Spurs 3 The Nerazzzzzzzzzuri 0
Spurs News 24/7Tottenham Hotspur 3 Internazionale 0
The Nerazzurri arrived in N17. They run out onto the pitch. Then they we're dismantled, boxed up and sent packing to Italy faster than you can say Gareth Bale. Black and blue, indeed. This was easier than getting behind Arsenal's back four. The Italian club disinterested from start to finish. That's not to say Spurs we're not emphatic across the 90 minutes. No cruise control from us. Assured desire to win the game and put the tie to bed. Dismissing the possibility of a crazy night next week away, it looks like the job is done. And dusted.
The work ethic was excellent, the ball retention was quick, wonderful and precise. There was sense of urgency and purpose with each sweeping move forwards. Plenty of neat one-two touches. Organisation at the back and a midfield galvanised (sorry, had to dust off that word as it fits perfectly here) with strong performances from Scott Parker (continuing his NLD form) and Sigurdsson who looked confident and comfortable as part of superbly drilled side. Siggy is here, there and everywhere. Dembele not too shabby either in a midfield that powered past our sleepy opponents.
Yes, Inter we're woeful. However, we were simply outstanding. Only regret was not scoring more goals. That and Gareth Bale going down faster than you can say...Gareth Bale. I can't defend him. I've seem them (a pen) given cries a clichéd response from the back of my head. He looked for it. There was contact, but he looked for it. Andre Villas-Boas doesn't mind. Bale misses the second leg but has his cards vanquished in the process.
Wonderful cross by Siggy for the first goal. That Welsh bloke who doesn't know how to stop scoring glances it in with his head for the 1-0. Siggy then notching the second after a lively Defoe had his effort saved (should have scored with another chance). In fact, got to say I was impressed with JD's movement and directness. Okay, so he never releases the ball when it's the better option but he looks good for someone just back from injury. Energetic and with a willingness to shoot. Good time for one of those purple patches in the league. He only needs a goal and we might have lift-off. to aid counter Ade.
Amsterdam, Amsterdam, We're the famous Tottenham Hotspur and we're coming...going to Amsterdam
Our third was also a header. This time Vertonghen had time to go home and stick the central heating on and return just in time to pick a suitable spot to connect to the corner. 3-0 (second half), easy peasy. Embarrassingly so. Inter don't travel well and they really didn't travel well over to Blighty. 'What time's your Easy Jet?' the home faithful sang. Spurs dominant on the turf and in the air.
Everyone impressed. Lennon and Walker. Brad between the sticks had his moment, saving brilliantly for what looked a certain goal (Palacio effort). There was an incident in the first half where Inter almost stole in (poor shot, went wide). That was really the only danger. Inter stealing in for an away goal, as you do. As most away teams do when they're under the cosh, giving them hope for the return fixture. But aside from one or two moments, there was never any doubt quality would shine down like those glorious lights on another rocking night at the Lane. The clean sheet was imperative.
Best moment of the game was the mad sprint from one end of the pitch to the other between Bale, Lennon and Walker. Half expected Forrest Gump to appear from nowhere, desperately lagging behind. The cheeky Lennon nutmeg also worthy of an ooh.
Top drawer professionalism from Spurs. Not our fault Inter couldn't be bothered. A full ninety minutes of dominance.
Andre Villas-Boas, a man on a mission. The Tottenham juggernaut of momentum continues to steam-roll all that dare stand before it.
West Ham. Arsenal. Inter. A hattrick worthy of a big fat smile on your face.
Onwards.
Footnote: The comment made on ITV about AVB: "He's started to work management out over the last year". Staggeringly idiotic and patronising. Don't go changing a habit of a life time ITV.
