Champions now Unofficial Champions Manchester United 3 (Welbeck 61, Anderson 76, Rooney 87) Tottenham Hotspur 0

Welbeck celebrates after netting winner in their Unofficial title match against Tottenham tonight

Manchester United swept Tottenham aside in impressive fashion as the Premier League champions made a powerful statement of intent at Old Trafford.

Spurs were without unsettled Luka Modric as he continues to be linked with a £30m move to Chelsea - and he was sadly missed as United overpowered Harry Redknapp's side after an evenly-contested first half.

Sir Alex Ferguson embarked on an expensive summer rebuilding programme, but it was United's home-grown talent that built the platform for their second successive win as they go in search of a 20th domestic title.

With England coach Fabio Capello an interested observer, Danny Welbeck headed in Tom Cleverley's cross just after the hour and the young striker then produced a wonderful instinctive flick to set up a second for Anderson.

Wayne Rooney completed the formalities with a pinpoint late header from Ryan Giggs's centre to extend Spurs' miserable sequence of 22 years without a win at Old Trafford.

United's new goalkeeper David de Gea suffered more uncertain moments of handling but Phil Jones, another summer acquisition from Blackburn, ensured injured Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were not missed with an outstanding performance.

The hosts' new arrivals made an impact early on as Jones and Ashley Young led a sweeping counter attack before Cleverley brought a fine fingertip save from the stretching Brad Friedel on his Spurs debut.

De Gea, watched from the directors' box by his predecessor Edwin van der Sar, was a focus of attention after early blunders following his summer move from Atletico Madrid and he needed to show neat footwork as Rafael Van der Vaart threatened to catch him in possession.

Young's movement was presenting problems for Spurs and he was inches away from giving United the lead with a looping header from Rooney's cross with Friedel stranded as he scrambled back towards goal.

Spurs wasted an opportunity to strike just after the break when Aaron Lennon was desperately wasteful with a cross inside the area, an incident that saw Van der Vaart pull his shirt over his head in fury.

It was the signal for United's most concerted spell of pressure - a decisive phase of the game that eventually led to them taking the lead just after the hour.

Friedel excelled once more with a fine double save from Anderson and Rooney, but he was powerless to prevent Welbeck taking advantage of Cleverley's inviting delivery by glancing a fine header into the corner.

United were carrying all the momentum and threat, with Friedel in acrobatic action again to save Rooney's free-kick as it seemed destined for the top corner and Welbeck's ambitious overhead kick.

Welbeck was oozing confidence after his goal and he illuminated Old Trafford with his part in Anderson's second 14 minutes from time. He took Anderson's pass inside the area before delivering an instant backheel which the midfield man took in his stride to score.

Tottenham rallied briefly and Jermain Defoe volleyed against the post following a rare De Gea error, the Spaniard flapping at a cross and allowing the Spurs striker to strike the woodwork from the angle.

But Rooney's third was simply confirmation of United's superiority as they move into second place behind neighbours Manchester City in the table.

Manchester United: 01- De Gea, 03-Evra, 04-Jones, 06-Evans, 08-Anderson, 10-Rooney, 12-Smalling, 17-Nani, 18-Young, 19-Welbeck, 23-Cleverley SUBS USED: 11-Giggs, 13-Park Ji-Sung, 14-Hernandez

Tottenham Hotspur: 24-Friedel, 03-Bale, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 11-Van der Vaart, 18-Defoe, 20-Dawson, 21-Kranjcar, 28-Walker, 29-Livermore, 32-Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 06-Huddlestone, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 22-Corluka

Spurs victory relegates glum Blues Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Pavlyuchenko 49, 90) Birmingham City (Gardner 79)

Birmingham were relegated to the Championship after they lost to Roman Pavlyuchenko's late goal for Tottenham, who sealed fifth place with the win.

With results elsewhere going their way, City seemed safe when Craig Gardner equalised after substitute Pavlyuchenko had given Tottenham the lead.

But Wolves' second goal in their 3-2 defeat by Blackburn put Alex McLeish's side back in the bottom three.

And Pavlyuchenko's last-minute strike confirmed the Blues' fate.

It was a crushing end to what has been a rollercoaster season for Birmingham, who won their first trophy for 48 years with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February, but have been battling relegation for most of the campaign.

They went into the game knowing a win would likely keep them up, but defeat, coupled with events elsewhere - particularly Wigan's 1-0 win at Stoke and Wolves' second goal against Blackburn - proved their undoing.

For Tottenham, qualification for the Europa League is a consolation prize after their failure to secure a second successive season of Champions League football.

However, qualifying for the lesser European competition via a fifth-place finish was preferable to Spurs achieving it through Uefa's Fair Play league, which would have meant the team having to play in the early rounds in only five weeks' time.

This was a victory born out of Spurs' commitment to attack, which may not have helped them achieve their ultimate aim, but ensures it has been a good, if not great season.

The reasons behind Birmingham's plight are simple: scoring too few goals and conceding too many.

They are the division's lowest scorers with 37, which by itself is not a recipe for disaster as their impressive ninth place finish last season off the back of 38 goals scored demonstrated.

