In a nervy encounter Hidetoshi Nakata almost stunned the home crowd by rattling the frame of post and crossbar early on. The game then became a little disjointed as the boys attempted to remain composed in the face of Bolton's severe aerial assault and midfield compression. Michael Dawson was standing tallest though, a fearless combatant against a battery from the skies, although it had to be conceded, that the visitors were certainly holding sway in terms of territory and were causing a good degree of concern overall in the first half.
The first two minutes of the second half were a vast improvement on the previous 30 as twice Teemu Tainio brilliantly lost his marker. He was becoming tigerish and Lennon devastatingly quick down the right flank. Substitute Lee Barnard was also squeezing the Bolton back line when in possession and forcing more careless clearances, leading to more second ball being won and pressure applied.
Bolton were not about to surrender after Michael Carrick as the lockpicker and Lennon the hitman brought Tottenham's pressure to fruition. Sam Allardyce's men slung the ball forward from all angles - Paul Robinson, Anthony Gardner and Dawson thankfully winning their aeriel battles.
Bolton claimed a penalty for a Dawson challenge on Giannakopoulios, before Robbo went into spectacular mode to deny substitute Jay Jay Okocha. But it wasn't long before Lennon was causing havoc again while the ball was being kept to greater effect.
Martin Jol had been forced to make one change to the line-up from last Saturday. Danny Murphy started for Aaron Lennon. Calum Davenport returned to the bench after recovering from injury and Tom Huddlestone and Andy Reid made up the substitutes as Stephen Kelly and Nourredine Naybet dropped out of the 16.
The three points extended Tottenham's advantage in fourth place to seven points. Fifth placed Arsenal have two games in hand.
Martin Jol: "It was a test and we had to win against a team that was so strong physically. We said before that we had to play to our strengths and we didn't do that in the first half. We couldn't get into our game and pressurise the ball in midfield so we had a few problems and we were concerned. We needed more pressure on Campo so I made the decision to let Teemu Tainio play higher up the pitch and Danny Murphy dropped off a bit. Robbie Keane had to do a job in the hole in the first half but couldn't because Campo was pushing on in midfield and you can't sacrifice a striker like that. At half-time we said it didn't matter how, even if it was an ugly 1-0, we needed a win and that's exactly what we did. We needed to make changes and we did that but we still had a problem with Bolton's physical strength and I thought it could end up a real anti-climax - our final home game of the season in front of our fans. They supported us terrifically in the second half, which is what they've done all season, they were right behind us and we did better and dug in and ground out a result. Andy Reid came on and did well but we needed something special and Aaron Lennon gave us something out of nothing and scored his goal. I also think Lee Barnard helped kick-start us playing well because he gave everything. He had never played for us for more than 15 minutes so all credit to him because he showed me that my faith in him was always justified. We still had to defend after we went 1-0 up and Michael Dawson and Anthony Gardner did a very good job. That second half was all about our ability to respond and bounce back and in the end it was a dream scenario - a big result for us in our final home match of the season. After the match it was very nice, everyone went on the pitch, and all the fans stayed in the stadium."
Jol on injuries: "We had our problems because we wanted to do something with Robbie Keane like we did against Arsenal but he then had to come off at half-time and that meant we had to do something else. Maybe people thought I'd substituted him but he had to come off with an ankle injury. Danny (Murphy) suffered cramp and he took a kick as well." Paul Stalteri has picked up a minor knee ligament injury and Michael Carrick a slight calf problem since Sunday. Ledley King (broken fourth metatarsal, left foot), Jermaine Jenas (shin) and Mido (knee) were all missing.Teemu Tainio: "That was a real battle! At first we were totally out of the game, they had a few chances and we were really lucky to be level at half-time. At the interval we told ourselves that it was such an important game and we needed to do more than we did in the first half. Martin wasn't angry, we all just realised we didn't play well and knew we had to do extra. In France there were a few teams who were hard to play, but nothing like Bolton. It was definitely a first for me. I am really pleased we got the result we needed even though we didn't play well and the first half was very bad, but at this point of the season only the result mattered. I think we came out in the second half a little bit sharper and Super Lenny scored a very good goal. The defence was also very strong and secured the win for us. It was a good result in the end, although it was not the best game. The atmosphere has been great all season, but it was really special this time. I think the fans were delighted with the victory."
Lee Barnard: "At the end of the first half someone said Robbie was struggling and, although I didn't know I was coming on, I prepared myself with a good warm-up and I was geeing myself up. Then I was told I was coming on and it was great news for me. I wasn't expecting it, so I was buzzing. The crowd was brilliant. They really helped me to feel appreciated and welcome by giving me a cheer. It made me feel about 6ft 7" out there! It was good for me, but it was a shame Robbie got injured. But I appreciate the gaffer giving me a chance. He has put a bit of faith in me by putting me on. It was a massive three points for us because we knew it would be tough and we just needed to get them however they came about. We ground it out and won which was the main thing. It was a bit of a scrappy game and Bolton proved they are a tough side to play against. It is hard up there but I didn't mind at all because I was playing for the first team. I just tried to work hard, break the play up and get the crowd going. I was buzzing that much after the Man Utd game that I couldn't really take it in. I enjoyed it more this time and with it being longer I could kind of relax and try and do more. It was just a shame I didn't get a chance on goal again!"
Paul Stalteri: "We knew before the game that playing Bolton would be really tough with the style they play, but in the second half we showed we can grind it out with anyone. It was one of the most important wins of the year because it meant that we kept it in our hands for Sunday."
Ian Walker (BWFC): "We put Tottenham under a lot of pressure but they handled it really well and I was impressed by Michael Dawson."
Source: Official site