. The second half performance was not good enough.
'We've won the game, that's the most important thing. But we wanted to get the job finished.
'There's still a bit left in this game, we'll get them back to White Hart Lane and there's no reason why we can't go through.'
Slavia coach Karel Jarolim felt his side relaxed after falling two goals behind.
'We knew there was nothing to lose,' he said. 'Radek Cerny helped us because he did not catch the ball but it was good from our player.'
posted by dgarden at 10:31 am
0 comments
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Derby 0 Tottenham 3
Tottenham piled more misery on Premier League strugglers Derby with three second-half goals in what proved to be a comfortable 3-0 victory at Pride Park.
Captain Robbie Keane got the ball rolling midway through the second half, before late goals from Younes Kaboul and Dimitar Berbatov's penalty sealed a win that in honesty flattered Juande Ramos' side.
• Super-subs inspire Spurs
Derby had emerged from the half-time interval looking lively but fell behind in the 68th minute.
Steed Malbranque's right-foot shot was parried by Roy Carroll and the ball broke into the path of Keane, who simply stroked it home from six yards out for his 19th goal of the season.
Spurs took command and doubled their lead with nine minutes remaining.
Aaron Lennon's corner bounced in front of Pascal Chimbonda, who headed the ball sideways to Kaboul.
He beat a man inside the area before firing a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards out.
Spurs were awarded a penalty in injury-time when Alan Stubbs was adjudged to have handled Malbranque's cross.
Berbatov coolly stepped up and sent Carroll the wrong way from the spot and add gloss to only the second away win of the season for the north London club.
A full house generated a terrific atmosphere in an end-to-end opening at Pride Park.
It did not match the explosive opening of the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in August, when Spurs ran riot to take a 3-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes, but it was entertaining all the same.
Derby will have been pleased to reach the mid-way point of the first-half unbreached after their harrowing experience in the capital six months ago, but they had Carroll to thank for that achievement.
Spurs twice came close to taking the lead in as many minutes early on.
A swift counter-attack down the right-hand side saw Keane release his strike partner Darren Bent.
His angled shot from the edge of the area was straight at Carroll, who gathered the ball at the second attempt.
Soon afterwards Keane found space on the opposite side of the penalty box.
His low, left-foot shot across goal looked destined for the bottom corner until Carroll got down to divert the ball just past the post with the slightest of touches with his fingertips.
Darren Moore was replaced by Andy Todd after 11 minutes, the big centre-back succumbing to the hamstring problem that had made him a doubt before kick-off.
Spurs made a substitution of their own three minutes later, with Michael Dawson limping off to be replaced by Kaboul.
Derby should have taken the lead in the 24th minute following a surging run by Pearson.
The Scot slipped the ball beyond the Spurs defence for Giles Barnes to latch on to, but he poked the ball wide from 12 yards out when one-on-one with Radek Cerny.
Spurs worked Carroll again just after the half-hour mark.
Lennon got to the byline and cut the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box, where Kaboul shot tamely at the Northern Ireland international.
Dean Leacock received a yellow card for a foul on Malbranque inside the centre circle four minutes before the break.
Ramos made his second substitution of the game at half-time, with Kevin-Prince Boateng making way for Jamie O'Hara.
Derby started the second half brightly. Kenny Miller's fierce right-foot shot was deflected wide in the 47th minute, before Cerny quickly got down to his right-hand side to smother a low effort by Craig Fagan soon after.
Spurs responded and Lennon slipped the ball to the overlapping Alan Hutton, but his shot from the right-hand side of the area did not trouble Carroll.
A minute later O'Hara's left-wing free-kick somehow found its way to Tom Huddlestone at the far post and his well-struck shot was palmed wide by Carroll.
Miller was booked for a foul on Hutton in the 58th-minute, the stop in play allowing Spurs to bring Berbatov on for Bent.
Ten minutes later and Spurs were ahead through Keane.
Neat interplay between Jenas and Berbatov almost produced a second goal for Spurs in the 74th minute.
The Bulgarian received the ball from Jenas with his back to goal on the edge of the box before putting the England midfielder, a goal scorer for his country against Switzerland in midweek, in the clear.
His angled shot was parried by Carroll and the Derby defence stood statuesque as Berbatov reacted to the rebound, but Carroll recovered to brilliantly palm his follow up wide.
