Source: Telegraph
Stoke City 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2: match report
On this evidence, it would be a tragedy if Gareth Bale were denied the opportunity to test himself on Europe's biggest stage. [LNB]His first ever two-goal haul was enough to edge a tight encounter against Stoke City and give Tottenham Hotspur a welcome shot in the arm ahead of their Champions League game on Wednesday. [LNB] Related ArticlesRedknapp: Spurs signing Gallas 'a no-brainer'William Gallas on verge of Tottenham moveCrossing the Spurs-Arsenal divideStoke v Tottenham: previewSport on televisionTransfer TalkIt was a game of fascinating if unequal duels: between Harry Redknapp and his former protégé Tony Pulis, the formidable Ricardo Fuller and the fey Younes Kaboul, the lithe Bale and the lumbering Robert Huth. [LNB]It pivoted on a single 10-minute period in the first half, with much of the remainder a discordant clash of styles. Ultimately, push-and-run won out over kick-and-rush, although it was a close-run thing. [LNB]For the second time in four days, Spurs failed to settle early on, conceding early chances to Rory Delap and Jon Walters, but their first real moment of inspiration produced a goal. [LNB]With great vision, Aaron Lennon brought down a long ball first-time, cut inside and played a through-pass to Bale. The initial shot was blocked, as was Peter Crouch's follow-up header, but the rebound ricocheted off Bale's cheek and in. It was a fortuitous conclusion to an excellent move. [LNB]However, Spurs were ahead for just five minutes as a Matthew Etherington corner was ineptly chested down by Kaboul. Fuller athletically pounced on the bouncing ball and prodded home. [LNB]The game was bubbling over nicely. Crouch, Tottenham's lone wolf up front in the absence of their other three strikers, was lucky to escape sanction after appearing to grab Ryan Shawcross's neck. [LNB]But Spurs capped an enthralling period of play by retaking the lead. Again it was Lennon who created the opportunity, drifting in from the wing and floating the ball over. It dropped into the arc of Bale, and for a split second the Welshman touched the hem of greatness. [LNB]Bale's left-footed volley eluded the despairing dive of Thomas Sorensen and flew into the top-right hand corner of the goal. If the first two goals had an air of Benny Hill about them, this was pure Benny Goodman in its elegance and audacity. [LNB]The second half was skittish, restless and therefore much more to Stoke's liking. As long as Fuller was able to shake off Kaboul as if he were an ill-fitting coat, they were in the game. [LNB]Gomes kept Tottenham ahead with two excellent saves, but also presented Stoke with a fine opportunity when slipped as he tried to gather a corner. [LNB]Tuncay missed the open goal from six yards. [LNB]But the greatest drama was saved for last. As Stoke laid siege, Walters swung at the ball in the area. Crouch appeared to stop the ball with his arms, and may even have been over the line when he did so. [LNB]However, referee Chris Foy was unmoved and Tottenham clung on to record their first win of the new campaign, and a repeat of the scoreline in the corresponding fixture last season. [LNB]
