Tottenham Hotspur 2 Middlesbrough 1

Last updated : 08 December 2006 By SpursMAD

Jermain Defoe was in determined mood from the start. Numerous chances from the home side couldn't break the deadlock.

But then Spurs took a deserved lead at the start of the second half before Boro were allowed to come back and equalise.

Tom Huddlestone did a good job of holding the midfield as well creating chances further up the field for the likes of Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Steed Malbranque.

Martin Jol made an inspired substitution as Robbie Keane delivered the winner just minutes after entering the fray.

Martin Jol: "After a defeat like the one on Saturday we did exactly what we had to do and win. There was no other way.

"The support of the crowd was amazing. We had been a bit worried after we were so disappointing against Arsenal.

"We wanted to show the fans that we wanted to do well for them and they were terrific again.

"The only thing we could do was have a good performance and win because we wanted to be in the top half of the table."

"I could understand why our fans were very disappointed after the Arsenal game and we didn't want that, but we gave a good answer."

"Although we missed chances I was happy that we responded because the only thing we could do on Wednesday was show the supporters how much we respect them. Ledley King spent a couple of minutes on that issue before the game, how we didn't want them to feel humiliated or sad, we wanted to make our supporters happy and that was the main thing.

"We deserved to win and luckily we had the quality to pull through - that's what Berbatov did and what Robbie Keane did.

"Unfortunately, Robbie Keane sustained a medial ligament strain, which was a blow to us - he came on, scored, and then had to go off. He didn't start because I felt Jermain Defoe did well in our last home game against Wigan, but he came on and scored for us almost straight away.

"The only thing was that we made it exciting again. I felt they came for a point, they were entitled to do that and we worked hard but we almost punished ourselves at 1-1 just before the end.

"At first I thought Didier Zokora was unlucky to be sent off because he tried to prevent any trouble breaking out. I've seen it again now and I felt he probably deserved the sending off because he was so far away from the situation and by running in it did look aggressive. Then a crowd of players came together, which we didn't want to see."

Jermain Defoe: "After Saturday's result, we were desperate to win and put a smile back on the fans' faces.

"We all stuck together, it was a difficult game, but I think we deserved the three points in the end.

"Mark Schwarzer made a couple of saves from me and I was disappointed I didn't get one, although I was pleased I got into the positions to score. I scored one past him last year but he's got me back.

"Overall, I thought we did well, I enjoyed it and we're happy to get the three points."

Robbie Keane: "I never had anything like it before. I was happy with the win for the team, but upset over the injury that forced me off."

Tom Huddlestone: "After not playing the last game I felt I had something to prove. We won and hopefully I contributed to that.

"With them playing three in midfield we had to be more energetic and I think me and Didier played well together. Then there was three, stroke five at the back so the final ball had to be spot on. That wasn't always the case, but we got the three points and after the derby game that was the important thing."

"Bouncing back and showing the character to win showed the belief we've got in each other. The weekend hurt and we had a point to prove to ourselves, the manager and especially the supporters."


Source: TottenhamHotspur.com