Derby boss Paul Jewell made two substitutions in a bid to turn the game Derby's way.
Mile Sterjovski made his debut as a 74th-minute replacement for Robbie Savage, before David Jones came on for Marc Edworthy four minutes later.
But it was to no avail as Spurs put the game beyond their hosts with two late goals.
Super-subs inspire Spurs
Juande Ramos acknowledged the role his substitutes played in earning Tottenham a 3-0 Premier League win at Derby.
It was comfortable in the end for Spurs but it did not look like being that way until captain Robbie Keane put his side ahead midway through the second-half, just 10 minutes after Dimitar Berbatov's 58th-minute introduction.
The Bulgarian's arrival, coupled with Ramos' half-time switch that saw Jamie O'Hara replace Kevin-Prince Boateng, seemed to swing the game in the favour of the north Londoners.
It was another substitute, Younes Kaboul, that doubled Derby's misery with a fine finish in the 81st minute before Berbatov added gloss to the scoreline with an injury-time penalty after Alan Stubbs was adjudged to have handles Steed Malbranque's cross.
Ramos said: 'We have got lots of big games coming up in the next few weeks and the idea is not to rotate the squad, but to give some players a bit of rest, and it was Berbatov's turn.
'With the match still at 0-0 when I brought him on, the idea was to get the three points and he is capable of scoring important goals.
'Sure, he played his part in the team's magnificent effort in winning the game.'
As for O'Hara's contribution, Ramos added: 'I think it was a bit 'hurry-scurry' in the first half.
'We needed someone like Jamie to put his foot on the ball and slow the game down and get hold of the ball and pass it a little bit more.
'I think that brought a little bit more order to the game and I think he did that very well.
'Football games last for 90 minutes so I think you must look at the overall picture.
'I think that Derby worked so hard for the first hour that the effort they used started to tell in the last 30 minutes and that is where we were able to make use of it.'
It was only Tottenham's second league win away from White Hart Lane this season, and Ramos is at a loss to explain his side's poor away results.
'From what I have seen while I have been here, the team is certainly working as hard just as much as they are at home.
'The way we play the game is the same too, I can't see any difference between home and away.'
Derby manager Paul Jewell also hailed the influence of Berbatov.
Jewell was pleased with the way the game was going until Spurs took the lead, but was forced to admit that his side just could not compete with the strength in depth of Spurs.
'I think my team might have looked a lot better if I had been able to bring Berbatov on as well,' said Jewell. 'But we know all about him, he is a world class player.
'But their silky football was nowhere to be seen for an hour, and I don't mean that to be disrespectful to Tottenham.
'I think we competed very well, but they are better footballers than us. Technically they are better than us.
'For the first hour I think we had them rattled but once the first goal goes in they look like a different team - and so did we.
'They have a wealth of talent on the bench too. That is why we are bottom of the league, because we can't compete at the level Tottenham are at right now as far as looking for players is concerned and ability.
'But hopefully in a few years, with the help of the takeover, we will be able to because I believe this club is big enough.
'We might have to take a step backwards to go forward, but I believe we will be able to compete.'
Captain Robbie Keane got the ball rolling midway through the second half, before late goals from Younes Kaboul and Dimitar Berbatov's penalty sealed a win that in honesty flattered Juande Ramos' side.
• Super-subs inspire Spurs
Derby had emerged from the half-time interval looking lively but fell behind in the 68th minute.
Steed Malbranque's right-foot shot was parried by Roy Carroll and the ball broke into the path of Keane, who simply stroked it home from six yards out for his 19th goal of the season.
Spurs took command and doubled their lead with nine minutes remaining.
Aaron Lennon's corner bounced in front of Pascal Chimbonda, who headed the ball sideways to Kaboul.
He beat a man inside the area before firing a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards out.
Spurs were awarded a penalty in injury-time when Alan Stubbs was adjudged to have handled Malbranque's cross.
Berbatov coolly stepped up and sent Carroll the wrong way from the spot and add gloss to only the second away win of the season for the north London club.
A full house generated a terrific atmosphere in an end-to-end opening at Pride Park.
It did not match the explosive opening of the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in August, when Spurs ran riot to take a 3-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes, but it was entertaining all the same.
Derby will have been pleased to reach the mid-way point of the first-half unbreached after their harrowing experience in the capital six months ago, but they had Carroll to thank for that achievement.
Spurs twice came close to taking the lead in as many minutes early on.
