Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham 0 West Ham 0: Hammer blow for Redknapp as Spurs slip up
Jermain Defoe had a day to fray the nerves of the strongest of men. [LNB]He spent a sleepless night ahead ofthis game between his present club and one of his former employersafter mourning for his grandfather, who died on Friday. [LNB]Yet Defoe insisted on playing. [LNB] Committed: West Ham's Demba Ba (left) and William Gallas (right) battle for the ball[LNB]And so confident was the Englandstriker that he would play a crucial role in a game Tottenham needed towin to endorse their credentials to return to the Champions Leagueagain next year, regardless of what happens against Real Madrid in nextmonth's quarter-finals, that he had a vest specially printed for theoccasion. [LNB]The words on the garment were clearly visible when his No 18 shirt rode above his waist: '100 goals.' [LNB]It proved to be a case of premature celebration. [LNB]On an afternoon when West Ham lefttheir London neighbours with a much-needed point in their struggle toretain Premier League status, adding further insult to their opponentsafter winning an acrimonious duel to take possession of the OlympicStadium, Defoe had a desperately ineffectual game.[LNB]Clearly, he anticipated that thepresence of his old club offered him an opportunity to score the goalhe needs to become a centurion marksman in the Premier League. [LNB]If it's a harsh judgment in the circumstances, the fact that is still stuck on 99 is no one's fault but his own.[LNB] He can expect to be named today inthe squad for this weekend's European Championship qualifier againstWales, but this was a game when his fallibility in front of goal becamethe focal point of his performance. [LNB] Midfield battle: Tottenham's Sandro (right) challenges Mark Noble[LNB]Twice he failed to score from littlemore than six yards; then, twice more, he declined chances to win thegame in the dying minutes. But Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp forgaveDefoe his profligacy, pointing out that on three other occasions onlythe woodwork had denied his team a victory they craved so badly.[LNB] 'I loved watching the way we played today; that's the way to play the game,' said Redknapp. [LNB]'We just couldn't get a break, that's all. We kept hitting the woodwork, or their keeper kept making great saves.' [LNB]Indeed, Robert Green gave an accomplished performance, keeping out with an outstretched foot early in the second half. [LNB]But his best was reserved for a free-kick that Gareth Bale delivered from 22 yards in the 86th minute. [LNB]Green dived to his left and, with the palm of his left hand, diverted the ball against his bar.[LNB] Lars Jacobsen ensured the rebound was swept to safety. [LNB]Michael Dawson had hit Green'scrossbar as early as the fourth minute, and five minutes from theinterval Aaron Lennon thundered a right-foot shot against the far post.[LNB] Side step: Spurs winger Gareth Bale (left) takes on West Ham's Gary O'Neil[LNB]When the ball rebounded into Defoe's path he could only side-foot wide in front of an unguarded net. [LNB]At the heart of Tottenham's scintillating football was Luka Modric. Even though the excellent Scott Parker tried to minimalise Modric's impact, the little maestro freed himself to create havoc. [LNB]The Croatian typically sees the game unfolding a micro-second ahead of anyone else. He has touch, vision and an unerring pass. But this West Ham side, with Parker its inspiration, Wayne Bridge looking like an international full-back again, Thomas Hitzlsperger tireless in midfield and Demba Ba a tower of strength in attack, is no longer a pushover. [LNB] Diving in: Scott Parker tangles with Jermain Defoe[LNB]The Hammers have now lost just once in seven games, and they were not without chances to have stolen the match yesterday. [LNB]Carlton Cole should have scored inthe first half, but shot lamely into the arms of keeper Heurelho Gomes,and in the 65th minute the Brazilian produced a stunning save to turn adrive from Ba around his left-hand post. [LNB]Redknapp had reason to believe thiswas two points lost, but his consolation ran deep. 'I think can win thePremier League with this club,' he insisted.[LNB] 'We have to keep building but there is a championship in Tottenham and it's my ambition to win it for the club.' [LNB]Before leaving to manage England? [LNB]'Before managing Poole Town,' said Redknapp, with a glint in his eye. [LNB] Gareth Bale nets ?70k-a-week deal at Spurs but is caught short by ref Mike RileyWild about Harry: Mourinho praises Redknapp before for Real's Spurs testDon't take West Ham lightly, says Bale as winger Hammers home warningPREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Tottenham 0 West Ham 0 - the action as it happened from White Hart LaneAll the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and opinionAll the latest West Ham United news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale, Jermain Defoe, Robert Green, Harry Redknapp, Lars Jacobsen, Carlton Cole, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Luka Modric, Wayne Bridge Places: London, United Kingdom
