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K3V0
As is always the case in Europe if you do well at home you'll qualify.
Need to get at least six points from our three home games to have a chance.
K3V0
| Bale 87'
2 September 2012
Last updated at 17:41 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur recorded their third straight clean sheet since the opening day of the Premier League season and in the process recorded a 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage despite playing the final few minutes with only 10 men after Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off for two yellow card offences.
A late strike from Gareth Bale this afternoon denied Fulham a third consecutive draw in the Premier League much to the disappointment of the home fans at Craven Cottage.
Fulham have so far picked up points against European champions Chelsea at home and Liverpool away, the Cottagers handed a tough start in the Premier League this season as they face Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United in their opening five games.
Their other opponents West Brom not to be underestimated either as they've picked up six points from a possible nine under new manager Steve Clarke, the Baggies recording 2-1 wins over Norwich City and West Ham United.
Defeat at the hands of Spurs was slightly harsh but nobody could deny the fact that once again Andre Villas-Boas had watched his side create the best chances, dominate possession and boss proceedings. The young Portuguese manager has transformed Spurs since his arrival and they look like a team capable of challenging the best.
Spurs fired the first warning of this afternoons contest, striker Jermain Defoe who is still looking for his first Premier League goal of the season, firing directly at Mark Schwarzer after Aaron Lennon had played the ball into the path of the striker who had made a clever run off the shoulder of Aaron Hughes.
The hosts took their time settling into the game and when they finally found some rhythm there was problems for the Spurs defence, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who has kept two clean sheets in his two Premier League appearances called upon to deny Dimitar Berbatov from close range, the former Bulgarian international diverting a cross from Damien Duff towards goal, the Spurs keeper doing well to readjust his feet before clawing the ball off his line.
Fulham almost paid the price minutes later for some slack defending as Gylfi Sigurdsson picked out Clint Dempsey inside the area, the American who spent six seasons at Craven Cottage denied by the fingertips of Schwarzer who flung himself down low to his left to parry the ball away when it appeared Dempsey had scored.
The game then entered a scrappy phase as Steve Sidwell, Dimitar Berbatov and Mahamadou Diarra all found themselves threading a thin line after referee Anthony Taylor brandished yellow cards. As half time approached Schwarzer did well to block a Sigurdsson free kick with his feet after it had crept under the wall and Jan Vertonghen headed a corner over the crossbar as Spurs pushed for a late first half goal.
After the break the hosts went close to opening the scoring, right back Angel Rangel finding Berbatov unmarked inside the area with his cross and with Lloris beaten the former Spurs and Manchester United striker was unfortunate to see his header crash against the woodwork. The first booking for a Spurs player soon followed, midfielder Sandro booked after he hacked Berbatov down on the edge of the area as he shaped to shoot.
From the resulting free kick Damien Duff stung the hands of Lloris, the Spurs keeper doing well to hold onto the effort, had he not Fulham captain Brede Hangeland or Mladen Petric would have been presented with a tap in.
As the hour mark came and went Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas withdrew the misfiring Defoe and replaced him with Emmanuel Adebayor, whilst Dempsey also made way for Danny Graham, Villas-Boas switching his formation as Adebayor and Graham both took up positions up front. Within just three minutes of his introduction however Adebayor was booked for a needless shove on Hangeland, those two would again collide later in the game, the Togolese international shown two yellow cards for two shoves on the Fulham captain, the striker set to miss his sides next Premier League game against Newcastle United later this month.
In the end Fulham cracked, Bale breaking the offside trap and calmly slotting the ball under Schwarzer to seal the three points for Spurs, the traveling supporters buoyant at the final whistle as their side kept pace with Premier League leaders Manchester United and second placed Everton, the North London club enjoying life under Andre Villas-Boas, dreams of a Premier League title challenge well and truly still intact at White Hart Lane.
Data provided by The Press Association
K3V0
4 September 2012
Last updated at 14:14 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale says his late winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday was fully deserved after the North London club had dominated most of the Premier League clash.
Spurs head into the upcoming international break unbeaten and without conceding a single Premier League goal in over 270 minutes of football under new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The North London club recorded a 1-0 over Fulham on Sunday at Craven Cottage, a late Gareth Bale goal securing all three points for Spurs, only goal difference separating Manchester United, Everton, Spurs and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, all of the top four unbeaten in their opening three games.
