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Taz.
REDKNAPP DEPARTS SPURS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 27 May 2011 - 19:15
Tottenham Hotspur have parted company with manager Harry Redknapp.
After a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, the board believe that a change in direction is required to return the club to Champions League football after an impressive performance in the competition this season. An inconsistent league campaign saw Tottenham finish six points behind rivals Arsenal in the race for Europe. Redknapp joined Spurs in October 2008 and led the side to consecutive top-half finishes in the Premier League, including fourth place in 2010.
"We have not taken this decision lightly," chairman Daniel Levy said. "Harry has been a fine servant to the club over the past three years and I have enjoyed working alongside him during that time. He has presided over some fantastic achievements during his time here. It is in the interests of the club that we pursue a different strategy after this year’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. I would like to thank Harry for his highly valued efforts."
"We will shortly begin the process of searching for a replacement manager and a committee is in place to help to make that decision. We are an ambitious club and we are constantly looking to move forward and continue the progress that we have made over the past few seasons. We have demonstrated that we can be successful at the highest level."
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Taz.
Redknapp pays for Premier League complacency
• Rollercoaster season ends with one final twist
• Unexpected defeats led to dismissal despite European success
The departure of Harry Redknapp from Tottenham is cruelly symbolic of the pressures of managing a top four side.
Spurs performed superbly in their first venture into Champions League football, reaching the quarter-finals in explosive fashion and seeing Gareth Bale rise to European prominence with a stunning hat-trick in the group stages. A dogged display against Milan in the last sixteen earned Redknapp plaudits for his side's concentration but it is a tendency to take an eye off the ball in winnable Premier League games that eventually cost Tottenham a top four spot. Redknapp has paid the price for the club's intense desire for more Champions League nights with his job.
Three comfortable victories over Christmas lifted Spurs into fourth place but a dreadful run through March and April that saw just one win in ten games struck a hammer blow to Redknapp's position. The side laboured to consecutive goalless draws against West Ham and Wigan and a toothless defeat to Blackpool. For a man renowned for his transfer window endeavours, Redknapp's failure to bring in a striker in January appears particularly strange. The impressive Rafael van der Vaart was Tottenham's top scorer with fifteen goals from midfield.
Chairman Daniel Levy has spoken of his desire to build the club into a regular competitor in the Champions League. While fifth-place finishes may have been viewed as successful performances over the past few seasons, it now appears essential that Redknapp's eventual replacement is able of juggling both domestic and continental competitions. North London rivals Arsenal have finished above Spurs in every one of the past sixteen seasons, beating them to fourth place in three of the last six. The new man must break the stranglehold.
Johno
Taz.
Hiddink close to Spurs deal
Last Updated: 01/06/11 12:42pm
Tottenham are closing in on a deal to appoint former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink as their new manager.
The sixty four year old is currently in charge of Turkey but sources have suggested that chairman Daniel Levy is in advanced negotiations with the Turkish Football Federation to release Hiddink from his contract, which runs until after Euro 2012. The Dutchman is reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League after a successful interim spell with London rivals Chelsea and has struggled to settle in his current job, where he flies in and out of the country for matches and training sessions and has endured a difficult start.
Hiddink is regarded as one of the most decorated and experienced European coaches in history, winning six titles and the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven and also managing Real Madrid and Valencia. Tottenham would be the first club that Hiddink has been in permanent charge of since he ended his second spell with PSV in 2006, though his recent international achievements have arguably matched his domestic successes. Hiddink led South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, revitalised an Australian side in 2006 and guided Russia to the semis of Euro 2008.
Spurs have been linked with several coaches in the aftermath of Harry Redknapp's sacking. Former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who left Villa Park just before the start of the season, is believed to have applied for the job and the club reportedly sent a delegation to Italy to meet with Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri. Long-term favourite Jurgen Klinsmann's appointment as the new manager of the United States looks to have ended the chances of the popular former Spurs player returning to North London.
Taz.
Levy silent on Spurs rumours
Last Updated: 06/06/11 11:29am
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has refused to rush the appointment of the club's new manager.
Speculation had strongly linked Spurs with an imminent move for Turkey manager Guus Hiddink but Levy refused to comment on the rumours, claiming that the club had only recently concluded their initial shortlist to replace Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane. Redknapp departed the club at the end of May following Tottenham's fifth-place finish in the Premier League and Levy sought to reassure supporters that the board were taking time to consider all possible options for the sixty four year old's successor.
