Another great game between two great clubs, only this time we weren’t in the mood to let them back in the game.
Right from the off we were creating chances, with Defoe on the end of most of them. He really should have done better when latching onto a dodgy pass back and then couldn’t find a way past the advancing Ankergren when put clean through on goal.
Ironically, Defoe eventually scored with his most poorly hit shot, that span off the outside of his boot and into the top corner. 1-0 up and there had been nothing in the game thus far to suggest that Leeds would get back into it.
Annoyingly they played out of their skin for the next 10 minutes up to half time and their pressure deserved the goal that they struck on the verge of half-time, even if it probably was offside. Beckford struck a shot across goal that was palmed out by Gomes to the waiting Becchio, who poked home into an empty net.
So far, so deja vu. In the second half Leeds seemed to have lost the fire that was temporarily in their bellies and we were able to get back on top. Defoe had another goal ruled out for offside, before eventually he was able to convert a David Bentley cross at the near post, past the excellent Ankergen.
Bentley, who had also set up Defoe for his first, was the best player on the pitch. Since returning to the team his performances have improved with each game and Leeds had no answer to him.
We pushed for a third, but in the dying minutes it looked like it might be a familiar story as Leeds piled into our box for a set-play. It was not to be their night this time, as we cleared our lines to the waiting Defoe at the half-way line, who raced through at goal and calmly rounded the keeper before stroking the ball in for his hat-trick.
It was a deserved result and without wanting to sound patronising, well done to Leeds for giving us two good games. Hopefully we’ll see them back in the Premier League sooner rather than later, because they’re a huge club and they would be able to add something to it.
All the pre-match talk was understandably about Beckford, but just as impressive for me was Snodgrass, who was excellent in both games. I’ve a feeling Leeds will be having to fend off some interest in him before long.
So it’s Bolton away in the cup next, which is a perfectly winnable game, despite our terrible record up there. Come On You Spurs!
READ TOTTENHAM BLOG’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MIKE LEIGH OF THE SPURS SHOW HERE.
Costa was Crowing last night, local Spanish enjoyed a fine game, but Your only as good as your last game. We outplayed Villa away, early gols required to kill them of. Midfield the key & slick forward passing game (Spurs style).
It will be a different kind of Bolton now that Owen Coyle has taken over the reigns,perhaps easier for us,perhaps not,but not an unwinnable game either way.