However, in the absence of regular centre-back Scott Dann for much of the season through injury, the solid defence on which City built their success in 2009-10 has looked shaky and, crucially, they conceded 11 more goals than last term.

Knowing the threat Tottenham pose going forward, even without injured attacking midfield duo Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, McLeish sent out a team focused on frustrating Spurs and hoping to snatch a goal on the break.

For the first half, they performed the first part of this superbly, with a back four - led by the towering Curtis Davies, who marked the lofty Peter Crouch out of the game before the striker went off with a head injury after 39 minutes - holding firm behind an industrious and committed five-man midfield, that included Jean Beausejour tracking back from his striking position.

They frustrated the home side, who found themselves allowed plenty of possession in 70% of the pitch, but were harried out of it in the remaining 30% closest to the Birmingham goal.

Unfortunately, this nullified City's threat at the other end, where Cameron Jerome found himself isolated up front and too often running without support down blind alleys, where packs of Spurs defenders lurked to rob him of possession.

All the first-half chances were Tottenham's. Sandro twice drew good saves from Ben Foster, first with a shot from a tight angle, which the keeper put behind with his foot, and then with a 20-yard drive that was tipped over.

Foster was also called on to claw away a cross-come-shot from Younes Kaboul late in the half and save a long-range strike from Luka Modric.

The danger for Birmingham in adopting such a containing approach was whether they would be able to then switch instantly to a more progressive style should it be required.

This was put to the test four minutes into the second half when Pavlyuchenko, on for Crouch, curled a superb shot past Foster from 20 yards to put Spurs ahead.

The visitors initially struggled to impose themselves on the game, but were given a lifeline when the ball fell to Gardner after a corner and the midfielder connected superbly to give Carlo Cudicini no chance from the edge of the box.

Gardner then curled a free-kick just over as a buoyant, and at this stage safe, City pushed for a second goal.

But their failure to do so suddenly became crucial when Wigan took the lead at Stoke to move out of the relegation zone, soon to be followed by Wolves via their second goal against Blackburn - putting Birmingham back below the safety line.

Any lingering hope of escape for the Blues was extinguished when Pavlyuchenko rifled in his second from 16 yards with the last kick of the game.

New Champions CrownedLiverpool 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Van der Vaart 9, Modric 56pen)

Report from FIFA.com

Tottenham Hotspur seized the advantage in the race for the final UEFA Europa League spot as Liverpool's first match since the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as permanent manager ended in a 2-0 defeat.

Rafael van der Vaart's volley had given Harry Redknapp's side an early lead only for Liverpool to wrest back control of the game until 11 minutes after the interval, when referee Howard Webb controversially pointed to the spot and Luka Modric converted.

Spurs moved a point ahead of their rivals into fifth place as they inflicted a first home defeat for Dalglish, who signed a three-year contract on Thursday, since he replaced Roy Hodgson in early January.

That formidable home record - 20 points from eight matches prior to this encounter - counted for little as the visitors took the early initiative on their way to their first Anfield victory in 19 games stretching back to 1986.

Injury robbed Dalglish of midfielder Raul Meireles, which meant he had to break up the recent successful partnership of Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt and bring in fit-again club record signing Andy Carroll.

It undoubtedly had a detrimental effect as the £35million England international lacks the mobility and energy of Kuyt in a front two and denied the Reds the high pressing game they have employed of late.

Van der Vaart hits opener
Spurs enjoyed their extra time on the ball and put it to good use in the early stages, dominating possession. Van der Vaart fired well wide early on but the next time he did not disappoint with his ninth-minute shooting opportunity.

When Modric's right-wing corner skimmed off the head of Martin Skrtel, he brought the ball under control with his first touch and with his second volleyed it over the crowd - helped by a deflection off Glen Johnson - past Pepe Reina's left hand and into the far corner.

In recent weeks everything had gone right for the Reds, unbeaten in five with 17 goals scored, but the opposite was true on this occasion. Tottenham's closing down and tight marking prevented the hosts producing the flowing pass-and-move football which has returned under Dalglish.

The only stroke of fortune they enjoyed was the leniency of Webb, who chose to only book Suarez for his petulant kick at Michael Dawson while he was on the floor having been angered by the defender's apparent dive to win a free-kick.

Having been brilliant in front of goal in the last month the knack appeared to have deserted Liverpool as Carroll slashed wildly at Maxi Rodriguez's pass and failed to connect properly, while midfielder Jay Spearing bundled a shot wide with his weaker left foot.

The same should not have been expected of Carroll though, who wastefully headed over from six yards from Skrtel's cross. Suarez was closer with a free-kick which flashed just wide on the stroke of half-time but the Reds needed a change as distinctive as Dalglish swapping his tracksuit for jacket and tie at the interval.

Modric makes it two
Van der Vaart lasted just five minutes into the second half before limping off to be replaced by Jermain Defoe. Anger at Webb's officiating reached a peak in the 55th minute when he penalised John Flanagan for a foul on Pienaar when the offence appeared to be both outside the penalty area and in favour of the home side.

Modric struck home the spot-kick to give Tottenham a two-goal cushion they barely deserved. Liverpool surged forward, enraged at the perceived injustice, and Suarez fired over from Flanagan's low cross while substitute Jonjo Shelvey was narrowly off target with a long-range effort.