"I am not prepared to comment on any individual names," Levy said. "It is an internal matter for the club at the moment. We are very much working on it, the other board members and I have had several discussions and we have certain people who we regard highly and would love to see at the club. It would be foolish not to make the most of the chance that we have over the coming weeks to carefully consider who we are going to bring in. There's no need to put a time limit on what we are doing."
Hiddink was the firm favourite to become Spurs' new manager but his odds have drifted following talks with the board, who were apparently discouraged by the large fee demanded to release him from his job with Turkey. The club are thought to be eager to appoint a younger manager to implement a reshuffle of the squad and odds have shortened on current first-team coach Tim Sherwood stepping up to take the job.
Taz.
Hoddle eager to return to Spurs
• Former boss throws hat into the ring for Tottenham job
• Hoddle has been out of work since leaving Wolves in 2006
Glenn Hoddle has admitted that he would be interested in becoming the new manager of Tottenham.
The fifty three year old managed Spurs for two years before his dismissal in 2003. The former England and Chelsea boss spent a further two seasons in charge of Wolves and has run a Spanish-based academy since 2008. Hoddle remains popular with Tottenham supporters and is believed to be on good terms with chairman Daniel Levy. He declared his interest in replacing Harry Redknapp in an interview with Sky Sports News, following Levy's insistence that the board would take their time in appointing a new boss.
"The club is very dear to me," Hoddle said. "I know Spurs, I was there for twenty years as a player and they're in my blood. I would never turn down an approach from them and I care about their fortunes. I reckon that with the right outlook they could be challenging for the title, never mind fourth place. The training ground facilities are magnificent and I would hugely appreciate the chance to work with a player like Luka Modric, for example."
"It didn't work out perfectly last time and I have a few regrets about how it ended for me there. I'm confident that the club is an entirely different beast now and I would be very excited to become a part of it once more. They're a very ambitious bunch of people."
Taz.
SCHALKE BOSS IN TOTTENHAM TALKS
BUNDESLIGA - 16.06.2011 - 12:58 Uhr
Schalke have confirmed that they have received an approach from Premier League side Tottenham for manager Ralf Rangnick.
General manager Horst Heldt told Bild that Die Konigsblauen had been contacted by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy ahead of a possible move for the fifty two year old. Rangnick has only been in charge of the club for three months after replacing Felix Magath in March. In that time, the former Hoffenheim boss led Schalke to their first ever Champions League semi-final and won the DFB-Pokal with a 5-0 win against Duisburg, although they finished a disappointing fourteenth place in the Bundesliga table after ending the campaign with four straight defeats.
"Ralf is an exciting and dynamic coach and we will do our utmost to prevent him from leaving," Heldt said. "We regard him as an important piece of our jigsaw. We have spoken to people from Tottenham and their chairman was very keen to pay up his contract and bring him to London. He seems happy here and we all hope that he will recognise the potential of this club and continue his good work. It has been a tumultuous past season for us but we are confident that he will help us to turn the corner and return to the Champions League."
Rangnick signed a three-year deal to return to the Ruhr side for the second time, following a year-long spell that ended in 2005. He has also previously coached Bundesliga clubs Stuttgart, Hannover and Hoffenheim. Rangnick led the latter side to consecutive promotions from the Regionalliga to the top flight before departing in January after a disagreement over the club's transfer policy.
Taz.
RANGNICK APPOINTED NEW BOSS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 20 June 2011 - 10:35
Tottenham Hotspur are pleased to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the team's new manager.
The fifty two year old has signed a three-year deal at White Hart Lane after a compensation package was agreed to release him from his contract with Bundesliga side Schalke. Rangnick is regarded as one of Europe's most respected tacticians and is known for his pacy, attacking football and pressing game. The German boss lifted the DFB-Pokal and led Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals this season, eliminating holders Inter Milan. He has also previously coached Hoffenheim, Stuttgart and Hannover.
"This is an excellent appointment for the future of Tottenham Hotspur," chairman Daniel Levy said. "Ralf has a phenomenal understanding of the game and is an immensely dedicated man. He has successfully managed at the highest level and possesses a highly impressive reputation for unearthing new talent and his meticulous tactical strategies. Ralf's attractive, attacking style of football is one that we have always tried to promote at the club and we are confident that he will settle in quickly. I am delighted to personally welcome him to Spurs."
