No wonder Harry Redknapp has been strongly linked with the England post which is seemingly vacant from 2012 after the European Championships. Redknapp has clearly delivered at White Hart Lane. Displaying cunning fox-like ways in the transfer market (the latest example Van der Vaart seems to be settling in very quickly) and great player development skills (Lennon and Huddlestone as shining examples) Harry has made Spurs a dominant English side that previously had been labelled a poisoned challice by many pundits in the game. With a superb campaign in the 2009/2010 season where Spurs finished fourth, they didn't wobble against the Young Boys beating them 6-3 on aggregate to delight the Spurs faithful.
So the UEFA Champions League virgins Tottenham Hotspur started explosively, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes.
Left wing wizard Gareth Bale got to the goal line to cross nicely into England striker Peter Crouch who went to slot the ball in displaying goalscorer positioning. However, Werder Bremen Pasanen put the ball in for an unfortunate own goal.
It was Crouchy who scored the second for the lily whites, looping a header home from an Ekotto cross. Great midfield movement and passing from the North London travellers, they really did stretch Werder Bremen. Brilliant header from Peter Crouch, using his size and heading skill. Dominating possession for the whole of the first half, Tottenham Hotspur could have had half a dozen goals, peppering the Werder Bremen goal with shots on target. Gareth Bale was outsanding as was Peter Crouch and new dutch signing Van der Vaart.
The home team managed to steal one against the run of play, with Almeida scoring in the 43rd minute after some sloppy Spurs defending. A great opportunity for Werder Bremen was created from this moment on.
In the second half, the home team started very brightly, with Cudicini making a great save tipping a superb long range shot over the bar. Marin then scored an absolutely exquisite goal, hitting a drive from outside the box.
Marin and Almeida continuted to pile on pressure to the hear of the Tottenham Hotspur defence. This seemed to impact on the visitor's approach to the match early on in the second half, Spurs looked tentative and reluctant to pile forward in the aggressive manner that brought them their 2 goal lead in the 1st half.
Werder Bremen were good for a draw - exciting times for Tottenham Hotspur as they claim their first UEFA Champions League point.
COYS ;-)