A swift counter-attack down the right-hand side saw Keane release his strike partner Darren Bent.
His angled shot from the edge of the area was straight at Carroll, who gathered the ball at the second attempt.
Soon afterwards Keane found space on the opposite side of the penalty box.
His low, left-foot shot across goal looked destined for the bottom corner until Carroll got down to divert the ball just past the post with the slightest of touches with his fingertips.
Darren Moore was replaced by Andy Todd after 11 minutes, the big centre-back succumbing to the hamstring problem that had made him a doubt before kick-off.
Spurs made a substitution of their own three minutes later, with Michael Dawson limping off to be replaced by Kaboul.
Derby should have taken the lead in the 24th minute following a surging run by Pearson.
The Scot slipped the ball beyond the Spurs defence for Giles Barnes to latch on to, but he poked the ball wide from 12 yards out when one-on-one with Radek Cerny.
Spurs worked Carroll again just after the half-hour mark.
Lennon got to the byline and cut the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box, where Kaboul shot tamely at the Northern Ireland international.
Dean Leacock received a yellow card for a foul on Malbranque inside the centre circle four minutes before the break.
Ramos made his second substitution of the game at half-time, with Kevin-Prince Boateng making way for Jamie O'Hara.
Derby started the second half brightly. Kenny Miller's fierce right-foot shot was deflected wide in the 47th minute, before Cerny quickly got down to his right-hand side to smother a low effort by Craig Fagan soon after.
Spurs responded and Lennon slipped the ball to the overlapping Alan Hutton, but his shot from the right-hand side of the area did not trouble Carroll.
A minute later O'Hara's left-wing free-kick somehow found its way to Tom Huddlestone at the far post and his well-struck shot was palmed wide by Carroll.
Miller was booked for a foul on Hutton in the 58th-minute, the stop in play allowing Spurs to bring Berbatov on for Bent.
Ten minutes later and Spurs were ahead through Keane.
Neat interplay between Jenas and Berbatov almost produced a second goal for Spurs in the 74th minute.
The Bulgarian received the ball from Jenas with his back to goal on the edge of the box before putting the England midfielder, a goal scorer for his country against Switzerland in midweek, in the clear.
His angled shot was parried by Carroll and the Derby defence stood statuesque as Berbatov reacted to the rebound, but Carroll recovered to brilliantly palm his follow up wide.
Derby boss Paul Jewell made two substitutions in a bid to turn the game Derby's way.
Mile Sterjovski made his debut as a 74th-minute replacement for Robbie Savage, before David Jones came on for Marc Edworthy four minutes later.
But it was to no avail as Spurs put the game beyond their hosts with two late goals.
Super-subs inspire Spurs
Juande Ramos acknowledged the role his substitutes played in earning Tottenham a 3-0 Premier League win at Derby.
It was comfortable in the end for Spurs but it did not look like being that way until captain Robbie Keane put his side ahead midway through the second-half, just 10 minutes after Dimitar Berbatov's 58th-minute introduction.
The Bulgarian's arrival, coupled with Ramos' half-time switch that saw Jamie O'Hara replace Kevin-Prince Boateng, seemed to swing the game in the favour of the north Londoners.
It was another substitute, Younes Kaboul, that doubled Derby's misery with a fine finish in the 81st minute before Berbatov added gloss to the scoreline with an injury-time penalty after Alan Stubbs was adjudged to have handles Steed Malbranque's cross.
Ramos said: 'We have got lots of big games coming up in the next few weeks and the idea is not to rotate the squad, but to give some players a bit of rest, and it was Berbatov's turn.
'With the match still at 0-0 when I brought him on, the idea was to get the three points and he is capable of scoring important goals.
'Sure, he played his part in the team's magnificent effort in winning the game.'
As for O'Hara's contribution, Ramos added: 'I think it was a bit 'hurry-scurry' in the first half.
'We needed someone like Jamie to put his foot on the ball and slow the game down and get hold of the ball and pass it a little bit more.
'I think that brought a little bit more order to the game and I think he did that very well.
'Football games last for 90 minutes so I think you must look at the overall picture.
'I think that Derby worked so hard for the first hour that the effort they used started to tell in the last 30 minutes and that is where we were able to make use of it.'
It was only Tottenham's second league win away from White Hart Lane this season, and Ramos is at a loss to explain his side's poor away results.
