Tottenham 3 Bolton 1 FA Cup 6th Round

Spurs progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Bolton, although it took quite some time for the goals to arrive.  Chelsea await at Wembley and Spurs will be looking to improve their disappointing record in FA Cup semi-finals, having lost five since defeating Arsenal in 1991.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Bolton Wanderers 1

Scorers: Nelsen, Bale, Saha                        Davies

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Nelsen, King, Assou-Ekotto; Modric, Livermore, Parker (Defoe), Bale; Van der Vaart (Rose); Adebayor (Saha)  Subs: (unused) Friedel, Kaboul, Kranjcar, Giovani

With only sixteen minutes remaining it was incredulous that the match remained without a goal.  Tottenham had totally dominated the match and peppered the Bolton goal but were unable to get past goalkeeper, Adam Bogdam.  He kept Bolton in the game with a series of saves and blocks while Spurs also managed to hit the bar, put shots narrowly past the woodwork or simply failed to capitalise on the chances they created as they continued with their tendency in recent games of  numerous attempts on goal without actually scoring.  In the end the breakthrough goal came from an unlikely source and player.

Pre-match, both clubs and supporters acknowledged the work of the medical staff and emergengy services at the previous meeting when Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during the match.  There is much relief from the footballing community that he is making steady progress on his road to recovery.  Harry Redknapp had put out a strong team, Carlo Cudicini continued in his role of FA Cup goalkeeper while Ledley King and Ryan Nelson took over in central defence.  Jake Livermore replaced Sandro in midfield and Jermain Defoe remained a substitute as the rest of the team which drew with Chelsea re-appeared to maintain the momentum gained from that performance.

The first seventy minutes were a catalogue of missed chances by Spurs - Gareth Bale had shots saved and past the post, Livermore had a shot saved and the rebound from Luka Modric was also saved by Bogdam.  Scott Parker had a shot saved after he worked his way into the heart of the Bolton defence. Rafael Van der Vaart had a free-kick hit the bar and he also has a shot saved when put through by Emmanuel Adebayor who was also thwarted when put through one on one with the goalkeeper by Modric.  Ledley King had a header saved and so on top were Spurs that at times from before half-time Ryan Nelsen was even pushing forward to support the attack.  

Bolton rarely threatened and had all eleven players back defending as the pressure increased and at times Spurs had four players spread across the pitch in attack - Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto wide on the wings with  Modric, Bale or Van der Vaart alternating in support of Adebayor.  

Then out of the blue, Bolton got forward, with King trying to play offside, but Cudicini dealt comfortably with the situation.  As time went on fans were getting resigned to Spurs not getting the breakthrough their play deserved and when Defoe appeared on the touchline their was an appreciative roar.  Within a minute of coming on Defoe with his first meaningful contribution was to be the key which unlocked the visitors' defence.  He didn't score but his shot was touched away for a corner by the goalkeeper.

The pressure had been building but that corner was the beginning of the end of Bolton resistance as they conceded three successive corners, unable to clear the ball successfully.  From the third Spurs scored - a collector's item - a goal from a corner, a rarity for Spurs, a headed goal, not too many of those this season, and the scorer was Nelsen who rose through a crowd of players at the back post to head past the goalkeeper - his first goal for Spurs.

Two minutes later  as Spurs broke quickly from defence, Adebayor and Defoe linked with Defoe setting up Bale to score the second.  Bale had another shot just wide but with a series of substitutions, Spurs were content to play out time with little threat from Bolton.  Then with three minutes left, a cross from the right was touched by Nelsen and Kevin Davies knocked it back past Cudicini.

No real alarm and Louis Saha showed Spurs how to score in the final minute with a goal in the final touch of the game.  Against Chelsea, Van der Vaart at the interval and Bale at full time had the opportunity of a late score but failed.  This time Saha receiving the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area, turned and shot past Bogdam - the last action of the match.