Following his late winner against Fulham on Sunday the 23 year old Welsh international said Spurs deserved their victory and revealed his late goal was a great way to open his account in the Premier League this season.
"I've heard some people say we didn't deserve to win yesterday and I think that's ridiculous, how can people who understand football say that? We were in control for most of the game and had a few fantastic opportunities, we could have and should have scored a few goals on Sunday, no disrespect to Fulham," said the Spurs winger.
"To score so late was fantastic and on a personal level it was a great feeling to know my first goal of the season secured a late win for the team. When you score late you give yourself a huge chance of winning because the obvious advantage is the lack of time the opposition has to change things and respond," added Bale.
Bale will now link up with Wales as they begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with two tricky fixtures, the first a tough trip to Belgrade to face Serbia before hosting Scotland at Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales have been handed a difficult group which contains Belgium, Croatia, Macedonia, Scotland and Serbia.
Dan
K3V0
Cheers man.
That stupid bollocks went and got himself sent off so he's slowly starting to become my third choice striker behind Defoe and Graham despite his obvious ability. Thankfully we got the three points.
Oh and yeah Bale is an absolute beast.
DeleteBrowsingHistory
K3V0
Glad to hear pal and hope you'll keep following.
I thought keeping a hold of them was crucial to building a team capable of competing at the top of the Premier League, so far so good I suppose, hopefully things keep going well.
K3V0
7 September 2012
Last updated at 13:04 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur defender William Gallas has warned manager Andre Villas-Boas that he'll need first team football in the near future to remain fit and ready to play senior football for the North London club.
The 35 year old defender is yet to make an appearance for Spurs in the Premier League this season, manager Andre Villas-Boas preferring Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen in the centre of his defence, the North London club yet to concede a single goal in three Premier League games.
Gallas had publicly called on the club last month to open contract negotiations in regard to a new deal as the defenders current contract expires next summer. There has to date been no such offer from the Spurs hierarchy and it's not certain the club will look to extend the 35 year olds stay at White Hart Lane beyond this season.
Now the veteran defender, who has played for Chelsea and Arsenal in the past before joining Spurs on a free transfer in 2010, has warned manager Andre Villas-Boas that he must play first team football soon if he's to remain fit. The defender could face stiff competition however from young centre back Steven Caulker and Younes Kaboul who will both be looking to force their way into the Spurs first team over the coming weeks, Villas-Boas left with the tough task of keeping five centre backs happy when only two can play.
"If you're not playing you won't stay fit, everybody knows that, you can't be match sharp by just training because on game day it's another level, especially in the Premier League," stated Gallas.
"Hopefully the manager will pick me soon to play, even off the bench is fine, I just need to play to stay fit. We have many competitions to play in so I'm confident my time will come soon and then I can prove my worth to the team. Hopefully I can help the team win more games, we've started the season well," added the 35 year old.
K3V0
9 September 2012
Last updated at 17:12 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas wants to remain at White Hart Lane beyond his current contract that runs out next summer despite the arrivals of summer signings Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Mousa Dembele who have forced him down the pecking order at the North London club.
At just 29 years of age Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas should still have a few years at the peak of his powers but the England international who has represented the Three Lions 21 times is taking nothing for granted.
The Spurs midfielder has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and with his contract at White Hart Lane due to expire next summer Jenas knows he must prove he's still capable of contributing to the clubs success on the pitch, the midfielder yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season.
That wait for first team football could be a long one as manager Andre Villas-Boas selects from the likes of Scott Parker, Sandro, Tom Huddlestone, Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Mousa Dembele.
Despite the competition the 29 year old midfielder is confident he can prove his worth at White Hart Lane this season with the worst of his injury problems hopefully behind him.
"When you're injured it's tough because you just watch the lads play and you wish you could contribute, but you can't. Obviously last year we did really well and we've started this season in great form. Hopefully I'll get the chance to prove myself to the new manager over the next few months," said Jenas.
