Spurs finally registered their first league win under Martin Jol as goals from Jermain Defoe and Fredi Kanoute were enough to see off a Boro team forced to play the entire second half with only 10 men follwing the dismissal of Frank Queudrue for a 2 footed tackle on Pamarot.

Rohan Ricketts started a game for the 1st time this season following his loan spell at Coventry with Michael Brown making way. Atouba slotted in at left back for the injured Edman, allowing Ziegler to start on the left of midfield.

The first half was relatively poor with Defoe coming closest when he pounced on a rebound off the wall from his free kick. But with Schwarzer struggling to get across to it, the ball went narrowly wide. Carrick's long range effort a minute later was straight down the throat of Schwarzer who held it comfortably.

5 minutes later came the usual defensive uncertainty with Naybet and then King failing to clear their lines. Fortuantely Atouba got across to block Boateng's shot.

10 minutes before the break Spurs showed signs of the attacking prowess Jol has promised to try and build into the team. Keane and Ziegeler worked the ball down the left and Ziegler played Defoe in but his left foot shot went over.

Boateng was booked for protesting over Queudrue's red card and Robbie Keane then got in the way of Defoe's goal bound shot with Schwarzer out of his goal.

3 minutes after the break, Pamarot played a sweet ball through to Mendes who squared it for Defoe to clip home at the near post, taking him into double figures for the season but also earning himself a booking for taking his shirt off. He'll now miss the Cup game against Liverpool on Wednesday as it was his 5th caution of the season.

Shortly afterwards it looked like Spurs had sprung Boro's offside trap but as Keane successfully lobbed Schwarzer, the assistant referee had raised his flag.

Atouba headed straight at Schwarzer and Ziegler shot at him from 30 yards. Defoe then fired over after some more good passing.

Kanoute came on for Keane halfway through the second half and his efforts in pressurising the opposition were rewarded when Schwarzer hurried his kick and it rebounded off Kanoute and into the goal

With 10 minutes left, Robinson was finally called into action, tipping Downing's free kick around the post.

Spurs had 3 further chances to extend their lead but Reiziger came to Schwarzer's rescue after he misjudged Ziegler's corner. Carrick then shot wide after Schwarzer cleared the ball straight to him, again under pressure from Kanoute. The last chance saw Ziegler's cross from the left just evade Kanoute's outstretched leg.

Another good showing from Ziegler on the left. Atouba never fails to amaze as he looks like a world beater one minute and then like he's never seen a football before the next. Pedro Mendes and Carrick were able to exert more influence on the game and still protect the back four. Ricketts didn't really get into the game but didn't do much wrong with the ball when he was in possession. Once Pamarot starts to come forward a bit more I think that will help whoever is playing right midfield as that's been the problem position all season. 

The defence looked more comfortable today, handling Viduka and Hasselbaink well. Naybet was still a bit ponderous on the ball and either got caught in possession or gave the ball away when rushed a bit too often.

Up front, Defoe was his usual lively self and finished superbly for his goal. Kanoute will hopefully learn that effort leads to reward and up his work rate in future games to match that of his cameo appearance today. Keane still looks a bit out of sorts but his disallowed goal and some of his movememt showed why Jol & co should perservere with him.

The result mattered more than the performance today but both were pleasing. We may have had a bit of luck with the sending off and for the 2nd goal but it was long overdue. Whether or not we'd have won against a full strength Boro side is hard to say but the 3 points should be a big boost going into Wednesday's cup tie and then away to Blackburn who have been slowly improving under Mark Hughes.

MOTM: Defoe. Super goal and his all round play was top notch today. Silly booking but at least it's only a cup tie he's missing. I'd rather him raring to go at Ewood next week. Atouba deserves an honourable mention for his 'entertaining' approach to football

Pos	Club	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
13	Tottenham	15	4	4	7	14	17	16