Chasing the game, Dalglish sent on David Ngog for Rodriguez, giving his side every opportunity to score with four strikers on the pitch. Carroll's ineffectual display meant he was lucky to still be on when he managed his first shot on target in the 87th minute but Carlo Cudicini held it comfortably and the target man was immediately replaced by Joe Cole.

Having missed out on the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League may be of some consolation for Tottenham, if they can better Liverpool's result next week. Dalglish was left to taste his first home defeat, and only the fourth in total of his second spell in charge.

Liverpool: 25-Reina, 02-Johnson, 07-Suarez, 09-Carroll, 17-Maxi Rodriguez, 18-Kuyt, 21-Lucas, 23-Carragher, 26-Spearing, 37-Skrtel, 38-Flanagan SUBS USED: 10-Cole, 24-Ngog, 33-Shelvey

Tottenham Hotspur: 23-Cudicini, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 11-Van der Vaart, 14-Modric, 15-Crouch, 20-Dawson, 25-Rose, 26-King, 30-Sandro, 40-Pienaar SUBS USED: 18-Defoe, 19-Bassong, 21-Kranjcar

News Update

Yesterday may have lacked action on the pitch but the news was still rolling. This site is a one man operation so it was a struggle to post here, but what happened yesterday?
Well Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier was admitted to hospital yesterday morning suffering from chest pains. It is expected the Frenchman will not be back on the sidelines until the new season. Until then Villa number 2 Gary McAllister will take charge of the first team.
Much was mentioned about Arsenals failure to capitalize on a two goal lead against Tottenham which saw then lead 3-1 and leave White Hart Lane with one point, and an entertaining (for the neutrals) 3-3 draw.
Norwich won the 'Old Farm Derby' beating Ipswich 5-1 at Portman Road, there biggest victory there since the second world war'
North of the border parcel bombs were intercepted by Royal Mail destined for Celtic manager Neil Lennon, Paul McBride QC and Labour politician Trish Godman (both have Celtic connections). Its not known who sent the parcels but the investigation into the incident on March 26 is ongoing.
And finally congratulations go to West Ham's Scott Parker who last night won the Footballer Of The Year by the Football Writers Association just pipping Tottenhams Gareth Bale to the award.


Quite a busy day then yesterday, I endeavour to update the site with more tales from the world of football as well as the news from the Emirates as regining 'Unofficial Premier League Champions' Arsenal are preparing for their trip north to face Bolton Wanderers.


Have a great Good Friday


Jamie

6 goal thriller that could see both teams loseTottenham Hotspur 3 (Van der Vaart 7, 70pen, Huddlestone 44) Arsenal 3 (Walcott 5, Nasri 12, Van Persie 40)

A flurry of five first half goals lit up the north London derby as Tottenham and Arsenal played out an attacking and thrilling game which provided a glut of goals at White Hart Lane.
Goals from Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie for the Gunners and Rafael Van Der Vaart and Tom Huddlestone for Spurs were enough to seal what could be the game of the season in the Premier League.
The draw, in reality, doesn't help either side in their respective aims as Arsenal fail to make the most of Manchester United drawing on Tuesday and Spurs needed the win to keep the pressure on Manchester City, but those in attendance will have not have thought a fantastic display from both sides.
The importance of tonight’s game was paramount for both sides. Tottenham were coming off the back of their exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid and Arsenal were keen to expel the Liverpool result from their memory.
Arsenal came out of the traps with purpose and positivity. The game begun in a style often expected of local derbies, fast, fluid and full of endeavour and within 5 minutes the opening goal had rocked White Hart Lane. Cesc Fabregas, so often a tormentor of Spurs, made the most of a Tom Huddlestone error to feed Theo Walcott. The through ball left Michael Dawson limbo and Walcott did the rest with a burst of speed and a deft right foot finish.
The frantic tempo of the game continued and within three minutes Spurs had wiped out the advantage. A long, looping pass from Vedran Corluka found Rafael Van der Vaart who controlled magnificently and hammered beyond Wojciech Szczesny to level things up.
Arsenal though once again showed the undeniable quality they possess, but often, frustratingly fail to impose. Samir Nasri was left unchecked and this flaw in the Tottenham defence was punished as the Frenchman made Gomes look ordinary as he beat him low to his right.
Theo Walcott had a chance to increase the lead but his low drive took the lightest of deflections of the right hand of Gomes to slide wide of the right hand post.
Walcott’s influence on the game stretched to more than just scoring the goals.  With a terrific chipped cross on the byline, Walcott crafted a goal for Robin Van Persie who made it 3-1.
Credit to Tottenham for exhibiting the tenacity required to keep this close and once again Harry Redknapp’s side bounced back through a Tom Huddlestone goal which atoned for his earlier error. A header from Peter Crouch was poorly cleared by Fabregas and Huddlestone smashed the ball back into the danger area leaving Szczesny a forest of legs to look through as he tried in vain to deal with the shot.
The second half didn't slow down and there were chances aplenty as both sides continued hell for leather.  Van Der Vaart had a chance for a second but it wasn't until substitute Aaron Lennons speed beat Szczesny and the Polish 'keeper brought down the winger to give Spurs the chance to level it up once more.
Van Der Vaart stepped up to the spot with confidence and hammered the ball in to give Spurs a way back and deal another blow to Arsenal.
Tottenham had more chances to take the lead with Modric forcing a brilliant save from Szczesny and Peter Crouch heading over the bar. Neither side was willing to give an inch as both were fighting to hold supremacy in their patch.
The game will be remembered for many years as the goals, commitment and sheer entertainment were something not likely to be seen anytime soon. But the truth remains that both sides needed to win this encounter and because they failed to do this, both Manchester sides would have been very pleased with the result.