'From what I have seen while I have been here, the team is certainly working as hard just as much as they are at home.
'The way we play the game is the same too, I can't see any difference between home and away.'
Derby manager Paul Jewell also hailed the influence of Berbatov.
Jewell was pleased with the way the game was going until Spurs took the lead, but was forced to admit that his side just could not compete with the strength in depth of Spurs.
'I think my team might have looked a lot better if I had been able to bring Berbatov on as well,' said Jewell. 'But we know all about him, he is a world class player.
'But their silky football was nowhere to be seen for an hour, and I don't mean that to be disrespectful to Tottenham.
'I think we competed very well, but they are better footballers than us. Technically they are better than us.
'For the first hour I think we had them rattled but once the first goal goes in they look like a different team - and so did we.
'They have a wealth of talent on the bench too. That is why we are bottom of the league, because we can't compete at the level Tottenham are at right now as far as looking for players is concerned and ability.
'But hopefully in a few years, with the help of the takeover, we will be able to because I believe this club is big enough.
'We might have to take a step backwards to go forward, but I believe we will be able to compete.'
posted by dgarden at 10:30 am
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Saturday, February 02, 2008
Tottenham 1 Man Utd 1
Manchester United earned a vital point deep in injury time against Tottenham but still lost top place in the Barclays Premier League following the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
Carlos Tevez celebrated the equaliser with the last move of the game, even though the ball appeared to come off Michael Dawson.
Earlier, United players were furious at Dimitar Berbatov's opener for Tottenham as they felt Jermaine Jenas handled in the build-up before Aaron Lennon eventually crossed.
Edwin van der Sar vented his frustration at assistant referee Mo Matadar and earned a booking, one of six yellow cards for United which means they could face action from the Football Association.
• Fergie fumes after seven booked
With Arsenal winning earlier in the day, Sir Alex Ferguson's men knew only victory would take them back to the summit, but their loss of discipline reflected a frustration at failing to break down Spurs until the death.
'These games against Sir Alex Ferguson's side are a perfect barometer of our progress,' wrote Juande Ramos in his programme notes.
The signs are positive for the Spaniard, even if they were defeated at Old Trafford last week in the FA Cup and dropped two points here.
They had a new-look defence for this clash, with Alan Hutton making his debut against a team he was linked with before his move to Spurs from Rangers.
Jonathan Woodgate, on his first home appearance, brought a calmness to the defence and Pascal Chimbonda was shifted across to left-back to look after Cristiano Ronaldo, although it was a team effort to keep the in-form winger quiet.
Ronaldo drifted into the centre to help create the opening chance, in the seventh minute, with Wes Brown eventually firing over from the edge of the penalty area - but Spurs then started to build momentum.
Their first glimpse of goal came from the left flank after a quarter of an hour when Berbatov skipped around Rio Ferdinand, but Owen Hargreaves cleared the low cross.
Tom Huddlestone then tried to play Robbie Keane behind the United defence, but Nemanja Vidic slid in to clear for a corner.
However, they were not made to wait long for the opener.
Huddlestone started a counter-attack, Keane played Jenas through and his surging run was halted in the area by Hargreaves.
The ball brushed his hand as he fell, with Lennon then taking the ball into the box and Berbatov tapping in after Van der Sar had parried the cross.
Ronaldo was also booked just before the half-hour mark for his reaction to being penalised for handball, with Mark Clattenburg showing zero-tolerance on dissent.
Lennon's corners were causing United problems, Dawson almost getting on the end of one, only for Vidic to clear, and Berbatov heading wide from another.
Berbatov also volleyed over when he met a Lennon cross first time after Huddlestone's vision had created the attack.
United were looking to move through the gears and Ronaldo headed wide when found free from a Wayne Rooney cross. Their frustration was illustrated by Brown's booking for a late tackle on Chimbonda.
Patrice Evra wanted a penalty in the final stages of the half when challenged by Lennon, but Clattenburg awarded a corner. Hargreaves was booked for handling as Spurs broke when the set-piece broke down.
Ryan Giggs got on the end of a Ronaldo free-kick before the break, but Radek Cerny did not have to move to make the save.
After the break Cerny was also required to cut out a dangerous Ronaldo cross as Tevez looked to pounce, and Vidic headed over after Spurs failed to clear a corner.
At the other end Huddlestone's long-range effort dipped wide.
