Keane tries hard on Spurs debut

Tottenham 0, West Ham 0 (half-time)

Robbie Keane tried hard to impress on his Tottenham debut but could not find the 50th league goal of his career.

The Irish international striker came closest to breaking the deadlock in a scrappy first half with a fizzing half-volley after seven minutes which was just over the bar.

West Ham lost Tomas Repka with an injury after only five minutes and Spurs suffered the same fate when Chris Perry went off after 31 minutes.

Keane was eager to impress and did well after 23 minutes to feed Ziege down the left. His delivery into the box was much better and Sheringham was just denied at the near post by Gary Breen, who conceded the corner.

That also came from Ziege and Sheringham nodded just wide at the far post.

Spurs kept up the pressure and after 25 minutes Goran Bunjevcevic let fly from 25 yards with a shot which flew wide of the far post.

A minute later Keane teed up Redknapp, but his 20-yard shot was disappointing as it sailed over the bar.

The first booking of the game came after 27 minutes when Uriah Rennie had no hesitation in showing the yellow card to Bunjevcevic for a wild lunge at Lomas.

There was another injury stoppage after half an hour when Perry was hurt in a challenge on Kanoute and had to be carried off on a stretcher. He was immediately replaced by Gary Doherty.

The game had suddenly become very scrappy but an opening fell to Cole on the edge of the box after 36 minutes, only for him to shoot over the bar again.

Spurs won a free-kick 25 yards from goal after 38 minutes and Redknapp was again disappointing with a low drive which was easily cleared.

A minute later Sheringham was well placed to direct a header at James from Ziege’s cross, although he claimed he was being held back by Dailly.

Taricco was forced to concede a corner after 43 minutes and when it fell to Lomas on the edge of the box he lifted his shot high and wide – summing up the quality of finishing in the half.