Early blitz gives Spurs victory

Tottenham 2 Sheffield United 0

Tottenham announced their return to winning ways with a performance of such style and elegance that it bore the hallmarks of an era when such displays were commonplace at White Hart Lane.

Bullied and beaten by battling Bolton on the opening day of the season, Spurs responded with a superlative showing which, in the first half especially, echoed the silky football regularly witnessed during the team’s glory days in the 1960s.

First-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Jermaine Jenas proved to be enough to secure their first win of the new campaign as newcomers Sheffield United were given a harsh lesson in the realities of life in the Premiership.

It was a victory orchestrated by the outstanding talents of Robbie Keane and England winger Aaron Lennon as Neil Warnock’s side succumbed to the full onslaught of a Spurs side in irresistible form.

The legendary Spurs boss Bill Nicholson built his all-conquering side on the foundations of an unbending defence, midfield subtlety and an attack which had guile, strength and pace.

It was a recipe which brought Tottenham success at home and abroad and there is much to suggest that current coach Martin Jol has the ingredients to deliver similar success in today’s modern era.

United had promised to give Spurs more of the same tough-tackling treatment they had experienced at Bolton but their pretensions had been hampered by the loss of striker Rob Hulse, Derek Geary and unwell Paul Ifill.

The night began badly for United as Tottenham’s Bulgarian striker Berbatov took just seven minutes to score on his home debut.

It was England winger Lennon who did all the damage by turning Chris Armstrong inside out on the right flank and delivering a low cross into the six-yard box for Berbatov to score from point-blank range.

In the 17th minute, Spurs added a well-worked second and it was Keane, enjoying the freedom of a deeper role, who started the move. He crossed for Berbatov to head the ball into the path of Jenas who coolly slipped the ball over Paddy Kenny.

Irish international Keane was at the heart of their best moves as Spurs made light of the absence of England striker Jermain Defoe.

A bruised foot, collected at Bolton on Saturday, kept Defoe on the bench and Keane seized the opportunity to become the chief architect behind United’s downfall.

In the 29th minute he was again the provider, somewhat fortuitously this time, when his attempted shot fell at the feet of Berbatov on the edge of the penalty area. The Bulgarian swivelled menacingly before unleashing a shot which brought a fine save from Kenny.

Jol had demanded a big response from his side after Saturday’s debacle at the Reebok Stadium and Spurs had provided it with some irresistible football.

The pace of Lee Young-Pyo and Lennon on the right flank was proving to be an unstoppable combination and time and again United left-back Armstrong found himself having to face the frenetic artistry of the England winger.

Thankfully for United, Lennon’s crossing failed to match his approach work and a succession of headed clearances helped the visitors to keep the scoreline somewhat respectable as the first half drew to a close.

Spurs continued to dominate proceedings in the second half – pinging the ball around the midfield with a swagger and confidence which underlined their domination.

In the 61st minute, Keane was guilty of missing an easy chance to increase their advantage. The Irishman sent his shot wide of Kenny’s left-hand post after Lennon had once again eluded the United defence and pulled the ball back from the byline.

In the 82nd minute, Keane made way for Defoe and the Irishman was deservedly given a standing ovation by the home fans for a performance of sheer class and quality.

Two minutes later Defoe brought a fine save from Kenny with an 18-yard drive as the ball threatened to squeeze inside the post.

Defoe was clearly determined to get on the scoresheet and in the 87th minute he almost managed it with a rasping 25-yard drive which United goalkeeper Kenny was forced to palm away.