Aaron Lennon wins the PFA fans player award after a storming month.
The PFA Fans Player Awards are the only official awards of the Professional Footballers’ Association that are voted for by the fans.
The lightening-fast winger has had a month to remember, scoring twice against Middlesbrough – the first time he’s scored twice in a game for Spurs- and setting up Luka Modric’s winner against Chelsea.
Lennon also put in a great performance against United full-back Patrice Evra in the Carling Cup Final on March 1 and his month was crowned by a recall to the England squad (with starts against Slovakia and last night’s World Cup qualifying win against Ukraine).
Lennon fought off competition from Arsenal’s Robin van Persie for the award, Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were also in the running.
It’s been a big week for Spurs with plenty of action, on and off the pitch, to talk about.
The week started well at the Lane with Spurs beating Middlesbrough (4-0) in a truly exceptional display, with clever passing, great wide play and good finishing.
Keane hit the net first within the 15 minutes of the kick-off, follwed by a flurry of goals from Pavlyuchenko and then Lennon before the half time break. Lennon who had an outstanding game, if at times slightly let down by his final ball, slotted home to make it 4.
Jamie O’Hara and Tom Huddlestone came on as second half substitutes and both put in a good performance, Huddlestone with some great passing (although his energy and work rate was dire) and O’Hara who was welcomed to the pitch with a standing ovation from the home fans, showed real grit and determination for further goals.
Middlesbrough looked tired and had a poor shape, they scored twice but both ruled out for offside.
Meanwhile the following night at the Lane are youth team lost in the FA Cup youth quarter-final to Arsenal 3-1. Spurs scored first within the opening minutes but half way through the second half Arsenal, who to be fair looked the better side throughout, drew level, only to snatch the victory with two late goals in the 87th and 90th minute respectively.
As for yesterday at Sunderland, Spurs looked likely to leave with nothing despite dominating the game. Spurs conceeded an early goal by Kieron Richardson but then dominated play and possession throughout. They couldn’t however penetrate until the dying minutes wwth a Robbie Keane strike which snatched a vital, although well deserved point away from home.
In terms of midfield play, which really sparked against ‘Boro on Tuesday, they looked somewhat disorganised yesterday and struggled to impose. They won only 43 per cent of their tackles at Sunderland, against the home side’s 73 per cent.
Although, Jenas and Palacios have only played together for a few games, Keane has only just slotted into the team,and the back four keeps changing (Chimbonda has barely played left back before, and when he has, he’s been terrible), Redknapp switches between Pavlyuchenko and Bent every game, Huddlestone and Zokora keep making sporadic cameos, etc. So it’s no wonder that the Spur’s midfield looks disjointed… perhaps it just needs time?
Meanwhile, Jermaine Defoe has denied a string of motoring offences, which includes allowing someone to drive his car without insurance.
After a poor start, with Manchester United dominating possession, Spurs have pulled it back towards the end of the half.
Modric has been playing some good balls through to Lennon on the right (who’s had a great game so far).
Gomes hasn’t had much to do but has looked OK when called for.
Ekotto has looked poor at the back on the left for Spurs, giving Ronaldo plenty of time and space to play.
Ferdinand had a great dipping shot 20 minutes into the match, otherwise there has been very few clear cut chances.
Spurs look best on the right with Evra having problems keeping with Lennon.
Wellbeck has looked good for Manchester United but its likely that Giggs will come on in the second half to add some experience to the team.
Meanwhile, Tarrabt is on the bench for Spurs who we know can come on and make a difference in the last twenty minutes. Bent has been putting a OK performance so far in terms of energy but still can’t hold the ball up and hasn’t threatened Ben Foster’s goal.
On the Sky Sports fan-o-meter Spurs’ fans at Wembley have been generating 52% of the noise.
Spurs snatch three vital points with a last minute winner from Jonathan Woodgate.
Reminiscent of the Carling Cup final last year Woodgate headed home with minutes remaining ( 86th-minute) to take Spurs up two places to 14th, five points clear of the relegation zone.
Hull remain one place above, six points clear, but now haven’t won in ten league games.
A highlight video of last year’s Carling Cup win can be seen in Super Spurs favourite videos as part of our build up to Sunday’s final with Manchester UTD.
With just six wins in their 25 Premier League outtings this season, Spurs are hoping for a big performance against Hull tonight, kick-off at 8pm at the KC Stadium.
Lennon looks set to make a return tonight after missing an England under 21s call-up and our UEFA cup tie last week due to a slight groin injury he suffered in the Arsenal match.
Robbie Keane, RP and Vedran Corluka (all ineligible for the UEFA Cup) are all available as well. But Defoe and Alan Hutton remain out with their longer-term foot injuries.
Meanwhile, Dawson hopes to help Spurs beat his brother Andy and Hull City at the KC Stadium.
Dawson expected to face his brother for the first time in September when the Tigers visited the Lane but was left out by then manager Ramos. Hull City defeated Spurs by a goal to nil then and, to rub salt in the wound, they also went on to beat Arsenal with a stunning free kick for Geovanni.
Recent away games have been mirred with late goals but hopefully, M Dawson can settle a score tonight and help Spurs turn this around in a huge six pointer.
Since beating West Ham on December 8, Spurs suffered late losses at Newcastle, West Brom, Wigan and Bolton.
A win would lift Spurs up to 14th in the table and, more importantly, five points clear of the bottom three.
