Tottenham reach the last 16 before Arsenal
Jermain Defoe was quite rightly criticised for his bold claim that Tottenham would get further than Arsenal in the Champions League this season, primarily because they hadn't even qualified for the group stage at the point he said so but also as the Gunners have consistently reached the latter stages.
However, the Spurs striker may just prove to be a Nostradamus after the Lilywhites' dominant 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen saw them book their spot in the last 16 with a game to spare and close in on top spot, while Arsenal are still in danger of missing out completely.
Their fourth successive home triumph in the Champions League ensured that this will go down as one of the most memorable weeks in Tottenham's recent history and arguably the most significant feat of all was that they kept a clean sheet for the first time in 18 matches.
Goals from Younes Kaboul (again!), Luka Modric and Peter Crouch saw the Lilywhites move level with Arsenal as the most prolific goalscorers in this year's competition, and consistent ones at that having netted two or more in each of their five group ties, plus both qualifiers.
They are [1.56] favourites to win Group A, something that will be achieved provided that they take as many points from their trip to face FC Twente as Inter Milan do away to Werder Bremen, while the Nerazzurri can be backed at [2.32].
The pressure on Rafael Benitez at the San Siro was eased last night when his side confirmed their place in the knockout rounds with a 1-0 success over FC Twente that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
The holders are a longer price to retain their trophy than Tottenham are to win it for the first time though, with Inter priced at [27.0] in the outright market and Spurs available at [23.0].
How far can Harry Redknapp's men go? Have your say with a comment below...
Published: 25 Nov 2010
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