Spurs deserved their win, it was, in the end, quite comfortable even if we did have to wait a long time for the goals to arrive.  Spurs were much more purposeful in their play with their passing and movement back to something like what they were producing earlier in the season.  Chelsea now await in the semi-final and with the Merseyside clubs contesting the other semi, it it's set to be a London/Liverpool final at Wembley.

Everton 1 Tottenham 0

Everton won only their fourth home game against Spurs in the Premier League's twenty years history.  Their only goal extends their current unbeaten run to seven games while Spurs have lost a third consecutive League game for the first time under Harry Redknapp.

Everton 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Scorer: Jelavic

Team: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto; Bale, Sandro (Van der Vaart), Parker (Livermore), Modric; Adebayor (Sakha), Defoe  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Nelsen, Kranjcar, Rose

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Spurs' loss of form continued at Goddison Park, allowing the chasing pack to draw closer.   Two months ago at White Hart Lane, Spurs beat Everton with ease to move level on points with Manchester United, three points off top spot.  This heralded widespread media discussions as to whether Tottenham could actually win the title.  How things have changed in that subsequent period.  Everton have now gone seven games undefeated while Tottenham have managed only two League wins and and have lost three successive League games for the first time under Harry Redknapp.  Spurs difficulties have been compounded by a loss of players to injury with Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson joining that list and as in recent games an individual error has led to a goal being conceded.

To compensate for the loss of Lennon, Gareth Bale started the game on the right with Luka Modric on the left and Sandro playing in the middle beside Scott Parker.  Jermain Defoe was given the opportunity to play alongside Emmanuel Adebayor.  Unfortunately, from early on Spurs were very disjointed and Everton were the much more purposeful team.  They were quicker to the ball and dominated possession for much of the first half.  Having said that, for all Everton's possession, the Spurs defence wasn't having too many problems although a poor clearance by Younes Kaboul presented Everton with a shot wide and after twenty minutes Brad Friedel saved a dangerous cross-shot from Fellaini.  Two minutes later Osman beat Kaboul too easily as he ran into the penalty area and found Jelavic who scored his first Everton goal on his home debut.

Everton continued to dominate the half and it was only in the final ten minutes before the interval, after Bale moved to the left, that Spurs began to look more of a threat.

In the second half Spurs were much quicker to the ball and showed greater endeavour.  Defoe had a shot saved as Spurs provided the greater threat.  Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto who had rarely progressed into the Everton half before the interval were now taking up much more advanced roles as Spurs pushed forward for an equaliser.  On 52 minutes, Defoe had another shot saved after being set-up by Parker and following the introduction of Louis Saha in place of Adebayor, Modric shot over after good interplay between Bale and Assou-Ekotto.

Just after the hour mark, Kaboul shot over from a free-kick after a foul on Bale on the edge of the penalty area.  Defoe then had another shot saved and Van der Vaart replaced Sandro.  With twenty minutes remaining Saha had a shot blocked and then Everton had their first goal attempt of the half when Brad Friedel saved well from Osman.  With fifteen minutes remaining Defoe put the ball into the net but was clearly off-side.

Throughout the second half Everton did what they do best.  Having scored the goal before the interval, they were content to defend in depth and frustrate Spurs.  Spurs had eight corners while Everton had none and in the second period Spurs had about fourteen attempts on goal to Everton's one.  It shows the level of supremacy in terms of possession and threat that Spurs offered in the second half but the damage had been done before the interval.

In a final dramatic five minute period of added time after Everton had used every time wasting tactic available, Spurs might have scored on a number of occasions - a Van der Vaart shot was deflected and curled over the bar, Saha had a shot against the post which then bounced onto the goalkeeper's knee and away to safety and Defoe shot over.

At the end of February last year Spurs went on a run that saw their season tail off disappointingly and it was at a similar time this year that the defeat at Arsenal marked the start of this current dip in form.  In the coming week Spurs need to assess where things have gone wrong, to determine how to eliminate individual defensive errors, how to make the best use of the players available to them and to focus on what they do best.  Progress in the Cup next weekend and a win against Stoke a few days later are essential if a very promising season isn't going to disappear into obscurity.