"It brings me great pleasure to join a club with a long-term vision such as this one," Rangnick added. "The board have placed their trust in me and I thank them for that. I am relishing the opportunity to work with the squad and develop the infrastructure of the club. I have plenty of ideas which I am looking forward to implement. I remember Tottenham being a creative and interesting side to watch when I studied here many years ago. I want to continue that tradition for the club's many wonderful fans."
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Taz.
Taz.
Rangnick pledges to keep star duo
• Bale and Modric to stay despite interest
• New boss has spoken with both players
Tottenham manager Ralf Rangnick has refused to entertain rumours linking Gareth Bale and Luka Modric with moves away from White Hart Lane.
Rangnick was named as Harry Redknapp's replacement on Monday and the fifty two year old admitted that one of his first tasks was to get in touch with the highly-rated duo, who have been suggested as possible targets for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea. Bale and Modric both shone in Spurs' run to the Champions League quarter-finals last season and Rangnick declared that they were essential parts of the future of the club.
"I usually find no need to discuss these sorts of rumours but I think it's important to clarify that we have no intention of selling either player," the former Schalke boss said. "As soon as I stepped into my office, I wanted to get on the telephone to speak to them and make sure that they were happy to stay. Gareth and Luka are amongst the best players in the world and of course, they are huge assets to the club's future in general and our chances of qualifying for the Champions League."
Bale overcame a difficult start to his Spurs career after joining from Southampton for £7million in 2007 and his move from left-back to a more advanced position on the left flank has seen him rise to prominence across Europe, culminating in a series of magnificent performances in the Champions League last season. Modric signed from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 and has been a mainstay in the starting line-up since. The Croatian is also Spurs' reigning Player of the Year.
Taz.
Transfer rumours and paper review - Friday, July 1
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, July 1, 2011
Here's the top transfer-related stories in Friday's newspapers...
New Tottenham manager Ralf Rangnick will raid former club Hoffenheim to bring in wingers Peniel Mlapa and Chinedu Obasi. The German boss brought both players to the club during his five-year spell as coach. (Daily Mirror)
Rangnick has reportedly been given £20million to spend on new players and is keen to raise more funds by selling off some of the White Hart Lane deadwood. Niko Kranjcar and Roman Pavlyuchenko are both set to be on the way out after the new manager's appointment. (Daily Mirror)
Spurs' lack of depth in defence is Rangnick's biggest concern with Ledley King and William Gallas still on the sidelines and the fifty three year old has prioritised bringing in a top-quality centre-back. He is apparently keen on Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes but could be put off by an £18million asking price. (Guardian)
Liverpool are chasing Blackburn centre-back Christopher Samba. The Congolese defender is eager to leave Ewood Park after Rovers' disappointing finish to the season. Samba was stripped of the club's captaincy by boss Steve Kean in December. (Metro)
Everton are mulling over a move for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero. The twenty three year old has struggled to break into the first team at the Bernabeu and manager Jose Mourinho is ready to sell the former Getafe player for around £5million. (Daily Mirror)
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Taz.
Spurs complete Vertonghen signing
Last Updated: 08/07/11 10:52am
Tottenham have signed centre-back Jan Vertonghen from Ajax for £8million.
The Belgian international defender has signed a four-year contract at White Hart Lane and becomes the first signing under new manager Ralf Rangnick. Vertonghen lifted the Eredivisie title with Ajax last season and attracted the interest of Milan and Barcelona following a series of impressive performances alongside his compatriot Toby Alderweireld at the centre of defence. The twenty four year old has made thirty one appearances for his national side, scoring twice, and strengthens a position already missing William Gallas and Ledley King through injury.
"The way that Jan plays is a perfect example of how his position is evolving," Rangnick said. "He is capable of being more physical and winning the ball in the air but he also possesses a fine passing range and is very comfortable on the ball. His versatility is also a big asset. He's had an impressive past few seasons with Ajax and I know that a lot of major European sides were looking into signing him, which should give him a lot of confidence in his abilities. I'm looking forward to him becoming an important part of the team."
Tottenham are expected to continue spending in the transfer window after chairman Daniel Levy promised new boss Rangnick a £20million transfer budget. Fringe players including Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar and goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini have been told that they can leave the club as Rangnick looks to reshape the squad following his appointment last month.
Taz.
MEET THE STAFF
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 14 July 2011 - 11:34
The first-team squad have returned for pre-season training and these backroom staff members will be putting the players through their paces before the Premier League kicks off in August.