LINE UPS:


Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 03-Bale, 06-Huddlestone, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 11-Van der Vaart, 13-Gallas, 14-Modric, 15-Crouch, 20-Dawson, 22-Corluka, 32-Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 30-Sandro
Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 14-Walcott, 17-Song, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy SUBS USED: 19-Wilshere, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner

The most important North London derby of all time?

Tonights game will be the 166th North London derby but this one is probably the most important fixture out of the lot of them.
Arsenal slipped up at the weekend when they conceded a penalty in what felt like the 196th minute of injury time and many thought their title aspirations had gone up in smoke but last nights draw between Newcastle United and Manchester United mean't the race was firmly back ON.
Tottenham need a win. Their recent exploits in the Champions League has whet the apetitie for Harry Redknapp, the fans and the players and if Spurs want to keep hold of the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale then they have to qualify for the Champions League again. They are currently 3 points behind Manchester City with this game in hand, plus like last season Tottenham have to play the Citizens. Also going against Tottenham is a fixture after the FA Cup Final where Stoke play Manchester City and Stoke could hand City the 3 points to ensure they have a European campaign next season so Tottenham know 3 points tonight is vital.
The Gunners currently find themselves 7 points behind Manchester United. A win tonight and the lead is cut to 4, if they beat Manchester United at The Emirates on May 1 then the lead is 1 point so even though the gap looks huge the title is still within grasp
This fixture has produced goals in the last couple of years Arsenal won 4-1 in the Carling Cup this season but Tottenahm got revenge winning 3-2 at The Emirates plus of course there was that 4-4 draw in the 2008/09 season so hopefully this run will continue tonight and we have an entertaining 'Title Match'.
For me, I can see Tottenham starting quick and get an early goal but after a ding-dong battle the final result will be a 2-2 draw.
Lets hope Football is the winner :-)


Tottenham/Arsenal fans what do you think the result will be like and will a draw end your title/Champions League hopes?
Let us know what you think email jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Robbie Keane In West Ham Switch Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball can reveal Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has crossed the Olympic Stadium divide and joined West Ham United on loan and should the Hammers stay in the Premier League then he will join permanently on a two year deal.
Keane, who is Republic of Irelands leading marksmen has struggled to get games this year making 7 appearances (5 as sub) and althought he has remained in Giovanni Trappatoni's national side Keane was warned he would lose his place iif he wasn't playing first team football.
West Ham have been long time admirers of Robbie Keane, they were interested in signing him when he was playing in Italy for Internazionale but instead he headed to Elland Road and joined Leds United but ten years later they have finally got their man!!
Keane could make his debut next Wednesday when West Ham head north to play Ian Holloways Blackpool but Hammers supporters everywhere will be hoping the man who has been prolific in the Premier League can score the goals to ensure Premier League football next season.


Robbie Keane's career:


1997-1999 - Wolverhampton Wanderers - 74 apps (24 goals)
1999-2000 - Coventry City - 31 apps (12 goals)
2000-2001 - Internazionale - 14 apps (3 goals)
2001 - Leeds United (loan) - 18 apps (9 goals)
2001-2002 - Leeds United - 28 apps (4 goals)
2002-2008 - Tottenham Hotspur - 197 apps (80 goals)
2008-2009 - Liverpool - 19 apps (5 goals)
2009 - Tottenham Hotspur - 41 apps (11 goals)
2010 - Celtic (loan) - 16 apps (12 goals)

Jamie O'Hara Join Wolves Fee: Loan

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara has joined Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.
The midfielder has been at Tottenham for 6 years but has yet to cement a place in the heart of the midfield and has previously had loan spell at Chesterfield, Millwall and Portsmouth where he was influential in their making the FA Cup Final in 2010 a season which also saw him crowned Pompey's player of the year.
Since returning to Tottenham for the 2010/11 season O'Hara has undergone surgery on his back and has yet to make a single appearance for Spurs this season.
The 24 year old, capped 7 times for England at Under 21 level knows he has to kickstart his career again and hopefully getting games under his belt will being him to the attention of his boss Harry Redknapp and try and get a place in the 25 man squad for the beginning of the 2011/12 season.


Jamie O'Hara's career:


2005 - Tottenham Hotspur - 34 apps (3 goals)
2006 - Chesterfield (loan) - 19 apps (5 goals)
2007 - Millwall (loan) - 14 apps (2 goals)
2009-2010 - Portsmouth (loan) - 26 apps (2 goals)

January Transfer Window

Its time to open the rumour mill.  The January Transfer Window is now officially open.  This is usually a quiet time of the season with not many moves being made by the Premier League sides but with so much to play for for all the teams this season they may well look to timker with their packs ready to submit another 25 man squad by the end of the year.