Spurs League Record at Everton

In spite of losing at Goodison Park last season, in comparison with other grounds, Spurs away record against Everton is one of the is one of their better Premier League records.  Spurs visit Everton in need of a win to bring an end to a run of four away League games without a win, since their two goal success at Christmas.

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 Last season saw Everton end a run of six seasons without a win over Spurs at Goodison Park.  It was only their third home win of the Premier League era with Spurs having won there on seven previous occasions, with nine draws.  Tottenham's good form at Goodison Park coincides with the start of the Premier League in August, 1992 as their previous League success there had been back in 1984.

Spurs League Record at Goodison Park

P  74  W  17  D  26  L  31  For  82  Ag  109

Away Premier League Record against Everton

P  19  W  7  D  9  L  3  For  20  Ag  16

Last Season's Match:

Jan. 2011  PL  Lost  1 - 2  Van der Vaart

Everton won their home game against Spurs for the first time since April, 2004.  Louis Saha had given Everton the lead after three minutes as he troubled the Spurs defence with his pace and direct running.  Rafael Van der Vaart equalised within eight minutes but the loss of Gareth Bale after an hour was a setback for Spurs.  Everton scored a deserved winner with fifteen minutes remaining.

Previous League Results at Goodison Park  

Dec. 2009  PL  Draw 2 - 2  Defoe, Dawson

Jermain Defoe saw his injury time penalty saved, so denying Spurs of all three points.  Spurs had taken the lead two minutes after the interval through Defoe.  Michael Dawson added a second after an hour and the points looked secure.  A late rally from Everton brought them level after scoring twice in eight minutes - Saha scoring the first on 78 minutes.    

May, 2009  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Spurs had the better of the first half but Everton showed greater endeavour after the interval but neither side could find a goal.

Jan. 2008  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Jonathan Woodgate made his Spurs debut.

Feb. 2007  PL  Won 2 - 1  Berbatov, Jenas

Dimitar Berbatov had given Spurs a first half lead but Everton scored just before half-time.  Jermaine Jenas scored the winner with only a minute remaining.  

Apr. 2006  PL  Won 1 - 0  Keane (pen)  

This was an important win as Spurs battled to hold on to fourth place.  Keane scored with a first half penalty and Spurs held on quite comfortably although a late injury to Ledley King took the gloss off the win.  

Oct. 2004  PL  Won 1 - 0  Pamarot

A hard-working defensive display ensured Spurs kept another clean sheet in Jacques Santini's short reign.  An early second half header from Noe Pamarot gave the team something to battle for and they held out to take the points.  

April, 2004  PL  Lost 1 - 3 Carr

Everton were two ahead inside twenty five minutes and three up by the interval.  Stephen Carr's goal with fifteen minutes remaining was little more than a consolation.

Aug. 2005  PL  Draw 2 - 2  Etherington, Ferdinand

The opening match of the season saw Spurs behind at the interval.  They scored twice in eleven minutes midway through the second half but Everton levelled with nine minutes remaining.

Start of the Premier League era

Feb. 1993  PL  Won 2 - 1  Mabbutt, Allen, P.

Spurs won their first game at Goodison since August, 1984.  it was to prove a good omen for Spurs as they would go on to experience their best period of results against Everton.

Mar. 2004  PL  Won 1 - 0  Sedgley

Previous Win in 1st Division

Aug. 1984  1st Div.  Won 4 - 1  Falco, Allen, C. (2), Chiedoze

The perfect start to the season, an opening day success for new manager, Peter Shreeves (or Shreeve).  By the end of the season, however, it was Everton who were celebrating as title winners, with Spurs in third.

