SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER, 2000
FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 (2) LIVERPOOL 1 (1)

Spurs scorers:-
Ferdinand, 32
Sherwood, 41

Liverpool scorer:-
Fowler, 18

Attendance:- 36,036

Referee:- M. Halsey

Teams:-

Spurs (3-5-2):- Sullivan; Perry, Young, Thelwell; Carr, Anderton, Sherwood (sub Freund, 84), King, Clemence; Rebrov (sub Armstrong, 84), Ferdinand

Subs not used:- Walker; Vega; Korsten

Booked:- Anderton (foul)

Liverpool (4-4-2):- Westerveld; Babbel, Henchoz, Hyppia, Traore (sub Gerrard, 64); Murphy (sub Carragher, 79), McAllister, Hamann, Smicer (sub Barmby, 61); Owen, Fowler

Subs not used:- Arphexad; Vignal

Booked:- Smicer, Babbel

The Save Our Spurs campaign was somewhat diffused by what turned out to be the best performance of the season by Spurs, the introduction of youth in the shape of debutant Alton Thelwell, and Ledley King, a roaring and enthusiastic crowd, and finally a victory against a weakened and under par Liverpool side. Liverpool were missing the suspended Heskey, and the injured Berger and Ziege, but I wonder if Gerard Houllier under-estimated his task today, as he also left first team regulars Barmby, Gerrard, and Carragher on the bench? Let's not forget that Spurs are missing a few regulars as well, and give credit where it is due. The fact is that I went home happier today than I have so far this season.

The fact that this match was televised will draw plenty of comments from readers, but I am sure that everyone will have been pleased by King's performance in midfield (awarded man of the match by Sky), and Alton Thelwell, who I didn't see put a foot wrong in the three man defence. Although Ledley has appeared before, both were given a rousing reception when announced, and for their excellent efforts. Luke Young too, whilst having a more difficult time with the pace of Owen, came out with great credit. For me though, Stephen Carr was the star. I shall mention specific events later, but it is significant that Houllier's tactical substitutions were for those who had to try (and failed) to contain Stephen down the right flank. Carr was given more licence today than we have seen so far, as generally, Clemence played a more withdrawn role. Clemence was however instrumental in both of the goals.

I felt that Spurs were too tentative at the start, playing like the away team. Clemence was hardly getting beyond the half way line and he was struggling when cutting back to the inside and therefore having to use his right foot. Any attacks in these early stages were worked by Carr, Rebrov and Anderton down the right, and it was the visitors who had the best early chances. Owen gave Young the slip after 4 minutes but fortunately his shot across the goalmouth was off target. After 10 minutes, Murphy met a left field cross at the back post, but could only send a weak effort to Sullivan's arms. Spurs first chance fell to Perry going forward for an Anderton corner and shooting just wide of the post.

Spurs fell a goal behind after 18 minutes, when Hyppia's long ball was flicked to Fowler, who was in space with plenty of time to pick his spot past Sullivan. Fowler soon had another chance as Owen dummied a Babbel cross, but the shot went wide. On 28 minutes, Fowler again threatened as he got his head on the end of a Babbel rocket shot that was way off target. Fowler's reaction header was closer, but still did not bother the keeper.

Spurs equaliser followed some excellent work on the left by Rebrov (using strength against Babbel), and Clemence, who may have been marginally offside when he received the final pass, but whose cross was met at close range by Les Ferdinand for his first goal for two months. Spurs were not testing Westerveld much, but they made their few efforts count, as Tim Sherwood put us in the lead after 41 minutes. Ferdinand walked back from an offside position when Luke Young sent a long ball over the defence. The Liverpool defence fell asleep, but Stephen Clemence did not give up the chase, and made the ball his own deep down the left wing. His high cross was met beautifully by Tim Sherwood, who headed over the keeper for his second goal of the season.

Neil Sullivan stretched to tip a Hyppia header over the bar to preserve the half time lead, but was soon in action after the break, as Owen got the better of Young and forced a save, and then a scrambled clearance. In fact for much of the second half, sterling defence was called for, and produced, as in general, Liverpool were prevented from getting too close to the goal. They also failed to help themselves too often, as crosses and shot were sprayed everywhere but near the danger zone.

Spurs had their flurries, but also failed to give Westerveld too much to do. Yet it was an exciting half, with some exceptional highlights. Referee Mark Halsey made some weird decisions, but on balance both sides benefited. First Robbie Fowler was not punished for a terrible late challenge on Rebrov, but later Sergei escaped even a caution for a flying two footed challenge upon Danny Murphy, which ended the midfielder's interest in the game, as he was stretchered off. A couple of years ago, Rebrov could have been sent off for his offence, but no doubt he received the benefit of the doubt as it was an "attacker's tackle"

The best piece of football came after 66 minutes, when Carr started and finished a wonderful move out of defence. He headed smartly to Anderton inside his own half, and Darren found Sherwood making ground down the inside right channel. Stephen Carr raced down the line to receive the next pass, moved in and hit a spectacular chipped shot that bounced back into play off the far post. If it had gone in, it would have matched his goals against Man Utd and Sunderland last year. Carr even had the audacity to try a 55 yard shot towards the end of the game, but it fell short of the keeper.

There were five minutes of injury time, but Spurs managed to keep the ball in their opponents half. However, they were so keen to preserve their slender lead, that only Ferdinand and substitute Chris Armstrong got into the area for corners and free kicks. Spurs had started the game with little confidence, but it is to be hoped that they can build upon this result. Next week's game against Leicester will be much tougher methinks!

Follow @spursodyssey

· Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers
· Read the preview for this game.
· All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats