Allegedly this fixture had “goals galore” written all over it, well perhaps “poor defending ahoy” would have been more accurate.It was a confident start for Spurs as they looked to get on the front foot early with both Keane and Berbatov busy. They almost got off to the best of starts when Jenas’ shot form 20yards could only be parried by Green and Lennon punced on the rebound and slotted home only to be given offside.
An open, high tempo game was in the offing but the flow was sadly not helped by numerous, needless fouls. The game had just settled when on 19mins, Kaboul gifted the ball to Boa Morte who subsequently drove into the box and picked out the unmarked Carlton Cole to tap home and make it 1-0 (against the run of play it has to be said)
The goal gave a slightly struggling West Ham a new lease of life and they pushed on for a second with Boa Morte twice coming close.
Spurs too had their chance with Berbatov on 26mins, but the Bulgarian unusually mis-controlled and sent a looping shot over.
It was an entertaining, end-to-end first 45mins with both defences looking vulnerable.
On 40mins, Robbie Keane found himself in acres from a through ball and knocked it over the onrushing Green only to be brought down in what looked like a penalty.
Spurs too had a let-off when Mullins’ diving header went just over after poor marking form a corner on 44mins.
The second half saw Spurs try to take it up a gear as the game continued with the energy (and bad temper) of the first half. Twice Malbranque came close for the visitors before, on 55mins, Ramos threw on Darren Bent for Kaboul and went
West Ham were wary but Spurs new shape didn’t really look like working but fortunately for them they had a stroke of luck on 66mins when Green rushed out to punch a swung in free-kick only to completely miss and leave Dawson to rise highest and head into an empty net.
The game fulfilled it’s promise following that as both sides went for the win. Spurs took the reins after their equaliser with Malbranque having their best effort during this period, but the mercurial midfielder hit Bale’s cutback straight down the throat of Green.
West Ham then had their best period late on as Spurs looked to be fading (perhaps due to Ramos’ allegedly gruelling new fitness regime). Both Parker and Ashton forced good saves from a resilient looking Robinson. Jenas too was called into action as he headed McCartney’s effort off the line on 88mins.
There was almost a sickener for West Ham in injury time when Spurs were awarded a soft penalty following a tangle between Neill and Defoe. But justice prevailed as the arrogant Defoe saw his strike saved much to the delight of the home supporters.
It was a game without a dull moment and a draw was a fair result but both sides will have their work cut out keeping clean sheets.
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