Its only January 3rd and although 4 players moved just before the window (Gai Assulin to Manchester City, Anders Lindegaard to Manchester United, Jermaine Pennant turning his loan at Stoke into a permanent and Adrian Lopez joining Wigan) no-one has added to their squads but the rumours are coming thick and fast.

Will Edin Dzeko join the Man City revolution?  Will David Beckham join Spurs on loan? and will Ronaldinho join ... BLACKBURN ROVERS!!!!

Whatever happens in this transfer window we will let you know first and fast* right here at worldwidefootball

*this is an estimate :)

10 Man Tottenham Keep Up Title Challenge #2Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Lennon 57, Bale 81) Newcastle United 0

Ten-man Tottenham moved into the top four of the Premier League with victory over Newcastle in a feisty affair.

Aaron Lennon broke the deadlock in the second-half, cutting in from the right to drill an angled shot from just inside the area past keeper Tim Krul.

Spurs had Younes Kaboul sent off on 65 minutes for appearing to thrust his head at Newcastle's Cheik Tiote.

But Gareth Bale made sure of the points for the home side, surging down the left and firing in a rasping effort.

The scoreline was definitely a deserved one on the balance of play, although the Magpies did well to frustrate their usually free-flowing opponents for much of the match.

Aware of the home side's potency on the wings, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew packed the midfield and was forced to bring in full-back James Perch for the more assured Jose Enrique at left-back.

It was an ideal scenario for Tottenham right-winger Lennon. But, apart from the cross for Roman Pavlyuchenko's first-half header, brilliantly saved by Krul, and the goal, Lennon was given little space by former Nottingham Forest defender Perch.

In fact, the visitors' defence performed admirably with much of what Spurs threw at them in the opening 45 minutes. A marked difference to the opening five minutes against Manchester City.

Most of it was last ditch, however.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's side are a credit to the Premier League for staying true to their unofficial motto of "attack, attack, attack" and left-sided dynamo Bale has often led by example this season.

Midway through the first half he cut in from the left, eluded two Newcastle challenges and swept into the area before his attempt to shoot from little more than six yards was blocked by the biting Alan Smith.

Dutchman Rafael Van der Vaart, arguably this season's best signing so far, then tested Krul with a 25-yard free-kick which his compatriot had to tip over.

Van der Vaart then tried to create some room for himself inside the area but saw his shot blocked by Fabricio Coloccini.

And the closest the north Londoners came to scoring before the goal was right on the stroke of half-time when Krul produced an extraordinary save to deny Pavlyuchenko.

Perch had the right to claim he had Lennon "in his pocket" in the opening half, but he was all at sea for the opener when the England winger bore down on goal, after coming in from the right, before drilling a shot that deflected off the left-back and past Krul.

Tottenham were now looking to open up a Newcastle side who did well to keep the potent Londoners at bay.

But the home side suffered a setback in their quest when Kaboul was shown a straight red when he appeared to thrust his head at Tiote, who had forcefully, but cleanly, tackled him seconds earlier.

Instead of packing the defence and seeing out the match, Redknapp brought on forward Peter Crouch.

It was a bold move, although it was the slightly more defensive-minded Bale, who settled the match in typical fashion.

Wales international Bale was sent on his way down the left by Luka Modric before charging inside and rocketing an unstoppable shot with unerring accuracy past the reach of Krul.

That was essentially game, set and match.

The victory meant that Redknapp's side stepped up their Premier League challenge in what is one of the most open title races in recent years.

It was also the first time since the opening day of the season that Spurs kept a clean sheet - more of those and, come May, the men from White Hart Lane could be toasting an event that has not occurred since 1961.

LINE UPS

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: 01-Gomes, 02-Hutton, 03-Bale, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 11-Van der Vaart, 12-Palacios, 14-Modric, 20 Dawson, 32-Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 08-Jenas, 15-Crouch, 19-Bassong

NEWCASTLE UNITED: 26-Krul, 02-Coloccini, 07-Barton, 09-Carroll, 10-Routledge, 12-Simpson, 14-Perch, 17-Smith, 18-Gutierrez, 24-Tiote, 27-Taylor SUBS USED: 11-Lovenkrands, 30-Ranger

Todays Other Scores

Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United: BC-Bowyer; MU-Berbatov

Manchester City 4-0 Aston Villa: MC-Balotelli (3), Lescott

Stoke City 0-2 Fulham: FU-Baird (2)

Sunderland 0-2 Blackpool: BP-Campbell (2)

West Brom 1-3 Blackburn Rovers: WB-Tamas; BR-Kalinic (2), M.Diouf

West Ham 1-1 Everton: WH-Hibbert (o.g); EV-Coleman

10 Man Tottenham Keep Up Title Challenge Aston Villa 1 (Albrighton 82) Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Van Der Vaart 23,67)

Tottenham's talismanic midfielder Rafael van der Vaart ensured manager Harry Redknapp maintained his hoodoo over Aston Villa after securing a 2-1 win.  Despite a 27th-minute straight red card for Jermain Defoe, the Dutch midfielder scored either side of that to take his tally to double figures for the season, with Spurs unbeaten in each of the eight games in which he has scored.

