Tottenham 3 Stoke 1: Magical Modric sets Spurs up for vital victory

28 January 2009 00:02
Luca Modric ghosts past Glenn Whelan and Amdy Faye   More... Tottenham 3 Stoke 1: All the action as it happened Upton Park chief Duxbury: West Ham will never sell to 'rivals' Spurs TOTTENHAM FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET This was the night it all came together, with the mish-mash providing a mesmerising performance and blitzing an embarrassing Stoke City side in a first-half performance that left home supporters short of breath. It was a Luka Modric masterclass, educating his team-mates with a wonderful midfield display after being given the freedom of north London to inflict maximum damage. Modric was a spectator for Aaron Lennon’s first, helped to set up Jermain Defoe’s second and then wriggled his way into the penalty area to cross for Michael Dawson to thump home a third. Modric was a spectator for Aaron Lennon’s eighth-minute strike, but played a pivotal role in Jermain Defoe’s 21st-minute effort and then wriggled his way into the penalty area to set up Michael Dawson to head the third goal after just 25 minutes. Manager Redknapp said: ‘He ran the show. He is a terrific player, he has the heart of a lion and his awareness is first class. We just give him the ball and let him get on with it.’ James Beattie’s second-half strike for Stoke was a moment of class, but his 10 team-mates cannot be exonerated from this abysmal performance. Remember, Tottenham had forgotten how to win at this level, without a victory in the League since they beat West Ham at Upton Park on December 8 and at White Hart Lane since they pinched the points against Blackburn on November 23. Aaron Lennon put Spurs 1-0 up against Stoke They were vulnerable again, but Tony Pulis’s team were obliging and as far removed from the resilient side that put up such a fight when they threatened to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago. Pulis said: ‘We were awful for the first 25 minutes. There are not many occasions when you can say our players have not been on it but today was one of those days. 'We were inept, that is as bad as we have been. The game was over after 25 minutes and Tottenham deserved to win after the way they started.’ Lennon was off and running from the opening minute, the ball glued to his feet as he teased Stoke full back Andy Wilkinson tantalised Tottenham’s supporters with some dazzling runs. He is back, right on his game for the first time since he won a place in England’s 2006 World Cup squad. Then he was a wild card, now he can be the ace in the pack. His unpredictability is his greatest asset, choosing to shoot in the eighth minute when he could so easily have elected to cross the ball into the path of Roman Pavlyuchenko or Defoe. Both of them were waiting, but Lennon was surging with confidence down the left, encouraged by his manager to take on his man whenever he was in possession. This is what supporters pay their money for, the electrifying runs that get them off their seats and it brought the opening goal. Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring Tottenham's second goal Modric was at it as well, shirt out and a languid running style reminiscent of Glenn Hoddle, pulling the strings with a string of effortless touches around the area. This is a player who always has an option to his left or right, looking one way before passing the other. He did just that when he played the ball to Pavlyuchenko for Tottenham’s second goal and watched as the forward threaded the ball to Defoe for a first-time effort that was dispatched with his customary efficiency. It was party time for the players, who rose to the sense of occasion provided by their delirious supporters and as good as finished the job before the break. Bentley’s free-kick was turned over by Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen, but Tottenham took full advantage of the 25th-minute corner. Michael Dawson put Tottenham 3-0 up in a marvellous first half for the Londoners Bentley took it short, setting Modric free to twist and turn his way into the area andprovide the delivery for Dawson to direct his header into the net. The home fans sensed more, but they were living on their nerves again when a lapse of concentration allowed Beattie to latch on to Matthew Etherington’s inspired chip and score his first goal for the club after 57 minutes. Carlo Cudicini had no chance but it was an encouraging debut from the new Tottenham keeper. Redknapp’s big test will be on Saturday, when he has to choose between the former Chelsea stopper and Heurelho Gomes. ‘I’d imagine Gomes will be fit for Saturday after that, wouldn’t you?’ joked Redknapp, who is unlikely to tinker with a winning team.   More... Tottenham 3 Stoke 1: All the action as it happened Upton Park chief Duxbury: West Ham will never sell to 'rivals' Spurs TOTTENHAM FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET  

Source: Daily_Mail