Super Spurs claim Carling Cup glory

What a job Juande Ramos has done at Tottenham Hotspur. A club which was in the relegation places in the Premier League when he arrived have turned their season around, and in some style. A fabulous performance in front of England boss Fabio Capello saw Spurs defeat favourites Chelsea to win the season’s first piece of silverware at a rain lashed Wembley.

They needed extra time to claim their first trophy since defeating Leicester City in the 1999 final, but this was no lucky victory. Spurs were well organised, solid at the back and effective up front, creating many chances against a shaky looking Blues backline, in the first half especially.

But for all their dominance in the opening period, with Dimitar Berbatov, Steed Malbranque and Robbie Keane creating havoc, Chelsea hit the front with a pin point Didier Drogba free-kick. It then looked as though that Avram Grant’s side were about to grind out another hard earned victory to retain the trophy won against Arsenal last season.

But Ramos’ team now have belief and a steely determination not evidenced under previous gaffer Martin Jol. With inspirational centre halves Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, who claimed the glorious winner, leading from the centre of defence, Spurs continued to go at Chelsea and were rewarded when the ice cool Berbatov stroked home a penalty after Wayne Bridge was penalised for handball.

After that, the match belonged to Tottenham. Indeed, Didier Zokora, outstanding in the midfield holding role, could even have won it in normal time but for a combination of great goalkeeping from Petr Cech and woeful finishing. But it merely delayed the inevitable as Woodgate rose to beat Cech to a cross ball in the 3rd minute of extra time and his header rebounded off the keeper, back on to his head and into the net.

Though Chelsea did have chances in extra time, with sub Joe Cole forcing Paul Robinson into a couple of smart stops, Spurs deservedly hung on to claim their 4th League Cup.

It could be argued that with the squad Spurs have, they should be contesting major finals more often. The likes of Berbatov, Keane and King, the spine of Tottenham’s team, are proven stars on the international and European arena while around them are the exciting talents of Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas.

And this is not forgetting Scottish football’s most expensive export. Many questioned Ramos’ decision to shell out £9 million for ex Rangers full back Alan Hutton, but the Scots international produced another polished performance to deny Chelsea’s stars any joy on the left hand side of the pitch. His trademark overlapping runs were restricted, but defensively he coped admirably, making many vital headed clearances and tackles to help preserve his side’s lead. New Scotland boss George Burley will be absolutely thrilled with the progress the young right back is making at White Hart Lane.

But Woodgate, the man of the match, and King take a lot of credit for the victory. The dangerous Drogba, his moment of genius with the free-kick aside, hardly had a sniff as the central defensive duo combined to defeat him in the arieal duels, as well as deny him time and space to take the ball into his feet. And as for Nicolas Anelka- well, was he even playing? Fantastic performances from both, and the watchful Capello couldn’t have been anything other than impressed as he plots plans to gear England for World Cup qualification.

But back to Ramos. Tactically, he was spot on and his players carried out his instructions admirably. His record in cup competition is impressive, most notably with Sevilla, with whom he won the UEFA Cup in successive seasons. And who’s to say Spurs can’t go all the way in that competition?

But, for now, Tottenham’s fans will rejoice in their terrific victory. A magnificent turnaround carried out by the quietly spoken Spaniard. It is fair to say that he is quote “very happy” with what has been achieved in a very short space of time.