Tottenham Hotspurs 2 Wigan Athletic 2

By Alan G
February 20 2006

A thoroughly entertaining encounter at White Hart Lane resulted in the teams sharing the spoils. Spurs had to come from behind twice after two goals from stand-in striker Andreas Johansson, who gave Latics an early lead after racing through.

Paul Jewell did a good job rallying the troops and no quarter was given, just a week away from the Carling Cup final against Manchester United.

 

The new bizarre off-side rule was in effect as Mike Pollitt’s clearance was flicked on by Paul Scharner, and with Henri Camara stood in an offside position, but not interfering with play, Andreas Johansson nicked the Ball past the dive of Paul Robinson.

Pollitt reacted well to prevent Defoe from netting a swift riposte when the ball fell to him in the Wigan penalty area.

But Spurs did get back on terms midway through the half when Stalteri drove the ball into the area and Mido was able to flick it past Pollitt and into the corner.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first with some exciting end-to-end football, and in the 67^th minute, Johansson linked well with Camara , latching on to a one-two and leaving Robinson stranded again.

We were still busy celebrating, dancing and generally acting like bell-ends when Spurs equalised immediately from the kick off. A long ball was headed on by Mido and Defoe was sharp enough to nip in and lift the ball over Pollitt.

Robinson had to be on hand to save a Camara drive from the edge of the box and, although Tottenham introduced Robbie Keane as a third forward, they were unable to force a winner.

Sharner could have won it late on when he connected to Pascal Chimbonda's cross with a far-post header but Robinson was able to keep it out.

Latics manager Paul Jewell:
"We are a little disappointed with the two goals and we lost our concentration but I always thought we would get one on the break.

"Andreas has been terrific in the last few weeks, playing up front and they were two smashing goals.

"The second one was top quality and it is going to be a tough week. The team for Cardiff isn't picked yet and there are going to be some tough decisions."

Tottenham head coach Martin Jol:
"We knew Wigan would be a tough side and they made it very difficult for us to get into any rhythm.

"We battled back well and you really have to take the positives out of the match.

"It was a bit disappointing to have thrown away the points but, although we could have won, it was a game from which we take a draw."

Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, Dawson, King, Lee, Lennon, Murphy (Keane 74), Carrick, Davids (Huddlestone 85), Mido, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Kelly, Cerny, Gardner.

Booked: Mido.

Goals: Mido 23, Defoe 68.

Wigan: Pollitt, Chimbonda, Henchoz (Jackson 45), De Zeeuw, Baines, Bullard, Scharner, Kavanagh, Thompson, Camara (McCulloch 90), Johansson.
Subs Not Used: Filan, Mahon, Teale.

Booked: Kavanagh.

Goals: Johansson 10, 67.

Att: 35,676

Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).