Spurs buoyed by the blood-letting

WHAT a difference a day makes. Beleaguered, bedraggled and bereft of confidence on Saturday night, Tottenham were revitalised yesterday, handing Harry Redknapp a dream start to his reign.

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent were on target in either half as Bolton finished with 10 men after Gavin McCann was dismissed for two bookings.

Redknapp took his place alongside reserve team coach Clive Allen in the dug-out for the first time and set about stamping his mark.

Perhaps his most notable decision was the selection of Ledley King. Juande Ramos deliberately avoided playing his captain for two games in succession, due to his injury record, but his inclusion here spoke volumes for the significance of this game.

Redknapp’s first line-up also saw a recall for midfielder David Bentley, controversially dropped by Ramos for comments made in an interview.

He didn’t let down his new boss. Bentley’s sweeping cross from the right wing in the 17th minute was perfect for Pavlyuchenko, who capitalised on some poor making to head past Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Tottenham were not entirely comfortable. A poor back-pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto almost let in Johan Elmander, while King cleared off his own line after Heurelho Gomes had flapped at a cross.

But the game was settled when McCann scythed down Huddlestone to earn his second booking.

“I don’t think it was fair,” Gary Megson, the Bolton boss, said. “It wasn’t malicious and took the wind out of our sails.”

Jaaskelainen saved well from Bent, Huddlestone and then Modric twice but his good work was undone when he fouled Modric in the area. Bent struck the penalty into the bottom left corner to seal the victory.

“I was watching the game thinking how can they be bottom of the league?” Redknapp pondered.

“But the result today has hopefully brought some confidence and put the smiles back on the players’ faces.”

TOTTENHAM (4-5-1): Gomes 6, Hutton 6, Corluka 6, King 7, Assou-Ekotto 6, Bentley 7, Huddlestone 6, Jenas 6, O’Hara 7 (Lennon 7, 6), Modric 7, Pavlyuchenko 6 (Bent 67, 7).

Subs Not Used: Sanchez, Zokora, Gunter, Giovani, Campbell

BOLTON (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen 8, Steinsson 6, Cahill 7, O’Brien 4, Samuel 6, Davies 6, McCann 6, Nolan 7, Muamba 6 (Gardner 85, 6), Taylor 6, Elmander 7 (Riga 85, 6).

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Helguson, Shittu.

REFEREE: Andre Marriner (Sheldon) 8: Fair with his decisions and only made a booking where necessary. Right to send McCann off.

MATCH RATING: *** Tottenham looked confident and rejuvenated under Redknapp but there is plenty of room for improvement.