Christian Gross' Favourite Ground

There's not much positive that can be said about Christian Gross' short time  at Tottenham but he did manage to win both his first and last games as manager - victories at Goodison.  He must have left Goodison Park after that first game at the end of November,1997 thinking that managing in the Premier League wasn't going to be a problem.  He had overseen a two goal win with goals from Ramon Vega and David Ginola.  A week later Chelsea introduced him to the realities of English football.

The following August, a goal from Les  Ferdinand gave Spurs their first win of the season after defeats at Wimbledon and at home to Sheffield Wednesday, and he must have left Goodison singing, "Can we play you every week."  His time at Spurs, however, was nearly up and during that international break he was removed from post.

It is to be hoped that Spurs can maintain their Premier League supremacy over Everton who have shown a resurgence in recent weeks and will provide a sterner test than they did at White Hart Lane in January.

They Played for Spurs and Everton: Here

Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2

Spurs picked the worst possible day to let slip a two goal lead.  After a bright opening and two goals inside thirty five minutes everything fell apart for Tottenham who were hoping to maintain parity with the top two teams while widening the gap on the teams challenging for third place.  A defining match in terms of the title race for Spurs and a readjustment of their focus to the FA Cup and finishing third in the League to be assured of Champions League football next season. 

Arsenal 5 Tottenham Hotspur 2

           Scorers: Sagna, Van Persie, Rosicky, Walcott (2)            Saha, Adebayor (pen)

Team:  Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, King (Dawson), Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar (Sandro), Parker, Modric, Bale; Saha (Van der Vaart), Adebayor  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Rose, Lennon, Defoe

Harry Redknapp selected the formation and team which defeated Newcastle a fortnight ago but with Younes Kaboul replacing Michael Dawson in central defence.  

Spurs were ahead after three minutes when a pass from Emmanuel Adebayor found Louis Saha in acres of space and as he advanced into the penalty area his shot was deflected off the heel of the defender trying to close him down.  The ball looped into the air and over the goalkeeper.  Spurs couldn't have asked for a better start.

Gareth Bale then put in a good cross to the near post which Adebayor pushed wide.  Spurs had started much quicker and were well marshalled in defence and finding space as they broke at pace against a rather stretched Arsenal defence.  Spurs were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box for a foul on Nico Kranjcar which they took quickly before Arsenal had re-organised but it came to nothing.

Gradually, Arsenal started to put their game together and a Van Persie shot was deflected wide by Kaboul.  From the corner to the near post Brad Friedel reacted well to save a goal bound header.  This was a warning to Spurs that they couldn't relax or take anything for granted.

Spurs broke forward when Saha released Adebayor but his effort was blocked by the goalkeeper and rebounded to Kyle Walker who blazed over.  Walker was taking every opportunity to get forward on the right but on his next venture forward, he never had the ball fully under control.

Scott Parker and Luca Modric were both booked when Parker gave away a free-kick outside the box.  On thirty four minutes Modric played Bale in and as he took on the defenders he was brought down by Gibbs with a penalty awarded.  Adebayor coolly scored on his 28th birthday to give Spurs a two goal advantage and become only the second player, after Jimmy Robertson, to score for both clubs in a north London derby.

Almost immediately, Arsenal caught Spurs out on the halfway line and Walcott had the chance to break for goal.  He chose to pass to Van Persie but he was crowded out.  Next, Bale got away again but he chose to shoot when Saha was unmarked, and the goalkeeper saved easily.

Just as Spurs were looking to consolidate and get to half-time, Arsenal scored twice in three minutes.  Van Persie's shot hit the post but Arsenal collected the ball on the left and played it back in for Sagna to put in a header which gave Friedel no chance.  Three minutes later, after a poor clearance from Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Van Persie equalised from the edge of the box.  Such a turn around, from Arsenal looking in disarray, it was Spurs who were bewildered.

At half-time Redknapp replaced Kranjcar and Saha with Sando and Rafael Van der Vaart but it was Arsenal who were in the ascendancy.  They quickly got into their stride and Spurs simply didn't respond.  Friedel was called upon to save low to his left but after fifty minutes he could do nothing as Rosicky put Arsenal ahead.  He had created the goal with a penetrating run and kept going to meet the cross ahead of King and Friedel and poke the ball home at the near post.