FRANCISCO COPADO
After playing under manager Ralf Rangnick at Hoffenheim, Francisco has once again linked up with the new boss to become assistant manager. A former striker for Hamburg, Mallorca and Frankfurt, the thirty six year old will be Rangnick's right-hand man in training.
SASCHA LEWANDOWSKI
Sascha inked a deal with Spurs to join from Leverkusen as the club's new first-team coach, succeeding Joe Jordan. Lewandowski was one of the Bundesliga's most respected coaches and will help to oversee the training programme for the squad.
THOMAS HAßLER
The former German international has linked up with the club to serve as Spurs' main technique coach. Haßler lifted the World Cup in 1990 and Euro 1996 as a player for the national side and was recently a coach at Bundesliga side Koln.
ANSELMO SBRAGLIA
Anselmo agreed a deal to move from his job as a coach in Brazil with Palmeiras to become Spurs' new head of defensive coaching. Palmeiras were amongst the tightest defences in Brazil last season and Sbraglia arrives with a glowing reputation in his homeland.
CLIVE ALLEN
The Tottenham legend kept his job after Harry Redknapp left the club and has been promoted to Spurs' main attacking coach. Clive scored sixty goals in a four-year spell at White Hart Lane between 1984 and 1988.
JOE CORRIGAN
Joe is a hugely experienced goalkeeping coach and spent a decade working with Liverpool. The sixty two year old has also served Stoke, Celtic, West Brom and Hull and will work with Heurelho Gomes and Brad Friedel alongside Tony Parks.
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Taz.
PALOSCHI COMPLETES PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE
SALA STAMPA - 19/07/2011
Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi has joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in a £4million move.
The former Milan and Parma player has signed a four-year deal to move to London. Paloschi joined the Flying Donkeys earlier this summer after his playing rights were transferred from the Rossoneri but the English club had a bid accepted by Chievo before the twenty one year old had even taken to the field at the Bentegodi. Paloschi began last season at Parma but made just one appearance for the club before moving to Genoa. He made twelve league appearances for the Rossoblu despite suffering with injuries, scoring twice.
"I cannot wait to play for Tottenham," Paloschi said. "I feel fresh and ready to play. The past few seasons have been difficult but I'm so pleased to have this chance. My experiences with Parma and Genoa have strengthened my desire to play regular football and become the best player possible. Spurs are a very big club with some wonderful players and I hope that I can make my mark there. Any player would take the chance to play in the Premier League, I have spoken to some of my former colleagues at Milan and they encouraged me to go."
Tottenham's Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini could be on his way back to Serie A. The veteran is not thought to be part of manager Ralf Rangnick's first-team plans and has attracted the interest of Inter and his former club Lazio.
Taz.
Pavlyuchenko and Kranjcar depart Spurs
• Transfer-listed duo complete permanent moves
• Rangnick still looking to move on fringe players
Tottenham have allowed Roman Pavlyuchenko and Niko Kranjcar to leave the club as Ralf Rangnick continues to rebuild the squad.
Pavlyuchenko has joined La Liga side Sevilla in a £7million deal. The Russian international has struggled to break into the starting eleven since joining from Spartak Moscow for £13.7million in 2008 and the arrival of Alberto Paloschi has pushed him further down the pecking order. The twenty nine year old had a better goals-to-games ratio than all of Spurs' remaining strikers last season, scoring ten goals in twenty nine appearances. Pavlyuchenko netted in the Champions League against Twente and Inter and scored twice on the final day against Birmingham.
Croatian international Kranjcar has stayed in the Premier League and joined Sunderland for £5.5million. Kranjcar was signed by Harry Redknapp for the second time from Portsmouth on transfer deadline day in 2009, joining his countrymen Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka at the club. Despite a promising start, he struggled to challenge Gareth Bale's berth on the left flank last season and appeared only thirteen times in the league. The twenty six year old has signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats, where he has been promised first-team football under Steve Bruce.
Sources suggest that Rangnick will continue his summer transfer activity with the addition of a right-sided midfielder. The German boss has spent a combined £12million to bring in centre-back Jan Vertonghen and young striker Paloschi but the proceeds from Pavlyuchenko and Kranjcar's sales mean that Spurs have a small net profit in the transfer window so far. Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias reported that the club are in the early stages of a bid for Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan but nothing has been confirmed by either club.
Dan
Taz.
Taz.
City continue Modric pursuit
Last Updated: 27/07/11 1:14pm
Manchester City have sent the strongest signal yet of their intent to sign Luka Modric after Tottenham confirmed that a £23million bid had been rejected.