Keane was also sent through by Berbatov, but his finish lacked power and Van der Sar claimed.
Ferguson responded by taking off his veterans, Paul Scholes and Giggs, for his youngsters signed in the summer. Nani and Anderson came on as United went for all-out attack.
Steed Malbranque had a shot straight at Van der Sar and Spurs also had a penalty shout when they felt Evra handled.
Cerny palmed Anderson's drive around the post, while Rooney was booked for diving.
Deep in injury-time, United rescued a point when Dawson appeared to bundle the ball into his own net from a corner under pressure from Tevez.
Fergie fumes after seven booked
Sir Alex Ferguson rounded on referee Mark Clattenburg after Manchester United lost their place at the summit of the Barclays Premier League with a draw at Tottenham.
United face a Football Association fine for having seven players booked, including Carlos Tevez for taking his shirt off while celebrating his part in the leveller.
'For Manchester United it's not right,' said Ferguson. 'There is something wrong when Manchester United get seven bookings.'
The United boss also felt Jermaine Jenas should have been dismissed for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the first half.
'For me, the first foul the referee should have acted on, Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half, he was hacked down and for me it was a red card,' Ferguson said.
'He's kicked him from the back. He spent 30 seconds talking to Jenas. Up to that point, up to half-time, I thought the whole game was looking like it was going to go to pieces as a football spectacle.
'The referee settled down in the second half but nonetheless, for us to get seven bookings something is wrong.'
On Rooney's caution, Ferguson added: 'If he dived and the referee deems it, he's right to book. But a few minutes later Huddlestone dived, he's already been booked, and he did nothing.
'He told the player to get up on his feet and did nothing about it. You have got to say 'is that fair?'
'Has he been fair to both teams? No he's not, because that was a dive. If Rooney's booked for it, he should be booked for it.'
'It [the point] could be massive,' Ferguson added.
'We don't stop trying and in the last 25 minutes we absolutely battered them. I think we deserved a point.
'The commentator said we've dropped two points but maybe we've gained a point.'
Despite Spurs coming so close to a first win over United since 2001, head coach Juande Ramos remained pleased, particularly with Alan Hutton's debut and Jonathan Woodgate bringing a calmness to the defence.
'When you are playing against a team as good as United, it cannot be two points dropped,' said the Spaniard.
'We were close but the game isn't over until the end: we were unlucky but that's the way it is. We've seen that it is an own goal and Michael has said that it is an own goal.
'It was a good game for Hutton, considering he had only trained for two days and he doesn't know his team-mates well. It will see him improve and he will get better as he gets to know his team-mates.
'He is covering one of the weaker areas of the team and we hope with the signings of the players that we will keep improving.'
Carlos Tevez celebrated the equaliser with the last move of the game, even though the ball appeared to come off Michael Dawson.
Earlier, United players were furious at Dimitar Berbatov's opener for Tottenham as they felt Jermaine Jenas handled in the build-up before Aaron Lennon eventually crossed.
Edwin van der Sar vented his frustration at assistant referee Mo Matadar and earned a booking, one of six yellow cards for United which means they could face action from the Football Association.
• Fergie fumes after seven booked
With Arsenal winning earlier in the day, Sir Alex Ferguson's men knew only victory would take them back to the summit, but their loss of discipline reflected a frustration at failing to break down Spurs until the death.
'These games against Sir Alex Ferguson's side are a perfect barometer of our progress,' wrote Juande Ramos in his programme notes.
The signs are positive for the Spaniard, even if they were defeated at Old Trafford last week in the FA Cup and dropped two points here.
They had a new-look defence for this clash, with Alan Hutton making his debut against a team he was linked with before his move to Spurs from Rangers.
Jonathan Woodgate, on his first home appearance, brought a calmness to the defence and Pascal Chimbonda was shifted across to left-back to look after Cristiano Ronaldo, although it was a team effort to keep the in-form winger quiet.
Ronaldo drifted into the centre to help create the opening chance, in the seventh minute, with Wes Brown eventually firing over from the edge of the penalty area - but Spurs then started to build momentum.
Their first glimpse of goal came from the left flank after a quarter of an hour when Berbatov skipped around Rio Ferdinand, but Owen Hargreaves cleared the low cross.
Tom Huddlestone then tried to play Robbie Keane behind the United defence, but Nemanja Vidic slid in to clear for a corner.
