Jermain Defoe: 'We played a really high-tempo match and pressed well when we didn’t have the ball'

Published: 26 November, 2012
by DAN CARRIER at White Hart Lane

Premier League
SPURS 3, WEST HAM 1

JERMAIN Defoe fired Spurs to a 3-1 victory over London rivals West Ham at White Hart Lane – and revealed after the match how much his double strike meant to him.

Defoe was subjected to constant barracking from the visiting supporters who still hold a grudge after he quit the club nine years ago. His opener, on 43 minutes, saw him collect the ball just inside the opponents’ half and jink his way to the edge of the box before firing home.

“I got it under control and I saw the way the defenders opened up, so I thought I can get a shot off here,” the striker said after the game.

“It was important to get a goal before half-time. Today we played a really high-tempo match and pressed well when we didn’t have the ball.”

It was a game manager Andre Villas-Boas could not afford to lose. With the club slipping to eighth after losing three games in a row, he asked his team to show real urgency and they replied perfectly.

From the off, Spurs peppered the Hammers’ goal with Bale thumping a shot against the crossbar, Defoe forcing good saves and the whole team looking well versed in their roles.

Defoe’s superb solo opener was all a good first half deserved, and the second period saw Spurs pull clear with a strike by Bale after Dempsey weaved his way through the middle and chipped the ball into the winger’s path.

Defoe got a second in style when Aaron Lennon zipped clear and laid the ball into Defoe’s path for a tap-in.

Andy Carroll gave the visitors a moment of consolation in the dying moments but this was a performance of real strength and verve. AVB said after the game the side were well placed for a strong Christmas.

“We have played good football but haven't been getting the results,” he added.

“Today we got the result we deserved and I felt we did it in style.”

SPURS COMMENT by Dan Carrier

HE was made club captain in July, and then promptly offered to QPR for £9million. But Michael Dawson decided against heading to west London and told AVB he’d stay and fight for his place.

It must have been a frustrating autumn for the defender, who has had his playing time curtailed in the past two seasons by injuries: with Steven Caulker oozing class, the second centre-back berth was the only spot available while Younes Kaboul recovers from injury – and Daws’ must have believed it was his.

Yet despite frail performances from William Gallas, he still wasn't getting in the team. Yesterday he started his first Premier League game and it was like he'd never been away. He plays with a smile, he gets stuck in, and he doesn't make errors. It was good to have him back.

Man of the Match: This was a brilliant team performance: everyone put in a shift, from Michael Dawson showing why he is worthy of a starting spot every week, to the previously under-fire Tom Huddlestone, who linked things together well. It was also the best game from Clint Dempsey, whose ball for Bale to hit the second was sublime. But the man of the match has to be Sandro. Within 30 seconds of kick-off he had masterfully made a tackle, and his all-round bravery and determination carried his team-mates with him.
Spurs: Lloris, Caulker, Dawson, Walker, Vertonghen, Huddlestone, Sandro, Bale, Lennon, Dempsey, Defoe. Subs: Friedel, Gallas, Naughton, Sigurdsson, Dembele, Livermore.
Attendance: 35,043