From White Hart Lane Tottenham 2 Pavlyuchencko 17, Bent pen 76 Bolton W 0 Att: 35,507 HARRY Redknapp had an immediate influence on Spurs as they beat Bolton to grab their first league win of the season on Sunday. Redknapp was installed as new Lane on Sa
From White Hart Lane
Tottenham 2
Pavlyuchencko 17, Bent pen 76
Bolton W 0
Att: 35,507
HARRY Redknapp had an immediate influence on Spurs as they beat Bolton to grab their first league win of the season on Sunday.
Redknapp was installed as new Lane on Saturday night after the sacking of Juande Ramos and although Clive Allen selected the team against the ex-Pompey boss took his place alongside Allen in the dug-out.
And the players responded with the type of battling, aggressive performance that Ramos was unable to extract in the first eight games this season. None more so than Luka Modric, who gave the sort of all-action display not seen in a Spurs shirt since his arrival in the summer.
David Bentley produced several telling crosses during the first half and it was from one of these that Roman Pavlyuchencko headed the opener. Spurs again included skipper Ledley King but the defence was far from secure and King came to their rescue, clearing off the line from Johan Elmander. Spurs' task was made a little easier 10 minutes after the break when Gavin McCann was sent off for a second caution.
Modric continued to drive Spurs forward and the Croatian played a big part in Spurs' second goal. His stinging shot was saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen but the keeper then fouled Darren Bent. The England forward scored from the spot kick. Spurs season was up and running.
SPURS PLAYER OF THE GAME: Luka Modric. The Croatian midfielder finally showed his true class.
Team: Gomes 5, Hutton 7, Corluka 8, King 8, Assou-Ekotto7, O'Hara 7 (Lennon 7, 70), Jenas 8, Huddlestone 7, Bentley 8, Modric 9, Pavlyuchenko 7 Bent 6 67). Not used: Cesar, Campbell, Zokora, Giovani, Gunter.
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