The pouring rain tried its hardest to dampen the mood but the fans were having none of it. The stadium started to fill up earlier than usual in anticipation of the prize awaiting the team. We all know there's no atmosphere like White Hart Lane and true to form, the chanting of each song echoed all around. It gets you right in there *hand rests on heart*
Spurs came out in good spirits wearing the brand new 2007/08 all white kit commemorating the club's 125th year, and it looked like it was going to be another good day at the office. The possession was mostly all Spurs from the off with Lennon zipping about again and troubling the opposition. Our first goal came early on 9 minutes. A brilliant piece of skill from Berbatov gave the ball to Jenas who cleverly chipped the ball delicately over the defence. Keane swivvelled and volleyed it home. This was Robbie's 200th appearance for Spurs and it was fitting that he scored with a fantastic on this memorable occasion, with 22 in all this season.
On 20 minutes, Paul Robinson pulled off, what I would say, was the save of the season; better than the one featured in Match of the Day last week. Vassell shot from about 8 yards out and Robbo's reactions were superb. He's been critised quite a bit this season for some of the long range shots he's failed to save but you can certainly say with positivity that he is one of the best at close range.
Just after the half hour, we got our second. Berbatov had the ball at feet inside the box, and tried a short pass to Lennon which didn't come off. The ball luckily fell back at his feet and this time he made it count, firing it past the flayling hands of City's goalkeeper. Berba's 23rd of the season and needless to say, another crowd pleasing moment! Throughout the match, Berba showed off his skills and touches which were a delight to watch; it just makes you want to kiss the guy's feet.
Then the game seems to change in a click of a finger. How many times has this happened? Spurs were cruising at 2-0, City weren't really in the game and suddenly they conjure a goal out of nothing. Again, our achilles heel if you like - a cross to the far post and a header from Mpenza looped over Robbo's head. Chimbonda was at fault; he failed to get goal side and clearly forgot to jump and challenge the ball. Very similar to the goal we conceded against Blackburn on Thursday - we really must practise those situations more in training!
So 2-1 and not so comfortable. City pressed from then on and made it difficult for us...well if I'm honest, I think Spurs were making if difficult for themselves! AGAIN! Looking second best, it was good to get to half time.
During the interval, awards were presented to the 22 Spurs stewards who protected our fans in that dreadful episode in Seville. They, of course, received raptuous applause from the crowd.
A minute into the second half, Keano came close but it was City who still had the impetus and Spurs looked a tad tired in my opinion. That I can forgive them - this was their 59th match of a very long season. Malbranque came on for Lennon who received a standing ovation. Good game for him today - back to his old self I'd say. On 76 minutes, a quick throw from Chimbonda sent Berbatov on his way down the right flank and had it not been a good interception by Dunne, Keane would have had his second of the afternoon. Robbie was substituted by Defoe ten minutes from time, and he also left the field with a standing ovation.
The last incident of the game came in the 85th minute, when after another of his surging runs, Zokora was bundled over. The contact was just outside the box but the referee pointed to the spot. Jermain stepped up to take the penalty with our usual taker (Keano) no longer available. Sadly, it wasn't a good one and the goalkeeper saved it, and despite the ball bouncing back to Defoe, he shot over the crossbar to the gasps of the fans. I truly hope that's not going to be his last effort in a Spurs shirt - not the memorable one huh?
In the final minutes, the sun came out. Maybe a sign? We saw the game out at 2-1; not the 5-0 I was hoping for for the final showdown but after Everton only managed a draw at Chelsea, this placed us in 5th and so we're all going on another European tour!!! What a great achievement - 5th two seasons in a row. The question is, do we have the ability to move into the top 4 next season? Only time will tell.
As is tradition with the last game of the season, there were awards to be had and Tom Huddlestone won 'Breakthough Player of the Year', Aaron Lennon 'Young Player of the Year' (again) and Dimitar Berbatov 'Club Member's Player of the Year'. The latter was pretty much a landslide - when I'd voted a couple of weeks ago, he already had 67% of the vote, but I don't know how it ended up. He has become the fans' favourite in his very first season, and although Michael Dawson has probably been the most consistent player, Berba's first touch, skill, clever link up play and superb goals have won everyone over. He truly is a world class player and how proud I am that he plays for my beloved team. Long may it last!
Martin Jol then took the microphone and addressed the fans. The following is his actual words:
"It means the world to us to finish fifth again, we knew we were in a fine position a couple of weeks ago. Although people were saying we had a slight chance, we had two games in hand and we knew we were on a good run".
"In fact, the only game we lost in the final spell was against Chelsea when we had to play 32 hours after playing in Seville. We normally got a result after a European match, but not this time".
"It wasn't easy though. We were the only team to play three games in six days this week and that showed in the second half. But we showed a lot of resilience and character and there were a few heroes out there".
"Of course, I was happy to see Dimitar and Robbie score the goals again, but I'm very proud of them all."
Martin then went on to say how Tottenham fans were the best in the Premiership. Not a truer word was said, even if I'm a tad biased!
The whole team did their lap of honour, clapping and acknowledging the fans and kicking footballs into the crowd as keepsakes. It was a terrific atmosphere and something I shall sorely miss over the summer period. There really is nothing like it. Unless you're a die-hard fan, you'll never understand the passion.
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