Arsenal were playing with a desire  and a confidence which had been missing in the first half.  Spurs were floundering as Walcott shot past the post but a few minutes later he was set away as Arsenal counter attacked with Spurs defence spread-eagled to get number four.  Three minutes later he added number five, as Spurs stuttered not knowing what to do, having not scored at home for a year.

Sandro put in a shot which was saved but there was little threat from Spurs and at the end they were relieved to keep the score line as it was.  Parker was sent off in the final minutes for a second bookable offence.  

It was a bad day at the office but in typical Spurs fashion they had to have it against Arsenal.  The home team wanted the result more than Spurs who even though they had gone two up were never in control, there had been warning signs which they didn't heed.  The changes made at half-time didn't help the team as neither player got into the game and those around them seemed unsure of how they were to play.  No Spurs player takes credit from this game and unusually for him, Ledley King was not at his best.

Spurs now trail City and United by ten and eight points respectively.  They are seven points ahead of Arsenal who moved ahead of Chelsea, on goal difference, into fourth.  Spurs' outside dreams of the title have now faded so their focus has to be to retain third and Champions League football with a determined effort to win a trophy - the FA Cup.  Their next game, against United at home, is not the best way to get over their worst performance of the season but to avoid going into free-fall they need a positive result.

This match has been called a 'classic' by the media but I'm tired of Spurs being involved at the losing end of such matches.  Spurs have a problem when facing 'top' teams, they can't put together a performance or a result.  This season, apart from Liverpool at home, they have struggled in those matches.  They've lost three out of three against the Manchester clubs.  They beat Arsenal at home but the performance wasn't great.  They drew with Chelsea but after a good start allowed a poor Chelsea to dominate them.  They have a chance next weekend to rectify that issue when they meet a United side reliant on their experienced players to keep them on track.

Spurs missed the chance to complete the 'double' over Arsenal for the first time since 1992-93 and they haven't beaten United since May, 2001 so that will be a record to try to correct next week.

Tottenham 5 Newcastle United 0

A perfect end to the week for Harry Redknapp as Spurs, inspired by a re-energised Emmanuel Adebayor, scored five goals against Newcastle at White Hart Lane as the fans continually showed their support for the manager.

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What an End to Redknapp's Perfect Week

Tottenham Hotspur 5 Newcastle United 0

Scorers: Assou-Ekotto, Saha (2), Kranjcar, Adebayor

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, King (Nelsen), Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar, Parker, Modric, Bale (Lennon); Saha (Defoe), Adebayor  Subs (unused): Cudicini, Khumalo, Rose, Livermore

White Hart Lane was buzzing with the Spurs supporters constantly singing and chanting the name of Harry Redknapp as they showed their support for the manager.  The fans were up for the game and so were the players as Newcastle discovered very early on as Tottenham scored twice in the opening six minutes with Emmanuel Adebayor the creator and inspiration for the team.

 

Louis Saha made his home debut in place of Jake Livermore, with Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe fit enough to return to the substitutes bench.  With Newcastle in search of a top four finish a difficult game was expected but they were restricted due to injuries in midfield.  Spurs started very brightly and Adeboyor had created the first goal within four minutes.  Looking lively and more energetic than in  previous matches, he took a ball from Gareth Bale and made a forceful run and cross to where Benoit Assou-Ekotto was waiting, unmarked at the the corner of the six yard box and he gleefully hammered the ball into the net.  It was a perfect start for Spurs and answered the question as to whether the media speculation about Harry Redknapp and the England manager's position had been a distraction at the club.  The answer was clearly in the negative and after another two minutes it became a resounding, "No!"

Adebayor, again, made another strong run on the right and crossed for Louis Saha to score on his home debut against the team with whom he started his career in English football.  Two minutes later, Saha turned provider and set up Adebayor but the shot went out for a goal kick.  Two minutes on and Bale turned creator and set up Adebayor but he was unable to control the through ball and it ran on to the goalkeeper.

