I must admit that I did not watch the game live (as I had to facilitate a class in the early morning) and yes, there is a tinge of regret that I missed it. BUT this emphatic victory over the holders of the Champions League more than compensated for it! I’ve read every match report and watched the highlights (more than once) and still cannot get enough of this game!
Harry Redknapp sent a five-man midfield to battle without a combative player amongst the lot viz. Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric, Rafael Van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale and his gamble paid off handsomely. By all accounts, Spurs dominated proceedings and took the game to the Italian team. It’s easy to forget only how two weeks ago, Inter had torn Spurs apart in the first half hour of the game at the San Siro and it would be understandable if Spurs decided to be cautious but the likes of Van Der Vaart, Modric and Bale would have none of it!
Of course, Bale scored a memorable hat-trick in the 3-4 away reverse and incredibly he actually upped the ante as time and again, he showed Inter right-back Maicon a clean pair of heels. Both the goals in the 2nd half (by Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko) were the results of not only lung-bursting runs by Bale but the devastating final ball, which the respective strikers just could not pass up. Earlier in the first half, Van Der Vaart clinically gave Spurs the lead after brilliant build-up play by Modric. Samuel Eto’o pulled one back with ten minutes left but it proved only consolation as Inter returned to Milan, tails firmly between legs.
So what now, Spurs? Certainly, with the likes of Bale, Van Der Vaart and Modric buzzing, Spurs look like they could blow any team away at home. However, consistency again remains elusive. Harry Redknapp needs to build on this inspiring result to keep Spurs on track for a top four placing as well as a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. It’s all in our own hands.
COYS!!!
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