City are believed to view the Croatian international as the missing piece of their midfield and are keen to complement the attacking talents of summer arrivals Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and Danny with his signing. Manager Roberto Mancini has tested the water with the offer, although Spurs boss Ralf Rangnick has insisted that neither Modric nor Gareth Bale, a reported target for Manchester United, will leave the club this summer. Modric has played little part in the club's pre-season friendlies after sustaining a hamstring injury in a 4-1 win over Walsall.
Modric joined Tottenham in 2008 and his signing is regarded as one of the highlights of Juande Ramos' troubled reign at the club. He was named Player of the Year at the club's end-of-season awards in May after a virtuoso season. The twenty five year old has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, who are believed to be preparing an offer of their own to bring him to the Bernabeu. Chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly keen to keep Modric, although his head could be turned by an offer over £30million.
Tottenham have allowed goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to leave the club after the thirty seven year old completed a £500,000 switch to Inter. Cudicini started both games against the Nerazzurri in the Champions League as he made thirteen appearances in all competitions last season. The veteran joined on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2009 but the arrival of Brad Friedel pushed the Italian stopper down to third-choice.
Taz.
TRIO SIGN NEW DEALS
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 1 August 2011 - 13:29
Tottenham can confirm midfield trio Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Jake Livermore have all signed long-term contract extensions.
Modric has put pen to paper on a five-year deal worth £70,000 per week. The Croatian midfielder had attracted the interest of Real Madrid and Manchester City over the past twelve months after emerging as one of Europe's most talented midfielders. Discussions with manager Ralf Rangnick were successful and Modric is reportedly keen to lead the club back into the Champions League. The twenty five year old has made ninety appearances for the club since his £16.5million transfer from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, scoring eight goals.
Spurs have also seen off rumours linking Gareth Bale with a move to Manchester United to extend the Welshman's current contract until June 2016. Bale has been at the club since moving from Southampton in 2007 and is regarded as an integral piece of the Tottenham midfield, though he will miss the start of the season after injuring his groin in a 4-0 friendly win against Real Valladolid. The twenty two year old was named PFA Player of the Year following a series of magnificent performances last season.
Jake Livermore looks set to become part of the first-team squad this season after the Londoner signed a four-year deal running until 2015. Livermore's previous contract ran until next summer but Rangnick was impressed with the twenty one year old midfielder's assured displays against Leyton Orient and Valladolid and has rewarded him with a pay rise. Fellow reserves Andros Townsend and Danny Rose have also been promoted to the first team.
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Johno
Taz.
Yeah, I've always struggled to get into the later games for some reason, 2012's probably my favourite of the entire series so I thought it made sense. Cheers.
Only for both of them to get bloody injured. Just my luck. Giovani it is then!
Taz.
British clubs discover Europa League fate
• Spurs to meet FC Nordsjaelland in play-off round
• Stoke face Serbian trip, Celtic take on Young Boys
Tottenham will play Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the Europa League qualifying play-off round.
Spurs have possibly the most straightforward route to the group stages of the British sides in the draw. Stoke City face a daunting trip to Serbia to play Red Star Belgrade, while Carling Cup holders Birmingham City's hopes of reaching the next round were boosted by a kind draw against Estonian side Flora Tallinn. Fulham, who have already negotiated three qualifying rounds after entering the competition through the fair play system, will fancy their chances of reaching the groups after being drawn against Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta.
Celtic will host Young Boys in the first leg at Celtic Park. Hearts face a tricky tie to qualify for the next round against Belgians Club Brugge. The Jambos previously saw off Jupiler League side Westerlo in the third qualifying round. Dundee United will also take on Belgian opposition in last season's league runners-up Standard Liege. The first legs will take place on 18th August, with the return matches a week later on 25th August.
British involvement in the Europa League fourth qualifying round:
Birmingham vs Flora
Celtic vs Young Boys
Club Brugge vs Hearts
Dundee United vs Standard
Fulham vs Anorthosis
Red Star vs Stoke
Tottenham vs FC Nordsjaelland
Taz.
Rangnick calls on Spurs to shine without Bale
• Tottenham begin season with North London derby
• Spurs will also be without Modric for Arsenal clash
Tottenham manager Ralf Rangnick believes that his side can cope with the loss of Gareth Bale for their Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal.