"Despite the competition I feel I belong here, I love this club and I want to stay here beyond next summer if that's possible. I think I'm fit now, the injuries are hopefully behind me and I can just concentrate on playing football for Spurs. If I can get some games under my belt I'm certain I can find my best form," added the midfielder.
Jenas joined Spurs back in 2005 in a deal worth £7 million when he left Newcastle United and he has gone on to make 154 Premier League appearances for the North London club scoring 21 times, the midfielder a part of the Spurs side that won the Capital One Cup back in 2008, Jenas delivering a free kick in the first half of extra time that Jonathan Woodgate scored the winner from as Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.
The midfielder is one of four Spurs players whose contract expires next summer, the others are experienced goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Carlo Cudicini, former French international William Gallas the other.
K3V0
11 September 2012
Last updated at 22:42 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale could miss his sides upcoming Premier League clash with Newcastle United at White Hart Lane after he injured his rib in Wales 2014 World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas will be hoping star winger Gareth Bale makes a speedy recovery from a rib injury ahead of his sides Premier League clash with Newcastle United at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
The 23 year old suffered the injury during Wales 2014 World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Cardiff City Stadium earlier tonight, the game ending in a 0-0 stalemate, the Welsh left with a single point in group 1 after two games following their 3-1 defeat in Belgrade last Friday as Serbia took advantage of sloppy defending.
Early reports have suggested that the Spurs winger was carrying a knock into the game against Scotland that he'd suffered in Belgrade, the decision to name Bale amongst the substitutes for the crucial clash suggesting those reports may have been accurate, the Spurs winger playing the second half for his country but he was unable to provide the spark needed for Wales to overcome Scotland as the clash ended goalless in Cardiff.
There was more bad news for Spurs fans and Villas-Boas as right back Kyle Walker suffered a nasty head collision as England comfortably beat Moldova 3-0 in Chisinau, the defender joining Bale on the list of in doubt players for the clubs game against Newcastle United on Sunday, Kyle Naughton expected to make just his second Premier League appearance for Spurs if Walker is ruled unfit to play at White Hart Lane in five days.
K3V0
14 September 2012
Last updated at 13:36 GMT
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes his side are heading to one of the toughest grounds in England this Sunday as the Magpies prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
The international break is over and this weekend the Premier League will return to televisions all around the globe, this weekends blockbuster clash a meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday at midday.
Whilst that game might be watched by most this weekend Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew only has one thing on his mind, how to get a result at White Hart Lane, a ground the Magpies boss has labelled one of the toughest in England, last seasons Barclays Manager of the Year cautious ahead of the clash with Spurs.
"There are a few tough places in England to go, the likes of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield, they're the type of places that you would take a point if offered to you before kick off," said the Newcastle manager.
"Somehow the ground we're going to this Sunday slips under the radar, not to many people talk about it as a difficult ground to go to, it's strange to me because White Hart Lane is always a tough place to get a result and you always want it over and done with as soon as possible," added Pardew.
"We don't fear Spurs, we don't fear any side, but we certainly respect them and they're in great form. We'll need to play well to get a result and I think if we perform to the best of our abilities there is nothing stopping us from winning on Sunday. It will be a very tough game, it always is at White Hart Lane, but you prepare as best you can during the week and hopefully come kick off your players are physically and mentally prepared when they step over the white line for what awaits," added the Newcastle boss who recently signed an eight year contract.
K3V0
Defoe 45+1', 53' | Ameobi 38'
16 September 2012
Last updated at 18:51 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League this afternoon after a Jermain Defoe brace completed a come from behind victory over Newcastle United at White Hart Lane.
Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi became the first player to score against Spurs this season in the Premier League but it meant little as a brace from Jermain Defoe gave the hosts a deserved victory which moved them two points clear of Manchester United and Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table.
Spurs fell behind for the first time in a competitive fixture under Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas when Ameobi pounced on a loose ball inside the hosts penalty area, left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto at fault for the goal after his mistimed interception had diverted the ball across the face of goal, Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris finally beaten as the Newcastle United striker calmly passed the ball into the bottom corner.
Whilst the hosts have been impressive this season in their opening Premier League games they had never been required to come from behind and following Ameobi's goal that's exactly what the North London club would have to do to avoid their first defeat under Villas-Boas since his summer appointment.
