The Spurs Diaries: Wigan 3-3 Tottenham

Another exhilarating game involving Tottenham Hotspur: great for the neutrals, nerve-racking for fans of both sides. Wigan struggle for Premiership survival, Spurs needed to come back from their harrowing UEFA-cup exit – and come back was what they did, three times. Martin Jol’s men showed great spirit, even if the game was also another display of the defensive frailty that is fast becoming as characteristic of the team as attacking flair. Spurs were in possession of the superior skill and style; Wigan the greater hunger. Had the Latics played like this all season they would not be having relegation worries. The point places them just above Fulham in the table, 6^th from the bottom on 35 points. Spurs slide down to 8^th, below fellow Europe candidates Bolton, Everton and Portsmouth, albeit with a game in hand.

Defending against set pieces (as well as scoring from them) has been a problem for Spurs, and this proved the case again. A free kick within the first minute of the game turned into a peculiar heading circus, the ball bounced off several heads before finally being forced into goal by Emile Heskey. Spurs may have been mentally strong, but weak headers became something of a theme in the game, for the first and second Wigan goal as well as many of their chances. The visitors were not behind for long, however, as Robbie Keane made a nice run, dribbled past his opponents and fed the ball to Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian expertly controlled the ball, found his way around the defenders in the box and finished beautifully with the outside of his right foot.

Wigan had a good attempt from a corner, which was blocked by Robinson – Spurs responded with a similar attempt: Berbatov’s header, however, went out. A lovely attack by Berbatov and Keane ended in a slightly weak shot which was saved by Filan. The clever and elegant attacking moves by Spurs were matched by the direct and effective play by Wigan who, on the half hour, managed to capitalise on another weak header. Dawson’s clearance went to Baines who struck a marvellous half-volley into the far corner from 25 yards. A few minutes later Jermaine Jenas, who was having a very good game, broke free with a one-two with Lennon. After receiving a push from Baines he was brought down by the advancing Filan and awarded with a penalty, which, coolly converted by Keane, put Tottenham level again.

The final ten minutes of the half saw plenty of action, with some elaborate attacks from Spurs and more heading problems on the other side. The pattern of feeble clearances falling to the feet of expectant Wigan players emerged again and the home team looked threatening in the Spurs half throughout. A save by Robison and a misfired header by Kilbane closed the first half; the second continued in the same vein with the two sides attacking in alternation. Another set piece awarded Wigan with the lead again as Kilbane rose to meet Taylor’s corner and headed the ball past Robinson. A free kick from Jermaine Jenas moments later nearly became the equaliser, but Filan pushed it out of the top corner with his fingertips. After a few minutes the visitors did level again, as a long kick from Robinson found Keane who managed to cut through the defenders and fabulously lob the ball over Filon from 30 yards.

The score line stayed at 3-3, but not for want of trying from either team. Jermain Defoe, who had come on for an uncharacteristically anonymous Aaron Lennon, tested Filon, as did Pascal Chimbonda, who was booed ferociously at his old club. Jenas made another nice run, as did Berbatov, in a situation which looked to replicate his White Hart Lane goal against Wigan – this time, however, the defenders did a better job. Wigan also kept the pressure on, forcing Robinson into action – the most spectacular effort being a chanced 40 yard lob volley from Scharner which the England goalkeeper did well to intercept. Both managers seemed somewhat relieved that this exciting contest ended in a point each; the result reflecting a game between two sides bent on attacking and unconvincing in defence.

Wigan
Filan, Boyce, Jackson (Skoko 73), De Zeeuw, Baines, McCulloch (Taylor 40), Landzaat, Scharner, Kilbane, Heskey (Folan 66), Camara.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Aghahowa.
Booked: Filan, De Zeeuw, Scharner.
Goals: Heskey 2, Baines 30, Kilbane 60.

Tottenham
Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Rocha, Ifil, Tainio (Malbranque 65), Jenas, Zokora, Lennon (Defoe 75), Berbatov, Keane.
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Ghaly, Charlie Lee.
Goals: Berbatov 4, Keane 35 pen, 68.

Attendance: 16,506
Referee: G Poll