Although Marc Albrighton pulled one back eight minutes from time, it was not enough to spare the home side, with Redknapp unbeaten in his last ten Barclays Premier League games as a manager against Villa.

From the opening minute the suggestion was this was going to be an entertaining affair, as has often been the case between these two teams of late, and so it proved. After just 50 seconds Heurelho Gomes produced the first of a number of fine saves to deny Villa, initially from Albrighton who was then quick to pounce on the rebound, only for Gareth Bale to bravely block.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor nodded a free header wide a minute later there was perhaps the sense it was not going to be Villa's night. That view was strengthened when Villa appealed for a penalty in the ninth minute when Emile Heskey was felled by Gomes, but it was such a tight call it was no wonder referee Martin Atkinson was unmoved.

It was a challenge which left Heskey needing treatment and ultimately led to his withdrawal six minutes from the break. It was a key departure as Heskey had also played his part in two incisive Villa moves that sandwiched another moment of controversy in the 18th minute.

A minute earlier Heskey and Agbonlahor had spread play from one wing to the other where Stewart Downing strode forward, cut inside and unleashed a low drive that was picked up by Gomes. Three minutes later it was Heskey who played a delightful one-two with Agbonlahor, the latter eventually unleashing a stinging drive that bounced off a diving Gomes' knee. The ball looped up for Agbonlahor to nod goalwards, but again Gomes was on hand to push the ball around the post.

In between a strike from Younes Kaboul was ruled out by an assistant referee as he deemed a pull back from Alan Hutton had crossed the deadball line, although replays suggested otherwise.

In the 23rd minute, however, Tottenham's frustration was forgotten as a sweeping move cut Villa apart, sparked by a raking cross-field ball from Bale into the path of Hutton down the right wing. James Collins, serving as Villa's fifth skipper of the season with Ashley Young out with a knee injury, failed to cut out the right-back's low centre and Van der Vaart was in behind the centre-back to stab home from ten yards.

The visitors' joy was shortlived because just four minutes later they were contentiously down to ten men for an elbow from Defoe in the face of Collins. It appeared to be harsh because although Defoe led with his arm in jumping for a high delivery, his eyes were focused on the ball at all times. 

It left Spurs facing the final 63 minutes a man short, and for the first 18 of those through to half-time they were rarely troubled. And they could have doubled their lead prior to the interval as Van der Vaart teed up Wilson Palacios for a 20-yard effort which Brad Friedel tipped into the sidenetting.

Apart from an early second-half strike from Heskey's replacement Nathan Delfouneso, which stung the fingers of Gomes, Spurs easily held until breaking with devastating effect in the 67th minute. It was sparked by an 80-yard run down the right from Bale, who found Aaron Lennon in space on the left.The winger played a simple pass into Van der Vaart's path for a first-time left-foot shot beyond Friedel.

After Gomes had produced his save of the game from Agbonlahor nine minutes later, an 82nd-minute cross from Albrighton floated past the Spurs goalkeeper, who was arguably distracted by a diving Collins in front of him. There was no late reprieve for Villa and manager Gerard Houllier, though, who departed the field to a chorus of boos from the home fans.

Line Ups:

Aston Villa: 01-Friedel, 03-Warnock, 06-Downing, 12-Albrighton, 11-Agbonlahor, 16-Delph, 18_Heskey, 24-Cuellar, 28-Hogg, 29-Collins, 30-Lichaj SUBS USED: 08-Pires, 14-Delfouneso, 19-Petrov

Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 02-Hutton, 03-Bale, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 11-Van der Vaart, 12-Palacios, 14-Modric, 18-Defoe, 20-Dawson, 32:Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 15-Crouch, 22-Corluka

Todays Other Scores:

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Stoke City: SC-Huth, Wilson

Bolton Wanderers 2-0 West Brom: BW-Taylor, Elmander

Fulham 1-3 West Ham: FU-Hughes WH-Cole (2), Piquionne

Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland: MU-Berbatov (2)

Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City: NU-Carroll MC- Tevez (2), Barry

Wolves 1-2 Wigan Athletic: WW-Fletcher WA-Rodallega, Cleverley

Calamity Keeper Saves Spurs TitleTottenham Hotspur 1 (Pavlyuchenko 15) Chelsea 1 (Drogba 70)

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was left to rue a late penalty miss from Didier Drogba as Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes went from villain to hero in a dramatic 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Ancelotti's spluttering side were heading for a fifth defeat in nine games after Roman Pavlyuchenko's first-half strike put Spurs in front. But Gomes gifted Chelsea an equaliser with 20 minutes left when he allowed Drogba's shot to escape his grasp and loop into the net.
Drogba had a golden opportunity to steal the points for Chelsea when Gomes conceded a stoppage time penalty, but the striker saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by the Brazilian.
Chelsea were well below their best once again and Ancelotti, under increasing pressure in recent weeks, will be cursing Drogba's miss, which leaves the Blues one point behind Arsenal ahead of the leaders' trip to Manchester United tomorrow.
Although Drogba has struggled to recapture the form that made him the Premier League's top scorer last season, he remains Chelsea's most potent attacking option and his side were toothless without him in the first half.

