Clint Dempsey was on fire Saturday, scoring a brilliant goal and grabbing the match-winning assist to hand Tottenham a 2-1 victory.
With the win Spurs went two points clear of their North London rivals, boosting the Lillywhite’s chances of a spot in next season’s Champions League. The Potters made things difficult when in the 3rd minute Steven N’Zonzi got on the end of a Charlie Adam free kick and glanced his header inside the near post.
In the 20th minute Spurs were level when Dempsey scored a peach of a goal from 35 yards out. Scott Parker found Aaron Lennon with a through ball that prompted Asmir Begovic to leave his line. But before the netminder could collect the ball, Ryan Shawcross stepped and cleared directly into the path of Dempsey. The American made no fuss about it, instinctively lobbing the ball into an empty net from 35 yards out.
The goal, his 12th of the season, was a lightning quick reaction by Dempsey. His first touch was immaculate and the incisive decision to go for goal was a testament Deuce’s intelligence. The forward was the undisputed man-of-the-match as he covered endless ground, popping up in dangerous positions all over the park and came close to hitting for the brace on numerous occasions.
The match proceeded with Stoke imposing themselves physically, earning Tony Pulis’ side three yellow cards before half-time. It seemed inevitable that the Potters would have a man sent off and two minutes after the break Adam was shown his second yellow of the match for a daft challenge on Vertonghen. The Belgian burst by Adam on the dribble but the Scottish midfielder couldn’t except defeat, hacking the defender down from behind.
The red card put an extra pep in Spurs’ step, who did well to pin the Potters back in their end. Stoke managed to soak up the pressure until the 81st minute when Bale’s shot was deflected into the path of Dempsey, who found crossed the ball to Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo striker – who earlier in the weekend spoke of his desire to “kill” Arsenal’s hopes of a top four finish – tapped his shot into the back of the net to hand his side the three points.
With the win, Spurs put themselves back into the Champions League driver’s seat after suffering a slight set-back in their mid-week draw with Chelsea. The pressure now falls on Arsenal who face Wigan on Tuesday, just three days after the Latic’s fantastic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
Ultimately, the battle for the final spot in the Top 4 will come down to Survival Sunday, when Spurs welcome Sunderland and the Gunners head to St. James’ Park for a battle with Newcastle.