Spurs went into the without Gareth Bale and Kyle Walker, the duo both picking up minor injuries whilst representing their countries during the international break. Behind for the first time this season and with two key players missing you began to wonder if Spurs could turn this game around against the visitors.
Spurs boss praises match winner Defoe
The test had been set and Villas-Boas will be delighted as his players responded, the hosts level before the half time break, summer signing Mousa Dembele showing exactly why the North London club parted way with £15 million to make his move from Fulham possible, the Belgian international controlling the midfield and providing a fantastic ball for Jermain Defoe who rounded Tim Krul in the Newcastle United goal before rolling the ball into an empty net in first half injury time to level proceedings before the break to the delight of the home supporters.
At the half time interval Villas-Boas decided to change his formation from his 4-4-1-1 to a more traditional 4-4-2 and Gylfi Sigurdsson was the unfortunate player to be sacrificed, the Icelandic international withdrawn for striker Danny Graham. The substitute almost had an immediate impact on the Premier League clash, the striker scooping an effort over the bar just four minutes after his arrival when he should have tested Krul, the hosts beginning to create opportunities with ease as Alan Pardew asked for more from his charges from his technical area.
Spurs almost took the lead a minute later when Tom Huddlestone stung the palms of Krul, whilst at the other end there was controversy as Jan Vertonghen appeared to have fouled Yohan Cabaye inside the area, match official Mike Dean waving play on, television replays suggesting the Spurs defender had timed his tackle perfectly as the Newcastle United midfielder shaped to shoot.
That moment proved pivotal in the outcome of the clash, Spurs taking the lead seconds later, another beautiful pass from Dembele cutting the visitors defence wide open, Defoe staying onside before picking the ball up and with all the time in the world the striker kept his cool before sliding the ball under the outstretched arm of Krul who immediately blasted his defence, Defoe racing away to celebrate with his team-mates.
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew made some changes but the Magpies boss could do nothing to reverse his sides fortunes as they succumbed to their second defeat in the Premier League this season. Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas on the other hand can do no wrong at the moment, the North London club winning three of their opening four league games whilst remaining unbeaten under his guidance.
Data provided by The Press Association
K3V0
17 September 2012
Last updated at 14:50 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has revealed he's full of confidence following his match winning brace against Newcastle United yesterday in their Premier League clash at White Hart Lane.
Spurs moved two points clear of Manchester United, Manchester City, Swansea City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table yesterday afternoon after a Jermain Defoe brace ensured they beat Newcastle United.
A neat finish from Shola Ameobi had given the Magpies the lead at White Hart Lane yesterday only for Mousa Dembele and Defoe to combine twice, once in first half injury time, too turn things around for the North London club, the strikers brace securing a 2-1 win as injured duo Gareth Bale and Kyle Walker watched from the stands.
Defoe hadn't scored in the Premier League in Spurs three previous fixtures although the striker was in top form yesterday as he took both his goals well, the 29 year old making no mistake as he beat Tim Krul either side of the half time break, the England international revealing his confidence is high following his match winning brace.
"As a striker you always want to score goals and thankfully I got off the mark yesterday," stated Defoe.
"It was important for us to win yesterday against tough opposition and it was great to turn things around after we'd gone behind, that shows the character and belief we've all got at this club," added the Spurs striker.
"My confidence is high now after getting that brace and hopefully I can continue scoring over the next few weeks. In saying that if I don't score and we keep winning then I'll be happy, it doesn't matter who scores as long as we keep winning, but if I do score and we win then that's even better," joked the England international.
K3V0
19 September 2012
Last updated at 18:36 GMT
Tottenham Hotspurs experienced goalkeeper Brad Friedel says a positive result in their opening Group H clash against AZ Alkmaar tomorrow night at the AFAS Stadion is vital for the North London club.
Ahead of Spurs opening Group H clash against AZ Alkmaar tomorrow night at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar experienced goalkeeper Brad Friedel has stressed how important it is for the North London club get off to a positive start in the Europa League as the road to the final at the Amsterdam ArenA next May begins.
"The group we've been handed isn't an easy one and we need to get off to a good start. We can't afford to play catch up in this group so tomorrow night a positive result is vital, we know that and we've been working hard in training to ensure we're prepared, hopefully we'll get a positive result," said Friedel.