If Drogba's absence played a part in Chelsea's slow start, they were hindered even more by a continued lack of security at the back. Once the cornerstone of Chelsea's success, Ancelotti's defence now gifts chances with alarming regularity and Pavlyuchenko took full advantage to open the scoring in the 15th minute.
When Jermain Defoe cut infield and found Pavlyuchenko in the penalty area, Chelsea captain John Terry should have closed down the Russian striker. Instead he and John Obi Mikel sat back and allowed Pavlyuchenko to drill a low shot past Cech at his near-post. Replays showed Defoe may have been just offside before crossing, but that was no excuse for Chelsea's poor defending.
Over 25 minutes passed before Gomes was seriously tested when Salomon Kalou's header from Nicolas Anelka's cross forced the Brazilian into action. Another Chelsea defensive lapse should have been punished with a second goal for Pavlyuchenko, but he couldn't keep his shot on target after running unmarked onto Gareth Bale's free-kick.
Only Florent Malouda was providing a sustained threat for Chelsea and he set up two chances for Kalou, who glanced his first header wide and then skied the next headed effort well over. Chelsea had plenty of possession as the half wore on but there was no cutting edge and it was no surprise when Ancelotti sent on Drogba for Mikel at the interval.
Drogba's arrival almost paid immediate dividends as his long-range shot was pushed away for a corner by Gomes, who had to make another acrobatic stop moments later to prevent Wilson Palacios heading a Drogba cross into his own net.
With Drogba up front, Chelsea at last had some focus to their attacks. They lacked composure at times, but that didn't matter as Gomes gifted Chelsea their equaliser in the 70th minute.
Drogba showed tremendous strength and skill to control a hopeful punt and flick it past Michael Dawson. However, his shot was straight at Gomes and should have been saved. Instead the Brazilian's weak attempted stop only managed to push the ball into his net to the delight of Ancelotti and his players.
Ancelotti sent on Frank Lampard for his first appearance in over three months with 12 minutes remaining and Chelsea pressed forward for a winner. It should have arrived in stoppage time when Gomes conceded a penalty by barging into Ramires, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself as he dived to keep out Drogba's spot-kick keeping the score at 1-1 and also means Tottenham remain as the "UNOFFICIAL PREMIER LEAGUE" CHAMPIONS


Next Title Match - 19/12/10 (a) v Blackpool


Line Ups


Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 02-Hutton, 03-Bale, 07-Lennon, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 12-Palacios, 14-Modric, 18-Defoe, 19-Bassong, 20-Dawson, 32-Assou-Ekotto Subs Used: 10-Keane, 15-Crouch, 30-Sandro


Chelsea: 01-Cech, 02-Ivanovic, 03-Cole, 05-Essien, 07-Ramires, 12-Obi Mikel, 15-Malouda, 19-Ferreira, 21-Kalou, 26-Terry, 39-Anelka Subs Used: 08-Lampard, 11-Drogba, 23-Sturridge


Todays Other Scores:


Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Blackburn Rovers: BW-Muamba, Holden BR-M.Diouf
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Birmingham City: WW-Hunt

Spurs In Champions League Action

Spurs clinched top spot in UEFA Champions League Group A after a thrilling 3-3 draw with FC Twente.

Peter Wisgerhof put through his own goal after 12 minutes, but Denny Landzaat brought Twente back into the match from the penalty spot. Jermain Defoe restored his side's advantage two minutes into the second half, but Roberto Rosales levelled. Defoe struck again just before the hour mark, but Twente equalised for a third time through a fine free-kick from Nacer Chadli.

The home side threatened first, Heurelho Gomes having to fully extend himself to palm a long-range Wout Brama shot round the post minutes into the match. Yet it was the London outfit who broke the deadlock in cruel fashion. Wisgerhof played an innocuous back pass to goalkeeper Sander Boschker, but the ball bounced over the foot of the 40-year-old and rolled into the net.

However, it didn't take long for the Dutch champions to restore parity. Benoît Assou-Ekotto blocked a Rosales drive with his arm, and Landzaat stroked the penalty home at the second time of asking; his first effort being disallowed because of player encroachment. Marc Janko had a good opportunity to reward his team's subsequent superiority with a goal just before the break, but his left-footed shot on the turn went well wide.

They were made to pay for the missed chances when Harry Redknapp's men struck immediately after the restart. Aaron Lennon, a first-half substitute for the injured Jermaine Jenas, split the home defence with a reverse pass that Defoe confidently dispatched from inside the box. Once again Twente drew level. Theo Janssen put in a delightful cross from the left and Rosales rose to power a header beyond Gomes.

This time it took a mere three minutes for Spurs to forge ahead again. Janssen's slip let in Wilson Palacios, and although Boschker got down to save his low effort, Defoe was on hand to knock in the rebound. Still the joint Dutch league leaders wouldn't lie down; Chadli curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner on 64 minutes to peg back the visitors again with the game's final goal.

