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Birmingham 1 - 1 Spurs

Krafty

Well-Known Member
May 26, 2004
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Yes, it is the one you have waited so long for. A game that will last long in the memory. The standout game on the seasonal review DVD. No?

Depending on your outlook on life this was two points dropped against a relegation threatened team or a good point at a very difficult ground for visiting teams. Birmingham pulled off the classic Championship Manager one shot one nil win over Chelsea, and have lost only once at home in over twenty games. Alex McLeish’s team started out with a five man midfield, giving a clear picture of their intent.

With van der Vaart injured, Spurs reverted back to the traditional 4-4-2 system with little and large upfront. Birmingham started out pressing our team across the pitch but soon found themselves dropping back as we built up a head of steam. Sebastien Bassong marked his return to the side with a goal and we were on top.

Lennon was beating Ridgewell constantly, and despite one Gardner run and shot, the only work our defence had was to keep the ball moving as we worked out openings. Despite a lot of the play we lacked the final ball or shot, and the longer the game went without a second goal the more likely Birmingham would find a route back into the game. Crouch and Defoe had one or two openings but lacked control at the crucial moment.

Half time did little to alter the path of the game with Tottenham again on top. Defoe and Crouch had efforts on goal, Bale forced a good save from Foster, while there were also claims for a penalty for a foul on Defoe by ex-Spurs player Stephen Carr.

Tottenham had drawn the corresponding fixture last season after conceding a last minute equaliser but the tide turned quicker this time around. The introduction of Larsson and Zigic gave Birmingham a far greater attacking threat. Spurs midfield had worked splendidly regardless of being outnumbered but started to tire, and Redknapp’s only sub was Pavlyuchenko on for Defoe.

Larsson had a shot, and then Ridgewell forced a top save from Gomes. As our tempo dropped Birmingham were able to play long diagonals to Zigic and it was from one of these that he nodded the ball back to the onrushing Gardner to score the equaliser. Modric had failed to track the Brum midfielder’s run and despite being ahead Spurs had to settle for a draw.

As I said before, you can take this game one of two ways. It was disappointing to concede a late equaliser again, but as Manchester United found out Birmingham never give up. We struggled to deal with Zigic when he came on but that could be a result of having Kaboul and Dawson out, never mind King and Woodgate. Birmingham’s subs changed their game while ours changed nothing. Perhaps Harry needs to bring on fresh legs in the centre of the park, especially when the likes of Modric and Palacios are outnumbered and have to work that bit harder both with and without the ball.

But in the end it was a good point at a tough ground, and continued our unbeaten run.
 
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