Spurs 2 - 1 Leeds - Match Report

By Rich B 22:00 23/8/03
August 24 2003

Peter Reid announced an unchanged team to play Spurs that drew 2-2 against Newcastle last week. New loan signing, Jermaine Pennant had a place on the bench.

Leeds made a dream start to the match when after four minutes, Dean Richards conceded a free kick well outside the box.  Morris rolled the ball to Smith who powered in his second in as many games.  Leeds were on course for an impressive victory.

The first half developed with both teams cancelling each other out - few chances fell to either team and although Spurs were holding possession better, the Leeds defence were coping well.  Spurs chances did start to creep up, Carr should have done better from a Ricketts' cross, Zamora, replacing the injured Robbie Keane headed a chance over and Redknapp fired straight into the arms of the untroubled Paul Robinson..

It took a touch of brilliance to break through the Leeds defence and it came in the form of  Tarrico on 40 minutes.  This was only his second goal for Spurs in 100 appearances but what a goal it was.  He cut inside and unleashed a shot from 30 yards that gave Robinson no chance.  Leeds were now firmly pegged back and Peter Reid must have be grateful for the Half Time whistle to give him a chance to regroup his players.

The second half started at a much slower pace than the first had finished but it was Leeds who were still under pressure.  Zamora, King and Postiga all went close with Camara looking increasingly commanding at the back for Leeds.  On 59 Minutes Reid had seen enough and replaced Wilcox with Pennant (to a chorus of boos from the Spurs fans).  The tails went up on the Leeds team and Seth Johnson's long range effort shortly afterwards went narrowly over the posts.  Spurs once again took the home advantage and pressed Leeds hard trying to find the winner.

Sakho made way for Domi on 64 minutes as Leeds worked hard to combat Spurs' dominance. 

On 71 Minutes Leeds conceded a free kick after Matteo was booked for Shirt tugging on Stephan Carr - Carr himself swung a cross in that was only half cleared by Matteo and the ball fell to Kanoute.  12 yards out with his back to goal, he managed to flick the ball p and power in an overhead  swivelling kick that once again left the Leeds keeper and to be fair, the defence no chance.

With 11 minutes to go, Reid introduced Aaron Lennon to the game, the youngest ever Premiership layer at just 16 years and 72 day old.  He showed what he can do with an impressive run from midfield that had the Spurs defence backing away.  A clever chip into the box followed but no-one had been up in support.

And that was it.  The referee blew for full time and Leeds travelled north up the M1 to recuperate in time for their trip to Southampton on Tuesday.