Friedel, 41, hasn't made an appearance for Spurs so far this season as the North London club head into their upcoming fixture against AZ Alkmaar on the back of some good form that has seen them record three wins in their opening four Premier League games whilst remaining unbeaten.
The American has been tipped to start ahead of Hugo Lloris who has been preferred by manager Andre Villas-Boas so far this season and Friedel says he's ready should the Spurs boss hand him his first start of the season.
"If the boss selects me tomorrow night I'll be ready just like every other game. I prepare every week and train as if I'm going to be playing, I think that way you stay sharp and focussed. Obviously with Hugo coming in it was always likely I'd play less games this year and I accept that because I'm getting older and he's a young world class goalkeeper. In saying that I've no plans to retire and I still want to play as much as I can so I'll be fighting for my place, trying everyday to prove to the manager that I'm good enough," stated the 41 year old American.
Spurs were drawn alongside AZ Alkmaar, Hannover 96 and Dinamo Moscow in Group H.
K3V0
Falkenburg 73' | Lennon 47', 90+3', Sigurdsson 51'
20 September 2012
Last updated at 22:11 GMT
A brace from Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon laid the platform for the North London club to record an important 3-1 victory in their Europa League Group H clash with AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs have started their Europa League campaign with a fine 3-1 win over Dutch opponents AZ Alkmaar tonight, a brace from Aaron Lennon and a goal from Gylfi Sigurdsson enough to secure the victory at the AFAS Stadion.
In what was expected to be a tough trip the North London club easily saw off the hosts, the final score not a fair reflection on how proceedings transpired in this Group H clash, Spurs unfortunate not to have recorded victory by a bigger margin. There was surprise prior to kick off when both Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe were named amongst the substitutes by Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, neither featuring in this Europa League clash.
Villas-Boas also handed a first appearance of the season to defender William Gallas who was partnered in defence by Steven Caulker, that decision almost proving costly just five minutes into the game when Caulker barged into the back of Adam Maher, the resulting free kick slammed into Brad Friedel's crossbar by Erik Falkenburg.
That scare seemed to awaken the visiting side and they began to dominate proceedings as AZ Alkmaar struggled to retain possession. Inside the opening half hour midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson had looked the likeliest to break the deadlock as he created opportunities, the Icelandic international unlucky to see the hosts goalkeeper Esteban pull off a fine double save after 16 minutes when it seemed impossible for Sigurdsson to miss.
With half time approaching the best chance of the game fell to Emmanuel Adebayor, the striker unable to hit the target with his header from a few yards out, Adebayor always stretching to reach Kyle Naughton's cross, the warning signs clear for AZ Alkmaar as the first half was brought to an end by Italian referee Riccardo Di Fiore.
After the half time break both sides appeared unchanged for the second half, both managers hoping their respective sides would improve and the managers had barely taken their seats in the dugouts when Spurs winger Aaron Lennon scored a sensational goal less then two minutes after the break, the winger finishing off his mazy dribble that had began deep inside his own half with a powerful finish from the edge of the area.
Spurs had made the breakthrough early in the second half but they didn't stop there and Sigurdsson soon made it 2-0 when he bagged his first ever goal for the North London club since signing during the summer, the midfielder somehow squeezing his effort by Esteban from a tight angle to the delight of his team-mates.
The visitors continued to mount pressure as they searched for more goals and Adebayor was again unlucky to not find the back of the net after he had controlled a long diagonal pass from Mousa Dembele with the outside of his foot whilst running towards goal, the strikers first time effort shaving the outside of the post as some of the travelling Spurs fans behind that goal celebrated prematurely.
With just under 17 minutes remaining in the game the hosts were handed a lifeline from Falkenburg when he struck a wonderful 25 yard effort into the top corner, Spurs keeper Brad Friedel unable to keep the effort out despite getting his fingertips to the strike, the home side halving the deficit in stunning fashion.
If the AZ Alkmaar fans inside the AFAS Stadion had expected a rousing comeback from their side they would have been deeply disappointed as they failed to even test Friedel in the final quarter of an hour, the result eventually put to bed by Lennon in stoppage time, the winger finishing off a swift counter attack after the impressive Sigurdsson squared the ball across the area for Lennon to tap home from just six yards out.