With Inter Milan losing 3-0 in Germany to Werder Bremen, the point was enough to see Spurs through as group winners. Before the group stages began all Spurs fans would've been pleased to secure second place so winning the group is an amazing achievement in their debut Champions League campaign

LINE UPS

FC Twente: 01-Boschker, 04-Wisgerhof, 06-Brama, 07-Landzaat, 08-Janssen, 09-de Jong, 15-Rosales, 19-Franco, 21-Janko, 22-Chadli, 33-Tiendalli Subs Used: 27-Vujicevic

Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 03-Bale, 08-Jenas, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 12-Palacios, 13-Gallas, 18-Defoe, 19-Bassong, 21-Kranjcar, 22-Corluka, 32-Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 07-Lennon, 10-Keane, 15-Crouch

Tottenham's Hot Spurs Make Remarkable Comeback Arsenal 2 (Nasri 9, Chamakh 27) Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Bale 50 Van der Vaart 67pen, Kaboul 85

For the first time in 17 years Tottenham Hotspur have taken 3 points from Arsenal away from home but at half time even the most ardent Spurs follower must've thought there was no chance of even nicking one point.
Before the match most of the talk had been about Samir Nasri and William Gallas and whether Nasri would do a "Wayne Bridge" and refuse to shake the hand of the veteran defender.  The reason for this argument stems from the French team bus and Samir Nasri apparently sitting on Thierry Henry's seat so as the teams lined up and the Arsenal team walked down the line to shake the opposition hands everyone wanted to see if Nasri and Gallas shake hands,which they didn't
When kick off arrived and Arsenal looked like they are ready to lead the Premiership, in the opening couple of minutes Nasri had a chance which he wasted but in the 9th minute he got one up on his old teammate.
A pin point pass from Fabregas released Nasri who moved in on goal, although his first touch was a poor one he managed to get his foot in before the despairing Gomes and while 99% of The Emirates thought the ball was going out of play the Frenchman managed to cut the ball across the goal from an almost impossible angle and the spin carried the ball over the line.  The Gunners were one up.
Fabregas was in instrumental form, hardly wasting a pass so when he spread the ball to Arshavin the little Russian crossed the ball and Marouane Chamakh got in ahead of Kaboul to tap home.
Arsenal deserved their lead as Tottenham hadn't done anything in the first half and on this display it was looking like Arsenal were going to rack up an easy three points.
I have no idea what Harry Redknapp said to his players at half time but with that and the arrival of Jermaine Defoe, a replacement for Aaron Lennon seemed to change the way Tottenham played and five minutes after the break Defoe won a header and flicked the ball on to Van der Vaart who in turn found Gareth Bale and while his first touch was great the flick of the outside of his boot was even better and although his shot lacked power it was enough to go past Fabianski and Spurs were back in the game.
From here Tottenham raised there game and in the 66th minute Tottenham were awarded a free kick just outside the area.  Van der Vaart's free kick struck Cesc Fabregas' hand inside the area and the referee Phil Dowd had no option but to award a penalty which Van der Vaart slotted home.  The away fans were delirious.  They were back in the game and if anyone was looking like winning today it was them.  They had the invention and ideas and it was Spurs who completed the comeback four minutes from time when a Van der Vaart free kick found Younes Kaboul and his header found the bottom corner.  Spurs were winning 3-2 and there was hardly anytime for Arsenal to get back into it.  After five minutes of injury time Phil Dowd blew the full time whistle and Tottenham went away with the three points to the delight of the travelling support.


Line Ups:


Arsenal: 21-Fabianski, 03-Sagna, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 15-Denilson, 17-A Song, 18-Squillaci, 22-Clichy 23-Arshavin, 29-Chamakh Subs Used: 07-Rosicky, 10-Van Persie, 14-Walcott
Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 02-Hutton, 03-Bale, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 08-Jenas, 09-Pavlyuchenko, 11-Van der Vaart, 13-Gallas, 14-Modric, 32-Assou-Ekotto Subs Used: 12-Palacios, 15-Crouch, 18-Defoe


Todays Other Scores:
Birmingham City 1-0 Chelsea: BC-Bowyer
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: BP-Varney, Harewood WW-Doyle
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United: BW-Davies (2), Elmander (2), Lee NU-Carroll
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham: LI-Johnson, Kuyt, Maxi
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic: MU-Evra, Hernandez
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City: Walters (2), Etherington

Spurs Loan Croatian Keeper Fee: Loan

Worldwide Football can reveal Tottenham Hotpsur have signed Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa on a year long loan deal from Spartak Moscow.
As its only a loan deal we can't see Pletikosa taking over the number one role from Heurelho Gomes but it could mean current number two, Carlo Cudicini's days at Tottenham could be numbered.
Pletikosa, 31, has played 80 games for his country and comes with plenty of Champions League experience and with Gomes currently injured and Cudicini at fault for Wigans goal at the weekend Pletikosa could find himself in the first team to face West Brom on 11th September.
It has been a quiet summer at White Hart Lane so far with this being only the third summer signing for Tottenham following the capture of Sandro and ex-Arsenal skipper William Gallas.


Stipe Pletikosa's career:


1996-2003 - Hajduk Split - 141 apps (4 goals)
2003-2007 - Shaktar Donetsk - 29 apps
2005-2006 - Hadjuk Split (loan) - 21 apps
2007-2010 - Spartak Moscow - 63 apps


International career:


1999 - Croatia - 80 apps