From a Newcastle corner, Adebayor, in trying to put in a tackle, slipped and the ball ran over his arm but the referee turned down any penalty appeals.  A Bale run and cross came out to Kranjcar but he blasted over on fifteen minutes.  it was all Spurs and they struck again when a Modric cross was laid back by Adebayor for Saha to score through the defenders legs.

The ease with which Spurs were playing encouraged the supporters and there was a constant tide of support for Harry Redknapp.  Bale continued to be dangerous and he crossed to Saha who passed to Adebayor but the shot went wide.

Brad Friedel made a finger tip save from a free-kick when Scott Parker was booked for a foul on the edge of the area.

After thirty four minutes Spurs scored their fourth as Saha broke from halfway and put in Adebayor with a lovely cross/pass - Adebayor's shot was saved but it came back to him and as he tried to regain control it fell to Kranjcar who scored - his first goal in a year.

Spurs continued to play free flowing football with Newcastle chasing shadows although Ba had a shot straight at Friedel.  The visitors defenders were finding Adebayor unplayable and he put in another cross to Kranjcar who shot over.  Then in the final minute of the half, Spurs were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box which Adebayor touched to Assou-Ekotto but with a clesar sight on goal, he blasted it over.


After half-time Spurs were content to maintain possession for long periods with Newcastle unable to take the ball from them and when they did get it, they just gave it straight back to Spurs.  After sixty four minutes, Bale played in Adebayor but he just failed to control the ball.  Spurs appeared to be satisfied with four goals but then a good ball went from Bale out to Assou-Ekotto on the left and his centre was headed back by Saha to Adebayor who hooked it into the net for a deserved goal and his tenth of the season.  Adebayor and Saha were showing an excellent understanding in their first game together.

Bale shot over from twenty five yards.  Lennon and Defoe replaced Bale and Saha as Spurs continued to play at will with little threat from Newcastle.  Ryan Nelsen made his debut as a replacement for Ledley King.  Kyle Walker had an excellent run on the right but his cross was just too high for Adebayor.  Then Newcastle created their first danger of the evening when Ba got a header on target from close range but Friedel reacted instinctively to save and the rebound was hit over.

Spurs produced a quick passing movement from Defoe to Adebayor to Kranjcar and back to Adebayor but the final shot passed wide.  Luka Modric had a shot saved and Adebayor again shot over after Parker and Defoe had created the chance for him.


Newcastle have now lost on their last three visits to White Hart Lane and this match was the perfect end to a hectic week for Harry Redknapp.  He was cleared of all charges in his court case, he is top candidate for the England manager's post, the fans showed their desire for him to stay and the players responded by producing one of their best displays of the season.  The only thing which could have improved Redknapp's week would have been Bale scoring with the late chance on Monday evening at Anfield.

Emmanuel Adebayor was revitalised throughout, involved in every goal, with four assists and a goal.  He linked well with Saha who scored two goals in twenty minutes for Spurs, having only managed that number in twenty games this season with Everton.


Spurs are now ten points ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, five behind Manchester United who beat Liverpool to go a point ahead of City who play Aston Villa later today.  Spurs did all they could today to persuade Harry Redknapp to stay at White Hart Lane and bide his time before accepting his ultimate job, the England manager's role.

Just as the fans chanted, "We want you to stay Harry Redknapp, we want you to stay," so I reiterate their words of yesterday but in all likelihood such sentiments won't be enough to keep Harry at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0

Spurs, without their manager and a number of first choice players took a hard-earned point from Liverpool at Anfield and having defended for much of the  game could have won it late on with the best chance of the match.

