Keane saves Tottenham's blushes

Keane saves Tottenham's blushes

Robbie Keane came off the bench to save Tottenham's blushes as the Premier League side stumbled to a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Cup tie with Anorthosis Famagusta.Leading 6-1 from the first leg, Tottenham fell behind to Fabinho's second-half strike as the Cypriot minnows threatened to pile more misery on under-fire Spurs boss Martin Jol.

But the introduction of Gareth Bale and Robbie Keane allowed Spurs to hit-back with the Wales international crossing for Keane to smash home from 12-yards.

Despite making a number of changes from the side that drew 4-4 with Aston Villa on Monday, Tottenham still managed to dominate possession against a plucky but limited Famagusta side.

Both Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent had chances to put the visitors ahead in the first-half with the former sending an effort against a post with the Famagusta goalkeeper stranded.

But despite enjoying the bulk of the possession, Spurs failed to convert their dominance into goals and were swiftly punished after the break.

Nikos Frousos controlled a high ball into the Spurs penalty area with what looked like a hand before Fabinho lashed home a deflected effort to give Famagusta the lead.

Paul Robinson was booked for his protests - despite replays showing the goalkeeper being more than justified in his appeals.

With Spurs staring down the barrel at an embarassing defeat, Robbie Keane entered the action and duly performed what Jol had asked of him.

Gareth Bale's left-wing cross found the Ireland international in space, allowing Keane to fire a first-time effort past the outstretched arm of Nagy.

The 7-2 aggregate victory means Spurs will now progress to the group stage of the competition as they look to go one better after reaching the quarter-finals last season.

Comments


Be the first to comment on this

If you are a Gambling.com member, please login at the top left of this page.

If you are not a Gambling.com member, please complete our sign up form—membership is free and it takes just a minute or two to sign up.

Gambling.com is the world’s largest gambling portal—online since 1997.
Login or sign up