Match Report - 5th November

Glorious Spurs Triumphant

Spurs Goal scoring Heroes - Aaron Lennon & Michael Dawson

Spurs 2 Chelsea 1

What a match! What a performance! What a result!

Spurs thoroughly deserved to take the three points against Chelsea - the first time they have achieved that in a League game at White Hart Lane since Nico Claesen's winner in August, 1987. (Gary Lineker had scored the last winning goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a 2-1 win in February, 1990).

At last, three points from Chelsea - the jinx has been broken and also that of not defeating one of the top four clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea. Spurs can now move on - they showed today that they are capable of taking on and defeating the top sides. Previously, this season Spurs had kept their best displays for European games but today they matched Chelsea, took all that they could through at them and came out triumphant.

Martin Jol selected the same team that had played so well on Thursday evening against Brugge, so he does know his best team.

Both teams started brightly at a high tempo which was maintained throughout as the game flowed from end to end. Chelsea took a slight initiative after Chimbonda was injured and while he was off getting treatment, Chelsea started to exert more pressure. Spurs defended strongly but while Chimbonda was recovering, Robben broke clear and only a last ditch tackle prevented him from scoring. from the corner, Chelsea scored through a rare goal from Makelele struck from the edge of the box.

Spurs took time to recover but through time they started to exert more pressure and from a Jenas free kick, Michael Dawson scored his first goal for Spurs. A deserved equaliser as Spurs showed they weren't going to lie down for Chelsea.

After half time the game continued from end to end and withg Keane taking up positions wide on the left he put in a crosss which Aaron Lennon controlled hit home to put Spurs ahead with over forty minutes remaining.

Two superb goals to put Spurs ahead and as Chelsea became more frantic John Terry was sent off for two bookings and played the last half hour with ten men.

Chelsea continued to build up the pressure but Spurs held firm and again Keane created havoc on the left creating an opening for Berbatov who missed his chance. While Chelsea attacked, Spurs still took the game to them and put them under pressure from set plays. Chelsea's best chance came with minutes left when Ronnen's shot hit the outside of the post. It would have been very harsh on Spurs if they had conceded so late on.

Spurs deserved to win and it was no backs to the wall performance - they competed with Chelsea throughout the game and created chances themselves. Chelsea played well but Spurs did better. There was a belief in the Spurs' players that they could win and they were rewarded for all their hard work. This win should be a great morale boost for them and give them the confidence for future games.

Well done to Graham Poll who refereed very fairly - he wasn't intimidated by Chelsea players pressurising him a nd he allowed the game to flow but booked players as was required.

Congratulations to Martin Jol - the team were prepared and motivated for the game and tactically they matched Chelsea and went on to record a great win.

Heroes - every one of them.

Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Ghaly, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Berbatov, Keane (Defoe).