Spurs finished the season on a winning note, picking up another 3 points at already relegated Wolves.
David Pleat's last team selection as caretaker manager saw a debut handed to Mark Yeates, who has been in excellent form for the reserves all year according to reports. He replaced Simon Davies on the right of midfield. Christian Ziege, in his final appearance for Spurs, started in place of the injured Taricco.
Straight from the off Wolves were determined to go out in style and the first chance arrived with just 30 seconds gone as Ince's lob was tipped over by Keller. Carl Cort managed to get above Kelly and his looping header was also tipped over.
If everything had gone according to plan Wolves would have scored with their next chance as Denis Irwin, playing in the last game of his career, struck a free kick but it hit the outside of the post.
Spurs managed to work their first decent chance after 20 minutes but Ziege's free kick was easily saved by Jones. That was the start of a good patch for Spurs, having weathered the initial Wolves storm. Yeates hit a deep cross, that initially looked overhit but Ricketts got on the end of it and connected with a sweet left foot volley that Jones had to put behind for a corner.
Yeates was involved in the move that led to the 1st Spurs goal. He carried the ball forward and played Keane in. Robbie's shot was blocked but he managed to get the rebound and slot home from a very tight angle. Once again this season he had scored against a former club but out of respect for Wolves his celebrations were muted.
Keller had to save from Kennedy and Ince before the break to preserve the one goal lead.
Spurs started the seond half brightly. Keane and Defoe combined well but Keane's shot was blocked and the chance went.
The second goal stemmed from a Wolves error. Carl Cort was in the left back position when he decided to play a back pass. It was woefully short and Defoe pounced on it, making Jones commit before rounding him and slotting home.
Halfway through the half Ince, who was booked for a first half dive, and Redknapp went in for a 50-50 tackle and both players went to ground. Redknapp leapt up quickest but Ince chopped him down again, leaving referee Steve Bennett no chance but to produce a second yellow followed by a red card. Ince loitered on the pitch and eventually his teammates ushered him off. The Wolves fans decided this whole episode meant Ince deserved a standing ovation in what may well have been his last game for the Molyneux club.
Wolves sub Ganea tried to set up Cort but Kelly cleared and then the Romanian forward hit a dipping shot from 35 yards but it landed on the roof of the net as Keller tried to get back in time.
Kanoute, on for Ricketts, had two good chances but was denied by Jones both times. At the end, Ziege fed Defoe but Jones tipped his shot onto the post.
Poyet was given a final 5 minute run out in a Spurs shirt in place of Keane, who received an ovation from both sets of fans. As did Denis Irwin when he was subbed a couple of minutes later.
A lot more good points came out of this than has been usual this season. Yeates had a good debut. He was looking to get involved as much as he could and didn't seem too nervous. He used the ball well and didn't allow himself to be forced off it despite his relatively small build. Certainly one for the future.
Gardner's performance seemed to rely a lot more on luck than judgement and I think he'll be glad to see the back of this season. Kelly looked nervous again but defensively did most things right. King was solid if unspectacular and Ziege spent a lot of the time very narrow as if he was having to cover for any potential errors by Gardner. Poyet's 5 minutes were merely a parting gesture as he had no time to get involved in the game
Brown and Redknapp had good games in the middle of the park, with the latter showing why he's been given a one year extension. More performances like these will be needed to fully justify it though. Ricketts will benefit from more first team games so he can get used to playing with Keane and Defoe regularly. Again he was the man sacrificed to allow us to play 3 forwards towards the end.
Keane and Defoe are starting to form a good partnership but the rest of the team need to play to their strengths by playing the ball to feet a lot more. Kanoute looked rather languid again. His lack of workrate earlier in the season was masked by his strike rate but now the goals have dried up, he certainly needs to put in more effort.
MOTM: - Redknapp. Lovely range of passing on display. Won the midfield battle with his former Liverpool colleague Ince and pulled the strings in a generally pleasing all round Tottenham display.
Final League standings for 2003/2004
Pos |
Club |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
14 |
Tottenham |
38 |
13 |
6 |
18 |
47 |
57 |
45 |