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Liverpool 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar (Rose), Livermore, Parker, Modric, Bale; Adebayor (Saha). Subs (unused): Cudicini, Nelsen, Khumalo, Fredericks, Luongo, Lancaster

Brad Friedel

Spurs were satisified with a point at Anfield considering the injuries to crucial players which greatly weakened the team.  Without manager, Harry Redknapp, stranded in London due to fog causing the postponement of his flight to Liverpool, Spurs had also lost Younes Kaboul, Rafael Van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Sandro to injury.  The players who came in as replacements gave their all as the whole team battled to take a deserved point, led by Scott Parker who was everywhere especially during the last fifteen minutes when Liverpool increased the tempo and their efforts to snatch the win. 

In the first half Spurs comfortably repelled Liverpool's attacking threat which mostly involved hoisting high balls towards Andy Carroll.  Michael Dawson stood up well to this test and it was Spurs who had the first shot on target after thirty minutes - a Niko Kranjcar effort which the goalkeeper saved at the second attempt.  

The final fifteen minutes of the half brought a number of attempts on goal without causing either goalkeeper any great difficulty.  A couple of minutes later Liverpool caused their first major threat when a shot from Spearing curled wide with the former Liverpool goalkeeper, Brad Friedel at full stretch.  

As the commentator said, to this point, 'Spurs were coping impressively' and then Friedel had to scramble across his goal to deal with a cross from Johnson.  At the other end, a good run by Emmanuel Adebayor released Kyle Walker on the right and his cross was flicked towards goal by Gareth Bale.  After a long series of passes, Spurs again found Walker whose run and shot was blocked for a corner and in the last action of the half Friedel saved well from Johnson.

In the first half Spurs had been content to sit back and deny Liverpool but after the interval they came under increasing pressure and were finding it difficult to make any forward progress, with Adebayor isolated, and as they looked to threaten Bale was booked for diving.  This seemed to spark Bale and Adebayor into action as Spurs looked more purposeful for a few moments but then Liverpool regained the ascendancy with Friedel being called into action.

With an hour gone, Friedel made a good save, for a corner, from a shot by Kelly and then Agger headed wide from a corner.  Carroll had a header from a corner saved by Friedel.  

Liverpool brought on Luis Suarez with twenty five minutes to play and his introduction lifted the crowd and he was immediately in the action dispossessing Benoit Assou-Ekotto and heading towards goal.  He was then booked for kicking Parker in the stomach, having been on the pitch for only five minutes.

With twenty minutes to go Louis Saha made his Spurs debut replacing Adebayor and he played a good ball to Bale whose shot went wide.  Carroll had a shot over from a cross from the right.  Friedel again bravely punched clear from a dangerous free-kick and earned a free-kick for dangerous play.  

As Liverpool increased their efforts, with six minutes to play, the best chance of the evening fell to Spurs when Bale was put through by a lovely pass from Kranjcar.  Bale had got behind the home defence for the only time in the night to be one on one against Reina but the goalkeeper got a foot to block the shot and the ball was cleared. 

Spurs withstood Liverpool's final efforts to score with Scott Parker putting himself on the line time and time again - to block shots, put in a tackle or get the ball cleared.  As is often said in these circumstances, that was a game Spurs would have lost in the past but it's also a game other 'top' teams would have won, given that late goal scoring opportunity.

Overall, it was a well won point by Spurs, taking into account all the circumstances, and it keeps them just behind United and City but ahead of the chasing pack.  Brad Friedel, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Niko Kranjcar and Jake Livermore worked tirelessly throughout the game to deny Liverpool while Ledley King was his usual calming influence, organising those around him in defence.

Scott Parker

The stats from last night show Scott Parker's contribution to Spurs earning a point at Anfield, with many of the blocks and clearances coming in the final minutes at a time in the match when Liverpool were making a fianl effort to take the three points and  and when traditionally Spurs would have wilted under the pressure:

2 tackles
5 interceptions
7 clearances
3 shots blocked
89% passing accuracy

If Tottenham are to put in a challenge for the title then they need to win against Newcastle United on Saturday evening at White Hart Lane and then put together a winning sequence that really threatens the Manchester teams.