However, they were not made to wait long for the opener.
Huddlestone started a counter-attack, Keane played Jenas through and his surging run was halted in the area by Hargreaves.
The ball brushed his hand as he fell, with Lennon then taking the ball into the box and Berbatov tapping in after Van der Sar had parried the cross.
Ronaldo was also booked just before the half-hour mark for his reaction to being penalised for handball, with Mark Clattenburg showing zero-tolerance on dissent.
Lennon's corners were causing United problems, Dawson almost getting on the end of one, only for Vidic to clear, and Berbatov heading wide from another.
Berbatov also volleyed over when he met a Lennon cross first time after Huddlestone's vision had created the attack.
United were looking to move through the gears and Ronaldo headed wide when found free from a Wayne Rooney cross. Their frustration was illustrated by Brown's booking for a late tackle on Chimbonda.
Patrice Evra wanted a penalty in the final stages of the half when challenged by Lennon, but Clattenburg awarded a corner. Hargreaves was booked for handling as Spurs broke when the set-piece broke down.
Ryan Giggs got on the end of a Ronaldo free-kick before the break, but Radek Cerny did not have to move to make the save.
After the break Cerny was also required to cut out a dangerous Ronaldo cross as Tevez looked to pounce, and Vidic headed over after Spurs failed to clear a corner.
At the other end Huddlestone's long-range effort dipped wide.
Keane was also sent through by Berbatov, but his finish lacked power and Van der Sar claimed.
Ferguson responded by taking off his veterans, Paul Scholes and Giggs, for his youngsters signed in the summer. Nani and Anderson came on as United went for all-out attack.
Steed Malbranque had a shot straight at Van der Sar and Spurs also had a penalty shout when they felt Evra handled.
Cerny palmed Anderson's drive around the post, while Rooney was booked for diving.
Deep in injury-time, United rescued a point when Dawson appeared to bundle the ball into his own net from a corner under pressure from Tevez.
Fergie fumes after seven booked
Sir Alex Ferguson rounded on referee Mark Clattenburg after Manchester United lost their place at the summit of the Barclays Premier League with a draw at Tottenham.
United face a Football Association fine for having seven players booked, including Carlos Tevez for taking his shirt off while celebrating his part in the leveller.
'For Manchester United it's not right,' said Ferguson. 'There is something wrong when Manchester United get seven bookings.'
The United boss also felt Jermaine Jenas should have been dismissed for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the first half.
'For me, the first foul the referee should have acted on, Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half, he was hacked down and for me it was a red card,' Ferguson said.
'He's kicked him from the back. He spent 30 seconds talking to Jenas. Up to that point, up to half-time, I thought the whole game was looking like it was going to go to pieces as a football spectacle.
'The referee settled down in the second half but nonetheless, for us to get seven bookings something is wrong.'
On Rooney's caution, Ferguson added: 'If he dived and the referee deems it, he's right to book. But a few minutes later Huddlestone dived, he's already been booked, and he did nothing.
'He told the player to get up on his feet and did nothing about it. You have got to say 'is that fair?'
'Has he been fair to both teams? No he's not, because that was a dive. If Rooney's booked for it, he should be booked for it.'
'It [the point] could be massive,' Ferguson added.
'We don't stop trying and in the last 25 minutes we absolutely battered them. I think we deserved a point.
'The commentator said we've dropped two points but maybe we've gained a point.'
Despite Spurs coming so close to a first win over United since 2001, head coach Juande Ramos remained pleased, particularly with Alan Hutton's debut and Jonathan Woodgate bringing a calmness to the defence.
'When you are playing against a team as good as United, it cannot be two points dropped,' said the Spaniard.
'We were close but the game isn't over until the end: we were unlucky but that's the way it is. We've seen that it is an own goal and Michael has said that it is an own goal.
'It was a good game for Hutton, considering he had only trained for two days and he doesn't know his team-mates well. It will see him improve and he will get better as he gets to know his team-mates.
'He is covering one of the weaker areas of the team and we hope with the signings of the players that we will keep improving.'
posted by dgarden at 10:28 am
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About Me
- Name: dgarden
I love Football...it is life & death....It is more than life & death...Spurs fan since 14 May 1981...FA Cup Final.... 我在933启播时就开始听了。。是1990年1月1日,早上9点33开播，第一首歌好像是黄露仪的哭砂。。。。。 好多年了。。。
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