West Ham started strong, forcing Robinson to a save almost immediately, and showed all the determination and skill which had been so sorely lacking from their previous Premiership encounter. Curbishley had made quite a few changes to his side, even if Matthew Upson had to be replaced by Calum Davenport after only 11 minutes. Creative attacking from Spurs forced a couple of brilliant saves from Robert Green, but the first goal fell to West Ham as a cross from Konchesky was forcefully put past Dawson and Robinson by Mark Noble after 15 minutes. Spurs attacking attempts yielded little result as the West Ham players seemes determined to win every ball. Their aggression showed in the six bookings as well. On 38 minutes a West Ham free kick was superbly taken by Carlos Tevez, who had a very good game. His extravagant celebration in the crowd promptly got him booked, but he must be forgiven for the need to celebrate - and West Ham fans were ecstatic.
A list of injuries had limited Jol's choices somewhat and made for some creative re-shuffling as the game progressed. The erratic Hossam Ghaly was replaced by Tom Huddlestone at half time and ten minutes later Paul Stalteri came on to replace Jermaine Jenas, who looked as though he was having trouble. Chimbonda moved up to midfield. The second half opened with some dazzling runs by Aaron Lennon, the second of which was stopped by a Bowyer foul. The penalty was coolly taken by Jermain Defoe, making the score 2-1 and opening for a second half which looked like it was going to be all about Spurs. 10 minutes of great attacking football from Spurs finally rewarded an equalising goal. An amazingly accurate cross from Berbatov on the right hand side found Lennon who cleverly flicked it into the middle where Teemu Tainio was ready to fire it past Green.
West Ham, however, did not give up but created a few chances and Nigel Quashie had a shot at goal before getting injured and helped off the field by Robinson and a West Ham physio. Subsitute Kepa Blanco was dangerous in the following corner. It was to be a game of fouls and free kicks. West Ham took the lead again with a well taken header by Zamora as the result of a free kick on 85 minutes. Two minutes later it was Spurs turn. Adel Taarabt, making his Spurs debut in replacing Chimbonda with 6 minutes to go, was brought down just outside the penalty area and the ensuing free kick was beautifully taken by Dimitar Berbatov to equalise yet again.
The last minutes of this exciting game were a display of frenzied action. West Ham had a great chance when a shot by Tevez went inches outside of goal. A free kick in injury time could not change West Ham's fortunes, as Konchesky misfired. The ball finally fell to Defoe who made a run, accompanied by 3 team mates, to the other side. His great shot was well blocked by Green, but Stalteri was there to fire in the return and draw the curtains on the scoring and West Ham's evening. It was impossible not to feel for the disconsolate West Ham players, who had put on a brave fight for their fans.
West Ham
Green, Neill, Upson (Davenport 11), Ferdinand, Konchesky, Bowyer, Noble, Quashie (Blanco 80), Etherington (Zamora 83), Tevez, Harewood.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Spector.
Booked: Noble, Tevez, Bowyer, Neill, Konchesky, Quashie.
Goals: Noble 16, Tevez 41, Zamora 85.
Tottenham
Robinson, Chimbonda (Taarabt 87), Dawson, Gardner, Young-Pyo Lee, Lennon, Jenas (Stalteri 57), Tainio, Ghaly (Huddlestone 46), Defoe, Berbatov.
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Rocha.
Booked: Chimbonda.
Goals: Defoe 51 pen, Tainio 63, Berbatov 89, Stalteri 90.
Attendance: 34,966
Referee: M Dean
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d49VGZtgNKY
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