Data provided by The Press Association
Dan
K3V0
Cheers Dan.
Was great to beat Newcastle after going behind, obviously found out we can bounce back after a setback and we really should have won by a lot more against AZ Alkmaar. Great start to the season so far!!
PeterGriffin
K3V0
Cheers bud, we've been doing quite well and long may it continue.
Btw updates might be a bit slow over the next few days as I'm not off work until Sunday.
DeleteBrowsingHistory
K3V0
Cheers pal
K3V0
21 September 2012
Last updated at 14:47 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker has branded the clubs 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion last night in their opening Europa League Group H clash as massive.
The North London club stunned their Dutch opponents early in the second half when Aaron Lennon and Gylfi Sigurdsson both scored within six minutes of the restart. The hosts never truly recovered from that setback despite Erik Falkenburg pulling one back with a wonder striker with just 17 minutes remaining.
A second from Lennon deep into stoppage time ensured Spurs recorded victory in their Group H clash.
The win puts Spurs top of their group level on points with Bundesliga side Hannover 96 who recorded a 3-1 win in Hannover over Russian opponents Dinamo Moscow, the North London club set to face the German outfit at White Hart Lane in their next Group H fixture before a double header against Dinamo Moscow, the first of which is at White Hart Lane, victory at the AFAS Stadion giving Spurs a great opportunity to advance from Group H.
Last nights win was branded massive by Steven Caulker, the defender making his his first appearance of the season during the 3-1 win, the 20 year old playing the full game and Caulker believes manager Andre Villas-Boas can lead the club to Europa League success if the side can produce regular performances matching last nights.
"We were fantastic last night against AZ Alkmaar, it's got to be said," revealed Caulker.
"I don't think we gave them a sniff throughout the game and they needed a wonder strike to get a goal against us, I mean we always looked comfortable and I thought we could have won by a few more to be honest. It was a great way to start the group and now we've two home games, hopefully we can win both of them although we know our opponents will be tough to beat so we'll need to perform at our best," said the defender.
"Last nights win was massive, it's set us up really well in the group and if we can continue playing the football we're playing then there is absolutely no reason why we can't go all the way in the Europa League. The manager has experience of winning this competition, he knows what it takes to win it and hopefully he can help us achieve that. It would be amazing to win the Europa League, it would be a big achievement," added the 20 year old.
K3V0
23 September 2012
Last updated at 17:50 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale says he wants to win the Capital One Cup this season and has dismissed claims that the competition isn't important to players at Premier League clubs.
Spurs meet Reading in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night at White Hart Lane and it's expected that the North London club will name a strong side for the clash, the hosts strong favourites to book their place in the fourth round draw despite the Royals impressive start to life in the Premier League.
Reading are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions although Spurs have won four of their five fixtures this season in all competitions, a 0-0 draw against West Ham United at White Hart Lane in August the only time the North London club have failed to record victory under Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Welsh international Gareth Bale says he is intent on helping Spurs overcome Reading on Tuesday night at White Hart Lane, the 23 year old hopeful that victory over the Royals in their third round clash will be the first of many in the Capital One Cup this season, the winger revealing his desire to win the competition.
"The game against Reading will be difficult for us because they've been in good form this season. They've beaten Everton and got a point at Anfield, they're doing well and we'll give them respect," said Bale.
"Hopefully with the game being at home we can continue our good performances and advance to the next round. All the boys want to go as far as we can in the Capital One Cup, it would be fantastic to win it but we know there is a long way to go in the competition and we're only concentrating on Reading," added the Welsh international.
"You hear people say players in the Premier League don't care about this competition but that's rubbish, of course we do, it's a trophy, it's a winners medal and every player wants to win trophies," stated the 23 year old.
The game against Reading will be the beginning of six consecutive games at White Hart Lane for Spurs in which they'll take on Liverpool, Reading and Manchester United in the Premier League, whilst tackling Hannover 96 and Dinamo Moscow in the Europa League, those groups of fixtures potentially crucial according to Bale.