The winger was forced off with a groin strain in Spurs' friendly match against Real Valladolid and will miss the North London derby and the midweek Europa League qualifying game against FC Nordsjaelland. Luka Modric is also still unfit as he comes back from a pulled hamstring sustained in pre-season. The duo signed new contracts leading up to tomorrow's early kick-off but Rangnick, who arrived as Harry Redknapp's replacement in June, said that he was confident that the rest of the squad were up to the challenge.
"Gareth has a minor injury," the fifty three year old said. "It's certainly an annoyance because he is a fantastic player, but we have evaluated the squad tirelessly over the summer and we have people that can step in for both him and Luka. These sorts of games fascinate me. They are the reason that I came to the Premier League. It's important to handle the pressure and get a good result for the supporters, but it is also the first game of the season and the Champions League is decided over the whole year, not just in one game against another challenger for fourth place."
Long-term absentees Sandro, William Gallas and Ledley King will also miss the game. Arsene Wenger has close to a full choice of players available. Only Abou Diaby remains out of action. The Gunners have spent £26million over the summer to bring in Argentine duo Cristian Ansaldi and Walter Montillo and both are in contention to start. The two sides previously drew 3-3 in a spectacular game in April as Spurs came back from 3-1 down to secure a point, although they still finished six points behind Arsenal.
Dan
Taz.
TOTTENHAM 2-2 ARSENAL
Posted by Tottenham Hotspur on 13 August 2011 - 14:42
A last-minute equaliser from Younes Kaboul rescued a point for Spurs in a gripping North London derby.
White Hart Lane was rocking after a superb start for the home side. A swift attacking move saw Giovani dos Santos cut inside and square to Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togolese striker turned Laurent Koscielny and slipped the ball to Aaron Lennon. Lennon was rewarded for his darting run into the box with an easy chance to slide past Wojciech Szczesny and open the scoring. Spurs continued to dominate the early exchanges and Lennon was unlucky not to grab a second goal after ghosting past Koscielny, only to head wide from Sebastien Bassong's delivery.
Arsenal grew into the first half and Heurelho Gomes did well to hold onto Robin van Persie's header. The Gunners levelled in the thirty seventh minute as confusion between Gomes and Jan Vertonghen following Walter Montillo's through ball presented Mikel Arteta with the opportunity to roll the ball into the net. Montillo hit the crossbar three minutes before the break as the visitors looked to establish an advantage. Following a shaky start, Spurs had Gomes to thank in the second half for denying Andrey Arshavin with an acrobatic save.
The away side went ahead on seventy three minutes. Arteta pinged the ball out to Gervinho on the right flank. The winger drilled a ball into the box and van Persie sped past Kaboul before hammering it into the top corner. Ralf Rangnick immediately introduced debutant Alberto Paloschi and Jake Livermore to find a way back into the game. Koscielny was given a straight red for a cynical professional foul after Livermore broke clear late on. In the dying seconds of added time, Giovani floated in a corner and Kaboul powered in a header to the ecstasy of the fans.
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Taz.
Yeah, should be through with no problems there. Cheers
We were very, very lucky. Arsenal are always brilliant on FM12, hopefully it's a decisive point!
Taz.
Nordsjaelland boss believes in power of the upset
• Danish minnows prepared for Spurs trip
• Tottenham likely to rest players for Europa League qualifier
Tottenham have been warned to expect the unexpected in tomorrow night's Europa League qualifier against FC Nordsjaelland.
The Danish side's manager Kasper Hjulmand insisted that his side would be no walkovers ahead of the fourth qualifying round tie at White Hart Lane. Spurs are massive favourites going into the game but Hjulmand said that Nordsjaelland would spring a surprise on Ralf Rangnick's hosts, who are hoping to secure a place in the group stages. Hjulmand's side finished sixth in the Superliga last season but won the Danish Cup for the second consecutive year. They were eliminated in the third qualifying round by Sporting Lisbon in last year's tournament.
"We are not going there to make up the numbers," the Danish coach said. "We are a small but very proud team and we aren't going to simply roll over. Tottenham know what they must do to reach the groups and we feel no pressure. The draw has thrown up difficult ties for us over the past few seasons but we always relish the chance to test ourselves against bigger sides. We are a club on the rise and we want to create something that will go down in history tomorrow night."
Tottenham are still without Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, although the duo could be in line for returns against Fulham on Sunday afternoon. Rangnick is expected to rotate his side for the game and youngsters Jake Livermore, Andros Townsend, Danny Rose and Iago Falque are all expected to play some part in the first leg. Jermain Defoe and £4million summer signing Alberto Paloschi are competing to replace Emmanuel Adebayor up front.