Sunderland Crush Spurs Champions League Hopes

Sunderland turned it on in style today, dominating an average looking Tottenham Hotspur side to earn a deserved 3-1 win. How Sunderland didn’t win by 6 or 7 I don’t know as Spurs were made to look like schoolboys after being taught a footballing lesson at the Stadium of Light.

I’m unsure what exactly happened, perhaps the atmosphere got the better of the Tottenham players, perhaps Bent’s will to win the game inspired Sunderland to give their absolute all but whatever it was to a man, Sunderland were fantastic. Bent scored Sunderland’s first goal of the game in less than a minute into the game and it didn’t really get any better for Tottenham from there on. With every Sunderland attack, they looked like they were going to score. It really was a top class performance; they battled, passed the ball well and really turned in a fine display of football.

After Bent’s opener, Sunderland continued to pile on the pressure and were finally rewarded with a penalty after Kyle Walker handled the ball in the area. Bent stepped up to score his 22nd goal of the season, smashing the ball past Gomes and all but ending Spurs’ hopes for a fight-back.

Sunderland harassed Tottenham throughout the game and were always the first to ball. They really did battle as if their lives depended on it. The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light was intimidating to say the least. The fans chanted non-stop, spurring the Sunderland players to attack at every opportunity. Sunderland were awarded another penalty after 40 minutes. Modric brought down the tricky Frazier Campbell in the box and Bent stepped up to the spot, attempting to score his hat-trick. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Gomes made a great save to prevent Sunderland from going three-nil ahead.

In the second half, Sunderland were given a third penalty after Palacios brought down Meyler in the area. Darren Bent stepped up to take his third penalty of the game and yet again, Gomes pulled off a fantastic save to stop the ex-Spurs striker from scoring his third of the game. Ferdinand then went on to score what looked like a fine goal, only to be disallowed by the referee for what he judged to be a foul on Gomes.

With 20 minutes to go Crouch come on in place of the poor Pavlyuchenko and his first involvement was a casual header into the back of the Sunderland net. It was 2-1 and Tottenham must have felt everything was still to play for (amazing, considering they had been second best all game).

The atmosphere changed slightly and Spurs sensed they might be able to get something out of the game. However, their resurgence was short lived when Zenden volleyed home a Henderson cross, burying the ball into the Tottenham net with an absolute wonder-strike. Sunderland won the game 3-1 but it flattered Tottenham who had been dominated from start til finish.
Great performance. Haway the lads.