"Looking at the next few fixtures you think it could be a really crucial stage for us. We could progress in the Capital One Cup and go a long way to progressing from our Europa League group whilst keeping pace at the top of the Premier League. It's a very important period and we'll need to prepare well for every game," declared Bale.
K3V0
Dembele 101', Gunter OG 120' |
25 September 2012
Last updated at 22:18 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup this evening at the expense of Reading in a game that required extra time at White Hart Lane.
Spurs marched triumphantly into the next round of the Capital One Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over fellow Premier League side Reading tonight at White Hart Lane. The Royals made their more favoured opponents work until the very end for the victory, extra time required at White Hart Lane after the game had finished goalless.
In the end Spurs just had to much for Reading to deal with and a fine goal from Mousa Dembele in the first period of extra time set the North London club on their way to victory at White Hart Lane.
The first good chance of the contest fell to Spurs captain Jermain Jenas, the midfielder unable to hit the target with his effort from the edge of the area, the England international scooping his effort over the crossbar.
A dull first half came to an end without incident, although Jake Livermore found himself on a yellow card, the midfielder committing a number of fouls, referee Andy D'Urso left with no real option but to caution the player after he'd given the 22 year old at least two prior warnings.
The second half wasn't much better as Reading sat deep in their half and pressured Spurs as soon as a first touch had been taken, the hosts finding it difficult to create chances, the tension inside White Hart Lane beginning to rise as the chances of an upset began to increase.
In the end a late flurry of chances by Spurs forced Adam Federici into action, the Australian goalkeeper denying Sandro, Aaron Lennon, Clint Dempsey and Gareth Bale in the final few minutes to force extra time.
The lottery of penalties now just a half hour away in this Capital One Cup third round clash.
There would be no need for spot kicks however, a stunning volley from Mousa Dembele 11 minutes into extra time giving Spurs a lead they never looked like surrendering at White Hart Lane, the Belgian midfielder connecting beautifully with his volley after Chris Gunter could only clear a Bale cross to the edge of the box, the Spurs midfielder taking full advantage as he blasted his effort through a crowd of players and beyond Federici.
Spurs secured the victory with just moments remaining in the game, a Bale corner wasn't cleared after William Gallas had flicked the ball on at the near post and when Danny Graham's mistimed shot became a cross there was sheer embarrassment for Gunter who couldn't adjust his feet in time, the Reading defender diverting the ball beyond his own keeper, Spurs through to the next round as the Royals crashed out of the Capital One Cup.
Data provided by The Press Association
MrTini23
Dan
K3V0
Cheers lads and Dan nah it's not dead, just been really busy with work and had no time for updates!!
I've actually played all the way up to the beginning of November, so I'll be updating to that over the next week or two so stay tuned, don't want to give to much away but I think it'll be entertaining!!
BOWC
K3V0
Cheers pal, season is going well and hopefully it'll continue that way.
K3V0
26 September 2012
Last updated at 13:42 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Clint Dempsey has praised team-mate Mousa Dembele after the Belgian international scored a stunning volley last night in extra time against Reading as the North London club won the pairs third round Capital One Cup clash 2-0 at White Hart Lane.
Spurs advanced to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup last night with a hard fought but deserved 2-0 victory over Reading at White Hart Lane, substitute Mousa Dembele scoring in extra time to give the hosts the lead before a late shot become cross from Danny Graham was diverted home by the unfortunate Chris Gunter.
Although the hosts had dominated proceedings they had lacked the creativity to create clear chances as Adam Federici enjoyed a quiet night for large parts of this Capital One Cup clash. In the end Dembele broke the deadlock with a stunning volley, the Belgian replacing Jermain Jenas at half time as Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas attempted to give his side another dimension in attack, the substitution an inspired one in hindsight.
Following that stunning volley team-mate Clint Dempsey praised the Belgian midfielder.
"Mousa changed the game for us tonight, that's the kind of talent he has, he's a special player," stated Dempsey.
"I've been lucky to play with him for a few seasons now. We created more chances when he was on the pitch and he scored a great individual goal, their keeper had no chance of saving it," added the American international.
The goal against Reading was Dembele's first for Spurs since he joined in the summer, the North London club completing a £15 million transfer, the Belgian international leaving Fulham two years after joining the Cottagers.