Charlton Athletic home, 9.12.06

Last updated : 11 December 2006 By SpursMAD

Gary Payne, The Sun: Tottenham stepped up the gears after the break, blowing their London rivals away with three goals in 13 second-half minutes.

It was a pure masterclass from Dimitar Berbatov, who received a standing ovation from the Spurs faithful when he made way for Mido on 76 minutes.

But perhaps more positive was the outstanding contribution from Spurs' teenage contingent in midfield.

Aaron Lennon was at his fluid best and had a hand in four of Tottenham's goals.

John Cross, Daily Mirror: A dazzling attacking performance in which Aaron Lennon played a part in three goals, Tom Huddlestone bossed the midfield with his range of passing and strong physical presence, while Dimitar Berbatov looked stronger and was on target twice.

If Tottenham had not taken their foot off the gas after Berbatov struck the fifth in the 66th minute then Charlton could have been humiliated even more.

Their defending was embarrassing - they just crumbled under pressure.

But Charlton never looked like getting anything and four goals in an 11-minute spell after the break showed Tottenham at their ruthless best.

Russell Kempson, The Times: Cries of "Bring back Dowie" illustrated the frustration of the Charlton fans, a disturbing reaction considering that Reed's contract has yet to be signed.

Hands deep in his overcoat pockets, Reed had looked on helplessly as a promising start evaporated.

In Tom Huddlestone, Tottenham may have found their big man. Desperate Charlton appeared to need 11 of them.

John Ley, Daily Telegraph: The emergence of Tom Huddlestone, a strapping, yet composed, teenager in midfielder did much to suggest the loss of Michael Carrick was not as serious as first thought.

A woefully inept Charlton capitulated under pressure.

The English backbone with Paul Robinson in goal, Michael Dawson and Ledley King in defence, Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon in midfield and Jermain Defoe in attack all played their part in an ultimately impressive display, particularly Lennon, who made three of the goals.

Huddlestone and Lennon combined for Dimitar Berbatov to claim the first of his two goals, with Teemu Tainio adding a second before the interval. Dawson's own goal offered Charlton some solace at half-time but soon after the break, Charlton were left staring at another defeat as Defoe responded with the fourth and Berbatov completed the rout to continue his impressive acclimatisation to the Premiership.

David Lacey, The Guardian: The circumstances of this win suggested that Spurs have the strength in depth to get the balance right. Once a reorganised team had sorted itself out Charlton were blown away in two short bursts as Tottenham scored twice in as many minutes in the first half and three times in 11 in the second.

Dimitar Berbatov's reactions were too quick for Charlton's defenders but the biggest revelation, however, was not so much Berbatov as the success Aaron Lennon had playing in an unaccustomed floating role behind the strikers. He took on opponents from a variety of positions to such resounding effect that at times Charlton must have thought there were three of him on the pitch.

After getting a lifeline Charlton went on getting things wrong in midfield and defence and Tottenham filled their boots.