Maxim Match Report: Spurs 1-0 Bolton

Now it’s a simple equation. Win at Man City on Wednesday and the race for fourth will be over – done and dusted with a game to spare. What’s already virtually certain after this victory and Man City’s win against Villa is that the “big four” has been splintered open, with Liverpool falling by the wayside.

So it was a big day for us; a match we simply couldn’t afford to fail in. The size of the match to come at Eastlands could easily have obscured the importance of three points against Bolton, and the scoreline from the Man City/Villa game was certainly a distraction for the fans, when updates came across the big screens at White Hart Lane during the first half. I suspect Harry had a word at half time, because no score updates were shown in the second period. He wanted the fans to focus on the job in hand.

And they did, as did the team in pretty admirable fashion. It was nervy towards the end, but only in that we should have killed the game off long before, and we’ve had plenty of late sucker punches to wheeze on over the years. Jussi made some good saves for Bolton to keep the scoreline down (as he usually does), but the finishing was frustrating, especially in comparison to the stunning strike by Tom Huddlestone that illuminated the first half.

And there were a couple of moments of concern, with Jack Wilshere looking dangerous throughout. He could be around for a long time, that kid. Gomes was alert when needed though, and we were worthy winners.

Aaron Lennon made his first appearance at the Lane in 2010, but he would have been impressed with the contribution of “tricky little winger” Younes Kaboul in the first half, who was outstanding attacking the Bolton left from right back.

We’re in decent shape, despite a number of injuries, and we go to Man City for this massive match in good heart. The strikers are all due a goal, we’re not conceding silly goals, and we have a good record at Man City. Bring it on.

Star Man: Tom Huddlestone maintained his good form, and scored a cracker – when he hits them, they stay hit

Worst performance: No-one played badly – I suppose we might have wished for more from Defoe and Pavlyuchenko in front of goal

Best moment: The final whistle! A massive three points

Opposition fans: A pocket of followers in the corner, but I didn’t hear them above the urging hubbub of the home crowd

By Andy Knaggs

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