Source: Telegraph
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Everton 0: match report
David Bentley, a Tottenham Hotspur outcast since the arrival of Harry Redknapp a year ago, gave his manager a reminder of his talents when he led Spurs into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup. [LNB]Bentley was involved in both goals, for Tom Huddlestone and Robbie Keane, and has given Redknapp food for thought ahead of Saturday's short trip to Arsenal. [LNB] Related ArticlesHarry Redknapp targets top four and Wembley finalTottenham target Brazilian SandroTottenham apply to upgrade White Hart LaneLennon struggling for Arsenal clashCahill: Everton served wake-up callSport on televisionWith Aaron Lennon fighting for fitness, Bentley may have done enough to cement his place. The same could not be said for Roman Pavlyuchenko, another given a rare chance, as the Russian failed to deliver. [LNB]Everton made only one change from the side beaten at Bolton, with Ayegbeni Yakubu preferred to Jo. [LNB]Spurs, though, were without the suspended Jermain Defoe and cup-tied Niko Kranjcar, while Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch and Jonathan Woodgate were injured and Vedran Corluka on the bench. [LNB]It gave Redknapp a rare opportunity to view two expensive players, who have yet to fulfil their potential at Spurs - Pavlyuchenko and Bentley. [LNB]The Russian had a reasonable first season in England but this term he has had limited chances, with Redknapp calling for more aggression from the striker. And Bentley is another under pressure to prove a point to his manager. [LNB]But it was Everton who had the early initiative, Louis Saha hitting a clever overhead kick which Heurelho Gomes pushed away from beneath the crossbar. [LNB]Bentley made an impression soon afterwards when his low cross found Pavlyuchenko, but the ungainly striker failed to control it, and he was then gifted another opportunity midway through the first half when Lucas Neill's clearance struck the body of Keane before rebounding into the path of the Russian. [LNB]Pavlyuchenko outpaced Sylvain Distin but his shot was poor, flying a good four feet wide of the post. [LNB]And when Alan Hutton sent over a delicate and intelligent low cross, Pavlyuchenko was guilty of missing again, to the frustration of the crowd. [LNB]They were left further perturbed on the half-hour mark when an error by Distin offered Keane a shot but he sent it against the left post. [LNB]However, a minute later, Tottenham were ahead. Bentley's well-weighted cross was missed by Keane and Pavlyuchenko, but Huddlestone struck a left-footed half-volley into the top corner for his second goal of the season and the Carling Cup. [LNB]It was no more than Spurs deserved and with Bentley in inspired form, they almost scored a second before the break when the winger's free-kick from 35 yards dipped just wide of the post. [LNB]Everton replaced Saha with Jo at half-time and within the first minute of the second period Gomes had to be alert to save a shot from Tim Cahill. [LNB]The home side responded when Huddlestone put Keane through, but the Irishman was again left wanting following a timely interception by Tony Hibbert. [LNB]Everton had their best chance to level in the 56th minute when, from Fellaini's through ball, Jo raced forward and looked certain to score, only for Gomes to make another outstanding save. [LNB]Within a minute, Tottenham extended their advantage, but only after Keane was handed a dose of luck. He fell at the feet of Distin in the box, but his resulting penalty was saved by Tim Howard. [LNB]The goalkeeper blocked the rebound from Bentley and, after Gareth Bale tried to squeeze the ball home, Keane sent the ball high into the top corner for his sixth goal of the season. [LNB]Spurs faced some uncomfortable moments towards the end, with Gomes making impressive saves from Fellaini and his own team-mate, Hutton. [LNB]Match details:Tottenham (4-4-2): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Bale, Huddlestone, Palacios, Bale; Keane, Pavlyuchenko. Subs: Button (g), Jenas, Naughton, Corluka, Dervite, Parrett, Kane. Everton (4-4-2): Howard; Hibbert, Heitinga, Distin, Neill; Gosling, Rodwell, Fellaini, Cahill; Yakubu, Saha (Jo 46). Subs: Nash (g), Coleman, Duffy, Agard, Baxter, Wallace. ~Booked: Hibbert, Heitinga, Cahill. Referee: L Mason (Lancashire). [LNB]
